Bell NUH-1 Iroquois

The Bell NUH‑1 Iroquois, commonly known as the UH‑1 “Huey,” was the first production helicopter built by Bell Textron after World War II. First flown on 20 October 1956, the aircraft entered service with the United States Army in 1959 and quickly became the backbone of rotary‑wing operations during the Vietnam War. Powered by a single Lycoming T53 turboshaft delivering up to 1,400 shp, the NUH‑1 featured a simple yet robust airframe, a spacious cabin that could accommodate up to nine troops or a mix of cargo, and a three‑bladed main rotor providing smooth handling and lift capacity of roughly 3,200 pounds. Its versatile design allowed rapid conversion between utility, assault, medevac, and gunship roles, a flexibility that set a new standard for military helicopters. The Iroquois also introduced innovations such as a fully integrated fuel system, retractable landing gear in later variants, and a cockpit layout that enhanced pilot situational awareness. Its durability, ease of maintenance, and iconic silhouette cemented its place in aviation history, influencing countless civilian and military rotorcraft designs that followed. The legacy of the NUH‑1 endures in modern air assault doctrines and in the continued use of upgraded Huey variants worldwide.

Bell Textron

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