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

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Bud Mehringer, e-mail, 05.04.2010reply

I flew aboard the HH43B (Call Sign Pedro One)as a firefighter assigned to 31st Air Rescue Squadron,Clark AFB Phillippines 65' /66'. The overall experience was most memorable, but the dedication and focus of my fellow flightcrew was unforgetable. Thanks!

Ken Joyce, e-mail, 27.03.2010reply

I was a firefighter on the H-43B, first in Duluth, Mn. where I was fortunate to be chosen, then at Nha Trang, AFB in Viet Nam and lastly England, AFB in Alexandria, La. It was the highlight of my military career and I volunteered to go up every time the opportunity presented itself, earning two Air Medals over combat territory in Nam for hours flown. The story that sticks out was when we were leaving CamRahn Bay after dropping off two guys who were going home. We made it to 900 feet when there was an explosion and we had no more engine. A mechanic had left a rag in the intake while working on the aircraft and it got sucked into the engine and she blew. We had an experienced Capt. on board who immediately took control of the bird and got us back over land. When we hit the sand, the right front gear collapsed causing us go flip to the right side. It was a lot of noise as the blades were hitting the sand and each other but after they stopped we all got out safely, resulting in a fun night in Camrahn Bay. I think that mechanic's backside is still sore from the chewing he must have gotten. I was so glad to see land as I couldn't swim (they never asked and I never told) as we were over water when the explosion occurred. My confidence in the bird to fly without an engine was never doubted as we used to practice for just this occasion all the time. Fond memories to say the least.

Oberstminga, e-mail, 25.03.2010reply

Kamans are a reverse-engineer clone of the fully operational Flettner FI-282. My grandfather was a aeronautical engineer (and due to 1938 laws a Nazi party member (you could not be employed if not a Nazi party member)) who worked between Henschel then Flettner. He was kidnapped to USA in 1946 away from my grandmother her 4 sons (one of them my father) and had to work for ten years by USAF under pressure he would be charged as being a war criminal.
My grandfather had nothing to do with politics or Jews and was legally forced not to talk of experience when return to FDR (West Germany). He was very bitter about being kidnapped by the USA- and not receive any compensation. USA stole billions of dollars of Nazi-era patents as their reparations scheme. The USA stole all working Flettner Kolibri from Luftwaffe Mühldorf in Bavaria to USA.
When you see a Kaman- should give credit to whom it is due: another brilliant German engineer Dr Anton Flettner.
If you wear or use Nylon- remember it was invented by a proud Nazi party engineer from Siemens-Krupp and stolen by DuPont

John f. Kolar, e-mail, 28.02.2010reply

I had the pleasure of flying Pedro from 1967-70. Sheppard AFB, McCord, Bien Hoa and Randolf. Many war stories from Bien Hoa. Any of my flying buddies out there. Please e-mail.

David Cunningham, e-mail, 12.02.2010reply

I was a firefighter at utapoa ab on july 19,1969, when the hh43 heli crashed. I talked to the only survivor last Chrismas, 2009. His name is tom miles.

alfred.ibru7@yahoo.com, e-mail, 23.01.2010reply

Dear Friend,

I am Barrister Adamu iDRIS, a personal attorney to the
deceased(Engr.Richard) I am compelled to write you this email for the
following reason:-The above named person, who is now deceased, in His
Will, left for someone who bears your name his entire Estate and Cash
deposit(US$16.522Million).

The truth is that, l do not know if you are the beneficiary or not.For two
years now, l have tried effortlessly to locate the name on the will
without success hence l have contacted you,Can you please get back to me
urgently.if you think you are the one or you desire further
explanation,get back to me immediately.

Do not forget to include your confidential telephone /fax numbers and your
full residential address.

I look forward hearing from you.

Best Regards,

Adamu iDRIS Esq.

DENNIS SOKIE (RET. MSGT ), e-mail, 18.03.2014reply

STARTED OUT ON PEDRO AS A FIRE FIGHTER AT DULUTH MIN,THEN ONTO MISAWA AB JAPAN,LAST PEDRO FLIGHT WHEN I LEFT DANAG.MET AND FLEW WITH THE BEST.BEING ON PEDRO WAS THE
BEST PART OF MY 22 YEARS IN THE AF.

Chilly Glance, e-mail, 07.01.2010reply

5th DASF, 1968-69. When I was hurt and my left arm was paralyzed, one of these wonderful helos came to get me. It was a wonderful ride, much quiter and smoother than the Huey. I always say a prayer of praise and thanksgiving when I remember this aircraft and the people who flew them.

Paul Marchesseault, e-mail, 03.01.2010reply

I had the privilege to work as a tool planner on the H43-B in the Moosup, CT plant for Kaman Aircraft during summer vacation while a student at the University of Connecticut in the early 1960s. I always wanted to ride in one after seeing the finished product fly demos for the big-wigs on family day. I got my wish in Vietnam on 23 Nov 1966. I was an aerial observer in a Bird Dog (L-19) that overheard a mayday from an O-1E (USAF version of the L-19)that had crashed in the jungle northwest of Tuy Hoa. My plane stayed over them until an H43-B came out from Tuy Hoa air base and extracted them from the jungle (Capt. Dave Disbrow and 1 /LT Al Whiteside.) Capt. Ed Fishbeck (USAF) was the H43 pilot. We all adjourned to Tuy Hoa north field for debriefing. After that meeting Captain Fishbeck flew us both back to our home base at Tuy Hoa south field, about 10 miles away. We climbed out so fast and straight up it was exhilarating to say the least.

lou maloney, e-mail, 01.01.2010reply

i was a airborn fighter in vietnam and enjoyed every minuite the years 1971-1972

R. Otto, e-mail, 22.11.2009reply

I worked as a firefighter (military) assigned to "Petro" from 1967 to 1968 at Suffolk County AFB. It is difficult to find any reference to this Rescue unit on the web!??
Any answers or links, please email me.

Roy Moseley, e-mail, 02.09.2009reply

I was an Airborne FireFighter and flew many hours in Pedro in the back and in the left front seat.Next to women I think I loved her best. I was assigned to Pedro at DMAFB in Tucson,ColumbusAFB Ms,and Nakhon Phanom AB where I took 226 rides across the river. She was one sweet Lady

Stephen Mock, MSGt(ret), e-mail, 02.07.2009reply

Your description in the box with the H43 making a Hoist Recovery is inaccurate. The HH43 is credited with more Combat saves in Vietnam /Laos /Cambodia, than the CH3 and CH53 Jolly Greens combined. Please visit www.pedronews.org Rescue Stories can be accessed by scrolling to the bottom of the HOME PAGE and clicking on any date under Pedro News Archieves. Also visit www.talkingproud.us /Military020105B.html for a complete comprehensive history..

Steve Mock
EDITOR PEDRO NEWS

James Eatmon, MSgt, Ret, e-mail, 31.05.2009reply

Re MSgt Davis' post. There was a survivor from Pedro-43. The PJ was critically injured but we managed to piece him back together. A few years later he returned to duty as a PJ. When asked about it, he would just laugh and say "If I walk away from the next one, I'll quit."

Austin Lindsey, e-mail, 17.05.2009reply

I remember this A /C well. Oct 28, 1965 It pulled myself and my back seater, Navy F4B, out of the woods along the Mugea (sp) pass in NV. The 2 Kamans came over from Thialand. We were both burned and had back injuries. Great recovery from our viewpoint. A few days later they brought onto the ship a Kaman Hoist operator. His helo was trying to find a downed aircrew in NV. The Helo got hit and caught fire, Pilot & Co Pilot bailed and were captured. This fellow jumped from the rear But he had forgotten to unhook his safety line. He climbed back into the burning helo, unhooked and jumped. Because of this delay He landed on a Karst ridge with nothing but a Cig lighter. It was very dark. Our ship's helo (SH3) found him and brought him to the carrier. This was around Nov 1 1965.

Mike Bolline, e-mail, 16.05.2009reply

I flew this bird at Cam Ranh Bay and at Big Spring,TX. Loved it! Great mission and fun to fly. One of the hardest things to do was to thover with the rear gear or the front on a rock. We practiced this in order to deploy PJ's in unusual terrain. I think I was the only pilot to ever expend the fire kit on an airplane in the US. My last flight was a check flight to bring the alert bird back on flight status. You don't see much about this aircraft.

SMSgt Davis (Ret), e-mail, 22.04.2009reply

The one I remember was when I was driving out of the munitions area at Utapao in '68 or '69 and traffic was backed up and we stopped. I then saw the dark smoke in the distance and a Pedro flying around. Not long afterwards a huge fireball and there was no more helicopter in the sky. The APs turned everyone around and we had to take the back way out to get over to the main base.

It turns out that when the B-52 slid off the runway the aircrew got out okay but the Pedro crew were all killed by that first explosion.

Brett G. Hightower, e-mail, 02.04.2009reply

Hello All...
My father, Major David B. Hightower was an H-43B pilot in the AF and was stationed at Takhli, Thailand in the 60's. Stateside he was stationed numerous places but had fond memories of his time in Tucson, AZ in the formative years of his air resuce career. He passed away in 2005 but lives on in memory through the numerous film slide images he left me. I always felt a tremendous sense of pride whenever I saw his service photos or when he would share his stories as we smoked cigars on his deck in Omaha, NE. He retired in 1976 at Offutt when it was still SAC HQ. I'm sorry I have nothing to offer here but I came across this site and wanted to share. I enjoyed reading all the posts left by others and I'm glad that there is a bit of a legacy behind one of the lesser known helicopters of the era.
If anyone would like some additional photos I'd be happy to dust off my slide scanner and scan as many photos as I have of the Huskie.
Thanks for letting me share!

Sincerely,
Brett Hightower

Eric Bishop, e-mail, 02.03.2009reply

I love the kaman helicopter would ofloved to fly the Huskie as I flew the seasprite and K-max and they fly so great.

Chuck Meston, e-mail, 02.03.2009reply

My dad was a fireman with the USAF and trained on the H43-B in Reno, NV 1960 or 1961. He was then stationed at England AFB Alexandra,LA from 1961-1964 in fighter rescue. I think we still have some film of him fighting aircraft fires with the H43-B. Oh, what memories!

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