Ordered for
the U.S. Navy and Marine Corp, the HUK-1 and HOK-1 respectively
first flew in 1953. The U.S. Air Force also acquired a few
similar helicopters designated as the H-43A Huskie.
In 1956, an HOK-1 was tested with a Lycoming T53
turbine engine. The considerable performance improvement lead
to the development of the H-43B first flown in 1958.
Also known as "Pedro", the HH-43 was used
extensively in Vietnam to rescue downed airmen.
