McDonnell Douglas MH-6 / AH-6 Little Bird
A series of light helicopters designed for deployment in special operations. The first versions were based on the OH-6A Cayuse helicopter, while more recent variants are based on the civilian types of the MD 500 and MD 530 series, respectively. The MH-6 versions are primarily intended for transporting special forces troops, and for this purpose are fitted with two external benches on the sides that can accommodate up to six people. The AH-6 variants, on the other hand, are light attack helicopters with the ability to carry appropriate anti-surface armament (machine guns, unguided missiles, etc.) for direct air support of special forces or armed escort of transport helicopters. Little Bird is operated exclusively by the U.S. Army's 160th SOAR (A). The MH-6/AH-6 series helicopters were first deployed in Grenada during Operation Urgent Fury in 1983. That same year, Little Birdies operated in Nicaragua, providing support to Contras forces. In 1987, MH-6/AH-6s operated as part of Operation Prime Chance against Iranian naval forces in the Persian Gulf region. Other operations involving Little Birds include Just Cause (Panama, 1989), Gothic Serpent (Somalia, 1993; see Black Hawk Down from the perspective of a mission participant-pilot), and Iraqi Freedom (Iraq, since 2003).
MH-6B
Light transport/multi-purpose and observation helicopter derived from the OH-6A Cayuse. A total of 23 of this version were built (serial numbers 68-17140, 68-17155, 68-17167 to 68-17168, 68-17175, 68-17193, 68-17225, 68-17256, 68-17290, 68-17316, 68-17320, 68-17332, 68-17334, 68-17341, 68-17346, 68-17348, 69-16015, 69-16052 to 69-16054, 69-16057, 69-16062, and 69-16072). The MH-6B differs from its predecessor with a more powerful Allison 250-C20 engine equipped with thermal radiation reduction devices and a redesigned cockpit optimized for night operations with night vision goggles. A FLIR sensor appears on the nose. Brackets were added to the sides of the fuselage to mount two benches (for a total of four soldiers) or two M134 rotary machine guns. Three MH-6Bs were later converted to the AH-6C standard. The ten helicopters that survived operational service were sold to civilians between 1991 and 1992.
EH-6B
A light helicopter designed to command and conduct radio reconnaissance (eavesdropping) for the benefit of Special Forces. Four OH-6A Cayuse machines (serial numbers 68-17301, 68-17358, 69-15977 and 69-160180) were converted to this standard in 1982. The EH-6B was fitted with more powerful Allison 250-C20 engines with means to reduce thermal radiation. Two of these helicopters (68-17358 and 69-15977) were later converted to the MH-6B standard, one becoming the AH-6C attack helicopter.
AH-6C
A light attack helicopter, a total of 15 of this version were built. Eleven AH-6Cs were built by conversion from the OH-6A (68-17191, 68-17228, 68-17242, 68-17249, 68-17258, 68-17276, 68-17298, 68-17307, 69-15973, 69-16031 and 69-16058), one was based on the EH-6B (69-160180) and three were modifications from the MH-6B (69-16052 to 69-16054). The AH-6Cs were equipped with Allison 250-C20 engines with means to reduce thermal radiation and fuselage mounts for underwing armament (two M134 machine guns, two or four rocket launchers for seven (or nineteen) 70mm unguided rockets of the Hydra, possibly four BGM-71 TOW anti-tank cruise missiles)
MH-6E
A light transport/multirole and surveillance helicopter based on the MD 500MD Quiet Advanced Scout Defender. Fifteen helicopters were produced in this version (serial numbers 81-23629 to 81-23637 and 81-23648 to 81-23653), with a sixteenth unit created by conversion from the EH-6E (81-23655). The engine is an Allison 250-C20R.
EH-6E
Light helicopter designed to command and conduct radio reconnaissance (eavesdropping) for Special Forces. Three units were produced (serial numbers 81-23654 to 81-23656), based on the civilian MD 500D light helicopter. Allison 250-C20R engine type.
AH-6F
Light attack helicopter produced in nine units (serial numbers 84-24319, 84-24677, 84-24681, 84-24683 to 84-24684 and 85-25347 to 85-25250). A similar machine (86-0141) was also produced for the US Air Force Special Forces, but it was only tested and never entered operational service. The AH-6F combines the airframe, powerplant, and rotors of the MH-6E version with the weapons repertoire of the AH-6C "enriched" with the 30mm M230 cannon or two FIM-92 Stinger anti-aircraft missiles.
AH-6G
A light attack helicopter equivalent in design to the civilian MD 530F series with a more powerful Allison 250-C30 powerplant. Five examples were newly built (serial numbers 84-24678 to 84-24680, 84-24682 and 85-25346), while the remaining seven were created by fitting new engines to existing AH-6Fs (84-24319, 84-24677, 84-24681, 84-24683/84-24684 and 85-25347 to 85-25348).
MH-6H
Light transport/multi-purpose and observation helicopter resulting from the conversion (including a more powerful Allison 250-C30 engine) of 12 MH-6Es (serial numbers 81-23629 to 81-23634 and 81-23648 to 81-23653) and two EH-6Es (81-23654 and 81-23656).
MH-6J / AH-6J
Light transport/multi-purpose and observation helicopter, respectively. A light attack helicopter based on the civilian MD 530MG type (part of which was created by converting the older MH-6 series helicopters). The MH-6J and AH-6J helicopters differ in the type of missions they are intended to perform, but their design and purpose-built equipment is largely identical. The aircraft have a folding tail spar to make them easier to transport in cargo aircraft. Propulsion is provided by an Allison 250-C30 engine. Internal equipment includes a TNL-3100 navigation system, an AN/AAQ-16 turret with FLIR system, and a Litton AIM-1 laser target illuminator.
The AH-6J is fitted with Aerocrafter Weapons Plank hangers on the sides of the fuselage (4 hangers in total) to suspend armament, which can consist of M134, GAU-2/A, GAU-19/A, M260 and M261 rocket launchers, anti-tank missiles AGM-114 Hellfire, anti-aircraft missiles FIM-92 Stinger or additional fuel tanks.
The MH-6J is externally fitted with folding External Plank System benches, a FRIES (Fast Rope Insertion and Extraction System) means for rapid rappelling from the helicopter, or mounts for carrying two off-road motorcycles.
The AH-6J's production was funded by money made available in fiscal years 1988 through 1995. The first two combat Little Birds were formally delivered to the U.S. Army on July 1, 1992.
MH-6M / AH-6M MELB (Mission Enhanced Little Bird)
Modernization of the existing MH-6J and AH-6J machines began in 2002. Delivery of all 51 (?) upgraded M-version Little Birds was scheduled to end in fiscal 2007. Redesigned air inlets to the engine, a more powerful Allison 250-C30-R3M engine with electronic control, a six-bladed main rotor, a "glass cockpit" CAAS (Common Avionics Architecture System), and a new generation of electro-optical sensors. A redesigned airframe that allowed the maximum take-off weight to be increased to 2131 kg, larger cargo bay doors.
A series of light helicopters designed for deployment in special operations. The first versions were based on the OH-6A Cayuse helicopter, while more recent variants are based on the civilian types of the MD 500 and MD 530 series, respectively. The MH-6 versions are primarily intended for transporting special forces troops, and for this purpose are fitted with two external benches on the sides that can accommodate up to six people. The AH-6 variants, on the other hand, are light attack helicopters with the ability to carry appropriate anti-surface armament (machine guns, unguided missiles, etc.) for direct air support of special forces or armed escort of transport helicopters. Little Bird is operated exclusively by the U.S. Army's 160th SOAR (A). The MH-6/AH-6 series helicopters were first deployed in Grenada during Operation Urgent Fury in 1983. That same year, Little Birdies operated in Nicaragua, providing support to Contras forces. In 1987, MH-6/AH-6s operated as part of Operation Prime Chance against Iranian naval forces in the Persian Gulf region. Other operations involving Little Birds include Just Cause (Panama, 1989), Gothic Serpent (Somalia, 1993; see Black Hawk Down from the perspective of a mission participant-pilot), and Iraqi Freedom (Iraq, since 2003).
MH-6B
Light transport/multi-purpose and observation helicopter derived from the OH-6A Cayuse. A total of 23 of this version were built (serial numbers 68-17140, 68-17155, 68-17167 to 68-17168, 68-17175, 68-17193, 68-17225, 68-17256, 68-17290, 68-17316, 68-17320, 68-17332, 68-17334, 68-17341, 68-17346, 68-17348, 69-16015, 69-16052 to 69-16054, 69-16057, 69-16062, and 69-16072). The MH-6B differs from its predecessor with a more powerful Allison 250-C20 engine equipped with thermal radiation reduction devices and a redesigned cockpit optimized for night operations with night vision goggles. A FLIR sensor appears on the nose. Brackets were added to the sides of the fuselage to mount two benches (for a total of four soldiers) or two M134 rotary machine guns. Three MH-6Bs were later converted to the AH-6C standard. The ten helicopters that survived operational service were sold to civilians between 1991 and 1992.
EH-6B
A light helicopter designed to command and conduct radio reconnaissance (eavesdropping) for the benefit of Special Forces. Four OH-6A Cayuse machines (serial numbers 68-17301, 68-17358, 69-15977 and 69-160180) were converted to this standard in 1982. The EH-6B was fitted with more powerful Allison 250-C20 engines with means to reduce thermal radiation. Two of these helicopters (68-17358 and 69-15977) were later converted to the MH-6B standard, one becoming the AH-6C attack helicopter.
AH-6C
A light attack helicopter, a total of 15 of this version were built. Eleven AH-6Cs were built by conversion from the OH-6A (68-17191, 68-17228, 68-17242, 68-17249, 68-17258, 68-17276, 68-17298, 68-17307, 69-15973, 69-16031 and 69-16058), one was based on the EH-6B (69-160180) and three were modifications from the MH-6B (69-16052 to 69-16054). The AH-6Cs were equipped with Allison 250-C20 engines with means to reduce thermal radiation and fuselage mounts for underwing armament (two M134 machine guns, two or four rocket launchers for seven (or nineteen) 70mm unguided rockets of the Hydra, possibly four BGM-71 TOW anti-tank cruise missiles)
MH-6E
A light transport/multirole and surveillance helicopter based on the MD 500MD Quiet Advanced Scout Defender. Fifteen helicopters were produced in this version (serial numbers 81-23629 to 81-23637 and 81-23648 to 81-23653), with a sixteenth unit created by conversion from the EH-6E (81-23655). The engine is an Allison 250-C20R.
EH-6E
Light helicopter designed to command and conduct radio reconnaissance (eavesdropping) for Special Forces. Three units were produced (serial numbers 81-23654 to 81-23656), based on the civilian MD 500D light helicopter. Allison 250-C20R engine type.
AH-6F
Light attack helicopter produced in nine units (serial numbers 84-24319, 84-24677, 84-24681, 84-24683 to 84-24684 and 85-25347 to 85-25250). A similar machine (86-0141) was also produced for the US Air Force Special Forces, but it was only tested and never entered operational service. The AH-6F combines the airframe, powerplant, and rotors of the MH-6E version with the weapons repertoire of the AH-6C "enriched" with the 30mm M230 cannon or two FIM-92 Stinger anti-aircraft missiles.
AH-6G
A light attack helicopter equivalent in design to the civilian MD 530F series with a more powerful Allison 250-C30 powerplant. Five examples were newly built (serial numbers 84-24678 to 84-24680, 84-24682 and 85-25346), while the remaining seven were created by fitting new engines to existing AH-6Fs (84-24319, 84-24677, 84-24681, 84-24683/84-24684 and 85-25347 to 85-25348).
MH-6H
Light transport/multi-purpose and observation helicopter resulting from the conversion (including a more powerful Allison 250-C30 engine) of 12 MH-6Es (serial numbers 81-23629 to 81-23634 and 81-23648 to 81-23653) and two EH-6Es (81-23654 and 81-23656).
MH-6J / AH-6J
Light transport/multi-purpose and observation helicopter, respectively. A light attack helicopter based on the civilian MD 530MG type (part of which was created by converting the older MH-6 series helicopters). The MH-6J and AH-6J helicopters differ in the type of missions they are intended to perform, but their design and purpose-built equipment is largely identical. The aircraft have a folding tail spar to make them easier to transport in cargo aircraft. Propulsion is provided by an Allison 250-C30 engine. Internal equipment includes a TNL-3100 navigation system, an AN/AAQ-16 turret with FLIR system, and a Litton AIM-1 laser target illuminator.
The AH-6J is fitted with Aerocrafter Weapons Plank hangers on the sides of the fuselage (4 hangers in total) to suspend armament, which can consist of M134, GAU-2/A, GAU-19/A, M260 and M261 rocket launchers, anti-tank missiles AGM-114 Hellfire, anti-aircraft missiles FIM-92 Stinger or additional fuel tanks.
The MH-6J is externally fitted with folding External Plank System benches, a FRIES (Fast Rope Insertion and Extraction System) means for rapid rappelling from the helicopter, or mounts for carrying two off-road motorcycles.
The AH-6J's production was funded by money made available in fiscal years 1988 through 1995. The first two combat Little Birds were formally delivered to the U.S. Army on July 1, 1992.
MH-6M / AH-6M MELB (Mission Enhanced Little Bird)
Modernization of the existing MH-6J and AH-6J machines began in 2002. Delivery of all 51 (?) upgraded M-version Little Birds was scheduled to end in fiscal 2007. Redesigned air inlets to the engine, a more powerful Allison 250-C30-R3M engine with electronic control, a six-bladed main rotor, a "glass cockpit" CAAS (Common Avionics Architecture System), and a new generation of electro-optical sensors. A redesigned airframe that allowed the maximum take-off weight to be increased to 2131 kg, larger cargo bay doors.