Come and see our latest acquisition – a Hughes OH-6 Cayuse (nickname "Loach") scout helicopter. This exhibit, a 285-hp single-engine, light helicopter, is on temporary loan to the Museum through the courtesy of Gary Worthy, Lt. USA (ret.).

The OH-6 was built for a crew of two and can accommodate two more passengers, at a push. It was utilized primarily in service with the US Army in Vietnam and used extensively for enemy observation, one of the most dangerous helicopter assignments during the war. The “Loach” was also engaged in joint air mobility attack missions.

When the “Loach” debuted in 1966, it broke records for speed, endurance, and rate of climb, all important attributes for a scout helicopter.

For its enemy observation assignment, the “Loach” flew low over the jungles and grass, sometimes as low as 10 feet above treetop level, at between about 45 and 60 mph, scouting for signs of the enemy forces hiding in the foliage. What increased its vulnerability was the fact that it was constructed of thin plexiglass and metal.

These observation missions were usually operated as a dual hunter-killer team, along with a high-flying Cobra gunship. The Loach would fly low over the jungle, drawing fire and then call for the Cobra to swoop down to attack the enemy. 

In a separate air mobility role, the “Loach” would fly its normal low attitude and, if enemy action was sighted, infantry teams, aboard accompanying Huey helicopters, would be called in to hunt for the enemy in the brush while the Cobras, flying above, would be assigned to protect everyone. 

For armament, the “Loach” could carry everything from 7.62mm miniguns to 70mm rockets and anti-tank missiles. But even that armament, combined with the Cobra escort, couldn’t keep them safe. The light helicopter was famous for being shot down or crashing in combat. One of these helicopters in Vietnam was shot down or crashed at least seven times without losing a single crew member. 

By the end of the Vietnam conflict, enemy tactics had evolved to effectively counter the use of this low- level observation role, through use of shoulder-fired small but deadly heat-seeking missiles. Out of 1,419 “Loaches” supplied to the Army, 842 were destroyed, most shot down or crashing through low-level accidents in the jungle. 

 The OH-6 was later largely removed from active U.S. Army service in favor of the Kiowa. 

Come out soon and see this beautifully restored example of a legend from the Vietnam era, on temporary display at Combat Air Museum.