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TH-55 Osage

American training helicopter, prominent during the Vietnam War, extensively utilized for instructional duties by the US Army.

Hughes TH-55 Osage military helicopters in flight
Origin country
🇺🇸 United States
First flight
1956Oct 2
Introduced
1961
Produced
2,800units
Active worldwide
117
Hughes TH-55 Osage military helicopters side profile drawing
Side profile · Hughes TH-55 Osage · length 8.8 m
Technical SpecificationsVersion: TH-55 Osage
Crew2 members
Length8.8 m (28.9 ft)
Wingspan7.7 m (25.3 ft)
Height2.5 m (8.2 ft)
Empty weight435 kg (959 lbs)
Max. takeoff weight703 kg (1,550 lbs)
Powerplant1 × Lycoming HIO-360-A1A 4-cylinder piston engine 130 kW each
PerformanceVersion: TH-55 Osage
Maximum speed140 km/h (87 mph)
Operational range480 km (298 mi)
Service ceiling4,000 m (13,123 ft)
Operators — 2026
ActiveOn order
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🇧🇷 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

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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