Loach!: The Story of the H-6/Model 500 Helicopter (Schiffer Military History Book) [Paperback]

Wayne Mutza (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2004 | Series: Schiffer Military History Book

Dont be fooled by the small size of the H-6/Model 500 helicopter. In the scout role in Vietnam, OH-6As and their aircrew became legends for their high-risk work in the low-level environment. Wayne Mutza presents the small, dynamic helicopters story in this well-written, superbly detailed, and lavishly illustrated volume. Much of the OH-6As combat record in Vietnam is told in firsthand accounts. Mutza offers fascinating insight to the helicopters controversial beginning, its development, and its service with the Army National Guard, the Armys flight demonstration team, worldwide operators, and law enforcement agencies. In addition, the reader is treated to an entire chapter devoted to the Little Birds of Special Operations. Also included are appendices with factual data, and more than sixty emblems. Its all here in this highly readable volume.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Schiffer Publishing, Ltd. (January 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764323431
• ISBN-13: 978-0764323430
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,000,536 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars New Loach book, November 10, 2005

By 

John Hairell (Columbia, MD) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Loach!: The Story of the H-6/Model 500 Helicopter (Schiffer Military History Book) (Paperback)

This is an excellent book - it covers the Hughes OH-6A and derivative 500 series in detail. It's especially good in describing the convoluted history of the controversial LOH contract, and it also goes into detail about the trouble the NETT had fielding the OH-6A in Vietnam. There's a chapter on aeroscout operations in Vietnam, and the OH-6A's post-war usage by the National Guard is also covered. There's a chapter on black ops/covert usage by Air America, the CIA, Seaspray, and the 160th SOAR. The Silver Eagles demo team also get a chapter, as does usage by various law enforcement agencies. The world-wide use of the 500 family is described, covering civilian, military, and paramilitary use. There are around 250 photos in the book, and there are 15 pages of photos of patches, making for around 300 photos total.

As a contributor to this book I'm somewhat biased, but I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in the OH-6A and Hughes 500 family of helicopters, and U.S. Army aviation/air cav operations in Vietnam.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars LOACH HISTORY, March 20, 2006

By 

R. Shank (PA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Loach!: The Story of the H-6/Model 500 Helicopter (Schiffer Military History Book) (Paperback)

Excellent collection of pictures and information related to the development of the Loach. Most complete book I've read so far. Everyone with an OH-6 should have one of these for reference.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars OH-6/500 series, February 22, 2006

By 

Gene P. Munson "Gene Munson Helicopter Test E... (Fredericksburg, TX USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Loach!: The Story of the H-6/Model 500 Helicopter (Schiffer Military History Book) (Paperback)

Very good book from the operational point of view, however I wish it had more information on research programs and certification efforts. This is a somewhat selfish view from myself as I was involved in numerous research, development and certification efforts on this aircraft.