Our three iconic helicopters all served important roles in Vietnam and helped shape a complete new military doctrine.
Aircraft on display:
Aircraft on display:
AH-1 "Cobra" Attack Helicopter The first helicopter designed exclusively as an offensive weapon system.
UH-1M "Huey" Utility Helicopter Improved from an earlier version, it had an extra brace for weapons mount.
UH-1H "Huey" Utility Helicopter The Vietnam War era workhorse, troop transport and Medivac helicopter.
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| The AH-1"Cobra", left and the UH-1M, "Huey", Right. |
See links at the end of each plane to see more detailed data, actual vintage film clips, cockpit videos and music from the various time periods.
Example of videos on linked posts: The development of the helicopter as a vital component of the War in Vietnam. -1 minute.
This video explains the importance of helicopters in transporting and supporting troops in a modern ground war like Vietnam.
Music from the Vietnam era. The Top Songs of the 1960's. -10 minutes.
The decade of the 60's broke the boundaries of pop music from the 1950's and saw the growth and popularity of rock music. The music became a vital and unique connection between the troops in Vietnam and those protesting the war at home.
Bell AH-1 Cobra
The cobra is an armed escort and close support helicopter it was developed to replace the AH-56 a Cheyenne. It flew for the first time on September 7, 1965. It's small size made it ideal for use in forward areas as it was easily concealed beneath small camouflage nets or under the cover of trees. The stub wings in addition to serving as a carriage for weapons also contributed to total lift during normal cruising flight. It was actually an extensive redesign of the Bell model 204 UH-1 Iroquois better known as the Huey.
AH-1 General characteristics
- Crew: 2
- Main rotor diameter: 44 ft
- Length: 53 ft 11.5 in with rotors
- Height: 12 ft 7 in
- Empty weight: 6,073 lbs
- Mission weight: 9,407 lbs
- Engine: Lycoming T53-L-13 turboshaft,
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In the Cobra the two man crew sit like in a jet fighter. One serves as the pilot while the other the gunner, sits is in the front.
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The pilot's view while flying the Cobra. The gunner is seen siting in front.
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For more AH-1 Cobra, data, Videos, Vietnam War era music and short history.
Bell UH-1M Huey
The first Huey's were delivered to the Army in 1959. While the official name is the Iroquois the original designation of the AHU-1 gave rise to the Huey nickname. The UH-1M was the same as the UH-1C with an upgraded engine it has a brace extending from the aft fuselage to the weapons mount it also has improved door hinge rotor with wide cord blades.
UH-1M General characteristics
- Crew: 4
- Main rotor diameter: 48 ft
- Capacity: 3,880 lbs
- Length: 57 ft 9.5 in with rotors
- Height: 12 ft 7 in
- Empty weight: 5,071 lbs
- Mission weight: 9,499 lbs
- Engine: Lycoming T53-L-13 turboshaft,
- Cruise speed: 148 mph
- Range: 382 mi
- Ceiling: 11,500 ft
For more UH-1M Huey with weapon mount, data, videos, Vietnam War era music and mini-gun display film.
Bell UH-1H Huey
Also known as the Bell model 205 UH-1H like the UH-1D before it, had a longer fuselage then the original Huey giving it room for to carry 14 Fully armed troops. The UH-1H was first delivered to the to the Army in September 1967, it is regarded as the workhorse helicopter of Vietnam.
UH-1H General characteristics
- Crew: 4
- Main rotor diameter: 48 ft
- Capacity: 3,880 lbs including 14 troops, or 6 stretchers, or equivalent cargo
- Length: 57 ft 9.5 in with rotors
- Height: 14 ft 6 in
- Empty weight: 5,210 lbs
- Mission weight: 9,039 lbs
- Engine: Lycoming T53-L-13 turboshaft,
- Cruise speed: 127 mph
- Range: 318 mi
- Ceiling: 11,500 ft
For more UH-1H Huey as troop carrier, data, videos, Vietnam War era music and new helicopter warfare strategy.
