The Huskie was used primarily for local base rescue, performing some 888 combat rescues during the Vietnam conflict.
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 Huskie was used primarily for local base rescue, performing some 888 combat rescues during the Vietnam conflict.
With a range of just 185 miles, the Huskie was well suited for local rescue missions.
First introduced in 1953, just 193 Huskies were built by the Kaman Corporation in the late 1950s.
By using counter-rotating propellors, the Huskie removed the need for a tail rotor to counteract the torque caused by single rotor helicopters.