Perhaps the most recognizable helicopter in military history, the Bell UH-1 Iroquois is more affectionately known as the “Huey.” The direct result of a 1952 US Army requirement for a utility helicopter able to perform all medical evacuation, instrument training, and general utility, this aircraft has carved its aviation niche.
In 1955, among twenty design proposals, Bell Helicopter’s Model 204 was chosen. On October 20, 1956, the prototype, the XH-40, flew with a Lycoming YT53-1-1 in it. Duly impressed, after several evaluations, in March 1960, the Army ordered 100 helicopters and christened them the HU-1A Iroquois. Already receiving accolades, the recognized shortcomings of power spurred on the quick development of the UH-1B model, fitted with a Lycoming T53-L-5 engine, which began production in 1961.
The Huey earned the nickname “Helicopter War,” about the Vietnam War. Improvements leading to the UH-1D model introduced an extended fuselage to carry more troops in 1963. The Huey did an invaluable job of moving troops, recovering the wounded, and recovering the dead. During its operational time in Vietnam, the Huey and its crews airlifted over 100,000 patients and thus saved many lives.
One of the more well-known Hueys is the Bell Helicopter 66-01126 of the 240th Assault Helicopter Company, “Greyhounds, Mad Dogs, and Kennel Keepers.” Affectionately known as “Greyhound,” this aircraft served in Vietnam from 1967 to 1971. Restored after military service, it is on exhibit at the Yankee Air Museum, still representing the history of the 240th AHC.
By contrast, the single-seat Douglas A-1 Skyraider attack aircraft served from the late 1940s into the early 1970s. Though earning a reputation for durability and versatility, the piston-powered, propeller-driven aircraft are considered primitive during the jet age. The U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force operated the Skyraider; it also saw service with several allied forces.
But with its lengthy flying time, its impressive weapons load turned the Skyraider into the backbone of U.S. Navy and Marine Corps strike aircraft sorties during the Korean War. A USMC AD-4 claimed the Skyraider’s only aerial victory of the Korean War on June 16, 1953, downing a Soviet-built Polikarpov Po-2 biplane.
The Skyraider aircraft continued service well into the Vietnam War, taking part in the first U.S. Navy strikes against North Vietnam beginning in 1964. Similarly, in the close air support and “Sandy” helicopter escort work, the aircraft proved to be particularly useful. Again, USAF Major Bernard F. Fisher was awarded the Medal of Honor for the rescue of a fellow pilot in an A-1E Skyraider in 1966.
Operating alongside the US, the Skyraider served with the South Vietnamese Air Force, the French Air Force, and the British Royal Navy. The VNAF received the Skyraiders in considerable numbers and used them for close air support duties. The French used Skyraiders in Algeria and subsequently in other conflicts. In the British Royal Navy, early warning sorties were flown with Skyraider AEW.1s until they were eventually replaced by the Fairey Gannet AEW.3 in 1960.
Both have left a legacy in military aviation: the UH-1H Huey and the Douglas A-1 Skyraider proved to be quite versatile and resilient in some conflicts. Very well-remembered and celebrated is their contribution to military operations and the many influences they had on the lives of countless soldiers and civilians alike.