So unassuming is the humble Huey (never called "Iroquois" by those who flew them) that its role as one of the major combat aircraft of the century is easily forgotten. More than 12,000 of all models were built and -- on any given day, during its heyday in Vietnam -- 2,000 could be in the air at once.

From 1962, when the first short-fuselage HU-1s arrived, to the later large-doored versions, they took on transport, utility and medevac or "dustoff" missions. The Huey later morphed into a gunship with multiple protrusions of guns and rocket pods added to protect and escort the unarmed troop-carrying "slicks."

When the new Huey Cobra appeared, a true Air Cavalry was born. Though most of the USAF machines are gone, the army expects to keep the Huey through the first decade of this century.

The UH-1B was an improved model that was equipped with the Lycoming T53-L-5 engine of 960 shp (716 kW), revised main rotor blades of 44 foot diameter and 21 inch chord, 13 inches higher rotor mast and a longer cabin that could accommodate seven passengers. This version was redesignated UH-1B in 1962.

Later production UH-1Bs were equipped with Lycoming T53-L-9 and L-11 engines of 1,100 shp (820 kW). Gross weight was 8,500 lb (3,850 kg) and the standard empty weight was 4,513 lb (2,047 kg).

Army testing of the "B" model started in November, 1960 with first production aircraft arriving in March, 1961. A total of 1010 "Bravo" models were delivered to the US Army. First deployment was in November 1963 when eleven were sent to Vietnam to join the "Alpha" models already in use by UTTCO.

Early in 1966 the 174th AHC (Assault Helicopter Company) asked for permission to use the famous Flying Tigers’ sharks-mouth paint scheme for their UH-1 helicopters. Permission was granted in June 1966 and the scheme was used by the company throughout its long and proud service during the Vietnam War until 1971.

Pictured here is a 1:72 scale replica of a US Army Bell UH-1C Huey helicopter that was attached to the Sharks Gun Platoon, 174th AHC, "Aces of Spades", 1st Aviation Brigade, II Corps, then deployed to Vietnam during 1971. Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Rotor Span: 7-1/2-inches
Length: 8-inches

Release Date: November 2008

Historical Account: "Dolphins and Sharks" - Formed at Ft. Benning, GA in 1965 and deployed all personnel and equipment to Vietnam by U.S. Navy ships in 1966, the 174th Assault Helicopter Company landed at the Vietnamese port at the city of Qui Nhon. The unit's three primary "homes" in Vietnam were Lane Army Heliport near Qui Nhon (1966; II-Corps), Duc Pho in Quang Ngai Province (1967-1970; I-Corps), and Chu Lai, basecamp for the Americal Division (1971; also I-Corps). The 174th flew various models of the UH-1 "Huey" helicopter. The unit served long and proud in Vietnam and saw much combat action in the rice paddies and mountains in the northern half of South Vietnam from 1966 until 1971, and in Laos during Operation Lam Son 719 in 1971.