Back Kaman H-43 "Huskie"
1956

Kaman H-43 "Huskie"

Kaman won a US Air Force contract in 1956 for a Crash/Rescue/Fire-Fighting helicopter. Designated the H-43A the first Huskies were delivered in 1958 and eighteen of these piston-powered helicopters were delivered until 1959 when Kaman switched entirely to turbine power.

Designated the H-43B/HH-43B, the turbine-powered Huskie was built in 1958 and lasted nine years. Powered by a Lycoming T53-L-1B the helicopters continued to be used in the USAF Crash/Rescue role. Later addition of an uprated Lycoming T53-L-11A engine re-designated the helicopter the HH-43F and a total of thirty-seven HH-43Fs were built up to 1968. The Kaman HH-43B set a world's altitude record for helicopters with a flight to 9850m and three world's time-of-climb records to 3000m, 6000m, and 9000m.

P.Allen "The Helicopter", 1996

Kaman H-43 "Huskie"

Charles H. Kaman established the Kaman Aircraft Corporation in December 1945 to manufacture a new helicopter rotor and control system of his own design. Development of the basic intermeshing rotor system and its servo flap control was completed in late 1946 and the first experimental Kaman K-125A helicopter was flown on 15 January 1947. From it was evolved first the K-190, flown in 1948, and then the K-225 three-seat utility helicopter; two examples of the K-225 were acquired by the US Navy in 1950. Used for evaluation purposes, they led to an initial contract for 29 HTK-1 trainers which, in 1962, were redesignated TH-43E. Contemporary with production of the HTK-1, Kaman developed the K-600, ordered for service with the US Marine Corps and US Navy under the respective designations HOK-1 and HUK-1; these were redesignated UH-43C and OH-43D in 1962. Eighteen aircraft similar to the US Navy's HUK-1s were also acquired by the US Air Force under the designation H-43A Huskie.

One HOK-1 was flown as a testbed aircraft with an Avco Lycoming XT53 turboshaft engine, and service testing confirmed the considerable performance improvement offered by this powerplant. This led to the H-43B, first flown on 13 December 1958, which became the major production version of the Huskie with a total of 193 built; of this number 31 were supplied under the US Military Assistance Program to Burma (12), Colombia (6), Morocco (4), Pakistan (6) and Thailand (3). Slightly larger than the earlier H-43A (later HH-43A), the H-43B (later HH-43B) had a cabin seating up to eight passengers and was powered by a 615kW Avco Lycoming T53-L-1B turboshaft engine. Final production version was the HH-43F (40 built for the USAF and 17 for Iran). Generally similar to the HH-43B airframe, except for internal rearrangement to seat 11 passengers, this last version of the Huskie had an 858kW Lycoming T53-L-11A derated to 615kW for improved performance in 'hot-and-high' conditions.

An interesting variant of the Huskie family derived from a conversion of one of the original K-225s. Under US Navy contract, Kaman installed in this aircraft a 130kW Boeing YT50 (Model 502-2) gas-turbine engine. When first flown with this powerplant on 10 December 1951, this was the first helicopter in the world to have its rotors powered by a turbine engine.

D.Donald "The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft", 1997

Kaman H-43 "Huskie"

FACTS AND FIGURES

- Ex-US Huskies have served with the air forces of Burma, Colombia, Morocco, Pakistan and Thailand.

- The Huskie established seven world records using its T53-1 engine.

- The first flight of the prototype in this series took place on 13 December 1958.

- The USAF received 263 Huskies (18 H-43As, 203 HH-43Bs and 42 HH-43Fs) between 1958 and 1968.

- The rescue hoist of the Huskie has a capacity of 272kg for lifting personnel.

- A few civilian Huskies remain in use undertaking logging operations.


Photo Gallery 

A Navy HOK-1 (later OH-43D) leads a flight of Kaman helicopters - an HTK-1 fitted with floats, the turboshaft-powered K-225, and the second K-225 prototype

A U.S. Air Force HH-43B Huskie practices rescue operations at an air base in South Vietnam during 1966. Note the exhaust pipe projecting over the tail assembly, four tail fins, wheel skids for operation in swamps or marshes, and two men coming aboard via the rescue hoist. The HH-43s were used mainly for base operations and rarely for combat rescues in Vietnam

Technical data for Kaman H-43F "Huskie"

Crew: 1, passengers: 11, engine: 1 x Lycoming T53-L-11A turboshaft, rated at 850kW, rotor diameter: 14.33m, fuselage length: 7.67m, height: 3.84m, width: 4.58m, take-off weight: 4150kg, empty weight: 2095kg, max speed: 193km/h, cruising speed: 177km/h, rate of climb: 9.15m/s, service ceiling: 7010m, range: 810km

Comments1-20 21-40 41-60 61-80 81-100 101-120 121-140 141-160
mekong152@99w.us, e-mail, 21.11.2016reply

I served with the Navy Mobile Riverine Force - Task Force 117. During my one year tour I only saw one Huskie helo. I will never forget the "swish-swish" sound of the blades. We got ambushed way down south. O'Briant was wounded for the 3rd time. The helo arrived and when it lifted off with the wounded it was hit by ground fire. RM3 O'Briant was wounded a 4th time. I then went to the Naval Communications Station, Guam. O'Briant was there awaiting my arrival with his Purple Heart with (3) large gold stars. The other guys would ask me if I got wounded. I'd tell them "No, O'Briant got mine too!" I took a photo of that Huskie with Purple Smoke. - RM2 Michael A. Harris

Jerry VanGrunsven, e-mail, 15.11.2016reply

Saw post 01-03-16 from Larry Parker (Last active H-43A pilot, early 1980's) I flew the A model during 1971-1972 in Washington State, fire fighting and fertilizer application. Good helicopter for it time. Would like to contact Mr Parker

Curt Folska, e-mail, 09.11.2016reply

Looking for anyone assigned to Det4,Korat RTAFB 69-70. I
attended PACAF jungle survival school in Nov 69 with a firefighter but can't locate him.

Jim Johnson, e-mail, 04.09.2016reply

I was a flying crewchief on a unit at Stead AFB, later transferred to Sheppard AFB. 63-67. Great helicopter, had great experience working on this aircraft. Would like someone with knowledge to let me know about a crash killing the pilot, student and the airman getting flight time in 1965.

I think i also knew a W. Bilyk.

Fred Rossetti, e-mail, 24.07.2016reply

I have only the memories and black and white pictures of the HH-43 . Pop's spoke very highly of this helicopter. He was stationed in Bein Hoa as fireman on the HH-43. He sure had some stories to tell . I found some models of it in a hobby shop one day and thought I would build one for him and one for me . Bad mistake! He told me the colors were were all wrong and they had removed the back doors and several other issues . I told him if he could do better have at it . Good thing I purchased the last 4 the shop had . He put his kit together and told me all about it as he was building it . We shared many beers and a wealth of history while doing so . Thinking back on that time we shared , I was so happy I goofed up his kit . I later found out he had my kit in his office beside his and he enjoyed both .
Thank's to all who served . Pop's fought his last battle to cancer in 2010 .

Mike pettibone, e-mail, 23.03.2016reply

for Robert turner. I was at Ie Shima Okinawa from 66 to 67. Was a detachment of Kadena. You guys would bring out pilots for our spotting towers. You would land on our ball field in front of our compound. We had 5 firefighters stationed there. One old 530-B pumper and a jeep.

Robert Turner, e-mail, 21.03.2016reply

I attended HH-43-B rescue school at Stead AFB, NV in 1963, while assigned to Webb AFB, Texas I was later assigned to Kadena AB Okinawa from 1964-1969 and was Firefighter instructor /flight examiner. My last three years on Pedro was at England AFB from 1969-1972 Went back to the Fire school at Good fellow AFB to visit and they have one on display. Lots of fond memories.

Robert Eanes, e-mail, 04.03.2016reply

For Jack Douglas--
Mr. Douglas, please call me AYC at (804)748-1577, as I was at Dow AFB, Bangor, Maine at the same time you were. Would love to hear from you. Thanks, Robert Eanes

larry parker, e-mail, 01.03.2016reply

I believe I was the last active H-43A pilot with the 1340 piston eng. On fire contract in eastern N.C. working for hawkins & powers out of WY.in the spring of 1980.

Jack Douglas, e-mail, 02.02.2016reply

I flew with Det. 42 (later Det 2) Eastern Air Rescue in the HH-43B during 1962 to 1964 at Dow AFB, Maine. We did the crash recovery after a B-52D from Westover AFB, Mass. went down near Elephant Mountain, Maine in January 1963 (alongside a brand new HSS-2 (Sea King from Otis AFB, MA) and later an F-101B crash at Pasadumkeg, Maine. One of our two HH-43B's was numbered 17555 (triple nickle). I'd love to hear from anybody who flew with us during that time.

Walter J Zimmerman, e-mail, 07.09.2023 Jack Douglas

I was there from late 1961 until Oct 1963, and flew the mission on the B-52, and the F-101 you mentioned. I put a lot of hours on "triple nickel, and our other bird 545. Do not recall your position. Who else was there when you were at Det 42?
Walt Zimmerman

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mikesmith, e-mail, 20.01.2016reply

My uncle Major Robert D. McDougal, flew the HH43 Huskie for a number of years in the USAF. Unfortunately we lost him to
cancer last Friday, January 15,2016. Services will be in
Sacramento, Saturday, January 30, 2016.

jerry ball, e-mail, 11.09.2020 mikesmith

Hello Mike I just found this site and I am sorry to hear of your Uncle passing. I flew with your Uncle at Misawa AB, Japan 66 /67. I was a firefighter and moved to Siagon 67. Still remember the Jaguar car that he brought to Japan. Regards Jerry

reply

mikesmith, e-mail, 20.01.2016reply

My uncle Major Robert D. McDougal, flew the HH43 Huskie for a number of years in the USAF. Unfortunately we lost him to
cancer last Friday, January 15,2016. Services will be in
Sacramento, Saturday, January 30, 2016.

Tamra Harrison, e-mail, 25.11.2015reply

48 RESCUE SQUADRON (AFSOC)


48 Rescue Squadron Emblem
In accordance with Chapter 3 of AFI 84-105, commercial reproduction of this emblem is NOT permitted without the permission of the proponent organizational /unit commander.

Lineage. Constituted as 48 Air Rescue Squadron on 17 Oct 1952. Activated on 14 Nov 1952. Redesignated as: 48 Air Recovery Squadron on 1 Feb 1965; 48 Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron on 8 Jan 1966; 48 Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, Training on 8 Jul 1967. Inactivated on 7 Feb 1969. Redesignated as 48 Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron on 14 Sep 1972. Activated on 15 Sep 1972. Inactivated on 1 Aug 1976. Activated on 1 Oct 1985. Inactivated on 31 Dec 1987. Redesignated as 48 Rescue Squadron on 1 Apr 1993. Activated on 1 May 1993. Inactivated on 1 Feb 1999. Activated on 1 Apr 2004.

Assignments. 5 Air Rescue Group, 14 Nov 1952; Air Rescue (later, Aerospace Rescue and Recovery) Service, 8 Dec 1956-7 Feb 1969. 39 Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Wing, 15 Sep 1972; 41 Rescue and Weather Reconnaissance Wing, 1 Jan-1 Aug 1976. 39 Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Wing, 1 Oct 1985-31 Dec 1987. 49 Operations Group, 1 May 1993-1 Feb 1999. 563 Rescue Group, 1 Apr 2004-.

Operational Components. Detachments: Det 1 (Kindley AFB, Bermuda): 18 Jun 1960-18 Jun 1961. Det 1 (Homestead AFB, FL): 15 May 1974-1 Sep 1975. Det 2 (Goose AB, Labrador): 18 Jun 1960-18 Jun 1961. Det 2 (K.I. Sawyer AFB, MI): 15 May 1974-1 Sep 1975. Det 5 (Edwards AFB, CA): 15 May 1974-1 Aug 1976. Det 6 (Holloman AFB, NM): 15 May 1974-1 Aug 1976. Det 14 (MacDill AFB, FL): 15 May 1974-1 Sep 1975. Det 15 (Myrtle Beach AFB, SC): 15 May 1974-1 Sep 1975. Det 18 (Plattsburgh AFB, NY): 15 May 1974-1 Sep 1975. Det 22 (Mountain Home AFB, ID): 15 May 1974-1 Aug 1976.

Stations. Maxwell AFB, AL, 14 Nov 1952; Eglin AFB, FL, 10 Jan 1955-7 Feb 1969. Fairchild AFB, WA, 15 Sep 1972-1 Aug 1976. Homestead AFB, FL, 1 Oct 1985-31 Dec 1987. Holloman AFB, NM, 1 May 1993-1 Feb 1999. Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ, 1 Apr 2004-.

Commanders. Lt Col Edward C. Lass, 14 Nov 1952; Maj Monroe W. Graham, 1952; Lt Col Robert W. Soderbert, 8 Jan 1953; Maj Harold T. Cunningham, 1 Jun 1953; Lt Col Jay W. Stansbury, 7 Jul 1953; Lt Col William M. McDonald, 9 Jan 1957; Lt Col Malcolm C. Frazee, 13 Jul 1959; Lt Col Marshall V. Frederickson, 1 Jun 1962; Lt Col Thomas R. Aaron, 16 Aug 1963; Lt Col Maynard R. Rhoades, 3 Jun 1965; Lt Col William P. Adams, 23 Aug 1965; Lt Col Edward M. LaDou, 21 Jul 1966; Lt Col Karo F. Rybos, 27 Sep 1966; Col Charles W. Marshall, 6 Jun 1968-c. Feb 1969. Maj Hayden C. Moore, 15 Sep 1972; Lt Col Pasco Parker, 3 Oct 1972; Lt Col Bruce M. Purvine, Jun 1973; Lt Col Dale L. Patterson, Nov 1975-1 Aug 1976. Lt Col Charles T. Gelatka, 1 Oct 1985-31 Dec 1987. Lt Col Denver L. Pletcher, 1 Feb 1993; Lt Col N. Schoeneberg, 28 Sep 1994; Lt Col Timothy R. Morris, 31 May 1996; Lt Col Douglas L. Tracy, 18 Jul 1997-1 Feb 1999. Lt Col Carl D. Rebarchak, 1 Apr 2004; Lt Col Matthew J. Shozda, 25 Jun 2004; Maj Patrick O'Rourke, 1 Jun 2007; Lt Col Jason D. Pifer, 24 Jul 2009; Lt Col Edward J. Irick III, 22 Jul 2011-.

Aircraft. SB-29, 1952-1954; C-82, 1952-1953; SA-16 (later, HU-16), 1954-1968; H /SH-19 (later, HH-19), 1954-1963; C /SC-54 (later, C /HC-54), 1956-1965; HH-43, 1963-1965, 1966-1968; HC-130, 1965-1969; HH /CH-3, 1966-1969; HH-53, 1966-1969. UH-1, 1972-1976. UH-1, 1985-1987. HH-60, 1993-1999. None, 2004-.

Operations Search, rescue and recovery duties mostly over water, 1952-1969, 1972-1976, 1985-1987. Supported USAF Survival School, 1972-1976 and 1985-1987. Performed interdiction missions in support of the South Florida Drug Interdiction Task Force, 1985-1987. Conducted combat search and rescue operations 1993-1999. Served as a Guardian Angel unit consisting of pararescue, combat rescue officers, and SERE (survival, evasion, resistance, and escape) specialists, 2004-.

Service Streamers. None.

Campaign Streamers. None.

Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers. None.

Decorations. Meritorious Unit Award: 1 Jun 2008-31 May 2010. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 1 May-7 Jun 1967; [15 Sep] 1972-30 Jun 1974; 1 Jun 1995-31 May 1997; 1 Jun 1998-1 Feb 1999; 1 Oct 2003-31 Oct 2004; 1 Nov 2004-31 Jul 2006; 1 Jun 2006-31 May 2008.

Lineage, Assignments, Components, Stations, and Honors through 10 Sep 2012.

Commanders, Aircraft, and Operations through Jul 2011.

Supersedes statement prepared in Sep 2003.

Emblem. Approved on 19 May 1994.

Prepared by Patsy Robertson.

Reviewed by Daniel Haulman.

Tamra Harrison, e-mail, 25.11.2015reply

I am searching any /all information about my grandfather, Colonel Pasco Parker.A humble man, a hellicopter pilot,search & rescue, awarded many medals, multiple tours to Istanbul.... please help me learn more! God bless!

michael carey, e-mail, 10.09.2020 Tamra Harrison

i served with captain Parker at james connley afb in the early 60s he was a great man .
i can only tell you a little story
at the time i was only 18yr old
captaln Parker had niece that was coming to visit i no not remember her name but he asked me if i would take her out on a date i asked him how old she was and he wanted to know what i had in mind i told him nothing at the time for the date i got sick and was in the hospital captain Parker brought her to the hospital to meet me she was a very pretty blonde about 16 or 17 when they left i never saw her again you might know who she is she still alive she is in her 70s all in all Pasco was a great person

reply

Steve Payne, e-mail, 27.10.2015reply

For Mike Seymour - I was also at Craig AFB (69-73) as a Life Support & Aircrew Survival tech. Our T-37 section serviced your life support equipment (along with that from Rucker). I can remember many an IFE response with PEDRO "chasing" the Tweet or Talon down the runway as it landed. It was very depressing when the Det was closed - seeing PEDRO minus rotors, landing gear and tail fins sitting on a railcar waiting shipment to DM. Never got to fly a Huskey - got all my time later in a Huey at Little Rock.

Michael Wayne, CMSgt (Ret), e-mail, 11.08.2015reply

Attached to Det 9, AARRC, RAF Wethersfield, England, summer of 1966 until Jan 1968 as Med Tech, 90250. I helped make the Det become operational after its transfer from Laon, France. Was member of the Huskie crew that made the first operational flight to the London heliport to check out flight ops and routes. Notable pic of us in front of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben made during flight that's viewable on Facebook RAF Wethersfield site! Participated in several demos at not only the base, but other RAF stations, too. Always felt my Huskie flight experience early in my AF career was instrumental in overall AF career and advancement; many thanks to pilots, Capts Berthold and Dunham for their early support and encouragement!

Jack Garrison, e-mail, 15.07.2015reply

I was maintanice officer at 39th Arrwg and later at 43ARRSQ at Richards-Gebaur AFB from Dec 1970 til Dec 1972. We had ten HH-43 detachments through out central US. We had no aircraft at RG. I have may fond memories of all the guys in the Det and at hq.

Ken Gardner, e-mail, 26.05.2015reply

I was a flight medic assigned to Pedro unit at Luke AFB 70-72 and then at Takhli RTAFB, Thailand 72-73.Flying in that ol'bird and serving with those guys were the best days of my life..

Philip Mobley, e-mail, 25.05.2015reply

I was a medic on the HH-43B at Myrtle Beach AFB, SC.
68 - 71....I love Rescue and flying in that chopper and being in the Air Force was an honor to my GOD, Country, Family and friends. Love being a Veteran!!!

Ron Hogand, e-mail, 31.03.2015reply

flew air rescue at larado air base 71-73 i loved the hh43 as most have said i flew with some really great men was a pleasure to know them proud to serve our country

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