Adapted from the Kaman H-43A, the HH-43B became the next variant of rescue- mission helicopters in 1959. These aircraft served during the Vietnam War and flew more rescue missions during that conflict than any other US Air Force helicopter. Huskie crew support included rescue missions and firefighting operations. For example, it carried two firefighters with 1,000 pounds of firefighting and rescue gear as well as water, foam, or compressed nitrogen to put out aircraft fires, if needed. This helicopter can lift 4,528 pounds, equivalent to lifting a car!
HH-43B aircraft were assigned to the 1550th Aircrew Training and Test Wing, a tenant of Hill Air Force Base, to train helicopter combat crews from 1971 to 1976. The wing consolidated all US Air Force helicopter combat crew training schools from around the country at Hill. The 1550th operated 68 helicopters, 6 fixed-wing aircraft, and several ground trainers.
The HH-43B on display served in Japan, Oklahoma, and lastly at Hill Air Force Base for training purposes. In 1988, it was put on display at the Hill Aerospace Museum.
This aircraft is on loan from the U.S. Air Force Heritage Program.
Serial Number: 62-4561
Manufacturer: Kaman Aircraft Corporation
Primary Function: Rescue, Fire Fighting
Crew: Local Base Rescue/Firefighting: Six (Pilot, Copilot, Flight Engineer/Crew Chief, Aeromedical Technician and two Airborne Rescuemen/Firefighters); Aircrew Recovery: Four (Pilot, Copilot, Pararescue Jumper and Flight Mechanic/Engineer)
Engines: One Lycoming T-53-L-1B, 860 horsepower
Wingspan: Rotor Diameter: 47 ft
Length: 47 ft
Height: 17 ft 2 in
Weight: 9,150 lbs (maximum)
Speed: 105 mph (cruising); 120 mph (maximum)
Range: 185 miles
Service Ceiling: 25,000 ft
Armament: None
Cost: $304,000
Years of Service: 1958 – early 1970s
Adapted from the Kaman H-43A, in 1959, the HH-43B became the next variant of rescue mission helicopters. These aircraft served during the Vietnam War aiding boats patrolling the Mekong Delta. Support in this region included rescue missions and firefighting operations. For example, it carried two firefighters with 1,000 pounds of firefighting and rescue gear as well as water, foam or compressed nitrogen to put out aircraft fires, if needed.
HH-43B aircraft were assigned to the 1550th Aircrew Training and Test Wing, a tenant of Hill Air Force Base, to train combat crews from 1971–1976. The HH-43B on display was manufactured in 1963 and served in Japan, Oklahoma and lastly at Hill Air Force Base for training purposes. In 1988, it was put on display at Hill Aerospace Museum.
The HH-43B Huskie was a rescue and firefighting helicopter adapted from the earlier Kaman H-43A. Introduced in 1959, it was built to respond fast to aircraft emergencies at or near airbases. During the Vietnam War, it became the US Air Force’s most active rescue helicopter.
The Huskie’s primary job was local base rescue and firefighting, which meant putting out aircraft fires and pulling crew members to safety. During the Vietnam War, it expanded into combat rescue operations. Ultimately, it flew more rescue missions than any other US Air Force helicopter throughout the entire conflict!
Just 193 Huskies were built by the Kaman Corporation. Despite the relatively small production run, the Huskie’s rescue record in Vietnam stood above every other helicopter in the US Air Force fleet.
In a single-rotor helicopter, the main rotor creates a spinning force called torque that would send the fuselage rotating in the opposite direction, and so a tail rotor is needed to counteract it. The Huskie used two main rotors spinning in opposite directions instead, canceling out each other’s torque and eliminating the tail rotor entirely.
The Huskie could transport two firefighters along with 1,000 pounds of firefighting and rescue gear. It also carried water, foam or compressed nitrogen to extinguish aircraft fires on the spot. With a lift capacity of 4,528 pounds (roughly equivalent to hoisting a full-sized car), it could carry far more than its compact size suggested.
HH-43 Huskies performed approximately 888 combat rescues during the Vietnam War, making it the most active rescue helicopter the US Air Force flew in that conflict. Its ability to operate from local bases and reach crash sites quickly made it well-suited to the fast-moving conditions of Vietnam.
From 1971 to 1976, Hill Air Force Base served as the national training hub for US Air Force helicopter combat crews. The 1550th Aircrew Training and Test Wing, based at Hill, consolidated all helicopter combat crew training schools from around the country into one location. At its peak, it operated 68 helicopters and six fixed-wing aircraft.
The HH-43B Huskie we have at the museum was manufactured in 1963 and served in Japan, Oklahoma and later at Hill Air Force Base before transitioning to museum life. In 1988, it was placed on display at Hill Aerospace Museum, where it has been welcoming visitors ever since.
