Originally designated OH-6 as a light observation helicopter, the MH-6 personnel transport and AH-6 light attack helicopters were developed for special operations born out of the experiences during the Iran Hostage Crisis in 1980-81. Nicknamed the “Little Bird” in comparison to other aircraft like the CH-47 Chinook and UH-60 Blackhawk, the MH-6 is an unarmed helicopter designed to carry three operators on each outboard bench. The AH-6 is a gunship variant. Camouflaged in black, the Little Bird is designed for quick insertions and extractions that larger aircraft are unable to accomplish. The current A/MH-6M variant is a “mission enhanced” Little Bird variant based on a modified MD 530 commercial helicopter, and all active MH-6 helicopters have been modernized to this standard.