This is a listing of aircraft used by Marine helicopter
squadrons (current to Jan 2012). If anyone can add to the list or correct it, please let me
know.
UH-1B 20 loaned from Army in 1967 (VMO-1).
List of serial numbers. VH-1D VIP version of Army UH-1D (HMX-1) UH-1E "Iroquois"/"Huey" First
turbine-powered helicopter. Standard equipment in the VMO and
later the HMLs, many of these utility aircraft were converted
into gunships. [1964-86] HH-1K SAR version of "E" UH-1N Twin-engined version of the Huey that entered service in 1971. It
is being replaced in the HMLA squadrons by the UH-1Y. [1971- ] HH-1N SAR version VH-1N VIP version (HMX-1) UH-1Y "Venom" Upgrade with 4-blade main
rotor. HMLAT-303 began conversion in 2008; first deployment took
place in 2009 with HMM-163(Rein). HMLA-367 was the first squadron
to transition (2009), followed by HMLA-369 and HMLA-169 (through Mar 2011).
AH-1G "Cobra" 38 on loan from Army. Flown in
Vietnam by VMO-2 and HML-367. Also equipped HMA-169 and HMA-773.
[1969-78]. List of Marine AH-1Gs. AH-1J "Sea Cobra" Twin-engined version for
USMC. Served in Vietnam (1971, 72-3, 75) and the Gulf War.
[1969-93] AH-1T "Sea Cobra" Improved version with more
powerful engines. First 33 (of 55 total) were delivered without
TOW anti-armor missile capability (later upgraded). AH-1W "Super/Whiskey Cobra" AH-1Z "Viper" Upgrade with 4-blade main
rotor. In operation with HMLAT-303 (2008). HMLA-367 began transition in 2011.
Bell-Boeing
MV-22A "Osprey" MV-22B "Osprey" Medium-lift tilt-rotor aircraft replacing the CH-46.
First combat deployment in 2010 (Afghanistan). [200? - ]
Boeing-Vertol
HRP-1/CH-46A Entered service in 1964 with
HMM-265. HH-46A Utility/SAR version CH-46D Upgraded version with T58-GE-10
engines and redesigned tail. HH-46D Utility/SAR version CH-46F HH-46F Utility/SAR version CH-46E Current version. T58-GE-16 engines.
Upgraded in 1991 with enlarged fuel sponsons.
HOK-1/OH-43D "Husky". Observation helicopter with intermeshing blades. VMO-2 retired their last OH-43Ds in 1965. HUK-1/UH-43C Utility version.
UH-2B Utility version of the "Seasprite",
used for SAR duties at MCAS Beaufort, Cherry Point, and Yuma,
from 1964 to 1970. List of BuNos
Lockheed-Martin
VH-71 Variant of Augusta/Westland EH-101
intended to replace VH-3D VIP helo. Cost over-runs led to cancellation of the contract in 2009.
Piaseki
HRP-1 "Flying Banana" Fabric covered
fuselage. Operated by HMX-1 HRP-2 "Flying Banana" Metal covered
fuselage. Operated by HMX-1
HUP-1 "Retriever" SAR HUP-2/UH-25B "Retriever" SAR. Also used by
some Reserve squadrons.
Pitcairn
XOP-1 Autogyro. Evaluated by VJ-6M at
Quantico and Nicaragua during 1932, but not adopted.
Sikorsky
HO3S-1 Six from HMX-1 went to Korea with
VMO-6 in 1950.
HO4S-1 Observation/anti-submarine version of
HRS-1. Equivalent to Army H-19A.
HO5S-1 Flown by VMO-6 in Korea.
HRS-1 First transport helo in FMF squadrons
(1951). Similar to HO4S-1, but with troop-seats and self-sealing
fuel tanks. HRS-2 Improved version. HRS-3/CH-19E Improved version equipped with
Wright R-1300-3 engine.
HR2S-1/CH-37C "Mojave" Known as the "Deuce",
was the first heavy-lift helicopter for the Marines. Some served
in Vietnam with H&MS-16.
HUS-1/UH-34D "Sea Horse" Standard USMC
assault helicopter from 1958 to 1969. HUS-1A/UH-34E Amphibious version
(floats). HUS-1L/LH-34D Winterized version for
Antarctic. HUS-1Z/VH-34D VIP version. HSS-1/SH-34G ex-USN. Operated mainly by
Reserves. HSS-1N/SH-34J ex-USN. Operated mainly by
Reserves.
CH-53A "Sea Stallion" Vietnam-era Marine
heavy-lift helicopter. CH-53D "Sea Stallion" Improved version. RH-53D ex-USN mine-warfare helos, used by
HMH-772 and HMH-772 Det A. CH-53E "Super Stallion" Current heavy-lift
helo. CH-53K Improved "Super Stallion" in design
stage (2009).
VH-60A VIP version of Army "Blackhawk". In
use only with HMX-1.
* In 1954 the XROE-1 and XRON-1 were reclassed by the Chief of
Naval Operations as equipment, rather than aircraft, so as not to
count against total aircraft inventory.