Outwardly, the Huskie was of a very utilitarian design with a rounded, yet boxy, fuselage held under an engine fairing that extended rearwards to become the empennage. The cockpit was dominated by a clear forward windscreen that allowed for excellent visibility forward, to the sides and below the aircraft. Entry and exit to and from the aircraft was by way of large sliding doors along the forward fuselage which promoted access to both the cockpit and cabin area. A winch system was set to the right side of the cabin. A windowed cargo door at the extreme rear of the fuselage allowed for complete access to the aircraft rear - and proved optional in some operational circumstances. The powerplant was fitted atop the fuselage roof and each two-bladed main rotor sat atop fixed mast stems, slightly angled outwards from fuselage centerline. The high-mounted nature of the empennage ensured unfettered access to the rear loading area of the aircraft. The tail section itself was rather stubby and straight in its design, ending against a slim horizontal tail plane to which were affixed four vertical tail planes. The undercarriage was fixed in place and consisted of four single-wheeled landing gear legs (with skids) for proper support of the aircraft when at rest on hard or soft terrains.
The Kaman Huskie was a "special" sort of helicopter when in action and seemingly perfect for the military- and civilian-specific roles bestowed upon her by her various operators. She could be made air worthy within one minute of notice and featured a standard operational crew of two. Additionally, she could carry passengers or mission specialists (firefighters; rescue personnel) as needed and their applicable equipment including fire suppression kits hung under the fuselage. Upon arriving on the scene of a downed aircraft, the crew would utilized their suppression kits and rotor wash to handle the flames and move them further away from the pilots. From there, either ground support or the winch system brought the pilot to safety.
According to USAF sources, their first H-43As were delivered in November of 1958 which were then followed by the improved H-43B, procured in some 175 examples. The newer H-43F model was now the "HH-43F" and these variants were noted for their improved engine performance in "Hot-and-High" conditions but were generally similar to the HH-43Bs before them, differing in internal seating space for 11 personnel with equipment. It was these specific production models that went on to serve in the upcoming Vietnam War where she was used to good effect in rescuing downed airman and also being called upon as a firefighting platform for base protection. The HH-43F was powered by a single lower-rated Lycoming T53-L-11A series turboshaft engine developing 860 horsepower which supplied the platform with a top speed of 120 miles per hour, a cruise speed in the vicinity of 105 miles per hour, an operational range of 185 miles and a service veiling of 25,000 feet. In the war, the helicopter received its nickname of "Pedro" and was generally well-liked and respected by her crews, maintenance personnel and those she saved. Only advancing technology would eventually force the awkward-looking Huskie out of frontline use, seeing replacement by more capable helicopter platforms by the end of her suitable tenure. During the war, the Huskie would earn the phrase "Pedro Cared So That Others May Live".
USAF Huskies served with the Air Rescue Center (Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Center after January 8th, 1966) out of Hamilton AFB, Richards-Gebaur AFb and Robins AFB from 1961 to 1970. Additional squadrons included the 42nd, 43rd and 44th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadrons operating from 1970 to 1973. Detachment 5 of the 40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron of Udorn RTAFB became the last acting Kaman HH-43 Huskie operator within the USAF on September 30th, 1975.
The USMC received a total of 83 HOKs beginning in April of 1953. The US Navy received a total of 24 HUK-1 platforms, the first coming May 29th, 1958.
Beyond the United States, operators of the Huskie platform included Burma, Colombia, Iran, Morocco, Pakistan and Thailand. Burma received 12 of the type while Colombia and Pakistan each received 6. Morocco and Thailand operated 4 and 3 respectively. The most quantitative operator of the H-43 aside from the United States became then-ally Iran with 17. Several Huskies still exist today, either as static displays or in civilian hands, some of the latter in operational condition.
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