Kaman HH-43B/K-600-3 Huskie
Produced beginning in 1958, the HH-43B (USAF designation) is a modification of the HH-43A. A smaller turboshaft is used and installed above the fuselage, rather than an internal piston engine; as a result, the cabin capacity is upgraded from 4-5 up to ten passengers when compared to its predecessor. The HH-43B was the first Kaman helicopter to be fitted with composite main rotor blades, instead of solid spruce like all those previous.
Beginning in 1961, an H-43B set several records:
- altiude record of 32,840 ft (10010 m)
- rate-of-climb record of 3000 m in 2:42 minutes
- rate-of-climb record of 6000 m in 6:49 minutes
- rate-of-climb record of 9000 m in 14:12 minutes
Source: "Kaman Aerospace Corporation: Evolution of the Helicopter", R.H. Jones, Vertiflite, May/June 1984, Published by AHS International, Page 30.
and,
Source: "The American Helicopter", Hirschberg, Michael, 2000, Page 59.
Overview
Data on design, manufacture and statusDesign authority: Kaman Aircraft Corporation
Primary manufacturer: Kaman Aircraft Corporation
Parent type: Kaman K-600/H-43
Aircraft status: No longer flying
Configuration
Primary flight and mechanical characteristicsVTOL type: Helicopter
Lift devices: 2 in Synchropter configuration
Crew required: 2 in Side-by-side arrangement
Landing gear: Wheels (non-retractable)
Key Characteristics
Data on key physical featuresAircraft Details
Data on aircraft configuration, weights, flight performance and equipmentReferences
References and sources usedCassell & Company Ltd., 1959 (page 317)
Book
Hill Air Force Base Museum Fact Sheets, 08 Mar 2015
Website
Sikorsky Archives | Product History, Sep 19, 2017 (page 5)
Website
Very thorugh description and details of the R-4 series helicopter
