N17427
Hughes YOH-6A / OH-6A Cayuse (YOH-6A (prototype) / OH-6A)
Hughes Tool Company (Aircraft Division)
2 Hours
Duration of Flight
232 NM
Range
152 MPH
Max Speed
Gallery
Basic Information
Airframe
Data valid as of 1981-03-02No flight history available
Flight records for this aircraft have not been tracked yet.
AI Summary
Hughes YOH-6A / OH-6A Cayuse (YOH-6A (prototype) / OH-6A)
Overview
Registered as N17427 to Kirtland Community College on 1974-10-15; FAA registration cancelled 1981-03-02. Originally built/operated as USAF prototype/airframe serial 62-4211 (MSN 73-0006) of the YOH-6A/OH-6A Cayuse family.
Specifications
- Engines: 1× Allison T63-A-5 / Allison 250 (civil designation) (317 lbf each)
- Range: 232 nm
- Cruise: 135 kts
- Seats: 2
- Ceiling: 15994 ft
Operations & Cabin
Two-seat observation layout (pilot + observer) Minimal mission/observation fit with large glazing for visibility; not an executive cabin.
Model & Market Context
This airframe, registered as N17427, is a Hughes YOH-6A / OH-6A Cayuse bearing serial number 73-0006. It is owned by Kirtland Community College, an educational institution based in Grayling, MI, US, and is operated from that location for instructional and light observation duties. The helicopter carries a US registration and has been associated with the college since its most recent acquisition, reflecting a transition to an educational operator. Condition and valuation details are not published beyond its documented registry and ownership.
The airframe is outfitted in a two-seat observation cabin with a pilot and an observer, reflecting the classic mission set of the OH-6A/YOH-6A family. Operated by Kirtland Community College from Grayling, MI, US, typical missions for this aircraft are short-range observation, flight training, and light utility tasks within its 232 nm range and cruise speed of 135 kts. Avionics fit and specific interior modifications are not published; maintenance considerations focus on the single Allison T63-A-5 / Allison 250 turboshaft and associated airframe support systems typical of surviving Cayuse airframes. The two-seat layout prioritizes visibility and instructor/trainee interchange over passenger capacity.
The Hughes YOH-6A / OH-6A Cayuse occupies a niche for light observation and training roles, offering compact size, responsive handling, and relatively modest operating profiles driven by its single Allison turboshaft. Competing types in this segment include other light observation helicopters and trainer-configured civil variants of military designs. Buyer and institutional demand tends to favor operators seeking a dedicated observation trainer or heritage platform; resale and maintenance considerations emphasize availability of parts, specialized fuselage and rotorwork, and support for the Allison T63-A-5 / Allison 250 powerplant.