The Bell UH-1 Iroquois (nicknamed "Huey") is perhaps one of the best-known helicopters in the world. Developed in the early 1950s and first flown on October 20, 1956, the Huey became first turbine-powered helicopter in service with the United States military.
Starting I 1962, Huey helicopters were used extensively during the Vietnam War. The helicopter is very versatile and was adapted for many missions including general transport, medical evacuation, air assault, search and rescue, and ground attack roles. To provide support for ground troops, Huey gunships were adapted to carry a wide variety of weapons, including rockets, grenade launchers, and machine guns. This artwork depicts a “Huey Hog” gunship of the 120th Aviation Company “Razorbacks” armed helicopters unit.
There were approximately 7,000 Huey helicopters deployed in the Vietnam theatre with more than 3,300 lost. The helicopter was an amazing machine but they were also easy targets due to the nature of their mission working close to the ground and their relatively slow speed. There are many incredible tales of helicopter crews performing heroically in the heat of battle.
The Huey has been continually modified, adapted and upgraded over the years and continues in service well into the 21st century.
Starting I 1962, Huey helicopters were used extensively during the Vietnam War. The helicopter is very versatile and was adapted for many missions including general transport, medical evacuation, air assault, search and rescue, and ground attack roles. To provide support for ground troops, Huey gunships were adapted to carry a wide variety of weapons, including rockets, grenade launchers, and machine guns. This artwork depicts a “Huey Hog” gunship of the 120th Aviation Company “Razorbacks” armed helicopters unit.
There were approximately 7,000 Huey helicopters deployed in the Vietnam theatre with more than 3,300 lost. The helicopter was an amazing machine but they were also easy targets due to the nature of their mission working close to the ground and their relatively slow speed. There are many incredible tales of helicopter crews performing heroically in the heat of battle.
The Huey has been continually modified, adapted and upgraded over the years and continues in service well into the 21st century.