loach helicopter vietnam

. The flames covered my boots and lower legs. Upon landing, an inspection revealed a damaged pitch link, a rotor head component so critical that had it failed, they too would have crashed. We were combat trackers, says Mills. Terms and Conditions, Safety Standards Acknowledgement and Consent (SSAC) It was used prolifically because of its unique hovering abilities. When the 1980 hostage situation of Operation Eagle Claw was deemed a disaster, the US military realized there was a lack of aircraft and personnel trained for such special operations. [19][20][21], In December 1967, the first OH-6As arrived in Vietnam. They could also use grenades and on occasion even homebuilt explosives; more aggressive units mounted forward-firing miniguns. Find Us on Facebook, Safety Standards Acknowledgement and Consent (SSAC). [2] The pilot was provisioned with excellent external visibility via its large plexiglass windscreen, while its four-bladed fully-articulated main rotor meant it was considerably more agile than the preceding H-13 Sioux. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Even when this helicopter was shot down, it refused to crack. Both Loach and Cobra have been in production, on and off, in one form or another ever since. The enemy was moving toward us when a [command and control] ship picked us up. The Loach helicopters used to transport personnel were given the designation MH-6, while the armed ones were dubbed the AH-6. During the Vietnam War, it was exclusively used by North Vietnam for reconnaissance and VIP transport. They chose the OH-6A scout helicopter to fill that role, and it became known as the Little Bird compared to the other aircraft in the task force, the MH-60 and the MH-47. Click on the hotlinks for more information. Lt. Col. To this day I am closer to those guys I flew with in Vietnam than my own brothers, says Mills. Helicopter took 1 hits from: Moses, a 19-year-old draftee, arrived in Vietnam in July 1970 for the first of two year-long tours, and later worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs as a therapist and administrator. See his memoir Warpath: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/60299643-warpath Posted as part of the \"War \u0026 Life: Discussions with Veterans\" project. They would then call in scouts on the ground or infantrymen to hunt for the enemy in the brush while attack helicopters protected everyone. The OH-6A Cayuse fulfilled this role and became known as the Little Bird. The pilots tasked with operating the choppers were selected from the 229th Attack Helicopter Battalion. The "Military Factory" name and MilitaryFactory.com logo are registered U.S. trademarks protected by all applicable domestic and international intellectual property laws. This eventually gave way to the loach nickname, and was intended to provide the US military with a light-class, rotary-wing craft that could fulfill a number of purposes: search and rescue, close air support, MEDEVAC, observation, transport, reconnaissance and attack roles. Light Observation Helicopter (LOH) program, The US Air Force Panicked When Its Top-Secret Stealth Fighter Crashed Into the California Wilderness. Vietnam following a morning mission with the 11th Special Forces (SF) at Long Than North, South Vietnam. The light observation helicopter OH-6 Cayuse, or Loach (based on the LOH acronym), was a Vietnam-era helicopter designed with speed and maneuverability in mind. The Light Observation Helicopter ( LOH) program was a United States Army program to evaluate, develop and field a light scout helicopter to replace the Army's aging Bell OH-13 Sioux. Observation Helicopters Hughes OH-6 Cayuse (Loach) The Hughes OH-6 Cayuse is a light helicopter with a single engine and a four-bladed main rotor. Loach and Cobra crews lived together, and schedulers generally paired the teams with the partners they requested, though given the high turnover rate, that wasnt always possible. The mission training consisted of loading onto C-130 Hercules transport aircraft which would then transport them to forward staging areas over routes as long as 1,000 nautical miles (1,900km). An author of aviation books, his latest is Howards Whirlybirds. [3], On 27 February 1963, the first Model 369 prototype performed its maiden flight. Observation Helicopters 4. If the OH-6 came under fire, the nearby Cobra would then strike at the revealed enemy. (7.62MM) For most of the war, there was no formal Army training to prepare scout pilots and observers. 2 Hellfire ATGM [2] This shaping, combined with the provision of internal bulkheads, has been attributed as giving the rotorcraft its uncommonly strong crashworthiness properties. and Images on this page are gathered from various sources. Kane and Casher were pulled aboard and returned to Khe Sanh, but the Huey barely made it back; slicing trees had left its blades shredded, and the tail section had almost separated. The OH-6A "Cayuse" is a small tactical helicopter flown by units of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment [SOAR]. The Kaman SH-2 could extend and increase both shipboard sensor and weapon abilities against different types of enemy units, including submarines, ships, and patrol craft with anti-ship missiles. After evaluation, three designs were selected and 5 of each: the Bell OH-4A; the Hiller OH-5 and the Hughes OH-6, were ordered for trials by the U.S.Army Aviation Board. In addition, an M60D 7.62mm machine gun could be mounted in the front port (left) or rear starboard (right) door openings. The Hughes 369 was redesignated the OH-6A "Cayuse" by the U.S. Army. Possible mast-mounted sight. It was used for transporting personnel, escorting other aircraft and naval vessels, attacking enemy units, and acting as an observation post. The UH-1B/C was used sparingly during the Vietnam War. Queer John was famous not just for crashing, but for keeping the crew safe while it did so. [23][22] Such a team would have normally comprised a single OH-6 that would fly relatively slow and at a low altitude while attempting to spot the presence of enemies. At peak production, during the Vietnam War, as many as 100 OH-6As were built a month. In 1960, the US Army issued Technical Specification 153 and established the Light Observation Helicopter (LOH) program. The four-passenger teardrop shaped "Flying egg" (six-passenger with rear seats folded-down) was a small, light, sturdy, maneuverable helicopter, with very low drag. The Gyrodyne QH-50 was mostly designed to be used on ships that werent large enough to carry a full-sized helicopter. So I engaged the enemy, but didnt make it out of that one. During May 1965, the U.S. Army awarded the production contract to Hughes. The OH-6A Loach (for "LOH") would find targets by flying low, "trolling for fire", then marking the target with colored smoke to lead in a Cobra, or Snake, to attack. OH-6A Cayuse ('Loach') The OH-6A "Cayuse" is a small tactical helicopter flown by units of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment [SOAR]. The Sea Stallion is a variant of the Jolly Green Giant, but its used only for sea transport. Contact | Armed with guns, Hellfire missiles, and 2.75-inch FFAR, it provides armed helicopter support to both ground and air special operations. [27] During June 1972, they were deployed to a secret base in southern Laos (PS-44), where one of the helicopters was heavily damaged during a training mission late in the summer. OH-58 "Kiowa" light observation / scout platform. Vietnam Veteran and his Helicopter Reunited. I had a wingman shot down, pilot John Shafer says. While Hiller did not participate in the rebidding, Bell opted to, submitting their redesigned Model 206. Helicopter took 2 hits from: Its first overseas deployment, as well as into frontline combat, was the Vietnam War. I had another lead that went through 150 feet of trees, and they survived., Shafer himself had brushes with disaster, and his luck nearly ran out on a mission west of Dak To, near the border with Laos. The Aircraft Division of Hughes Tool Company came up with the Model 369, which became one of three finalists, alongside designs from Bell Helicopter Company and Fairchild Hiller. Four troop-carrying Hueys (called a Blue Team) often sat idle somewhere nearby, ready to insert troops if the Pink Team discovered an interesting targetor were shot down and needed rescuing. (7.62MM) The United States deployed all types of helicopter, ranging from massive troop transport choppers, to smaller multipurpose and attack helicopters, and even helicopter drones. During the testing phase, it became clear the Bell prototype was underpowered, so it was dropped. Jim Kanes Vietnam tour abruptly ended one day in February 1971. The Cayuse was publicly introduced in 1966 and set several records, including record for endurance, speed and rate of climb. [22], It became common for OH-6s to operate in teams with other rotorcraft, particularly the Bell AH-1 Cobra attack helicopter. There was one day of initial training, says Bob Moses, who was first trained as a tank crewman and then as infantry before a sudden transition to helicopter door gunner. The Hughes OH-6A Cayuse, was designed for use as a Light Observation Helicopter (LOH) nicknamed LOACH, military scout during the Vietnam war to meet the U.S. Armys need for an extremely maneuverable observation helicopter. While successful in this respect, the Loach helicopter also had a reputation for being easily gunned down. While its light aluminum skin could be easily penetrated by small arms fire, it also crumpled and absorbed energy in a crash while the rugged structure protected key systems and its crew; even though the OH-6 was relatively difficult to shoot down, its occupants would often survive forced landings that would have likely been fatal onboard other rotorcraft. [13][3] Beginning in 2001, the JGSDF OH-6s were supplemented by the indigenously-developed Kawasaki OH-1, a more advanced observation helicopter. In the event of a crash the tailboom and engine separate from the egg-like . Infantrymen would also launch an assault from the ground. The Gyrodyne company built the Gyrodyne QH-50 DASH (Drone Anti-Submarine Helicopter) to combat submarines from a distance. It was used to look for and find the VC/NVA troops in Vietnam. In 1961, twelve companies submitted proposals to meet U.S.Army requirements for a four-seat turbine-powered light observation helicopter (LOH). When the Loach debuted in 1966, it broke records for speed, endurance, and rate of climb, all important attributes for a scout helicopter. Late in the war, the HH-43 was also deployed for short overland search and rescue missions. The SeaCobra was a twin-engine attack helicopter that was developed from the single-engine AH-1 Cobra helicopter. (He later transferred to the Air Force and flew F-4 Phantoms, and eventually became an airline captain.) To counter the US, the Vietnamese employed their helicopter fleets of mostly Soviet-made aircraft. The LOH program opened the floor to several companies to come up with their own designs. Just as I set it down, the tail rotor spun off. Flight Hours in Vietnam: 1,400. However, the choppers frame ensured the crewmen within remained safe. The Raven was used as a scouting helicopter during the early phases of the war, before it was eventually replaced by the Cayuse in early 1986. [10][self-published source][11], Due to price escalations for both the OH-6 and spare components, the U.S. Army opted to reopen bids for the programme in 1967. Vietnam War Era Hughes OH-6 Loach Helicopter 60,632 views Mar 30, 2013 327 Dislike Share Save Steve1958OR 221 subscribers A friend came by with his restored US Army Loach OH-6 helicopter. Once enemy positions opened fire at the Cayuse, they were destroyed by the mighty firepower of escorting Cobras. The type was born from the US Army Light Observation Helicopter (LOH) program (which provided its "Loach" nickname) and ultimately proved an excellent helicopter system seeing only limited service in the inventories of several American allies worldwide. A recontoured nose allowed for greater leg and head room. Adopted after the company behind its design deceived the US Army, the Loach helicopter, as it was better known, fast became the primary chopper flown in Vietnam. Armed with a 40mm grenade launcher in a nose turret, and two 19-tube 2.75 inch rocket launchers, the "OH-6C" was ready to take on anything. Over time, the effectiveness of this pairing was such that enemies would often decide against firing on the relatively vulnerable OH-1 in fear of the response that would be unleased by the AH-1. Initially fielded in Vietnam in early 1968, the Hughes OH-6A was used for command and control, observation, target acquisition, and reconnaissance. Disclaimer Photographs While Enroute this helicopter was at Level Flight at 0020 feet and 050 knots. While in Target Area this helicopter was Attacking at 0060 feet and 010 knots. The CH-53 Tarhe was another heavy-lift helicopter designed to transport and recover downed aircraft. Hughes Model OH-6A "Cayuse" or "LOACH". We were about ready to call in tactical air support to blow up the wrecked ship when another Cobra took a lot of fire. This aspect was further bolstered by the use of self-sealing fuel tanks that lowered the likelihood of a post-impact fire breaking out. which many are taken will be available from our shop to RMF3TG12 - Warren Motts, who started the Motts Military Museum, walks with a small child, past helicopters that where used in the Vietnam War. 1:00 Jan. 6 will mark 50 years since former Newburgh resident Dave Middleton was shot down in Vietnam while piloting a Loach helicopter on a mission to which he wasn't originally assigned.. The Chickasaw was a multi-purpose helicopter designed for both the US Army and Air Force. The US military primarily used the OH-6 for observational and reconnaissance purposes. Aircraft took off, fully flight capable. [22] Its straightforward design made it easier to maintain than most other helicopters, while its relatively compact 26-foot main rotor made it easier to use tight landing zones. The guidance systems on newer attack helicoptersoften working with or even controlling the cameras of reconnaissance droneshave relegated to history the hunter role in the hunter-killer missions. OA-6A 'Loach' Scout platoon. The OH-6A helicopters used for transporting personnel became the MH-6 aircraft of the Light Assault Company and the armed OH-6As became the AH-6 aircraft of the Light Attack Company. 2 TOW missile pods (2 each) It had a distinct teardrop-shaped fuselage, which made it instantly recognizable, and a cockpit for two crew members, along with two removable seats in the passenger cabin. A total of five prototypes were built, all of which were powered by a single Allison T63-A-5A turboshaft engine, capable of producing 252shp (188kW). The OH-6 was also exported as the Model 500 Defender. The US Naval Test Pilot School (USNTPS) trains and graduates qualified engineering test pilots, flight test officers, and flight test engineers to conduct test and evaluation (T & E) at the Naval Air Warfare Center-Aircraft Division (NAWC-AD) Patuxent River Maryland and other activities. If you happen upon this text anywhere else on the internet or in print, please let us know at MilitaryFactory AT gmail DOT com so that we may take appropriate action against the offender / offending site and continue to protect this original work. Following a contentious selection process that included allegations of industrial espionage and political favoritism, the first Hughes OH-6A observation helicopters arrived in Vietnam in December 1967. The AH/MH Little Birds were lifted by a single C-5 Galaxy, and two C-130 Hercules, along with all support kits for the battalion. Date: 03/25/1970 The Korean War proved the necessity for such rotorcraft, particularly in regard to search and rescue operations. The Hughes OH-6 "Cayuse" (popularly recognized as the "Loach") was a revolutionary light helicopter mount primarily in service with the United States Army and saw combat service during the Vietnam War (1955-1975). In order to reduce their acoustic signature, the helicopters (N351X and N352X) received a four-blade 'scissors' style tail rotor (later incorporated into the Hughes-designed AH-64 Apache), a fifth rotor blade and reshaped rotor tips, a modified exhaust system, and various other performance boosting modifications. The Army requested 714 helicopters in May 1965, a number that was later increased to 1,300. Your email address will not be published. Hughes Tool Company Aircraft Division submitted their Model 369 to fill a US Army requirement for a Light Observation Helicopter capable of performing a number of secondary duties including escort, attack and casualty evacuation duties. Other Army pilots, most of whom flew Cobras or Hueys, thought of Loach pilots as a little offbeat. I was just out of flight school when I went to Vietnam. He flew Loaches for the next 11 months, and today is an accountant in Seattle. A rescue operation for the crew of a downed Loach helicopter doesn't quite go as planned and the rescuers become victims themselves. Hughes 500M: Military export version of OH-6 in mid-1970s with upgraded 278-shp Allison 250-C18 turboshaft engine, "V" tail. In this theatre, it was commonly operated in teams with other rotorcraft, such as the Bell AH-1 Cobra attack helicopter, using so-called "hunter-killer" tactics to flush out and eliminate hostile ground targets; the OH-6 would act as bait to draw enemy fire and mark targets for other platforms such as the AH-1 to attack. It gained impetus with the advent of the Vietnam War, and was aided by advances in helicopter technology, specifically the development of the turboshaft engine. This was a Combat incident. The Sikorsky S-61R is a twin-engine transport and search helicopter. 2 M260 2.75-in Hydra 70 rocket pods (7 or 12 each) See Also: How Much Does a Huey Helicopter Cost? Development included test and training flights in Culver City, California (Hughes Airport) and at Area 51 in 1971. The OH-6 helicopters served in huge numbers and were used for light observation and utility roles. While in Vietnam, Loach helicopters operated as part of air mobile teams. He is proud of his service, which involved a great deal of combat, but has concluded that U.S. involvement in Vietnam was a mistake. An Army article written after Johns seventh crash credited it with surviving 61 hits from enemy fire and seven crashes without losing a single crew member. The Cobra is a single-engine attack helicopter produced by Bell Helicopter as a primary attack helicopter in the Vietnam War for aerial assaults or as air cavalry. Vietnam OH-6A "Cayuse" Helicopter The OH-6A made its first flight in 1963. That was about it.. [27], During the early 1970s, Soviet-supplied SA-7 Grail shoulder-launched anti-aircraft missiles emerged amongst North Vietnamese troops; one hit could down a Loach, potentially dealing fatal damage before its crew were aware that they were under fire. This. We got into another aircraft and went back out. The Bell AH-1J was also used for various subsequent assaults and military operations conducted by the US Marine Corps. Loaches, usually with a pilot and observer and sometimes a door gunner aboard, flew as little as 10 feet above the treetops at between about 45 and 60 mph, scouting for signs of the enemy. A shaft ran to the tail and powered the two-blade rotor at the back. The Hughes OH-6 Cayuse was a revolutionary rotorcraft operated during the Vietnam War. Total flight hours at this point: 00000496 The OH-6 Cayuse was developed from specifications issued by the U.S. Army in 1960 for a light observation helicopter (LOH), and the familiar Loach nickname was derived from the acronym. I spent more time with them., Kids Start Forgetting Early Childhood Around Age 7, Archaeologists Discover Wooden Spikes Described by Julius Caesar, Artificial Sweetener Tied to Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke, Study Finds, 5,000-Year-Old Tavern With Food Still Inside Discovered in Iraq, The Surprisingly Scientific Roots of Monkey Bars. It was a joy to fly. Kane, who today sells securities in Richmond, Virginia, flew AH-1s in Vietnam from 1968 to 1971. As a separate part of the project, armed OH-6As were being developed at Fort Rucker, Alabama. On top of this, Fairchild Hiller lodged a formal complaint over Hughes Tool Companys deceitful tactics to earn the original contract. Cobra Gunship, Huey and Loach OH-6 Members of C Troop, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry dedicated an OH-6 Loach Scout helicopter flown by their unit during the Vietnam War Here are the 24 helicopters used in Vietnam. The "loach" was the LOH (Light Observation Helicopter) or OH-6A.

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