Kaman HH-43B Huskie (USA)
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Museum Hours:
April 1- September 30
9:00am - 5:00pm
October 1 - March 31
10:00am - 4:00pm
The museum is open
daily year round (weather permitting),
except for the following days:
New Year's Day,
Easter,
Thanksgiving and
Christmas Day.
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The Castle Air Museum is chartered by the Department of Education and operated by the Castle Air Museum Foundation, Inc., a private not-for-profit corporation,
tax-exempt under IRS Code 501 (c)(3). The mission of the Museum is to preserve military aviation history for future generations.
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Specifications
Country of Origin:
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United States
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Manufacturer:
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Kaman
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Role/Function:
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Utility/Rescue/Fire-Fighting
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Serial Number:
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62-4513
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Model Number/Mk #:
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K-600
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Crew:
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2 + 2 Fire Fighters
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Power Plant:
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1 - 860 hp Lycoming T-53-L-1A engine
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Maximum Speed:
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120 mph.
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Cruising Speed:
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105 mph.
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Service Ceiling:
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25,000 ft.
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Range:
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185 mi.
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Weights:
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Empty: 8,000 lbs. Maximum: 9,150 lbs.
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Rotor Diameter:
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47 ft.
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Length:
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47 ft.
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Height:
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17 ft. 2 in.
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Wing Area:
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n/a
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Armament:
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None
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Cost:
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n/a
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Number Built:
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200
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# in Current Service:
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None in active military or civilian use
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The Kaman HH-43 Huskie was used as a rescue and firefighting aircraft. It carried a foam fire suppressant in a pod beneath it when it was airborne. It would use the combination of the foam and the downwash from the rotor blades in order to put out fires or burning aircraft. It would also hover over trapped personnel, using the downwash from its rotors to keep the flames away from them.
A Huskie on rescue alert could be airborne in approximately one minute. It carried two rescuemen/firefighters. It often reached crashed airplanes before ground vehicles arrived.
The Huskie was delivered to the U.S. Air Force in 1958 as the H-43, but its designation was changed later to highlight its rescue role. The Huskie set several records in 1961 and 1962 for altitude, rate of climb and distance traveled. The final production version of this helicopter, the HH-43F, was used in Vietnam to rescue downed flight crews as well as firefighting.
The Huskie on display served with the 48th Rescue Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida and later was transferred to Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico before coming to the Museum.
Other Points of Interest: