The MH-6 Little Bird, and its attack variant, the AH-6, are single-engine light helicopters used for special operations aviation in the United States Army. Originally based on a modified OH-6A, it was later based on the MD 500E, with a single five-bladed main rotor. The newest version, the MH-6M, is based on the MD 530F and has a single. The AH-6j / MH-6j "Little Bird" also known as "The Killer Egg" are light attack/utility helicopters operated by the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. The AH-6 are based around a civilian airframe (MD530F), six-bladed main rotor and four-bladed tail rotor, with extensive modifications in terms of avionics and provisions for the mounting of specialized equipment and weapons systems.
The A/MH-6 was started in 1960, the U.S. Army issued Technical Specification 153 for a Light Observation Helicopter (LOH) that could perform personnel transport, escort and attack missions, casualty evacuation and observation. Twelve companies took part in the competition and Hughes Tool Company's Aircraft Division submitted the Model 369. Two designs, those submitted by Fairchild-Hiller and Bell, were selected as finalists by the Army-Navy design competition board, but the Army later included the helicopter from Hughes as well.
Little Bird - Roles
AH-6 - Role
The AH-6 is flown as an attack helicopter, usually toting two M134 7.62 miniguns and 7-tube FFAR rocket pods, firing high explosive and/or fletchette anti-personnel rounds. SOAR AH-6s may be used in pre-planned attacks, close air support or in the escort role, protecting other SOAR birds.
MH-6 - Role
The MH-6 is unarmed and is designed as a troop transport helicopter. It's small size allows it to land on small roofs or down in narrow streets.
Specifications:
Crew : 2 - Pilot, Co-pilot
Engines : 1 425-shp Allison 250- C30 turboshaft
Dimensions : L = 9.8m, W (rotorspan) = 8.1m, H = 2.6m
Weights : 896 kg (empty), 1,610 kg (max loadout)
Maximum speed: 152 knots (175 mph, 282 km/h)
Cruise speed: 135 knots (155 mph, 250 km/h)
Range: 232 nmi (430 km, 267 mi) at 5,000 ft
Service ceiling: 18,700 ft (5,700 m)
Rate of climb: 2,061 ft/min (10.5 m/s)
Armament :
(AH-6) Various combinations of : 2x TOW missile pods (4 missiles total), 2x M260 FFAR 2.75" 7/12-rocket pods, 2x .50 caliber gun pods, 2x AGM-114 Hellfire anti-tank missiles, 2x Stinger Air-to-Air Missiles, 2x M134 7.62mm miniguns, 2x MK19 Grenade Launchers.
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