The Hughes H-6 is a family of light utility and assault helicopters of the United States Army. Hughes developed the first variant, the OH-6 Cayuse, as a scout and utility aircraft for the Vietnam War. Later McDonnell Douglas developed the A/MH-6 Little Bird from Hughes' OH-6 Cayuse and its civilian model, the MD 500 Defender series. The A/MH-6 Little Bird is flown by units of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR) at Fort Campbell.

The assault variant can carry a pod on either side of the fuselage fitted with various guns, missiles or rockets. In lieu of pods, the troop ship variant is rigged with a slick platfom on either side for carrying up to six men on the outside of the helicopter. It can cruise at speeds of 160 mph (257 km/h).

Japanese OH-6

In Japan, 387 OH-6s were produced under licence by Kawasaki Heavy Industries and used at Japan Ground Self-Defense Force(JGSDF), Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force(JMSDF), Japan Coast Guard, and other civilian operators. Since 2001, OH-6s at JGSDF are being replaced by Kawasaki's new observation helicopter, OH-1s.

Trivia

OH-6 were used in the movie Capricorn One.