M60B in helicopter

[Motorcityman]

I'm guessing its vietnam era by the M37 in the background, what kind of helicopter is this?

[Horst]

I would say OH-6.

[toptiger]

The picture is a Vietnam era Hughes OH 6A, which the U.S. Army officially called a Cayuse but its pilots Nick named it "Loach' from an acronym for light observation helicopter. Its mission was to serve as scout ship flying low following footprints and even blood trails sometimes hovering under the jungle canopy. It was always supported by Cobra helicopter gunships which were ready to pounce on any activity and usually a UH -1 Huey was ready nearby with a squad of soldiers to develop the search, and of course secure the OH-'6s crash site when that happened, as it did quite often.
The design of this helicopter, a sort of egg shell structure, provided a lot of protection in a crash. I once watched as one rolled over several times after crashing and both the pilot and observer emerged from the wreck with only minor injuries.
Its mission was an exciting but very dangerous one for the pilot and the armed observer who carried a M-60 free gun. there is a member on this forum or perhaps it was the G503, Hugh Mills, who wrote an accurate and interesting book about his experiences flying these helicopters. The title is Low Level Hell. He later went on to buy a surplus OH-6 and restored it to the markings of the ones he flew in Viet Nam.

[Horst]

I did of course read Low Level Hell and Chickenhawk. While I have no crash experience with the OH-6 and no current plans to have any, the 500 is one the coolest things I have flown so far. I have also time in the OH-58 (both A and C model) and I have no idea why it was ever adapted for this role. While the OH58 is a wonderful helo to fly, it just cannot do what the OH-6 can. No experience in a Huey so far, other than sitting in one and making noises.

[toptiger]

Horst, I just remembered that you own your own helicopter, no? A Hughes 300? How's it going?

[Horst]

Yes, actually a TH-55A, or what's left of it. Last time I was in the States however, I did more flying than working. So it is still a long way to go. Cleaned and painted the frame and put in on the landing gear. Cabin is cleaned and primed. So next time I can finish the cabin and put it on the frame. Engine should be good. Missing a few parts like tail boom.

[Ralph Fuller]

Toptiger: When they were available, I was able to catch a ride on a Loach to recon an area prior to going into the bush. Lucky for me, a couple of my OCS classmates had gone to flight school, and we were all assigned to the 25th Infantry. Most of the pilots were young Warrant Officers. My battalion commander couldn't figure out how a lowly platoon leader could get a helicopter when others couldn't. There were several times the map of the AO I was going into showed jungle when there was none. It made my planning much easier.
My folks called the Loach and Cobra combination the "High-Low Birds". It was always fun to watch from the ground, and made the day more interesting. We always admired the guts of the Loach pilots....what a great bunch of men. I salute them all.

[toptiger]

Roger that, Ralph.
I never flew the Loach, just rode in it once or twice. I remember the transmission noise was unreal if you were in the back next to it.
You know we were in the same area of ops. We supported the 25th often. There was some good action during my times with the 25th in the Iron Triangle.
I was based out of Bien Hoa in 68-69, flew gunships mostly with the call sign Mustang 6 which you would remember if we ever helped you out, you being the one on the radio, our slicks call sign was Top Tiger.
Graduated OCS Corps of Engineers, Ft. Belvoir 66
so when I went over i was a newly minted Captain, and in one month was the 2nd ranking officer in the Avn Company normally commanded by a Major!, we had a few LT pilots but most were young {19 and 20} Warrants. Good times were had by all.

[vtdeucedriver]

This is my friend mike. He is a M151 owner but not a G838 member. He served 3/16 "C" Troop Airscouts as a door gunner on the OH-6A. His pilot for a fair amount of time was Hugh Mills and their OH-6 "Miss Clawed" hangs at the museum at Ft. Rucker.

[vtdeucedriver]

Here is "Miss Clawed" all ready to go.

[toptiger]

I have been in email contact with mills on and off. Last time was just before he sold his OH-6 some months back. I'll try and find him if your friend wants to contact him.

[rickf]

Yea, What would Top know about guns in a helo?

http://www.g838.org/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=951

Rick

[vtdeucedriver]

I have been in email contact with mills on and off. Last time was just before he sold his OH-6 some months back. I'll try and find him if your friend wants to contact him.

Mike goes to the "outcast" reunions and has been in contact with Mills. Thanks for the offer.

I am hoping that mike will bring my NOS OH-6 Skid (still in the crate) to his next reunion for everyone to sign.