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.

Pictured here is a 1:72 scale replica of a JASDF Bell UH-1B Huey helicopter that was attached to the 1st Helicopter Brigade during 1982. Sold Out!

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

Release Date: June 2008

Historical Account: "Japan's Delta Force" - The Japanese Special Operations Group (Tokushu Sakusen Gun) is the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force's counter-terrorist unit established by the former Japanese Defense Agency to counter terrorist activities and deter guerrilla-style attacks on Japanese soil and to conduct military operations, like the 1st Airborne Brigade, against guerrillas or enemy commandos. The unit is based in Narashino, Chiba with the 1st Airborne Brigade. They are also known as the Special Forces Group.

The SOG has been referred to as Japan's Delta Force, due to their specialized role in the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force. Delta Force personnel had been responsible for assisting the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force in raising the SOG's foundations prior to its establishment.

The civilian counterpart of the SOG is the Japanese National Police Agency's Special Assault Team.