Years In Service: 1959-1970
Initial Flight: June 1959
The HH-43B Huskie was used for base crash rescue also called local base recovery (LBR) for all flying command bases. A Huskie crew could get airborne in one minute, taking 30 seconds to pick up the fire suppression pod. HH-43 aircrews saved more lives in combat than crews flying any other USAF helicopter. From 1966 to 1970, they performed 888 combat saves, 343 aircrew rescues, and 545 non-aircrew rescues.
Aircraft Specifications
Height: 17′ Wingspan: 46′ 9″ Length: 24′ 9″ Crew: 4-6 Payload: 8 passengers Powerplant: Lycoming T35 turboshaft Horsepower: 850 hp. No. of Engines: 1 Speed: 120 mph Ceiling: 25,000 ft.