Hughes OH-6B Cayuse

The Hughes OH‑6B Cayuse, a light observation helicopter developed by the Hughes Aircraft Company in the early 1960s, emerged as a distinctive answer to the U.S. Army’s demand for a fast, agile scout aircraft. First flying in 1963, the design evolved from the XH‑360 prototype and entered service in 1967 as the OH‑6A, with the B model later adding a four‑bladed main rotor and upgraded transmission. Its compact, teardrop‑shaped fuselage coupled with a powerful Allison 250‑C20B turboshaft engine enabled speeds exceeding 150 kt and a service ceiling of 14,000 ft, while its small footprint allowed operation from improvised pads and ship decks. The Cayuse’s exceptional maneuverability, low acoustic signature, and all‑metal construction earned it the nickname “Little Bird,” and it proved decisive during the Vietnam War, performing reconnaissance, medevac, and fast‑rope insertions. Beyond combat, the OH‑6B set numerous world records for speed and altitude in its class, influencing later light rotorcraft designs. Its legacy persists in modern scout helicopters, underscoring Hughes’s contribution to agile, versatile rotary‑wing aviation.

Hughes Aircraft Company

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