1940s Shell Oil Helicopter Refueling – Sikorsky S-55 / H-19 API Historical Photo

Vintage 1940s–1950s American Petroleum Institute historical photograph showing a Shell Oil crew member refueling a Sikorsky S-55 (H-19 Chickasaw) helicopter at an airfield. The Shell uniform and the aircraft’s NC92800 registration are visible, with the ladder leading up to the rotor hub and fuel port. This striking composition combines postwar rotary-wing technology with the marketing and industrial history of petroleum companies.

Historical Context:
The Sikorsky S-55, introduced in 1949, was one of the first helicopters designed with a nose-mounted radial engine and a large internal cabin for cargo or passengers. It saw both military and civilian service worldwide. Shell Oil often documented its involvement in pioneering transportation technologies, including early helicopter operations, as part of its corporate publicity and industry archives.