Originally designed as a light observation helicopter, the OH-6 Cayuse obtained the name LOACH and was widely used in Vietnam. It was also widely shot down during that conflict. However, the Army wastes nothing and was quick to salvage as many as they could. The speedy and difficult to hit H-6 was well liked by pilots, though not for its ruggedness or ability to absorb fire. It had little armor plating though the seats were often armored to give some protection. Often the aircraft were modified by adding a mini-gun on the side, a set up that basically filled the back seat with shell boxes! At least it was more firepower than the hand held weapons used by the crews.

After the war many were passed on to the National Guard and some were still in service as late as the early 90s. Many of the Vietnam era Loaches were also passed on to the Border Patrol who liked it ease of maintenance and small size for hunting down the usual suspects.

Over the years, the OH-6 was modified and also license built by Nardi in Italy. Improved versions, MH-6s are use for special ops in the US and the MH500 variants are widely used around the world. The H-6 is still being built, though the new aircraft are a far cry from the originals.

This sheet from Aztec is really superb. Printing and quality of color are superb. The decals are nice and crisp with no registration problems.  A nice touch are the decals for the canopy that have the framework and the windows in them for those aircraft that used them.

There are MD 500/H-6s on here for aircraft from Mexico (both the Army and Navy), Colombia, Spain, Argentina, Peru, Salvador, and Chile. There are enough markings to do a number of helos in various colors and schemes. In fact, it will probably be difficult to decide which to do!

Suggested kits are From Tamiya, Fujimi and Academy in 1/48 depending on the variant. The instructions are full color and provide complete color and placement information. What is very nice about these is that they are also available in 1/72 for the small scale modeler. If you can't find them at your hobby shop, you can order them direct via the link provided.

Review sheet courtesy of Aztec. Visit their website for more information on other sheets.

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