Bell UH-1V Iroquois | Wings of Freedom Aviation Museum

The UH-1 Iroquois was developed by Bell Helicopter in response to a 1955 U.S. Army requirement for a turbine-powered utility and medical evacuation helicopter. The first prototype flew in October 1956, and the type entered production in 1960 as the first turbine-powered helicopter built for the U.S. military. Its original designation, HU-1 (Helicopter, Utility), gave rise to the nickname "Huey," which persisted even after the designation changed to UH-1 in 1962. More than 16,000 have been built, and the type became one of the most recognizable aircraft of the Vietnam War.

Aircraft Specifications

Physical Description

All-metal helicopter with a two-bladed main rotor and two-bladed tail rotor, semi-monocoque fuselage, and skid landing gear.

Crew: 2
Length: 41 ft 10 in
Main rotor diameter: 48 ft
Height: 14 ft 6 in
Weight (empty / max takeoff): 4,973 lbs / 9,500 lbs
Powerplant: One Lycoming T53-L-13 turboshaft engine, 1,100 horsepower
Service ceiling: 12,600 ft

Weapons

None. As a medical evacuation aircraft, this UH-1V variant did not carry offensive armament.

Key Accomplishments

Became the iconic helicopter of the Vietnam War, with around 7,000 UH-1s deployed during the conflict in transport, medevac, and gunship roles.

The UH-1V variant served as a dedicated medical evacuation aircraft, a role that saved countless lives by rapidly transporting wounded personnel to field hospitals.

While performing medical evacuation, the UH-1 and crew were highly vulnerable to enemy attacks and had to land and take off as quickly as possible. They were able to land, load up to 10 wounded soldiers, and take off in only 45 seconds!!!

Build Date

1968

Manufacturer

Bell Helicopter

Dates of Service

1968 – 1990s

Country of Origin

United States

Inventory Number

Bureau #68-16614

Credit

On loan from The National Naval Aviation Museum on behalf of the Navy History and Heritage Command.

Display Status

This aircraft served with the U.S. Army, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard. Records of its specific units and deployments are incomplete, but markings found on its pilot door when it was received by the Pennsylvania Army National Guard suggest it served during the Gulf War prior to its retirement in the 1990s. The Museum acquired the aircraft from the Pennsylvania Army National Guard in the late 1990s and completed its restoration in 2001.

Status: On display.