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TH-13T Sioux - Light Observation Helicopter
The Bell Helicopter Company Model 47 first flew on December 8, 1945 and became the first helicopter produced on a large – scale to enter U.S. Army service as the H–13 Sioux. Between 1946 and 1970 the Army procured a total of 2,197 H–13 helicopters in many different variants. The H–13 Sioux was used by the Army for observation, utility, medical evacuation, and training. It saw extensive use during the Korean conflict where it proved the value of the light helicopter, especially for medical evacuation purposes as highlighted in the movie/TV series "M.A.S.H.". On March 24, 1958 the Army authorized the formation of the 7292nd Aerial Combat Reconnaissance Company (ACR) at Fort Rucker, AL for the purpose of concept testing of armed helicopters. The H–13 Sioux was the ACR primary aircraft test bed for a myriad of weapons tests that lasted until 1963. The armed OH–13 Sioux first saw combat service in Vietnam in 1962 and was deployed to Vietnam in 1965 in quantities with the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) where it initially served with the legendary 1st Squadron/9th Cavalry in the armed scout role with the OH–13S model. The OH–13S proved successful in the armed scout role and when teamed with a UH–1 HUEY gunship called a "pink team" became the most common and highly effective tactical combination used by the Air Cav. Superseded by more maneuverable turbine–powered scout helicopters in the late 1960’s, little credit has been given to the H–13’s significant role in the development of Air Cavalry tactics or the service it rendered during the Vietnam conflict. OUR AIRCRAFT - Serial No. 67–17005 Delivered to the Army as a TH–13T Sioux instrument trainer on June 3, 1968 at Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia. During the aircraft’s Army service it was used as an instrument trainer and for general utility purposes. In 1986, the aircraft was released from Army service and provided for law enforcement purposes to the Ascension Parish Sheriff Department, Louisiana where it served until 1998 when the A.A.H.F. acquired the aircraft. The models OH–13S and TH–13T were the last two versions of the H–13 the Army operated and were very similar to each other except in cabin width and instrumentation. In order to memorialize the last Army combat use of the H–13, the AAHF decided to restore this aircraft to appear as an armed scout OH–13S Sioux in service with A Troop, 1/9th CAV, 1st Cavalry Division in Vietnam around early 1966. This legendary unit is credited with initiating more than half of the 1st CAV enemy contacts. Over 18 months and $200,000 were used in the complete restoration of this aircraft. It is the only known flying former Army H–13 restored back to it’s Army appearance as an armed scout. Specifications Crew: Pilot /Instructor and Observer/Student Engine: Lycoming 270 hp TVO–435–D1B Speed: 65 Knots Range: 200 miles Armament: M–2 Armament System (combination of 7.62mm M–60 machine gun and 2.75 inch rockets) |
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