UH-1 Iroquois

The Bell Helicopter UH-1 Iroquois, commonly (or officially in the U.S. Marine Corps) known as the "Huey", is a multipurpose military helicopter, famous for its use in the Vietnam War.

The UH-1 was developed from 1955 US Army trials with the Bell Model 204. The initial designation of HU-1 (helicopter utility) led to its nickname, Huey.

What do you know about the Huey helicopter? Try this U.S. History Made Easy: the Vietnam War Trivia quiz.

1. Bell believed the YH-40 was ideal for troop transport and cargo carrying as well as the medevac role, a view soon adopted by the Army, who found the pre-production aircraft so much better in service than previous piston-powered helicopters they soon ordered more of them.

• True or False?

2. The HU-1A (later redesignated the UH-1A) was the first turbine-equipped U.S. helicopter to go into production, and production models first entered service with the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, the 82nd Airborne Division and the 57th Medical Detachment. Although they were intended for evaluation only, the Army quickly pressed them into operational service. When did the 57th Medical Detachment arrived in Vietnam?

• March 1962
• March 1964
• March 1968

3. These gunship UH-1s were commonly referred to as Hogs if they carried rockets, and Cobras if they had guns. What was UH-1s tasked for troop transport called due to an absence of weapons pods?

• Cools
• Slicks
• Traffic

4. In the US Navy and USMC the gunships were referred to as Sharks. What where troop transport aircraft referred?

5. On 1 August 1968, the unit was redesignated the 20th Special Operations Squadron. Stemming from their color, a primarily green two-tone camouflage (green and tan) was carried, and radio call-sign "hornet". The main role of these helicopters were to insert and extract reconnaissance teams, provide cover for such operations, conduct psychological warfare, and other support roles for covert operations especially in Laos and Cambodia during the so-called Secret War. What were the 20th's UH-1s known as?

• "Green Hornets"
• "Green Monsters"
• "Green Miles"

6. Bell certified a civil version of the UH-1B incorporating some minor safety improvements, such as improved door locks. What was the civilian aircraft marketed as?

• Bell Whirlybird
• Bell 204B
• Bell 100F

7. The UH-1C was specifically developed as a gunship version until the "interim" attack helicopter, the Bell AH-1G Huey Cobra was available and to correct the deficiencies of the UH-1B when it was used in the armed role. The "Charlie" model was fitted with the 1,100 shp (820 kW) T53-L-9 or L-11 engine to provide the power needed to lift the weapons systems in use or under development at the time.

• True or False?

8. The earlier "short-body" Hueys were a success, especially in the gunship role, but lacked the cabin space to be an effective troop transport. The US Army wanted a version that could carry a crew of four (two pilots and two door gunners) and also deliver an infantry section of eight-ten soldiers. Bell's solution was to stretch the UH-1B fuselage by 41 inches and use the extra space to fit two sideways-facing seats on either side of the transmission. This brought the total seating capacity to 15, including crew seats. What was this version?

• UH-1D
• UH-2
• UH-Zebra

9. The UH-1B was developed into a special model, designated UH-1E. What service was the helicopter used in?

• US Air Force
• US Navy
• US Marines

10. The "Hotel" model Huey was produced in larger numbers than any other model, with 4,850 delivered to the US Army alone. What was the model?

• UH-1H
• HH-1K
• Bell Galaxy

UH-1 Iroquois Answers

1. True
2. March 1962
3. Slicks
4. Dolphins
5. "Green Hornets"
6. Bell 204B
7. True
8. UH-1D
9. US Marines
10. UH-1H