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Type: single-engined multi-role utility helicopter

Powerplant: one 820-kW (1100-hp) Lycoming T53-L-11 turboshaft engine

Maximum speed: 238 km/h (148 mph) at sea level

Initial climb rate: 427 m/min (1400 fpm)

Range: 615 km (381 miles) with auxiliary fuel

Service ceiling: 3505 m (11,500 ft)

Weights: empty 2300 kg (5060 lb); maximum take-off 4309 kg (9480 lb)

Dimensions:
Rotor diameter: 13.41 m (44 ft)
Length: 12.98 m (42 ft 7 in)
Height: 3.84 m (12 ft 7 in)
Rotor disc area: 141.26 m2 (1520 sq ft)

One could safely argue the UH-1 Huey is the best known helicopter in history. It may well be the most widely used helicopter in the world. Developed by Bell, the official name of the UH-1 was Iroquois. In the late 1950s the Army designation was HU-1, as in Helicopter Utility. From that designation the nickname "Huey" took on a life of its own.

The UH-1 first arrived in Vietnam in 1963 and before America's involvement in the war ended as many as 7,000 Hueys were deployed. The UH-1 was a versatile aircraft used for air assault, troop transport, medical evacuation and as helicopter gunships. As depicted in the Vietnam Base Camp replica at Patriots Point, the UH-1 played a pivotal role in the Brown River Navy; the river patrol boats and other Navy craft that patrolled the dangerous Mekong Delta.

While the UH-1 performed well in Southeast Asia, that performance came at high cost. Thousands of pilots and crewmembers were lost to enemy attack and accidents. At the same time, many a Vietnam veteran owes his life to the heroics of UH-1 crewmembers... and the remarkable Huey.

HA(L)-3 Seawolves
The purposes of the Vietnam Base Camp replica at Patriots Point is to offer visitors an understanding of what life was like for the brave Americans who fought for control of the rivers and waterways that made up the Mekong Delta. The Brown Water Navy. Patriots Point is proud to feature the story of HA(L)-3. The US Navy Helicopter Attack (Light) Squadron Three Seawolves.

In 1967 at the height of the war, the Navy created its only rapid reaction armed helicopter squadron. The Seawolves consisted of heavily armed UH-1 helicopter fire teams. The Seawolves provided close air support for the river patrol boats in constant danger of enemy ambush and attack. Navy SEAL teams deployed in the delta considered the Seawolves to be their best friends. Scrambling in response to urgent calls and flying into the face of danger, the Seawolves were responsible for saving countless numbers of lives.

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