The Huey is one of the most iconic and versatile helicopters of all time.
The first of more than 16,000 UH-1 aircraft made its maiden flight in 1956. First used in combat during Vietnam, the Huey helped transport troops and cargo, aided in search and rescue, and flew as an aerial weapons platform. This helicopter type was so ubiquitous during the conflict that it is often seen as the symbol of America’s presence in Vietnam. Used extensively by both civilian and military organizations, many venerable UH-1 helicopters still fly today.
The FHCAM’s Huey is a UH-1B-model, commonly used as a heavily-armed “gunship” at the height of combat in Vietnam before the arrival of purpose-built attack helicopters. Over 1,000 of the type were delivered the U.S. Army in the early 1960s.
History of the Artifact
The FHCAM Huey was built in 1964 and sent to Germany to serve with the U.S. Army’s 4th Armored Division. It returned to the United States in 1969 and served with the 1st and 2nd Armored Divisions at Fort Hood, Texas. The FHCAM Huey was assigned to the famous 9th Cavalry Regiment of the 1st Cavalry Division, upon their return from Vietnam in 1971.
After a stint with the Ohio National Guard, the helicopter was donated to an aviation technical program at Columbus State Community College in Ohio. The FHCAM purchased the helicopter in 2014.
The Huey today appears in the Vietnam-era markings of A Troop of the 9th Regiment in the 1st Cavalry Division (A-1/9). This unit has participated in combat operations from the late-1860s to the Persian Gulf War. During Vietnam, the 1/9 pioneered air assault tactics, using helicopters in combat from 1965 to 1971.
Did you know?
The nickname “Huey” comes from the helicopter’s initial designation; HU-1.