Hughes OH-6A (Cayuse)

Type: Light Observation Helicopter

Crew: Two

Wingspan: 30'10" - 32'2" Length: 8'6" - 11'2"

Rotor Diameter: 27'4"

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 3,549 pounds

Power Plant: 1 x One Alison TT63-A-5A or T63-A-700 turboshaft, 317 hp (236 kW)

Maximum Speed: 152 knots (175 mph)

Service Ceiling: 15,994'

Armament: Guns: two M60 or M134 Minigun 7.62 mm machine guns, two .50 cal MG pods; Rockets: Fourteen 2.75" (70mm) Hydra 70 rockets in two pods; Missiles: Four TOW missiles in two pods, four Hellfire missiles in two pods.

Narrative

Officially named "Cayuse", referring to a cavalry term for a horse, it also bears the nickname "Loach" for its intended purpose as a Light Observation Helicopter (LOH = "Loach"). The Cayuse was manufactured by the Hughes Aircraft Corporation starting in 1962 and is now supported by Boeing Company through a series of mergers. It was repurposed in Vietnam through "unauthorized field modification" to many roles such as ambulance and attack. This example is on loan to Wings of Eagles Discovery Center from the US Army.