Despite having been designed for anti-submarine combat, the Gyrodyne QH-50 was mostly used for conducting reconnaissance of enemy vessels in the Vietnam war, instead of actual combat. 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. Loach crews were equipped with small arms and returned fire as they fled. [14][15], During 1966, the OH-1 entered service with the U.S. Army. The North Vietnamese deployed hundreds of the missiles, and from then on, both hunter and killer tried to stay well hidden. The shelf life of a scout pilot was probably six months. An author of aviation books, his latest is Howards Whirlybirds. It can cruise at speeds of 150 mph. Tough Mission LOACH Chopper Vietnam - YouTube 0:00 / 5:15 Intro Tough Mission LOACH Chopper Vietnam Chopperguy 15.4K subscribers Subscribe 1.1K 53K views 1 year ago We fly with Low Level. On top of this, Fairchild Hiller lodged a formal complaint over Hughes Tool Companys deceitful tactics to earn the original contract. If the OH-6 came under fire, the nearby Cobra would then strike at the revealed enemy. It was powered by a 285-hp engine but the helicopter weighed less than a Volkswagen. 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. The Cayuse had a single articulated four-bladed main rotor, a metal two-bladed tail rotor, and a V-shaped tail. 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. Cobra Gunship, Huey and Loach OH-6 Members of C Troop, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry dedicated an OH-6 Loach Scout helicopter flown by their unit during the Vietnam War Books/Magazines [22] The remaining H-13s were promptly withdrawn in favour of the OH-6s. OH-58 "Kiowa" light observation / scout platform. Its like a street cop going into a bad neighborhood. 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. purchase. 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. Cartas de Lee: La historia de un hombre de Vietnam por Larayne M. Topp As a separate part of the project, armed OH-6As were being developed at Fort Rucker, Alabama. 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. The Sea Stallion is a line of heavy-lift transport helicopters. The back plate was often not used owing to the weight, and even the chest plate was deleted. The Bell UH-1B/C was modified from the UH-1A Cobra to include a set of machine guns for attacking ground targets. It never flew again. OH-6A Cayuse ('Loach') The OH-6A "Cayuse" is a small tactical helicopter flown by units of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment [SOAR]. It was also the right size to fit the necessary avionics and fuel stores, all while keeping the structure nimble and agile. The prototype first flew in early 1963, and production began two years later. [2] The pilot was provisioned with excellent external visibility via its large plexiglass windscreen, while its four-bladed fully-articulated main rotor meant it was considerably more agile than the preceding H-13 Sioux. For other AH-6 and MH-6 variants, see MH-6 Little Bird and Boeing AH-6. Your email address will not be published. This helicopter was UNK Almost as soon as production began, however, it was replaced by a competitors model. Flight Hours in Vietnam: 1,400. MD-530MG/Defender: Has a mast-mounted sight, and incorporated upgrades of all previous variants. Observation Helicopters Hughes OH-6 Cayuse (Loach) The Hughes OH-6 Cayuse is a light helicopter with a single engine and a four-bladed main rotor. To this day I am closer to those guys I flew with in Vietnam than my own brothers, says Mills. It was mostly used as a transport chopper, but it could also deliver supplies to troops. 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. The Bell OH-58 Kiowa was an entire line of military helicopters with a single engine and a single rotor. Since 1968 this helicopter saw combat in Vietnam. One of the most dangerous helicopter assignments was a tiny scout helicopter known as the Loach. Officially designated the OH-6 Cayuse, these things were made of thin plexiglass and metal but were expected to fly low over the jungles and grass, looking for enemy forces hiding in the foliage. s/n 66-07841. Scout crews argued that the Kiowa was nowhere near as nimble as the Cayuse, but scouting flights were changing. OH-6A/MD-530F Super Cayuse/Lifter: Upgraded engine to a 425-shp Allison 250- C30 turboshaft, and avionics in 1988 for the US Army. As the reserve units have continued to move away from the OH-6 as their primary scout aircraft, military technical support of the aircraft has dwindled. The flames covered my boots and lower legs. The Hughes (Model 500M) international military version was sold in ten countries and built under license in Italy and Japan. The CH-53 Tarhe was another heavy-lift helicopter designed to transport and recover downed aircraft. 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. It was used prolifically because of its unique hovering abilities. Armed with guns, Hellfire missiles, and 2.75-inch FFAR, it provides armed helicopter support to both ground and air special operations. ). The Aircraft Division of Hughes Tool Company came up with the Model 369, which became one of three finalists, alongside designs from Bell Helicopter Company and Fairchild Hiller. Please direct all other inquiries to militaryfactory AT gmail.com. I followed footsteps. Has a mouth full of pointy teeth and a pair of eyes. It would often be crewed by a pilot and an observer; up to five passengers or up to 1,000lb of cargo could be carried internally. 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. Total flight hours at this point: 00000496 Following the Second World War, significant advancements were made in the field of rotary-wing flight. They were employed in hunter-killer tactics, wherein they flew low over the jungle as bait to draw enemy fire. While Enroute this helicopter was at Level Flight at 0020 feet and 050 knots. Military operators included the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), and the Japanese Coast Guard. 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! Adopted after. Jim was unconscious when I helped pull him out of the burning aircraft.. However, the U.S. Army subsequently chose to include Hughes's Model 369 for further consideration as well. It could accomplish missions that bigger, slower and louder helicopters couldnt do. 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). Ive seen them, whites of the eyes, and theyve seen me, whites of the eyes. Jim Kanes Vietnam tour abruptly ended one day in February 1971. I have come home with blood on my windshield. Loach helicopter hi-res stock photography and images - Alamy The Loach could be terrifying since it was often used with the AH-1 Cobra in hunter-killer missions, where the Loach would go out and find the enemy positions and the Cobra would go in for the kill with rocket, grenade, and minigun fire. The first Loach arrived in Vietnam in 1966, and a total of 1,434 of the primary . 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. You were right in the enemys face with a helicopter and had to know what you were doing, recalls warrant officer Clyde Romero of his 1,100 hours flying scout missions over South Vietnam in 1971. One, nicknamed Queer John, hit the dirt at least seven times. [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. With US Army evaluations of each prototype ongoing, the underpowered Bell offering was formally dropped from contention and the US Army decision favored the Hughes design over the Fairchild-Hiller. s/n 67-16304 During the Vietnam War, it was exclusively used by North Vietnam for reconnaissance and VIP transport. The killer role persists. They went down in the jungle, and both [members of the crew] survived. Disclaimer Photographs Her research focused on Victorian, medical, and epidemiological history with a focus on childhood diseases. [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. Mills, who served two tours in Loaches and one in Cobras, was shot down 16 timesall but once in OH-6s. Moore served as an Army OH-6A Loach scout in IV Corps, South Vietnam, 1968-1969: Fort Apache, Vihn Long Province. 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). Upon returning to the United States, he established a career in the construction industry and settled in rural Sierra City, California. 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. These helicopters were mostly used for observation, reconnaissance, utility, and for providing combat support. In 1965, the concept of helicopter-borne fighting forces was still new and largely untested, and units in Vietnam invented tactics on the spot. Total flight hours at this point: 00000265 These would be used to replace its fleet of Bell H-13 Sioux, a compact first generation rotorcraft. 29 of the best politically incorrect Vietnam War slang terms Robert Davis Travel Management Consultant, 2023 Executive Flyers +1 (512) 241-0795. During the Vietnam War the OH-6 helicopters served in huge numbers and were used for light observation and utility roles. So I engaged the enemy, but didnt make it out of that one. In Vietnam, These Helicopter Scouts Saw Combat Up Close Cobras and Loaches, two vastly different aircraft, relied on each other to fight the enemy. Date: 03/25/1970 The Korean War proved the necessity for such rotorcraft, particularly in regard to search and rescue operations. Cookie Policy Following a contentious selection process that included allegations of industrial espionage and political favoritism, the first Hughes OH-6A observation helicopters arrived in Vietnam in December 1967. This chopper is mostly known for having been used to spot enemy artillery. This story is a selection from the September issue of Air & Space magazine, Donald Porter Helicopter took 2 hits from: The Army initially ordered 1,438 Hughes Model 369s, designated by the Army as the OH-6A Cayuse helicopters. 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. While Loachs were vulnerable to enemy fire, they were famous for surviving crashes like John did. Unit: DIR SUP / TRAN The Vietnam War saw the extensive use of helicopters, though were mostly by the United States military. 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. Despite Being Prone to Crashing, the Loach Helicopter Was Favored By Pilots In Vietnam The Hughes OH-6 Cayuse was a revolutionary rotorcraft operated during the Vietnam War. While they were circling the wreckage, enemy rounds hit their ship. Once enemy positions opened fire at the Cayuse, they were destroyed by the mighty firepower of escorting Cobras. 79th Transportation Company: Jun 70 Jul 70 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. The AH-1 is sometimes affectionately referred to as the Huey Cobra or The Snake. On a few occasions, the OH-23 was also used for medical evacuation purposes, but this was rarely the case. Select the first letter of the last name of the person you want to find: Moore served as an Army OH-6A "Loach" scout in IV Corps, South Vietnam, 1968-1969: Fort Apache, Vihn Long Province. A saying among Army aviators was, If you have to crash, do it in a Loach.. The OH-6 was also exported as the Model 500 Defender. 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. 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. Kane recalls, The vibrations were so harsh I had to return to base camp at Khe Sanh, seven miles from the Laotian border. [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. 24 Helicopters Used in Vietnam (And Their Purpose) The aircraft was diverted prior to accomplishing any mission objectives. During 1966, the OH-6 entered service with the U.S. Army, it promptly arrived into active combat in the Vietnam War. (7.62MM) The armed OH-6s from Fort Rucker joined the training program in the fall of 1980.[30]. I was wounded three times and shot down nine times, Romero reports. During 1967, following price escalations for the OH-6, the U.S. Army reopened the programme to bids for as many as 2,700 additional airframes beyond the 1,300 OH-6s already contracted. 2 Stinger AAM. The Incident - Operation Triumphus The Huey descended gingerly into a clearing smaller than its main rotor diameter, the aircrafts rotor blades chopping tree limbs as it descended. A Troop, 7th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division: Aug 70 Feb 72 Vietnams mountainous terrain stressed the underpowered, obsolete helicopters to their limits: They could neither fly fast enough to escape enemy fire nor carry enough armament to pose a meaningful threat. Light Observation Helicopter - Wikipedia 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. Here are the 24 helicopters used in Vietnam. They could also use grenades and on occasion even homebuilt explosives; more aggressive units mounted forward-firing miniguns. It had to do with the timbre of your voicehow you talked to other guys on the radio, says Romero, who arrived in Vietnam in 1970, initially as a Huey co-pilot. 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.. Its four-bladed full-articulated main rotor made it particularly agile, and it was suitable for personnel transport, escort and attack missions, and observation. In 1972, as U.S. troops slowly withdrew, the NVA began a major push that became known as the Easter Offensive. That was about it.. Crews trained side by side with the 160th for all operational concepts. Helicopter took 1 hits from: To this day I am closer to those guys I flew with in Vietnam than my own brothers, says Mills. They underwent two weeks of qualification training and an additional two weeks of mission training. loach | My Vietnam Experience | The following text is exclusive to this site. 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. Anthony comes from a military family and has served his country proudly in the military as a pilot. Cobras and Loaches, two vastly different aircraft, relied on each other to fight 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. Observation Helicopters 4. His three tours to Vietnam included death-defying scouting missions piloting his Hughes OH-6 light observation helicopter (or Loach) as well as gunship runs inside his AH-1 Cobra attack helicopter.. Cozzalio was also involved in nine aircraft mishaps; he was shot down six times and suffered three hard landings. 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. Table of Contents 1. Reportedly, Hughes had consulted at the last moment with Real, who recommended a bid of $53,550. The US Army charged Hughes for 714 units with the serial production contract formally announced in May of 1965. It was reasonably fast, very crashworthy, comparatively easy to maintain and fly, and extraordinarily maneuverable. Accordingly, this tactic had resulted in substantial losses being incurred on the contract with the U.S. Army; the company had allegedly anticipated that an extended production cycle would eventually make the rotorcraft financially viable. In contrast, of the nearly 1,100 Cobras delivered to the Army, 300 were lost. The Loach helicopter was pitted against what was then known as the Bell Model 206. Loach come from the LOH which means Light Observation Helicopter. Reportedly, 964 out of the 1,422 OH-6As produced for the U.S. Army were destroyed in Vietnam alone. One time we ran into hundreds of enemy troops. Upon landing, an inspection revealed a damaged pitch link, a rotor head component so critical that had it failed, they too would have crashed. OA-6A 'Loach' Scout platoon. See his memoir Warpath: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/60299643-warpath Posted as part of the \"War \u0026 Life: Discussions with Veterans\" project. . [4] The prototypes were delivered to the U.S. Army at Fort Rucker, Alabama, where they competed against the other ten prototype aircraft produced by Bell and Fairchild-Hiller. Date: 02/08/1969 60th Assault Helicopter Company: Mar 72 Jun 72, Information on U.S. Army helicopter OH-6A tail number 67-16304 Provision for packaged armament on port side, including an XM-27 7.62mm (0.300in) machine-gun with 2,000 - 4,000 rounds of ammunition; or an XM-75 grenade launcher, Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment and Task Force 160, List of military aircraft of the United States, Hearings on military posture and H.R.