Connecticut Air & Space Center to restore Vietnam Era helicopter
November 14, 2014 – The Connecticut Air & Space Center announced today it will begin work on the restoration of a light observation helicopter (LOH), Hughes OH-6A 67-16477, that saw service in Vietnam in 1969.
“We will be restoring this ship to its original color scheme and proper markings,”
said Andrew King, Executive Director of the Center, who studied the background of this aircraft for several months and has been in touch with the pilot. He noted the aircraft was acquired from General Services Administration .
The LOH flew transport and courier missions and also reconnaissance missions some of them to flush out small pockets of the enemy from the brush at low altitudes.
“What is a coincidence is one our volunteers may have actually flown on this aircraft as he, the pilot and the aircraft were assigned the second brigade headquarters company of the 101st Airborne Division at the same time.”
King noted the Center has civilian and military aircraft from World War II, Korea and the Cold War and that many are now undergoing restoration at its shop in Stratford, Connecticut.
The Connecticut Air & Space Center is a 501( c ) (3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to honoring the pioneers of early aviation history, restoring and preserving examples of the aircraft they flew and educating this and future generations of their aviation history. The Center relies solely on volunteer work and donations for its operation.
Media please contact
Ron Kurtz
CASC Public Relations
Mark6268@sbcglobal.net--------
So how about that? On a fluke, after talking to my state asset disposal contact I went on GSA to see what was available. I spotted the Loach listed for scrap. short story, the PD still had all the parts they removed. This went for a possible corner display shell to an all out recovery effort of a true battle worn warbird.
She is a genuine combat vet, shot down twice in country in SEA, went on to become a Silver Eagle flight team member, NY National Guard and finally with the Westchester County Police Aviation Unit in NY for almost 20 years before retiring to our museum.
Our goal is to more rehab this Loach. She is in great condition and with a few new parts could return to the air down the road (Engine, Blades, tail boom are T/O). We will be returning the interior to the proper gray color, and painting her OD with her correct markings of the 101st Airborne, 2nd Brigade, Brandy as she served from Dec 68-Feb71. She will retain her battle scars, patches that bare evidence of her storied life in country. The long term goal will be for her to be displayed as our tribute to the many Vietnam Helicopter Crew Veterans in CT. We plan to have it ready for May 2015.
We are actively seeking a few donations to help the display portion so if you know of anyone with uniforms, helmets etc related to the OH-6 we would be interested in talking to you. Air-frame related if anyone has a set of proper OH-6A Combat seats laying around please reach out to us.
Hughes OH-6A 67-16477 - Rescuing a Hero - The Hughes OH-6A 67-16477 was operated by the Westchester County Police Aviation Unit for almost 20 years. - Westchester County Police Officer Brian Powers, CASC Volunteer Raymond Miller, Executive Director Andrew King and Westchester County Police Officer & Pilot Sean Lonergan by
Cherry Bomb Photography, on Flickr
Hughes OH-6A 67-16477 - Tony Racine, CASC Volunteer and employee at Sikorsky has been chosen to overseen the rehab of the the Cayuse OH-6A. Tony is not only a great mechanic but also has become a great detective in tracking down information on our Vietnam era FAC and Observation Aircraft. by
Cherry Bomb Photography, on Flickr
Hughes OH-6A 67-16477 - Installing the tailboom. by
Cherry Bomb Photography, on Flickr
Hughes OH-6A 67-16477 by
Cherry Bomb Photography, on Flickr
Hughes OH-6A 67-16477 by
Cherry Bomb Photography, on Flickr
Hughes OH-6A 67-16477 - Scars of a Combat Vet. by
Cherry Bomb Photography, on Flickr
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