BELL UH-1H-BF IROQUOIS
The most widely used military helicopter, the Bell UH-1 series Iroquois, better known as the “Huey”, began arriving in Vietnam in 1963. Before the end of the conflict, more than 5,000 of these versatile aircraft were introduced into Southeast Asia.
“Hueys” were used for MedEvac, command and control, and air assault; to transport personnel and materiel; and as gun ships. Considered to be the most widely used helicopter in the world, with more than 9,000 produced from the 1950s to the present, the Huey is flown today by about 40 countries.
Bell (model 205A-1) UH-1H (1967-1986) was identical to the UH-1D but was equipped with an upgraded engine that allowed transport of up to 13 troops. The UH-1H has a two-bladed semi-rigid seesaw bonded all metal main rotor and a two-bladed rigid delta hinge bonded all metal tail rotor. The UH-1H is powered by a single Lycoming T53-L-13B 1400 shp turboshaft engine.
More UH-1H “Hueys” were built than any other model. Our UH-1H served for 3 years in Vietnam, serving with the 5th Aviation Detachment, 135th Assault Helicopter Company, 165th Transportation Company, 388th Transportation Company and the 48th Assault Helicopter Company, before being returned home.
| SPECIFICATIONS | |
| Span: | 48 feet |
| Length: | 57.3 feet |
| Height: | 14.9 feet |
| Weight: | 10,000 lbs gross |
| Armament: | M-240 7.62mm machine gun or GAU-16 .50 caliber machine gun or GAU-17 7.62mm automatic gun two 7-shot or 19-shot 2.75″ rocket pods |
| Engines: | One Lycoming T53-L-13B 1400 shp turboshaft engine |
| Crew: | Four; 2 Officers & 2 Enlisted |
| Cost: | $ 273,000 |
| Tail Number: | 68-16256 |
| Years in Service: | 1950’s – 2004 |
| PERFORMANCE | |
| Maximum Speed: | 129 mph |
| Range: | 286 miles |
| Service Ceiling: | 14,200 feet |