Regarding the Saturday article, “Military cargo drone makes debut in Afghanistan”: With all the myths surrounding Vietnam still out there, this one should be easy to correct. The article makes the statement: “During the Vietnam War, a previous Kaman model, the two-pilot HH-43 Huskie, flew more rescue missions than all other aircraft combined because of this unique hovering capability.”
The Huskie was revolutionary in the 1950s, but it was quickly eclipsed by new helicopters.
The Marines flew the H-43 (HOK) until 1965 but never, to my knowledge, in Vietnam. I can confirm that with numerous helicopter pilots of that period. The Air Force flew far more Huskies and used them mainly to fire aircraft fires. The helicopter would sit on the flight line with a large fire-fighting bottle attached by cable. I saw one at Kadena AFB on my way to Vietnam. Look at all the film of Vietnam helicopter operations and try to find a Huskie doing a medevac or resupply. The Huey was the main support chopper followed by the CH-46, CH47, UH-34, etc.
Wayne Stafford
Monroe
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
