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 1950's 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.
| Type | Single-engine Multi-role Utility Helicopter |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Bell |
| Powerplant | One 820-kW (1100-hp) Lycoming T53-L-11 turbo-shaft 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) |
