The Kaman HH-43 Huskie was a distinctive intermeshing-rotor helicopter developed by Kaman Aircraft and used primarily by the U.S. Air Force for firefighting and rescue. Entering service in the late 1950s, the Huskie’s twin counter-rotating rotors eliminated the need for a tail rotor and gave it excellent lifting ability and maneuverability. Originally employed for local base rescue and aircraft fire suppression, the HH-43 became particularly important during the Vietnam War, where “Pedro” rescue crews operated from forward airfields to recover downed airmen, often flying into hostile territory while supported by aircraft such as the A-1 Skyraider. HH-43 crews were credited with hundreds of combat saves and thousands of additional rescues during the conflict. Eventually superseded by longer-range helicopters such as the HH-3 and HH-53, the unconventional Huskie remains closely associated with the courage of the Air Force’s early combat rescue forces and helped establish traditions carried on by modern U.S. Air Force pararescue and rescue units.