loach helicopter vietnam

All Rights Reserved. We got hit by incendiary .51-caliber rounds, and the phosphorus ignited the Cobras hydraulic fluid. Ribbon graphics not necessarily indicative of actual historical campaign ribbons. Stanley Hiller complained to the U.S. Army that Hughes had used unethical procedures; therefore, the Army opened the contract for rebidding by all parties. Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 11/18/2017 | Content www.MilitaryFactory.com Its effectiveness in battle allowed it to quickly replace the Bell H-13 Siouxs being operated in the country. Since units were all but permanently assigned to particular areas, they came to know the local geography intimately and could spot anything out of the ordinary. Its first overseas deployment, as well as into frontline combat, was the Vietnam War. The OH-6A was powered by a single Allison T63-A-5A 285 shp turboshaft engine, and had a cruising speed of 144 mph (125 knots). External load capacity was approximately 1,200 Lbs (550 kg), and transport capability 2 or 3 troops or cargo internally. While they were circling the wreckage, enemy rounds hit their ship. 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. [13][3] Beginning in 2001, the JGSDF OH-6s were supplemented by the indigenously-developed Kawasaki OH-1, a more advanced observation helicopter. Aircraft took off, fully flight capable. The Loach's main role was reconnaisance and observation. The UH, nicknamed Huey is a utility military chopper that was used for troop and cargo transport, medical evacuation, and sometimes for military purposes. Total flight hours at this point: 00000496 This helicopter was UNK The helicopter was hit in the Cockpit The CH-53 Tarhe was another heavy-lift helicopter designed to transport and recover downed aircraft. Best Vietnam Helicopter Book - General Helicopter Forum - Vertical A rescue operation for the crew of a downed Loach helicopter doesn't quite go as planned and the rescuers become victims themselves. NVA troops shot down a Cobra, killing the crew. If the OH-6 came under fire, the nearby Cobra would then strike at the revealed enemy. Loach and Cobra were in constant radio communication, and because of the intensity of hunter-killer missions, it wasnt long before pairs in each type knew each other well enough to anticipate the others moves. Initially fielded in Vietnam in early 1968, the Hughes OH-6A was used for command and control, observation, target acquisition, and reconnaissance. While in Vietnam, Loach helicopters operated as part of air mobile teams. See Also: How Much Does a Huey Helicopter Cost? Heavy Attack Helicopters 2. This story is a selection from the September issue of Air & Space magazine, Donald Porter I was used to getting up close and personal with the enemy.. Improved versions were issued through the war and included pockets on the chest and back in which large additional plates could be inserted. The campaign included the first major use in the war of Soviet-built, shoulder-launched anti-aircraft missiles. 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. [22], Following the April 1980 failure of Operation Eagle Claw (the attempted rescue of American hostages in Tehran), it was determined that the military lacked aircraft and crews who were trained and prepared to perform special operations missions. Graphics are very well done, the whole model is very well done. The Incident - CherriesWriter - Vietnam War website The unrefueled range of the AH-6 is 250 nautical miles. I was wounded three times and shot down nine times, Romero reports. 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.. It was used to look for and find the VC/NVA troops in Vietnam. The Cayuse was publicly introduced in 1966 and set several records, including record for endurance, speed and rate of climb. The OH-6 was largely removed from active U.S. Army service in favor of the Kiowa, but modified versions of the helicopter flew with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment as the MH-6C Little Bird as late as 2008. 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. The Boeing CH-47 Chinook is a tandem rotor chopper that was developed by Vetrol and built by Boeing Vertol. The Bell H-13 Sioux were used for multiple roles, ranging from transporting troops, conducting medical evacuations, and performing reconnaissance and observational activities. Armed with guns, Hellfire missiles, and 2.75-inch FFAR, it provides armed helicopter support to both ground and air special operations. The OH-6 was also exported as the Model 500 Defender. When the opposing forces exposed themselves, the crew would call upon an accompanying Bell AH-1 Cobra to attack. Unit: DIR SUP / TRAN While the already-produced OH-6 Cayuses were being deployed to Vietnam in 1967, production costs were beginning to rise. The Bell UH-1B/C was modified from the UH-1A Cobra to include a set of machine guns for attacking ground targets. In air mobile teams, a pilot would fly low while an observer would scan the ground for signs of the enemy force. But the Hueys proved too slow to do the job properly, and the need to replace both scouts and protectors was immediately evident. I could see a cigarette butt still burning. The OH-6A could be armed with the M27 armament subsystem, the port (left) side mounting M134 six-barrel 7.62mm minigun or a 40mm grenade launcher on the XM8 armament subsystem. The AH-1 is sometimes affectionately referred to as the Huey Cobra or The Snake. The CH-34 Choctaw was developed by Sikorsky Aircraft for transport purposes to carry personnel and deliver supplies. Almost as soon as production began, however, it was replaced by a competitors model. Books/Magazines But even that armament combined with the Cobra escort couldnt keep them safe. The Army officially adopted the Bell OH-58 Kiowa in 1969. Following the Second World War, significant advancements were made in the field of rotary-wing flight. Kiowas, largely relegated to low-threat cargo and liaison missions in Vietnam, were after the war tasked to spot targets from afar and guide Cobras (and later, Boeing AH-64 Apaches) to good firing spots. Reportedly, 964 out of the 1,422 OH-6As produced for the US Army were destroyed in the Vietnam theatre, the majority of these losses being a result of hostile action, typically ground fire. Book A Flight | A saying among Army aviators was, If you have to crash, do it in a Loach.. In 1966 it entered military service with the US Army. [2] Twelve companies opted to participate in the competition, Hughes Tool Company's Aircraft Division being one of them, submitted the Model 369 as its response. 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. Onboard UH1 Huey helicopter (SN 66-163-56) was Aircraft Commander, WO William H. Seaborn Jr., myself as . The Cayuse . The NVA [North Vietnamese army] was everywhere. In the Vietnam War, these choppers were used to recover downed aircraft. 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. 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. Boucher quickly discovered that life as a qualified crewman was extremely dangerous. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft were returned to the U.S., where they were dismantled and converted back to a standard configuration; they continued to be operated as such for a time. Flight Hours in Vietnam: 1,400. After around 10 hours at the controls of a Loach, the pilots were deemed worthy of flying in combat. [12] Following a competitive fly-off, the Army requested the manufacturers to submit sealed bids. You had a couple of flights in the Huey, then you rode front seat in a Cobra, scout pilot Allan Krausz recounts. A.J. Disclaimer Photographs This. The pilots dubbed the new helicopter Loach, a word created by pronunciation of the acronym of the program that spawned the aircraft, LOH (light observation helicopter). (7.62MM) [8][9] It was reported that Howard Hughes had directed his company to submit a bid at a price beneath the actual production cost of the helicopter in order to secure this order. 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. 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 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. It was barely used in the Vietnam War because it was replaced by the more advanced Sikorsky H-34 Choctaw. 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. During 1960, the United States Army issued Technical Specification 153 for a Light Observation Helicopter (LOH) capable of fulfilling various roles on the battlefield, including personnel transport, escort, casualty evacuation, observation, and attack missions. 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. Although many were still teenagers, their survival depended on well-honed instincts and razor-sharp reflexes, along with plenty of luck. [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. article/image or apply full credit information. Trademarks and copyright information is respected. When the Loach debuted in 1966, it broke records for speed, endurance, and rate of climb, all important attributes for a scout helicopter. Advertising Notice [22] All American rotorcraft in the theatre had to be operated more cautiously following this development. 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). While Enroute this helicopter was at Level Flight at 0020 feet and 050 knots. a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization EIN 45-4703737We Fly for Our Veterans!. Information on U.S. Army helicopter OH-6A tail number 67-16304 The AH-1J SeaCobra was used later in the later stages of the Vietnam war. Can include a combination of the following across two fuselage wingstubs (though some weapons operated from cabin doors): (Not all ordnance types may be represented in the showcase above), Hardpoint Mountings: 2 (if wingstub equipped). Light Observation Helicopter - Wikipedia We do not sell any of the items showcased on this site. 605th transportation Company (Direct Support): Nov . It was pretty hairy, and we got the hell out of there. But Boucher got a rush from the missions, and stayed six months beyond what was required of a draftee. contact us here and we will remove the Armament Hughes 500M: Military export version of OH-6 in mid-1970s with upgraded 278-shp Allison 250-C18 turboshaft engine, "V" tail. The Cayuse could absorb an extensive amount of small arms fire and still bring the crew home safely. s/n 67-16304 Shaffer, 63, rode in the military helicopter as a door gunner with Charlie Troop 1/9th, 1st Air Cavalry while . Terms of Use [22] The remaining H-13s were promptly withdrawn in favour of the OH-6s. OH-6A Cayuse ('Loach') The OH-6A "Cayuse" is a small tactical helicopter flown by units of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment [SOAR]. Possible mast-mounted sight. Operation Honey Badger was canceled after the hostages were released on 20 January 1981, and for a short while, it looked as if the task force would be disbanded and the personnel returned to their former units. 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 Model 369, with its Allison T63-A-5A series turboshaft engine, took its first flight on February 27, 1963, under the military designation YOH-6A. [2] Originally designated as the YHO-6A according to the Army's designation system, the aircraft was redesignated as the YOH-6A in 1962 when the Department of Defense created a joint designation system for all aircraft. It was reasonably fast, very crashworthy, comparatively easy to maintain and fly, and extraordinarily maneuverable. [5] Accordingly, the bidding for the LOH contract came down to Fairchild-Hiller and Hughes. Kawasaki Heavy Industries produced 387 OH-6D Cayuses under license in Japan. [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. The U.S. Army began to use Bell OH-13 Sioux and Hiller OH-23 Raven helicopters, once artillery spotters, to scout ahead of UH-1D Huey formations in the moments before air assaults to gather information about landing zones and enemy locations. Unknown as to mission impact. Although most combat aircraft in Vietnam aimed for altitudes and speeds that helped them avoid anti-aircraft weapons, U.S. Army crews flying Hughes OH-6A Cayuse helicopters flew low and drew fireto set up the shots for the Bell AH-1G Cobras circling above. How a Vietnam War Helicopter Pilot Captured a POW With His Civil War 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. Rattler One-Seven puts you in the helicopter seat, to see the war in Vietnam through the eyes of an inexperienced pilot as he transforms himself into a seasoned combat veteran. Krausz was ordered to Vietnam in April 1971, and today teaches Army students how to fly the Eurocopter UH-72 Lakota, a twin-engine trainer. Troop C, 1st squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division: Oct 68 Jan 69 The Vietnam War saw the extensive use of helicopters, though were mostly by the United States military. Loach crews were equipped with small arms and returned fire as they fled. Under enemy fire this nimble machine had to fly low to the ground, just above the jungle canopy. During 1966, the OH-6 entered service with the U.S. Army, it promptly arrived into active combat in the Vietnam War. He shares memories of his service and reflects on what the war meant to. USNTPS plans to retain the aircraft indefinitely and continue to improve the safety, reliability, and usefulness of the aircraft in the test pilot training role. Multi-Mission Helicopters 6. Click on the hotlinks for more information. Anthony is our resident military expert who uses his experience to write about all aspects of flying in the military, including what it takes to become a pilot and serve your country. 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. Hughes Tool Company, Aircraft Division - USA, (View other Aviaton-Related Manufacturers), Dominican Republic; Denmark; Japan; Spain; Taiwan; United States, (OPERATORS list includes past, present, and future operators when applicable), Intelligence-Surveillance-Reconnaissance (ISR), Scout, X-Plane (Developmental, Prototype, Technology Demonstrator), (Showcased structural values pertain to the base Hughes OH-6 Cayuse (Loach) production variant), RANGES (MPH) Subsonic: <614mph | Transonic: 614-921 | Supersonic: 921-3836 | Hypersonic: 3836-7673 | Hi-Hypersonic: 7673-19180 | Reentry: >19030, (Showcased performance specifications pertain to the. Reportedly, 964 out of the 1,422 OH-6As produced for the U.S. Army were destroyed in Vietnam alone. History | 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. s/n 66-07841. They went down in the jungle, and both [members of the crew] survived. 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. Flight Hours in Vietnam: 1,318 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. City of Walnut Creek Special Recreation Museum Tour October 26, 2019, United Airlines Family Day Fly-in October 13, 2019, Napa County Airport Day September 7, 2019, Virginia Rose II Cobra transferred to Vietnam Helicopters Museum August 14, 2019, Memorial Day 2019 Ceremonies at Oak Hill Memorial Park & Cemetery. Helicopter Pilots Who Died in the Vietnam War . The Mil Mi-4 was a Soviet transport chopper used both for civilian and military purposes. Fewer than 2,000 of the type were produced though the original went on to spawn a plethora of viable performers including the Hughes 500 "Defender" and the special forces-minded MH-6 "Little Bird". The killer role persists. Upon returning to the United States, he established a career in the construction industry and settled in rural Sierra City, California. | The following text is exclusive to this site. Required fields are marked *. The aircraft was diverted prior to accomplishing any mission objectives. The Huey descended gingerly into a clearing smaller than its main rotor diameter, the aircrafts rotor blades chopping tree limbs as it descended. Even when this helicopter was shot down, it refused to crack. Worthy, the OH-6 Loach and two other air scout helicopter pilots, all decorated, were in Topeka on Saturday night for an event at Forbes Field Airport designed to increase interest and. They could also use grenades and on occasion even homebuilt explosives; more aggressive units mounted forward-firing miniguns. Here are the 24 helicopters used in Vietnam. Her research focused on Victorian, medical, and epidemiological history with a focus on childhood diseases. The Cayuse had a single articulated four-bladed main rotor, a metal two-bladed tail rotor, and a V-shaped tail. Instead of disbanding Task Force 158, the military opted to turn it into the 160th Aviation Battalion. Observation Helicopters 4. Infantrymen would also launch an assault from the ground. [6], During May 1965, the U.S. Army awarded a production contract to Hughes; this initial order for 714 rotorcraft was subsequently increased to 1,300 along with an option for another 114. Its formal name is derived from the Cayuse people while its "Loach" nickname comes from the acronym for the Light Observation Helicopter (LOH) programme that it was procured under. Material presented throughout this website is for historical and entertainment value only and should not to be construed as usable for hardware restoration, maintenance, or general operation. Two of these designs, those submitted by Fairchild-Hiller and Bell, were selected as finalists by the Army-Navy design competition board. We got into another aircraft and went back out. The Hughes OH-6 Cayuse was a revolutionary rotorcraft operated during the Vietnam War. 2 TOW missile pods (2 each) Kane recalls, The vibrations were so harsh I had to return to base camp at Khe Sanh, seven miles from the Laotian border. Small Arms/Automatic Weapons; Gun launched non-explosive ballistic projectiles less than 20 mm in size. . The helicopter was inducted as the OH-6 "Cayuse" and would eventually take on the in-the-field nickname of "Loach" in reference to its "LOH" origins. Despite a strong outcry from crews in Vietnam, the Bell OH-58A Kiowa, powered by the same Allison T-63 engine as the OH-6, was being distributed to Army units. A Troop, 7th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division: Aug 70 Feb 72 But the Vietnam War was unlike any previous American conflict; there were few real definable frontlines, and combatants needed to know what was happening all around them, all the time. Total flight hours at this point: 00000265 We were combat trackers, says Mills. 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. Also: LNOF, 90119, JSIDR (Lindenmuth Old Format Data Base. Mills, who served two tours in Loaches and one in Cobras, was shot down 16 timesall but once in OH-6s. One, nicknamed Queer John, hit the dirt at least seven times. 608th Transportation Company (Aircraft Direct Support): Mar 72 The 'Loach' was one of the riskiest helicopter assignments in Vietnam Radiomen in the Vietnam War faced a 5-second life expectancy 5 cringeworthy military slang terms (that we should actually retire) From nursing to newspapers, these were the women of Vietnam

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