OH-6 Cayuse in Detail

Hughes H-500 Variants
By Frantisek Koran & Jaroslav Spacek
Wings & Wheels Publications, 2002
ISBN 80-86416-21-6
54 Pages, Softbound

Reviewed by Chris Banyai-Riepl

The Hughes H-500 family is easily identifiable in the air, as the helicopter resembles an egg with a tail boom and rotors.  Originally designed as a light observation helicopter for the US Army, the sound design found its way into all sorts of interesting roles, including that of sea rescue and police work.  First flying in 1963, the H-500 family has grown into many different variants, including one without a tail rotor (the MD-520N NOTAR).

Keeping track of all these differences is a daunting task and this latest release from Wings & Wheels Publications helps make sense of at least some of the major derivatives.  Like other titles in this series, this book comes in a square format and is full of color photos showing H-500s from around the world.  Variants covered include the OH-6A/H-500, H-500M, NH-500M, H-500D, H-500MD TOW Defender, NH-500E, MD-520N NOTAR, and the MD-530F.  In addition to general overview photos there are also plenty of detail shots covering the engine, cockpit, and external details.  While the majority of the photos cover military birds, there are a few civilian examples included.  Countries covered include the United States, Denmark, Finland, Israel, Italy, Chile, Hungary, England and Germany (the last three being civilian operators).

This is a great addition to helicopter fan's libraries, both for the detail photos and the interesting collection of paint schemes (including one neat Danish example).