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Hughs OH-6 Cyause "Loach"
- · Crew: 2
- · Capacity: 2 seated passengers
- · Length: 30 ft 3.75 in including rotors
- · Height: 8 ft 1.5 ins. to top of the rotor hub
- · Empty weight: 1,229 lb.
- · Gross weight: 2,400 lb.
- · Max takeoff weight: 2,700 lb.
- · Fuel capacity: 61.5 US gal
- · Main rotor diameter: 26 ft 4 in
- · Main rotor area: 544.63 sq ft
- Cruise speed: 150 mph maximum at sea level
- 133mph for maximum range at sea level
- Never exceed speed: 150mph at Sea Level
- Range: 380 mi, at 5,000 ft
- Ferry range: 1,558 mi with 1,300 lb. of fuel
- Service ceiling: 15,800 ft
- Hover ceiling OGE: 7,300 ft
- Hover ceiling IGE: 11,800 ft
- Rate of climb: 2,067 ft/min
- Disk loading: 4.4 lb./sq ft
- Power/Mass: 0.105 hp/lb.
The Hughes OH-6 Cayuse is a single-engine light helicopter designed and produced by the American aerospace company Hughs Helicopters. Its formal name is derived from the Cayuse people. In contrast, its 'Loach' nickname, a term used to refer to the river-dwelling carnivorous fish commonly seen in South Asia, is derived from Light Observation Helicopter (LOH) program under which it was obtained. This nickname, given by the pilots who flew it in the Vietnam War, reflects the helicopter's role as a scout and its ability to operate in various environments.
The OH-6, developed to meet the United States Army Technical Specification 153, was a pivotal replacement for the Bell H-13 Sioux fleet. On 27 February 1963, the first prototype conducted its maiden flight, marking a significant milestone in military aviation. The Model 369, with its four-bladed articulated main rotor that provided superior maneuverability and excellent exterior visibility that enhanced situational awareness, proved a worthy asset for the military, earning Hughs the contract to build these remarkable planes.
The OH-6As, arriving in South Vietnam around December 1967, were a force to be reckoned with. Their resilience and agility made them difficult to shoot down, and their ability to fly into areas that were unattainable for larger helicopters was truly impressive. The crew's survival in a crash was often ensured by the light aluminum build that absorbed the shock, with stronger structures protecting the other key systems.
The Army encouraged them to work in teams, a strategy that became very common for the Army and in turn created the 'Hunter Killers '. This was a name given to the tactics that sought to flush out the enemy. The OH-6 would fly in low, scanning the areas for artillery fire or any other combats on the ground, then radio back to the Cobra on where to come in and strike. This coordinated approach, with the OH-6 acting as the 'eyes in the sky' and the Cobra delivering the firepower, proved to be highly effective in combat situations.