Here is a model of the Hughes OH-6D AHIP Prototype. It is based on the 1/72 Italeri OH-6A kit. The model was converted using scrath-built parts made from plasticard, plastic strut and tubing and wire. It's the first model I have built in about 14 years so it's far from perfect but I'm fairly happy with the result. Thanks for looking.
Thanks. Stingray. This is hopefully the first of six or seven other test ships that Hughes flew in the early eighties that I plan to build. I have tentatively started the next one. I'll post some photos here when it's finished. Thanks.
It went on to be used in many other test programmes by Hughes and McDonnell Douglas. It was converted into quite a few different configurations for test work. The airframe was registered in the experimental class and so was only used for test work until it appears it was retired in 1997. I believe the airframe is currently stored at the MD facility at Mesa, Arizona.
What was AHIP?
It was the U.S. Army competition held in 1980/81 to select an interim, upgraded, scout helicopter that would be compatible with the AH-64A Apache. The competition was between the Hughes OH-6A and the Bell OH-58A Kiowa. Bell won the competition and today, the U.S. Army still flies the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior.
Thanks for all the generous comments in relation to this model. I was messing around with my camera and have a few more low-quality photos of the OH-6D. I had a Verlinden base plate and I had it mounted in a picture frame. I decided to do a little "What if" diorama.
The fictional scene depicts the OH-6D parked on the ramp outside the prototype hangar at the Hughes Plant at Culver City in August 1981. All the proposed weapons options are laid out in front of the helicopter and it is cordoned off. The helicopter is set up for an inspection by a visiting delegation from the U.S. Army before the decision is made to select the winning A.H.I.P. design. Two executives from Hughes Helicopters are seen approaching the OH-6D to inspect everything before the Army Selection Committee arrive.