Kaman UH-43C Huskie
Kaman Corporation · United States · first flew 1958 · helicopter
The UH-43C Huskie is a US Air Force utility helicopter built by Kaman using their signature intermeshing synchropter rotor system, giving it excellent lift without 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 |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Intermeshing contra-rotating twin rotors — no tail rotor
- Kaman synchropter design with distinctive crossed blades
- Compact utility helicopter with clamshell rescue doors
Unmistakable due to its crossed intermeshing twin rotors with no tail rotor; the rotor blades have distinctive servo-flap control rather than conventional pitch links.
Specifications
- The Kaman UH-43C 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
The Huskie family entered USAF service in the late 1950s primarily as a crash-rescue helicopter, serving at airfields where its compact size and powerful hover made it ideal for fire suppression and aircrew rescue.
Variants
Military Huskie variants included the HH-43B and HH-43F for rescue duties; the UH-43C was a utility designation used within the broader HOK/HUK/H-43 family.
Where you'll see it
Widely used by the United States Air Force and Navy through the 1950s–70s; saw extensive service in Vietnam for base rescue operations.
Related aircraft
- Kaman HH-43 Huskie
- Kaman OH-43D Huskie
- Kaman HTK-1
- Kaman K-225
- Bell 204B
- Boeing Vertol 107
- Saro P.531
- Sikorsky HH-52A Seaguard
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