Quote:
Originally Posted by Seahawk
The Navy and Marines were the same way, both jets and helos.
When I got my wings, the helos in the inventory were: Cobras, Hueys (both services and many different T/M/S), H-2's, H-3's, H-46's, 53D's, 53E's (completely different from the D, btw) and the new 60B.
Even the Coast Guard had three completely different helicopters.
I was a plankowner in the first 60B squadron.
The Navy then set out to enact the "Helo Master Plan". There are now two variants of the H-60, the MH-60R and MH-60S. They share the same cockpit and most of the same dynamic components. Huge savings in training and logistics.
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I understand the cost saving though I would have loved to have been a military pilot (USN or USAF) in the '50s or '60s.
Many years ago I read a book, which you may have read, called 'Feet Wet' by Paul Gillcrist. Incredible how many types of aircraft he flew in the Navy. I think there was one part in the book, if I recall correctly, where he had just arrived at a new assignment/Air Station and was flying in their aircraft (a new make and model to him) the same day!