Kaman OH-43D Huskie

Kaman Corporation · United States · first flew 1953 · helicopter

The Kaman OH-43D Huskie is the US Army observation variant of the HH-43 Huskie helicopter, employing Kaman's distinctive intermeshing twin-rotor synchropter design that eliminates the need for a tail rotor.

Recognition (WEFT)

WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.

Spot it by:

• US Army observation variant of HH-43 Huskie with intermeshing rotors
• No tail rotor — synchropter twin-rotor design
• Piston engine in aft fuselage; open-frame tail boom

Unmistakable intermeshing twin-rotor layout with no tail rotor, an open lattice tail boom, and a boxy fuselage with a greenhouse-style cockpit; the two overlapping rotor systems angled outward are unique to Kaman synchropters.

Specifications

• The Kaman OH-43D Huskie has a length of 7.67 m (25 ft).
• It has a wingspan of 14 m (46 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

Developed from Kaman's earlier HTK-1 trainer, the HH-43 Huskie family served primarily as local base rescue aircraft for the USAF, while the US Army operated the OH-43D in the observation role. The intermeshing rotor system gave excellent hover performance and a tight turning radius.

Variants

The HH-43 family included the piston-powered HH-43A and B, the turboshaft-powered HH-43F, and the US Army OH-43D; Canada operated similar aircraft designated HOK-1.

Where you'll see it

The OH-43D served the US Army in the late 1950s and early 1960s in the observation and utility roles, while USAF HH-43s saw extensive service in the Vietnam War as crash-rescue helicopters at airfields.

Related aircraft

• Kaman HH-43 Huskie
• Kaman HTK-1
• Kaman UH-43C Huskie
• Kaman K-225
• Bell HSL
• Brantly B-2
• Doman LZ-5
• Sikorsky HR2S-1 Mojave

AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 5,024 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.