HH-43B Husky: Originally intended to be used primarily for crash rescue and aircraft firefighting, the versatile Kaman HH-43 Huskie was eventually turned into a combat search and rescue (CSAR) helicopter. Emphasis was on hardiness of construction and increased performance that would include medical evacuation capabilities at high altitudes. The H-43A model was first delivered to the United States Air Force (USAF) Tactical Air Command, a fighter-oriented command, in November 1958. Later on the H-43B version was developed with a new turbine engine. Delivery of the -B series began in June 1959, and the USAF took approximately 175 helicopters. In 1962, the USAF decided to change the H-43 designation to HH-43 to reflect the aircraft's rescue role. First flown in 1953, it has been operated by the USAF, the US Navy and the US Marine Corps. The Huskie was deployed to Vietnam and Thailand in 1964 to perform search and rescue (SAR). It was the first USAF SAR aircraft get to the scene, arriving in June. It was also the last USAF rescue helicopter to leave Vietnam, leaving in January 1973 after the peace treaty was signed. The HH-43 has also been deployed to the Philippines, Japan, South Korea and Guam. The HH-43 was a very reliable rescue helicopter, often reaching crashed airplanes before ground vehicles arrived. When there was a fire or risk of a fire with a crash, it was seen as the first responder. A Huskie on rescue alert could be airborne in about one minute. The unique rotor design of the helicopter was capable of creating a strong downwash that could blow away smoke and fire, opening a path that would allow rescuers to reach the victims.