Uh-1 Iroquois Pilot's Flight Operating Instructions

Book excerpt: Developed by Bell in the early 1950s, the UH-1 Iroquois was the first turbine-powered helicopter to enter production for the U.S. military. Originally designated the HU-1A for Helicopter Utility, it was quickly nick- named the Huey a moniker that stuck even after the aircraft was reclassified UH-1 in 1962. Designed as a medical evacuation, trans- port and utility helicopter, the UH-1 was extraordinarily successful with more than 16,000 built. The XH-40 prototype flew in 1956, production commenced in 1959, and by 1962 the Huey entered combat service with the 57th Medical Detachment in S.E. Asia. The UH-1 s history in combat includes a long and meritorious service in Vietnam, where its distinctive airframe and two-blade teetering rotor came to symbolize the concept of air mobility. Hueys of various configuration flew in a wide variety of roles, and were modified as cargo carriers, search and rescue platforms, gunships and for reconnaissance and electronic warfare missions. Of over 7000 UH-1s to serve in Vietnam, an astonishing 3305 were destroyed including some of the last American aircraft lost in the war the Hueys used to evacuate the U.S.Embassy in Saigon at war s end. In addition to Army service, UH-1s flew for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy as well as for air forces around the world. With the introduction of the UH-60 Black Hawk the UH-1 was phased out of the U.S. Army fleet by 2004, although residual aircraft continue tofly with the National Guard. Originally created by Bell and the U.S. Army, this pilot s manual contains technical, operational and emergency information for the UH-1H/V model Huey."