QH-50 DASH
History
The Gyrodyne QH-50 DASH (Drone Anti-Submarine Helicopter) was designed to equip small warships with long range anti submarine launch capabilities, without requiring facilities for manned helicopters. The DASH allowed WW2 build destroyers and escorts to be fitted with ASW weapons that reached the edge of their sonar range and was because of that part of the FRAM Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization program. DASH was in use in the US Navy from 1963 until 1969, after which production was stopped. The drones saw limited use (tests, target drones and recon) until at least 1975. The JMSDF used the DASH, but removed them from service in 1977 due to the difficulty of operating an aircraft no longer supported by the manufacturer.
The DASH could carry 2 Mk 44 torpedo's or a single nuclear depth charge.
Used on
- FRAM Destroyers
- Takatsuki class
- Minegumo class
Affiliated systems
Part description
The DASH was operated in a few different loadouts and configurations. There are 6 DASH'es drawn in the image. These are, from left to right:
- DASH with tail, loaded with 2 torpedo's
- DASH with tail, no load
- DASH without tail, loaded with 2 torpedo's
- DASH without tail, no load
- DASH with tail, loaded with an nuclear depth charge
- DASH without tail, loaded with an nuclear depth charge
