The Osage was first flown as the civilian Model 269 in October 1956. It proved quite popular for training and with police and corporate owners. In 1964, it was selected by the U.S. Army as its primary helicopter trainer and was given the designation TH-55A and the name Osage. TH-55’s served until 1988, but they saw the most use during the Vietnam War when the Army’s need for helicopter pilots was virtually insatiable. Nearly 800 Osages were built for the Army and many of them found their way onto the civil market after they were retired where they remain a popular light helicopter.
Rotor Diameter
25 ft 3 in.
Length
28 ft 11 in.
Height
8 ft 2 in.
Weight
1,670 (loaded)
Maximum Speed
86 MPH
Service Ceiling
10,200 ft
Range
195 miles
Engine
One Lycoming H10-360-B1A piston engine with 180 horsepower
Crew
2
Manufacturer Hughes
Markings Pima Air & Space Museum, 1980
Designation TH-55A
Serial Number 67-15418
Pima Air & Space Museum
Creating unlimited horizons in aerospace education through the preservation and presentation of the history of flight.