The aircraft nomenclature system introduced by the U.S. Army during the 1950s included the letters HU, which stood for “helicopter utility”. From this, the famous but unofficial nickname “Huey” was derived for the Bell UH-1 Iroquois as the Twin Huey. An American design, it was developed to Canadian specifications and utilized Canadian-built turbine engines. Entering armed forces service in 1971, it has subsequently been purchased by military and civilian operators worldwide. Production was transferred to Bell Textron Canada Ltd in 1988 and over 900 of the type have been delivered as major exports.
The twin-engine installation is coupled to a combining gearbox and single output shaft that drives a semi-rigid rotor, endowing the helicopter with increased reliability and safety. Used for troop and cargo transport, reconnaissance, medical evacuation and search and rescue work, the Twin Huey was replaced in 1996-97 by the newer Bell CH-146 Griffon helicopter.
One of fifty Twin Hueys operated by the Canadian Armed Forces, the Museum’s aircraft accumulated one of the highest totals of hours flown. Serving throughout Canada since 1971, its markings have included the yellow and red colours of Search and Rescue, applied in 1976 for operations in Goose Bay, Newfoundland. Following storage, it was transferred to the Museum in 1998.