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Hughes TH-55A 'Osage'

Description
Notes: Ver flight training. Single articulated rotor (2 CREW) .
  Manufacturer:Hughes
  Base model:H-55
  Designation:TH-55
  Version:A
  Nickname:Osage
  Designation System:U.S. Air Force
  Designation Period:1948-Present
  Basic role:Helicopter
  Modified Mission:Trainer

Specifications
  Length: 28' 10" 8.7 m
  Height:8' 2.7" 2.5 m
  Wingspan: 25' 3.5" 7.7 m
  Empty Weight: 1,008 lb 457 kg
  Gross Weight: 1,850 lb 839 kg

Propulsion
  No. of Engines: 1
  Powerplant: Lycoming HIO-360-A1A
  Horsepower (each): 180

Performance
  Range: 204 miles 328 km
  Cruise Speed: 75 mph 120 km/h 64 kt

Known serial numbers
64-18001 / 64-18020, 64-18025 / 64-18239, 65-13045 / 65-13068, 65-18240 / 65-18263, 66-9027 / 66-9118, 66-18264 / 66-18355 , 67-15371 / 67-15449 , 67-16687 / 67-17002 , 67-18356 / 67-18404

Examples of this type may be found at
MuseumCityState
United States Army Aviation MuseumOzarkAlabama
United States Army Transportation MuseumFort EustisVirginia

TH-55A on display

United States Army Transportation Museum
    


 

Recent comments by our visitors
 Stan Frazier
 , TX
i had just completed my time In the US ARMY in 1968 overlooking FT. Wolters TX. got in my truck and went to downing airport in mineral wells TX. and hired in as a helicopter mech. I worked there until the base closed in 1972. We as mech. had to ride with the test pilot when we finished working on the helicopter . the TH55a was the best helicopter i was ever in . always looked out for a flat oleo strut. it made for a rough runup.
01/05/2010 @ 21:10 [ref: 25526]
 Randy Reynolds
 Lincolnton, NC
I have lots of TH-55 parts 2 tractor trailer truck loads. We build and rebuild them. If I can help or if anyone want to talk helicopter e-mail is wildwolfaviation@aol.com
thanks
randy
12/12/2009 @ 16:40 [ref: 25422]
 Rick Burkart
 Crestview, FL
Class 80-5/80-17. Sky Blue/Green flights

Yeah, got set back in instruments! Will remember always one Friday afternoon solo flight in the -55, entered the "daisy chain" for landing that seemed to extend beyond the horizon, and when I finally turned on final, received a call from the tower to "initiate go around". Needless to say, that wasn't going to happen. I think it was after the third call, tower advised me to "allow the aircraft ahead to move ahead before landing". I believe I got the most hover time in the -55 that day.

Went back to my Guard unit, at Shelbyville, IN, after graduation and retired in '92. Huey driver the entire time.
01/29/2009 @ 04:26 [ref: 23575]
 jim parham
 bowdon georgia, GA
ive owned 6 269AS,in my life,i bought my last one 3 months ago,from a friend,if the economy gets worse,ill have too sell her,there the best ship,ever produced,and the u s army,new they were the best trainer, good luck too every one who flew,in one./////////// jim parham
11/07/2008 @ 03:03 [ref: 22997]
 First Class Leader, Class 78-37, Re
 , AL
Funny story, 30 years ago. During Primary, I recall my first flights with Marion D. Ewell, a DOSS Instructor. As Mr. Ewell banked the TH-55A to the right, I leaned way over to the left, until I was nearly sitting on him. He shrugged hard and said, \"Get off of me, you\'re not going to fall out!\" The doors were off the helicopter.

If I had a fear of heights, then, Mr. Ewell coaxed it out of me. On another flight he asked me where are we and I was probably clueless, as we flew by the water tower . . . When he keyed the mic, he said, \"Reference points, my boy.\"

I learned so much from him.

Maybe twenty years later, I called him, just to give him my warmest wishes and thanks for his patience.

I have flown approximately 130 airplanes and helicopters, since, including the venerable Boeing 747-400, as Captain.

This comment is my tribute to the US Army, Mother Rucker and DOSS Instructor Marion D. Ewell.
08/01/2008 @ 18:03 [ref: 22330]
 CW3 Fred Zayas (Ret.)
 Enterprise, AL
I was the last TH-55 solo for the year 1987. After I landed they shut down the tower at Hooper and we all went home for Christmas break. Whew what fond memories...I am proud to say I never got whacked by the anti over-torque device. I wish I could own one now to fly around the local Enterprise area.
02/01/2008 @ 12:23 [ref: 19502]
 Paul Ciervo
 Collingswood, NJ
Class 81-18 (Green Hats)

Loved the aircraft. It was nice to actually solo and learn on your own. It gave you a lot of confidence in your abilities and forced you to learn QUICK!


10/11/2007 @ 15:40 [ref: 18163]
 Doug
 , NC
I have fond memories of the TH-55. It brought me where I am today. I was one of the last groups to train with it. It is one of the few helicopters a one legged person could fly. All you needed was your left foot. Even at a hover all it needed was left pedal or no left pedal. I got a pinched nerve in my right foot from holding it off the pedal. It is a great aircraft to learn in.
01/25/2007 @ 22:00 [ref: 15297]
 Dave
 miami, FL
I am looking for a complete ship to rebuild,if any one knows where one is avail please let me know.Where are all of them if they made over 750/?Are any still at ft rucker?I looked at the faa registry there are not that many listed.Im a full time 369/md500 mechanic but ready to learn the 269 series.Thanks, h2operf@aol.com
03/15/2006 @ 19:10 [ref: 12812]
 Camron McAhren
 , AR
I am looking for a Good TH55 or a 269A for sell. If anyone knows of one please e-mail me.

Thanks
Camron McAhren
11/01/2005 @ 18:49 [ref: 11627]

 

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