TH-55 Osage

Summary

Category Military Helicopters
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
ManufacturerHughes
First flight2 October 1956
Year introduced1961
Number produced2800 units

Technical specifications

Version: TH-55 Osage
Crew2 members
Operational range480 km (298 mi)
Maximum speed 140 km/h (87 mph)
Wingspan7.7 m (25.3 ft)
Height2.5 m (8.2 ft)
Length8.8 m (28.9 ft)
Service ceiling4,000 m (13,123 ft)
Empty weight435 kg (959 lbs)
Max. takeoff weight703 kg (1,550 lbs)
Powerplant1 x Lycoming HIO-360-A1A 4-cylinder piston engine delivering 130 kW each

Current operating countries

Country Units
Thailand Thailand 45
Indonesia Indonesia 20
Greece Greece 18
Pakistan Pakistan 15
Senegal Senegal 6
El Salvador El Salvador 5
Mexico Mexico 4
Peru Peru 4

All operators

🇧🇷 Brazil • 🇨🇴 Colombia • 🇨🇷 Costa Rica • 🇩🇿 Algeria • 🇪🇸 Spain • 🇬🇷 Greece • 🇭🇳 Honduras • 🇭🇹 Haiti • 🇮🇩 Indonesia • 🇮🇳 India • 🇯🇵 Japan • 🇲🇽 Mexico • 🇵🇰 Pakistan • 🇵🇪 Peru • 🇸🇳 Senegal • 🇸🇱 Sierra Leone • 🇸🇻 El Salvador • 🇸🇪 Sweden • 🇹🇭 Thailand • 🇹🇷 Turkey • 🇹🇼 Taiwan • 🇺🇸 United States
Photo of TH-55 Osage

Description

The Hughes TH-55 Osage was a military training helicopter developed in the United States during the 1950s by the Hughes Tool Company. Designed as a lightweight and cost-effective training platform, it was primarily utilized by the U.S. Army for flight instruction and aerial observation missions. Featuring a simple and reliable design, the Osage played a significant role in training countless pilots during its service life. Its deployment was primarily restricted to the U.S. Army, where it served as an integral part of pilot training programs for several decades. The Osage's development and deployment allowed for essential training and observation capabilities within the U.S. military.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of aircraft is the TH-55 Osage?
The Hughes TH-55 Osage is a military helicopters aircraft developed by Hughes and entered service in 1961.
What is the maximum speed of the TH-55 Osage?
The Hughes TH-55 Osage has a maximum speed of 140 km/h (86 mph).
What is the range of the TH-55 Osage?
The Hughes TH-55 Osage has an operational range of 480 km (298 miles). This range can vary based on payload, altitude, and mission profile.
When did the TH-55 Osage first fly?
The Hughes TH-55 Osage made its first flight on October 02, 1956. It entered operational service in 1961.
How many TH-55 Osage have been built?
Approximately 2,800 units of the Hughes TH-55 Osage have been produced since it entered service in 1961.
Which countries operate the TH-55 Osage?
The Hughes TH-55 Osage is operated by 8 countries with approximately 117 aircraft in active service. The largest operators include Thailand, Indonesia, and Greece.
What is the service ceiling of the TH-55 Osage?
The Hughes TH-55 Osage has a service ceiling of 4,000 meters (13,123 feet). This is the maximum altitude at which the aircraft can maintain controlled flight.
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