The Bell UH-1 is perhaps the best-known American helicopter in the world. Made famous by its use in Vietnam, versions of the “Huey” remain in both military and civil service today. Designated HU-1 by the Army and H-40 by the Air Force, the first Hueys flew in 1958. In 1962, the designations were changed to UH-1. By the mid-1960s, Hueys could be found in every branch of the U.S. military and were entering the civil and foreign military markets. The UH-1B had a more powerful engine and a slightly larger cabin than the A model and was introduced in April 1960. Many B models were soon upgraded to C models with a larger and more efficient rotor system. In turn, a small number of UH-1Cs were modified to UH-1M with another more powerful engine and were equipped with night vision equipment and wire-guided missiles.
Wingspan
120ft
Length
87 ft 4 in.
Height
17 ft 6 in.
Weight
86,000 lbs (loaded)
Maximum Speed
300 MPH
Service Ceiling
20,200 ft
Range
3,660 miles
Engines
Four Rolls-Royce Griffon Mk. 58 with 2,450 horsepower each
Crew
10
Manufacturer Bell
Markings U.S. Army 174th Aviation Company, Vietnam, 1966
Designation UH-1M
Serial Number 65-9430
Pima Air & Space Museum
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