So I engaged the enemy, but didnt make it out of that one. South Vietnam Some of them were able to tell how large a force was and how recently it had passed. The Marine Corp used it for the sea-based interdiction of the Ho Chi Minh Trail in 1972. 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. Light Observation Helicopter (LOH) program, The US Air Force Panicked When Its Top-Secret Stealth Fighter Crashed Into the California Wilderness. Once enemy positions opened fire at the Cayuse, they were destroyed by the mighty firepower of escorting Cobras. 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. 605th transportation Company (Direct Support): Nov . 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. Built by Hughes Tool Company, it was designed to be a scout helicopter during the Vietnam war. Click on the hotlinks for more information. The OH-6A would find targets by flying low, trolling for fire, and lead in a Cobra, or Snake, to attack. MD-530MG/Defender: Has a mast-mounted sight, and incorporated upgrades of all previous variants. The helicopter was hit in the Left Side The 'Loach' was one of the riskiest helicopter assignments in Vietnam Search and Rescue Helicopters 5. He recalls: 360 degrees around you was enemy territory, and the ability to work with American and [South Vietnamese] units on the ground really required aviation to be able to look eye to eye to tell the good guys from the bad guys. Loach-Cobra pairings were sent out more and more frequently, until their main role was to gather general intelligence rather than prepare landing zones. Typically missions were flown during the daylight, starting at dawn; common roles included the clearance of landing zones and general intelligence/observation flights. 79th Transportation Company: Jun 70 Jul 70 It was mostly used to transport troops and cargo during the Vietnam war. But the Army decided that it would be more prudent to keep the unit in order to be prepared for future contingencies. A recontoured nose allowed for greater leg and head room. The Hughes 369 was redesignated the OH-6A "Cayuse" by the U.S. Army. Loach crews were equipped with small arms and returned fire as they fled. He shares memories of his service and reflects on what the war meant to him then and what it means to him now. In support of the Helicopter Flight Mechanics syllabus, the USNTPS operates surplus Army OH-6B Helicopters which were refurbished by the Army National Guard, Gulfport, Mississippi in 1991. Crews trained side by side with the 160th for all operational concepts. Best Vietnam Helicopter Book - General Helicopter Forum - Vertical s/n 66-07841. Stepping away from her academic career, Samantha previously worked as a Heritage Researcher and now writes content for multiple sites covering an array of historical topics. The Bell Model 206 is a line of both single and twin-engined helicopters with two primary rotor blades. loach | My Vietnam Experience Cookie Settings, pilot. All Rights Reserved. It was used to look for and find the VC/NVA troops in Vietnam. Here are the 24 helicopters used in Vietnam. Unknown as to mission impact. 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. It had no hydraulic system and its electrical setup was used primarily to start up the enginesimple even by 1960s standards, which for practical purposes meant it was easier to maintain and harder to shoot down than other helicopters. I went up in a Loach with an M60 machine gun to get used to firing the weapon. [3], On 27 February 1963, the first Model 369 prototype performed its maiden flight. 60th Assault Helicopter Company: Mar 72 Jun 72, Information on U.S. Army helicopter OH-6A tail number 67-16304 2 M260 2.75-in Hydra 70 rocket pods (7 or 12 each) It can cruise at speeds of 150 mph. This chopper is mostly known for having been used to spot enemy artillery. Upon landing, an inspection revealed a damaged pitch link, a rotor head component so critical that had it failed, they too would have crashed. 10 Types of Helicopters in Vietnam (Vietnam Era Helicopters) - Aero Corner 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. [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. During 1964, the U.S. Department of Defense issued a memorandum directing that all U.S. Army fixed-wing aircraft be transferred to the U.S. Air Force, while the U.S. Army transitioned to solely operating rotor-wing aircraft. The North Vietnamese deployed hundreds of the missiles, and from then on, both hunter and killer tried to stay well hidden. https://warandlifediscussions.weebly.com/Any veteran who served in any combat zone in any capacity is invited to contact Preston Jones: pjones@jbu.edu / (479) 524-7488 They underwent two weeks of qualification training and an additional two weeks of mission training. Hughes bid $56,550 per airframe, while Bell bid $54,200. The helicopter was designed around their earlier model 269/300 making use of monocoque steel tube construction techniques, allowing a strong and compact fuselage. [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. 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. The helicopter Continued Flight. By signing up you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, MIGHTY NETWORKS, 2023 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, Russian soldiers calls back home reveal horrifying experiences in Ukraine, broke records for speed, endurance, and rate of climb, powered by a 285-hp engine but the helicopter weighed less than a Volkswagen, could carry everything from 7.62mm miniguns to 70mm rockets and anti-tank missiles, nicknamed Queer John, hit the dirt at least seven times, modified versions of the helicopter flew with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment as the MH-6C Little Bird as late as 2008, 29 of the best politically incorrect Vietnam War slang terms. I tried to move the stuck controls and prayed for a place to set down. It took all of Kanes strength to pull out of a steep dive, and they crash-landed with a horrific thud. 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). To this day I am closer to those guys I flew with in Vietnam than my own brothers, says Mills. The aircraft, dubbed 500P (penetrator) by Hughes, began as an ARPA project, codenamed "Mainstreet", in 1968. Unlike previous aircraft, the Tarhe was extremely successful during the Vietnam War. The hunter-killer tactic worked well for a few years, but by the time the United States left Vietnam, it was obsolete, says Mills. While Hiller did not participate in the rebidding, Bell opted to, submitting their redesigned Model 206. In her spare time, Samantha enjoys reading, knitting, and hanging out with her dog, Chowder! I liked it because in the Bronx, I was a ghetto kid. Due to its unique shape, the Loach was given the nickname . However, the U.S. Army subsequently chose to include Hughes's Model 369 for further consideration as well. Hughes, without informing Real, raised the bid by $3,000, and thus lost the contract to Bell. The OH-6A Cayuse was quite effective when teamed with the AH-1G Cobra attack helicopter as part of what were known as Pink Teams. Its cockpit teems with electronics and sensors, and its stub wings are heavy with heat-seeking Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, laser-guided Hellfires, rockets (like those used in Vietnam), and even fuel-filled drop tanks. If the OH-6 came under fire, the nearby Cobra would then strike at the revealed enemy. 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. A Troop, 7th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division: Aug 70 Feb 72 Army headquarters developed doctrine by building on what worked in the field, rather than the other way around, and each unit in-country did things slightly differently. All written content, illustrations, and photography are unique to this website (unless where indicated) and not for reuse/reproduction in any form. Other Army pilots, most of whom flew Cobras or Hueys, thought of Loach pilots as a little offbeat. The Hughes OH-6 Cayuse (nicknamed "Loach", after the requirement acronym LOHLight Observation Helicopter) is a single-engine light helicopter with a four-bladed main rotor used for personnel transport, escort and attack missions, and observation. They were famous for being shot down or crashing in combat. The UH, nicknamed Huey is a utility military chopper that was used for troop and cargo transport, medical evacuation, and sometimes for military purposes. Light Attack Helicopters 3. The-21C was extensively used by the US Army to transport troops and supplies. In 1965, the concept of helicopter-borne fighting forces was still new and largely untested, and units in Vietnam invented tactics on the spot. 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. Vietnam War helicopter pilots bring stories and aircraft to Topeka As well, its tough frame made it safer than other helicopters during crashes, as its aluminum skin absorbed the energy and the structure protected the crew. The US military primarily used the OH-6 for observational and reconnaissance purposes. It was deemed, based on Hughes' estimates, his units would be most cost effective in the long run. A "Loach" (Helicopter) Scout in IV Corps, South Vietnam, 1968-1969 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-6 Loach - Light Observation Helicopter - Brickmania Toys This was a Recon mission for Unarmed Recon The campaign included the first major use in the war of Soviet-built, shoulder-launched anti-aircraft missiles. Cartas de Lee: La historia de un hombre de Vietnam por Larayne M. Topp Also: LNOF, 90119, JSIDR (Lindenmuth Old Format Data Base. When the opposing forces exposed themselves, the crew would call upon an accompanying Bell AH-1 Cobra to attack. You were killed, shot down, or got scared and quit. Donald Porter served in Vietnam with the helicopters he writes about. The United States deployed all types of helicopter, ranging from massive troop transport choppers, to smaller multipurpose and attack helicopters, and even helicopter drones. Flight Hours in Vietnam: 1,318 Army troops called the OH-6As Loaches, a contraction of light observation helicopters. The ship was unusually light and had plenty of power, perfect for flying nap-of-the-earth missions, and its 26-foot-diameter main rotor made getting into tight landing zones a snap. Armed with guns, Hellfire missiles, and 2.75-inch FFAR, it provides armed helicopter support to both ground and air special operations. Her research focused on Victorian, medical, and epidemiological history with a focus on childhood diseases. Infantrymen would also launch an assault from the ground. In one particular clandestine incident in 1972, known as the Vinh wiretap, a pair of OH-6As were heavily modified and used by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) via Air America was used to infiltrate Vietnamese high level communications, providing valuable intelligence. OA-6A 'Loach' Scout platoon. AH/MH-6J: US Army Special Operations variant derived from the MD-530MG. I could tell how old a footprint was by how it looked. I have come home with blood on my windshield. Vietnam Veteran and his Helicopter Reunited. Your email address will not be published. "Pink teams" of scout and attack helicopters, such as OH-6 "Loach" or OH-58 Kiowa scout helicopters and the AH-1 Cobra attack helicopter during the Vietnam War; In anti-submarine warfare an Maritime patrol aircraft may be employed as "hunter", with surface ships such as destroyers as killers. During May 1965, the U.S. Army awarded the production contract to Hughes. The SeaCobra was a twin-engine attack helicopter that was developed from the single-engine AH-1 Cobra helicopter. Contact | article/image or apply full credit information. Vietnam Helicopters Museum - OH-6A "Cayuse" Helicopter s/n 67-16304 The Hughes OH-6 Cayuse is a light helicopter with a single engine and a four-bladed main rotor. Armament to voice a complaint about any articles or image on this website, please 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). On a few occasions, the OH-23 was also used for medical evacuation purposes, but this was rarely the case. Ribbon graphics not necessarily indicative of actual historical campaign ribbons. The Bell H-13 Sioux were used for multiple roles, ranging from transporting troops, conducting medical evacuations, and performing reconnaissance and observational activities. 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. Improved versions were issued through the war and included pockets on the chest and back in which large additional plates could be inserted. We were combat trackers, says Mills. [13][3] Beginning in 2001, the JGSDF OH-6s were supplemented by the indigenously-developed Kawasaki OH-1, a more advanced observation helicopter. 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. This story is a selection from the September issue of Air & Space magazine, Donald Porter The armed OH-6s from Fort Rucker joined the training program in the fall of 1980.[30]. We operated from fixed bases that were islands, if you will, of allied control, says Hugh Mills, who flew both Loaches and Cobras in Vietnam from 1968 to 1972, and went on to fly helicopters for the Kansas City Police Department. Army units this aircraft deployed with in Vietnam: which many are taken will be available from our shop to The Hughes OH-6 Cayuse was a revolutionary rotorcraft operated during the Vietnam War. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2023 Vietnam Helicopters Museum. A.J. The Bell AH-1J was also used for various subsequent assaults and military operations conducted by the US Marine Corps. In August 1967, the AH-1G Cobra arrived in Vietnam. The Mil Mi-1 was a Soviet-made light utility chopper with three or four seats. The Boeing (McDonnell Douglas) (formerly Hughes model 369A) OH-6A was designed for use as a military scout during the Vietnam war to meet the US Army's need for an extremely maneuverable light observation helicopter. For this, a small rotorcraft capable of landing in restrictive locations and easily transportable via US Air Force transport aircraft was necessary. The Hughes OH-6A Cayuse was quite effective when teamed with the AH-1G Cobra attack helicopter as part of what were known as Pink Teams, combining the OH-6A Loach (white team) with a AH-1G Cobra atacke helicopter (red team). Small Arms/Automatic Weapons; Gun launched non-explosive ballistic projectiles less than 20 mm in size. Samantha Franco is a Freelance Content Writer who received her Bachelor of Arts degree in history from the University of Guelph, and her Master of Arts degree in history from the University of Western Ontario. Nate Shaffer and Bruce Campbell at their assigned positions. South Vietnam Since 1968 this helicopter saw combat in Vietnam. [8][9], A total of 387 OH-6/Hughes 369s were produced under license in Japan by the Japanese aerospace company Kawasaki Heavy Industries. The Model 206 was mostly employed as a general utility helicopter, but at times it was also used for transporting troops and high command, in addition to serving observational and reconnaissance roles during the Vietnam war. In Vietnam, These Helicopter Scouts Saw Combat Up Close Cobras and Loaches, two vastly different aircraft, relied on each other to fight the enemy. On 1 October 1986, to help meet the increasing demands for support, the 1-245th Aviation Battalion from the Oklahoma National Guard, which had 25 AH-6 and 23 UH-1 helicopters, was placed under the operational control of the 160th. The Little Birds weaponry is a far cry from the M60 machine gun carried aboard a Loach in Vietnam: AH-6s can carry miniguns, rocket pods, grenade launchers, Hellfire missiles, and air-to-air Stinger missiles. Heavy Attack Helicopters 2. President As we navigate rapidly evolving military culture and Like any deployed troops, Russian soldiers make calls Sign up for our newsletter and receive the mighty updates! The Incident - CherriesWriter - Vietnam War website 2023 Smithsonian Magazine 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. The Loach's main role was reconnaisance and observation. Hughes Model OH-6A Cayuse or LOACH 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. [22] The remaining H-13s were promptly withdrawn in favour of the OH-6s. The killer role persists. [12] Following a competitive fly-off, the Army requested the manufacturers to submit sealed bids. Despite Being Prone to Crashing, the Loach Helicopter Was Favored By We got into another aircraft and went back out. . The LOH program opened the floor to several companies to come up with their own designs. Loach helicopter hi-res stock photography and images - Alamy The UH-1B/C was used sparingly during the Vietnam War. Vietnam OH-6A "Cayuse" Helicopter The OH-6A made its first flight in 1963. Required fields are marked *. Though Cobra pilots were trained Stateside, most Loach pilots didnt take control of OH-6s until arriving in Vietnam. The Loach helicopter was pitted against what was then known as the Bell Model 206. Scout crews argued that the Kiowa was nowhere near as nimble as the Cayuse, but scouting flights were changing. The Army requested 714 helicopters in May 1965, a number that was later increased to 1,300. Hughes 500M: Military export version of OH-6 in mid-1970s with upgraded 278-shp Allison 250-C18 turboshaft engine, "V" tail. While in Vietnam, Loach helicopters operated as part of air mobile teams. The "loach" was the LOH (Light Observation Helicopter) or OH-6A. It was a joy to fly. Kane, who today sells securities in Richmond, Virginia, flew AH-1s in Vietnam from 1968 to 1971. These choppers were modified for combat rescue missions and had self-sealing fuel tanks, rescue hoist, and in-flight refueling abilities. The Sea Knight is a medium left-tandem rotor helicopter used for transport. In the Vietnam War, these choppers were used to recover downed aircraft. The Hughes (Model 500M) international military version was sold in ten countries and built under license in Italy and Japan. It was reasonably fast, very crashworthy, comparatively easy to maintain and fly, and extraordinarily maneuverable. Thats why the majority of pilots who served in Vietnam shared the opinion that, if you were going to crash, it was best to do it in a Loach. Unfortunately, the weight of the armament kept the little bird from taking off. In 1972, as U.S. troops slowly withdrew, the NVA began a major push that became known as the Easter Offensive. The AH-1 is sometimes affectionately referred to as the Huey Cobra or The Snake. 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. These hunter-killer missions, among the most hazardous of the Vietnam War, tested the resolve of the OH-6 pilots and the aerial observers sitting beside them. Adopted after. How a Vietnam War Helicopter Pilot Captured a POW With His Civil War 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. The observers and gunners had even less experience. Two of these designs, those submitted by Fairchild-Hiller and Bell, were selected as finalists by the Army-Navy design competition board. 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. The Hughes 369 was redesignated the OH-6A "Cayuse" by the U.S. Army. While barely any American helicopters served in World War II and few flew in Korea, Vietnam was a proving ground for many airframes everything from the venerable Huey to Chinooks sporting huge guns. We do not sell any of the items showcased on this site. [2] This shaping, combined with the provision of internal bulkheads, has been attributed as giving the rotorcraft its uncommonly strong crashworthiness properties. a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization EIN 45-4703737We Fly for Our Veterans!. On the night of 5-6 December 1972, the remaining helicopter deployed a wiretap near Vinh, Vietnam; useful information provided from this wiretap was acted on by the United States on several occasions, such as during the Linebacker II campaign and Paris Peace Talks. The NVA [North Vietnamese army] was everywhere. [19][20][21], In December 1967, the first OH-6As arrived in Vietnam. They were employed in hunter-killer tactics, wherein they flew low over the jungle as bait to draw enemy fire. It was powered by a 285-hp engine but the helicopter weighed less than a Volkswagen. While Loachs were vulnerable to enemy fire, they were famous for surviving crashes like John did. Terms of Use Pilots called this helicopter as the Loach. US Army Loach OH-6 Helicopter Vietnam War Era Steve1958OR 242 subscribers 14K views 9 years ago A friend came by today with his Vietnam war era Hughs OH-6 Loach helicopter. Table of Contents 1. Hughes OH-6 Cayuse Light Observation Helicopter - MILITARY TODAY In some areas, Purple Teamsone Loach and two Cobraswere also common, as were other variations.) In the event of a crash the tailboom and engine separate from the egg-like . Ive seen them, whites of the eyes, and theyve seen me, whites of the eyes. 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. Hughes developed the Model 369 as a prototype for the U.S. Army in the early 1960s. The AH-6 Little Bird Gun, a light attack helicopter, has been tested and proven in combat. [5] Accordingly, the bidding for the LOH contract came down to Fairchild-Hiller and Hughes. 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. Possible mast-mounted sight. The Cobras high above had a few seconds of warningthey could spot the missiles exhaust plumebut were all the more tempting because at their higher altitudes they were more easily seen than the smaller Loaches. A saying among Army aviators was, If you have to crash, do it in a Loach.. Headquarters, 173rd Airborne Brigade: Jan 70 May 70 While in Target Area this helicopter was Attacking at 0060 feet and 010 knots. 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. Served in Vietnam War during 1968 through 1970. The Incident - Operation Triumphus 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. Front left side view of the Hughes OH-6 Cayuse helicopter; color, Right side view of the Hughes OH-6 Loach in flight; color. Kane was dispatched to the crash site in another Cobra with copilot Jim Casher. Upon encountering enemy fire, Loaches were to leave immediately, dropping smoke grenades to mark the target so that within seconds, the Cobra could roll in. Today, the Little Birds in use by special operations are MH-6Ms derived from a similar but more powerful helicopter. 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. As the H-13s were phased out, Loaches were paired with Cobra gunships. The Huskie was used by the US Air Force, US Navy, and US Marine Corps. 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. While successful in this respect, the Loach helicopter also had a reputation for being easily gunned down. I was flying wing and just dropped into the AO [Area of Operations]. It could accomplish missions that bigger, slower and louder helicopters couldnt do. Some crews argued that the Kiowa was nowhere near as nimble as the OH-6, however, the transition proceeded while scouting doctrine was changed to emphasis operations from greater distances. 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.
