Kaman HH-43B Huskie

The Kaman HH-43 Huskie was used as a rescue and firefighting aircraft. It carried a foam fire suppressant in a pod beneath it when it was airborne. It would use the combination of the foam and the downwash from the rotor blades in order to put out fires or burning aircraft. It would also hover over trapped personnel, using the downwash from its rotors to keep the flames away from them.

The Huskie was delivered to the U.S. Air Force in 1958 as the H-43, but its designation was changed later to highlight its rescue role. The Huskie set several records in 1961 and 1962 for altitude, rate of climb and distance traveled. The final production version of this helicopter, the HH-43F, was used in Vietnam to rescue downed flight crews as well as firefighting.

The Huskie on display served with the 48th Rescue Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida and later was transferred to Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico before coming to the Museum.