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KAMAN OH-43D (HOK-1) HUSKIE

Kaman began development of the Huskie in 1950 for the Navy and Marine Corps.  The prototype first flew in 1953.  The helicopter’s twin intermeshed rotor configuration eliminates the need for a tail rotor, but the angle at which they must be mounted forces the rotor blades to approach very near the ground when the aircraft is landed making it difficult to get close to the aircraft while the rotors are turning.  The early Huskies used by the Navy and Marine Corps used a radial aircraft engine, while the later Air Force version used a turbine engine.

Rotor Diameter

47 ft

Length

25 ft

Height

15 ft 6 in.

Weight

6,800 (loaded)

Maximum Speed

110 MPH

Service Ceiling

25,000 ft

Range

185 miles

Engines

One Pratt & Whitney R1340-52 radial with 600 horsepower

Crew

3

Manufacturer
Kaman

Markings
Marine Helicopter Squadron 1 (HMX-1), Marine Corps Air Facility Quantico, Virginia, 1962

Serial Number
139974

Designation
OH-43D