Monroe in Ouachita Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)
OH-6 Cayuse Helicopter
Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, 2019
1. OH-6 Cayuse Helicopter Marker
COMBAT HISTORY
This helicopter was known as a Light Observation Helicopter ("Loach") and saw a lot of action during the Viet Nam War. When used for search operations it normally carried no attached armament. Most of the time the gunner in the rear seat had a M-60 machine gun and had smoke and WP grenades used to mark target locations. The best feature was its very fast speed and maneuverability. The pilot would fly in a right turn at tree-top height at about 30 mph. Once the enemy was spotted he would immediately vector straight away from target at maximum speed. The Cobra helicopter was normally at 1500 feet protecting the Loach. Once contact with the enemy was made, the Cobra would attack. The mission was one of search and destroy. About 75% of air crews were killed or wounded. Most of the OH-6A helicopters were shot down and/or damaged. Many were recovered and repaired to fly again. Some OH-6A helicopters were armed with M75 40mm grenade launchers and the M27 "minigun."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SPECIFICATIONS
Manufacturer: McDonnell Douglas
Type: Light Observation Helicopter
Year first flight: 1963
Engine: Allison T63-5A Turbo-shaft, 252.5 hp
Rotor Diameter: 26 ft 4 in
Overall Length: 30 ft 3 75 in
Height: 8 ft 1.5in
Empty Weight: 1,229 lb
Max Takeoff Weight: 2,700 lb
Max Speed: 150 mph (cruise) at sea level
Range: 380 miles
Crew: 2 plus gunner with M-60 Machine Gun
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Donated to the Museum by Mr. Victor Schilleci, IV in memory
of his father Mr. Victor Schilleci III
Erected by Chennault
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • War, Vietnam.
Location. 32° 30.706′ N, 92° 3.297′ W. Marker is in Monroe, Louisiana, in Ouachita Parish. It is at the intersection of Kansas Lane and Central Avenue on Kansas Lane. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 701 Kansas Lane, Monroe LA 71203, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in North Louisiana. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Deep South. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, the Louisiana Purchase, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Claire Lee Chennault (within shouting distance of this marker); Selman Field Navigator Memorial (approx. 0.6 miles away);
Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, December 31, 1969
2. OH-6 Cayuse Helicopter Marker
More about this marker. Located on the grounds of the Chennault Aviation & Military Museum
Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, May 10, 2019
3. OH-6 Cayuse Helicopter Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on March 29, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 12, 2019, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 601 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 12, 2019.
