History

The Bell UH-1 "Huey" is perhaps the most widely recognized helicopter ever made. The Museum’s UH-1V is the air ambulance or medical evacuation derivative of the UH-1H utility helicopter model. History of this aircraft is largely unknown but Arabic writing stenciled on the pilot’s door suggests that it served in Desert Shield/Storm.

The UH-1 line of aircraft is probably the most produced helicopter in the world with something over 10,000 being built, not including co-production in several foreign countries or the commercial variants that were produced. The original design dates back to the late 1950’s and was originally know as the XH-40, first flown in 1956. With the military changeover in model designation, it then became known as the HU- 1, which shortly was changed to UH- 1. It might be of interest to mention that the official name for the model was the “Iroquois”. But the HU-l designation generated the nickname “Huey” which became so popular that Bell, the manufacturer, started putting the “Huey” name on the anti-torque pedals.

The original design was for a utility/med-evacuation aircraft with the ability to carry ten people, including the pilot or three litters with medical attendant. The original production model was the HU-1A (UH-1A). This original small cabin design progressed through a considerable number of model designations until Bell developed a larger cabin version which had the capacity for fifteen persons (including the pilot) or six litters with medical attendant. This model was known as the UH-1D which through production improvements became the UH-1H. In all, there were some 18 or 20 military models in the UH-1 series, plus several commercial variants as well. In addition, the AH-1 Cobra is an offshoot of the UH-1 as it used the UH-1 dynamics (Rotor, transmission, drive train, etc.).

Images

Aircraft Specific Links:

• Dustoff Association
• Global Security UH-1V page   (Excellent)