H-43B Huskie Facts Kaman HH-43B Basics The USAF deployed the Huskie primarily as an aircraft firefighting and rescue platform for use in close proximity to air bases. Using the powerful wash from the rotors and foam from the kit to open a path through the flames, H-43 crews saved the lives of numerous Airmen at home and in Vietnam, where they flew under the call sign Pedro. Early "A" and "B" model Huskies were delivered in a square empennage stabilizer configuration. Crew and Equipment Crew: 4-6 Roles Fire Rescue History of Goodfellow's H-43B Huskie Goodfellow's Huskie is the only H-43 to retain the original square empennage. Nestled among Goodfellow's exhibit of 18 historic military fire trucks, our H-43B Huskie (s/n 58-1841) is displayed in the standard rescue helicopter configuration. Its presence here underscores the leading role the base plays as host to the Louis F. Garland Department of Defense Fire Academy.