The H-21 made its first flight in April 1952. The aircraft was originally designed by Piasecki to transport men and cargo but was later adapted for the rescue of personnel and for assault operations under combat conditions. Normally having a crew of two (pilot and copilot), the H-21 could carry either 20 fully-equipped troops or 12 litter patients. In addition to serving with the USAF, the H-21 was supplied to the U.S. Army, the French navy, the Royal Canadian Air Force and the West German Air Force. The CH-21B on display was obtained from Eglin AFB, Florida in January 1965.