Model: Bell UH-1D Huey with realistic sound Engine: Electric Rotor diameter: app. 1.00 m Take-off weight: app. 5 Kg Pilot: Manfred Dopfer Event: RC Heli Meeting in Wolfhagen (Graner Berg) Germany August 

The Huey helicopter, formally known as the Bell UH-1 Iroquois, was a famous Vietnam Era helicopter. It was originally developed by Bell Helicopters as a medical evacuation and utility helicopter in 1952. It saw its first flight on October 20, 1956.

The military ordered it into mass production in March 1960. It was the first turbine-powered helicopter to enter combat production. More than 16,000 units were built.

The Huey saw its first combat use by the U.S. Army during Vietnam War. Originally designated the HU-1 it become known by the nickname “Huey.” In September 1962 it was re-designated the UH-1, but the name “Huey” stuck. Approximately 7,000 Huey’s saw service during Vietnam.

During Vietnam, the Huey was used for a variety of purposes. Hueys tasked with the ground attack, or armed escort roles were equipped with rocket launchers, grenade launchers, and machine guns.

Because of their versatility, the Huey was able to assume many roles and functions. Given a certain function, they came to bear different names based on the role they assumed.

By 1962, the Huey became modified locally by the companies themselves who started to fabricate mounting systems on their own. Gunships became known as “Frogs” or “Hogs” if they carried rockets.

Hueys that only carried guns became known as “Cobras” or “Guns.” Troop transport Hueys came to be known as “Slicks” due to their lack of weapons pods.