The OH-6 Cayuse is a single-engine military light helicopter. The multi-role craft, notable for its egg-shaped main fuselage, took its maiden flight on February 27, 1963 and it was introduced in 1966. Continuously manufactured since 1965, 1,420 of all variants of the OH-6 have been produced, including modern iterations. It has seating for up to four, including two pilots, and can carry six by removing the rear seats for floor seating.
The helicopter, named for the Cayuse people, evolved from a 1960 U.S. Army request for proposals to replace its H-13 Sioux, which entered service in the late 1940s. The Army chose the OH-6 due to its maneuverability, versatility, survivability in crashes, and excellent visibility its cockpit provides. Its 4-blade fully articulated main rotor system makes it one of the most agile rotorcraft ever produced. It can carry a small number of troops, cargo, and a variety of armaments, depending on mission requirements.
Designated by the Army the LOH, for Light Observation Helicopter, pilots bestowed the unofficial name “Loach,” a phonetic variation of the pronunciation of LOH. The aircraft proved legendary in the Vietnam War. During this conflict it was used most notably in “hunter killer” missions to draw enemy fire so that accompanying gunships could target enemy positions. The OH-6 was subsequently adopted by the Army’s secretive 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment for a number of special operations uses, including ground attack and assault support. The airframe was also adapted into civilian variants.
The OH-6 measures 30 feet, 4 inches in length, stands 8 feet, 2 inches tall, and has a main rotor system diameter of 26 feet, 4 inches. It is powered by a turboshaft engine that delivers up to 253 shaft horsepower for take-off and up to 215 horsepower for continuous operation. It has a range of 380 miles, a service ceiling of 15,800 feet above sea level, and has a top cruise speed of 150 miles per hour. It has an out-of-ground-effect hover ceiling of 7,300 feet above sea level and an in-ground-effect hover ceiling of 11,800 feet above sea level.
