The Cayuse first flew on February 26th, 1963 as prototype Model 369. It is powered by an Allison T63 engine that gives it a top speed of 150 mph. A crew of two is required, and up to four additional passengers can be carried. 1,434 were built, as well as 387 licensed-built by the Japanese company Kawasaki. Military variants of the Cayuse include the MH-6 Little Bird and the MD 500 Defender. There is also a civilian version of it, named the Hughes Model 500.