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The Huey - Known As The World's Most Reliable Helicopter
The loud "whomp-whomp" sound that it generates distinguishes the Bell UH-1 Iroquois from all other rotorcraft, but this distinct characteristic is not the only reason the chopper is famous. The Huey, as it is commonly known, was the first massed produced helicopter that was powered by a jet turbine. Originally created by the United States military, the UH-1 won its fame during Vietnam. The Huey first flew in 1956, serving in front-line service for the military. The Huey saw combat in 1962, becoming known as "The workhorse of the Vietnam War". The rotorcraft was first used as a troop transport and medevac helicopter and later as an armed assault chopper. At its peak in March 1970, the U.S. military operated more than 3,900 helicopters in the conflict in Vietnam --two thirds of which were Hueys. To this day, the choppers are widely used in a transport, airborne battlefield command and control, troop insertion/extraction, medical evacuation, and search and rescue.
The UH/AH-1 aircraft have compiled more than 27 million flight hours since entering service. More than 16,000 H-1 helicopters have been produced by Bell and its licensees.
The Huey has several distinctive characteristics, including its rounded nose, its twin-bladed rotor. It is a particularly noisy helicopter because, when in forward flight, the tip of the advancing rotor blade breaks the speed of sound, creating a small sonic boom.
The helicopter was originally designated the HU-1A. The HU-1B was later developed and equipped with revised main rotor blades. The two choppers were re-designated UH-1A and UH-1B respectively, in 1962. Soon after, the UH-1C version with a more powerful engine was created. Starting in 1960, Bell also built commercial versions of the military Hueys and developed upgraded models such as the 214 and 412 --for military export and civilian use.
The Huey has been exceedingly successful because it of an ideal mix of cabin room, speed, and lifting capability. It also has proven to be a rugged and reliable helicopter in service. Currently, the Huey serves in a wide variety of roles, from VIP transport to attack helicopter, for more than 60 air forces throughout the world.