HH-43B Huskie
A single HH-43B Huskie was assigned to Dover from 1959 to 1962.
Mission
The “Huskie” was used primarily for crash rescue and aircraft fire-fighting. It was in use with the U.S. Navy when delivery of the H-43As to the USAF Tactical Air Command began in November 1958. Delivery of the -B series began in June 1959. In mid-1962, the USAF changed the H-43 designation to HH-43 to reflect the aircraft’s rescue role. The final USAF version was the HH-43F with engine modifications for improved performance. Some -Fs were used in Southeast Asia as “aerial fire trucks” and for rescuing downed airmen in North and South Vietnam. Huskies were also flown by other nations including Iran, Colombia and Morocco. The H-43 Huskie set an altitude record of 10.000 m and numerous rate of climb records. During the Korean and Vietnam Wars, the Huskie flew more rescue missions than all other aircraft combined – with the best safety record of any U.S. military aircraft.
Unique aspects of the HH-43 are its wood constructed rotors. By warping the blades causes the aircraft to climb or descend. Operation of large tabs on the trailing edge of each blade causes the warping.
Gallery
Serial Number: 62-4532
Manufacturer:
Kaman Aircraft
First Flight:
1947
Retired:
Early 1970s
Specifications
Crew: Two pilots, two rescue crew
Payload: -
Powerplant: 1x Lycoming T53 turboshaft
Length:
25 ft
Wingspan:
47 ft (rotor diameter)
Height:
17 ft 2 in
Empty Weight:
4,442 lbs
Loaded Weight:
9,150 lbs
Maximum Speed:
120 mph
Cruise Speed:
105 mph
Range:
185 mph
Service Ceiling:
25,000 ft
Assignment History
The assignment history for the Air Mobility Command Museum's HH-43B Huskie, serial number 62-4532:
| Date | Location |
|---|---|
2 Oct 1964 |
to 58th Air Rescue Squadron (Military Air Transport Command), Wheelus AB, Libya |
8 July 1969 |
to Warner Robins Air Material Area (AF Logistics Command), Wheelus AB, Libya, for work |
11 July 1969 |
to 58th Air Rescue Squadron (Military Air Transport Command), Wheelus AB, Libya |
21 Jan 1970 |
to 3750th Maintenance and Supply Group (Air Training Command), Sheppard AFB, TX |
3 May 1971 - 20 Dec 1971 |
to 1550th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Training Wing (MATS), Hill AFB, UT |
1 Apr 1973 |
Dropped from the USAF inventory, Hill AFB, UT |