Bell UH-1H Iroquois

thethrill820 · May 3, 2024, 11:19pm

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Bell UH-1H Iroquois

ROCAF

Background

Spoiler

The Bell UH-1 Iroquois, known as the “Huey,” is a military helicopter designed and manufactured by Bell Helicopter, an American aerospace company. It is the initial member of the Huey family and the first turbine-powered helicopter used by the United States military.

The development of the Iroquois began in the early 1950s in response to a requirement from the United States Army for a new medical evacuation and utility helicopter. The Bell 204, which made its first flight on October 20, 1956, received positive feedback, especially for its performance compared to piston engine-powered helicopters. In March 1960, an initial production contract was issued for 100 HU-1As.

The UH-1H was an improved version of the UH-1D, featuring the Lycoming T53-L-13 engine with 1,000 kW power and a relocated pitot tube on the roof to minimize ground damage. The “Hotel” models were created by upgrading the “Deltas” with the more powerful engine. The first YUH-1H took flight in 1966, and production models were delivered starting from September 1967.

The “Hotel” model Huey was produced in larger quantities than any other model, with 4,850 units delivered solely to the US Army. Additionally, the “Hotel” model was extensively exported and also manufactured under license in Germany, Italy, Japan, and Taiwan.

in 1968, Taiwan began negotiations with the US for the rights to produce Bell UH-1H helicopters, which would start production later that year. The first UH-1H 301 (serial number 59-2001) was flown by Qiu Guangqi and Lin Zhengheng from Taichung to Huiren Base. In July 1971, the Aviation Industry Development Center continued to produce 68 UH-1H after the first batch of 50 aircraft were completed, and completed the production plan of all 118 UH-1Hs in 1976. Estimated to be in the 1970-1980s, Taiwan Ordered a small batch of XM-3 Subsystems to mount on the UH-1H Helicopter, featuring 48 rockets in total.

The UH-1H was officially in 2018, nearly 50 years after its introduction to Taiwan. Following the Retirement and while it was in service, Taiwan supplied UH-1H’s to Paraguay, Honduras, Guatemala, Belize, Swaziland, and Burkina Faso.