Kaman HH-43F Huskie
Kaman · United States · first flew 1956 · helicopter
The Kaman HH-43 Huskie is an American rescue helicopter notable for its unique intermeshing twin-rotor system that eliminates the need for a tail rotor.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turboshaft, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 7.67 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | No tailplane |
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Spot it by:
- Unusual intermeshing twin-rotor helicopter
- No tail rotor — counter-rotating intermeshing blades
- Used for crash rescue and firefighting
The only operational helicopter with its distinctive X-shaped intermeshing rotor arrangement; the two sets of blades overlap in flight with neither a tail rotor nor tail boom needed.
Specifications
- The Kaman HH-43F Huskie has a length of 7.67 m (25 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 14.33 m (47 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 193 km/h (120 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Kaman developed the intermeshing rotor concept as a signature feature of its helicopter designs. The HH-43B/F served extensively with the USAF in the 1960s and 1970s primarily as a local base rescue helicopter and in Vietnam as a crash rescue aircraft.
Variants
The HH-43A was piston-powered; the HH-43B introduced the Lycoming T53 turboshaft; the HH-43F featured an uprated T53-L-13B engine.
Where you'll see it
The USAF operated HH-43s from 1959 through the 1970s, and the type was exported to Burma, Colombia, Iran, Morocco, Pakistan, and Thailand.
Related aircraft
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