Fondly remembered for its strange aesthetic design, it was one of the first helicopters to adopt intermeshing rotors that eliminated the need for a tail rotor.
The HH43, better known by its call sign “Pedro,” was designed primarily for local base rescue operations and to deal with aircraft fires. It was a quick-response helicopter that could be ready in a minute with a fire suppression kit that could produce almost 700 gallons of fire-fighting foam.
Most notably, the Kaman Huskies operated during the Vietnam War as part of the Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron. From 1965 to 1975, modified Kamans equipped to deal with Asia's intense tropical climate carried out over 800 combat operations to rescue wounded pilots, Marines, and Army soldiers.
During one of these operations, the underpowered helo and the reckless actions of pararescue jumper William H. Pitsenbarger were the protagonists of an extraordinary rescue mission...
VIDEO HERE (10:13 minutes)
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Kaman HH-43 Huskie Walkaround and Flight
VIDEO HERE (15:21 minutes)
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They had a Pedro at the Castle Air Force Base museum. It's a bizarre looking little aircraft for sure.
I've flown in a lot of helicopters but never anything like that
ReplyDeleteJD
Kaman made some strange but good working choppers. Fond memories of my Navy Daze with the SH2F Sea Sprite ASW in HSL-37, 84-88 .
ReplyDeleteKen…aka Liberty
They still make a small heavy lift helicopter called the K-MAX, used in logging and firefighting. They can lift 6,000 pounds, which is more than they weigh.
DeleteI've known about them for years and in all that time I don't think I've heard of a single mishap of a K-MAX.
The Pedros did amazing work - especially when they sent them off-base in Vietnam to do CSAR.
ReplyDeleteIt was NOT a CSAR aircraft, but it was the only thing available.
That others may live.
I was never in need of a Pararescueman but if I had been, I'd have considered myself lucky indeed to have one as "reckless" as Pitsenbarger show up. The ass-hat who described him as reckless needs an enema with a high voltage line.
DeleteMy dad worked for Kaman as a toolmaker for about 30 years. In the mid sixties during an open house at the plant, rides were offered to kids of employee's family's. That ride was enough to make 8 year old me decide I didn't want to EVER get in a helicopter again.
ReplyDeleteThey did make a variant later on that was partially sucessful;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WafHmoar80
I live 1/2 mile north of the Olympia airport and they had one again this year. I always thought that they took a CH-47 and turned the rotors sideways.
ReplyDeleteOr a Harley engine vs. a Moto Guzzi
ReplyDelete