Little Bird Questions

Can't give you exact info on the "thing" but it definitively looks like an ECM pod.

BTW seems like the pic you have there is one of the newer version helos, since it has six blades on the main rotor.

It is likely that the pic Grenada helo is indeed a modified OH-6, in fact the first SOF helos were black "Loaches".

One thing: were did you get those pics? Could post the one from Grenada?

Hmmm... might be a SLAR pod.  I don't know why a Little Bird would be carrying Side Looking Radar, but I suppose its a possiblity.  It is interesting to note that's an MH-6M. Six bladed rotor.  Would love to see a side view!

As for the Y tailed -6s, SOAR still uses some as trainers for incoming LB pilots.  They're designated MH-6Cs.  They have a more powerful engine than the A model did and a few other mods, but its still a Vietnam Era Loach. 

Avus wrote:

One thing: were did you get those pics? Could post the one from Grenada?

I've seen it around on a couple sites, but nobody's asked what it was.

Here's the other pic. The focus is on the operator in the foreground, but you can clearly see what I'm talking about with the LB's behind him. Too bad the picture's not better quality.

Thanks for the pics!

Confirm what I wrote yesterday: black "Loaches" = first MELB (or maybe just MEL )

Andy

DPD1 wrote:

I brightened it a little... Still have no idea. Looks like it has a handle in front and is kind of shaped like a guitar case.

One of the thngs I thought it might be was some sort of baggage container, but that didn't make sense. It's too big for a guitar case, but it could be a cello case. Of course, why wouldn't you keep a cello inside the helicopter. Everyone knows there's always room for chello.

That's where they keep the Tommy Guns.

empeter wrote:

DPD1 wrote: I brightened it a little... Still have no idea. Looks like it has a handle in front and is kind of shaped like a guitar case.

Chief Snake wrote:

It's a .50 cal gun pacakge. Single self contained unit protected from the elements in a composite box. CS

Does anyone know what is attached to the starboard side of this aircraft?

It does double duty as an EAPS and an extended range fuel tank.  Can have one or two.

Hugh Mills

KCMOPD

I said EAPS (External Aerial Protection and Survivability or Engine Air Particle Seperator-the neat filter on the top of the MELB) and had a senior moment.  It is an EPS(External Personnel System), fuel saddle tank/externa troop seat for the MH-6.  Troops sit on the top like the plank system and it holds fuel.  It is not, as my esteemed snakemeister says, a .50 pod.  Go back to the garage and sit in your Mohawk snake.  Smiling.

Hugh Mills