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The most popular light utility helicopter ever produced
The Bell Iroquois, or the Huey, as it’s better known, has been the most popular light utility helicopter ever produced. Some variant has been operated by the military in about 60 nations.
Bell produced two major versions of the UH-1 – the single engine Models 204 and 205 and the twin engine Models 212 and 412.
The H-1 series began as the Bell XH-60 to meet an Army requirement for a utility helicopter for front-line evacuation of casualties, for general utility missions and for instrument training. The XH-40 flew in late 1956 and the first production model, the HU-1A Iroquois went to the Army Jun. 30, 1959.
Model 204 series major variations
The first three major variations of the Iroquois belonged to the Model 204 series, which has a 44-foot diameter rotor. Deliveries of the HU-1A with a T53-L-1A engine began June 30, 1959, for utility transport and casualty evacuation with six seats or two stretchers. Following that model was the HU-1B with the 960-horsepower T53-L-5 engine, which accommodated eight passengers on three stretchers. It became the UH-1B when the HU designation changed to UH. This model served in Vietnam in various roles including armed support. Southeast Asia was the proving ground for the gunship and demonstrated its value and potential. The last in the Model 204 series was the UH-1C, which had a 1,000-horsepower T-53-L-11 engine.
According to the Aviation Classics Issue 27 – Bell UH-1 Iroquois, there were a number of field modifications to arm the UH-1 for its escort role in Vietnam. These were followed by official developments, initially given X or experimental designations.
UH-1 Huey armed with the Hughes BGM-71 TOW anti-tank missile
As already, experiments to fit guided missiles to the UH-1 began with the AGM-22A, a licence built version of the Nord SS.11 wire guided anti-tank missile aimed via an XM-70 sight. The UH-1 fitted with the AGM-22A was designated XM22/M22.
The second generation of anti-tank missiles were aIso carried by the UH-1 in the form of a triple tube launcher pod for the Hughes BGM-71 TOW (“Tube-launched, Optically tracked, Wire-guided”) developed in 1963. The Huey carrying the TOW was designated XM26/M26.
These pods were supported by a specialised raised pylon, the system including the sight and sensor turret mounted in the copilot’s nose glazing Two UH-1 Bs, 62-12553 and 62-12554, were modified and firing trials were conducted in Germany in 1964.The development of the AH-56 attack helicopter cancelled the UH-1 TOW programme and these aircraft were stored.
The Easter Offensive and the increased use of armour by the North Vietnamese Army in 1972 meant the two TOW Hueys were deployed to Pleiku with the 1st Air Battalion. Here they were a decisive factor in the Battle of Kontum in late May, striking 47 targets which included 24 tanks.
Aviation Classics Issue 27 – Bell UH-1 Iroquois is published by Mortons Books and is available to order here.
Photo credit: U.S. Army
