The Kaman H-43 Huskie A Strange Bird Still Survives

For all of its idiosyncratic looks and flight characteristics, the 1950s’ Kaman H-43 was the very definition of “function.” It could carry external firefighting packs as well as having an unobstructed rear door for loading men and equipment. Also, note that it has no tail rotor to counteract torque because the unique main rotor system produced none.

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The 1950s H-43 Kaman Huskie will never win any beauty contests, but it did what was asked of her and did it very well. From the outset, it was designed for close-in firefighting and rescue duties at military bases. During the Vietnam War, it was occasionally used for short-range search and rescue. Huskies were often equipped with a fire-suppression kit, known as the “FSK,” when responding to aircraft accidents. The FSK was a 950-pound suspended...

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