In 1961, the U.S. Army announced a tender for a light reconnaissance and liaison helicopter under the LOH (Light Observation Helicopter) program. The Hughes OH-6 Cayuse won the competition, making its...
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In 1961, the U.S. Army announced a tender for a light reconnaissance and liaison helicopter under the LOH (Light Observation Helicopter) program. The Hughes OH-6 Cayuse won the competition, making its first flight in 1963. Serial production began in 1966, with 1,434 helicopters built in total. McDonnell Douglas later acquired the production rights and began manufacturing its own variant, the MD 500 Defender. One modification, the MD 530MG, became the basis for the MH-6J Little Bird. This helicopter was designed for the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (160th SOAR), known as the Night Stalkers.