View source for Bell UH-1 Iroquois

{{short description|Family of American military utility helicopters}}
{{Use American English|date=September 2025}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2025}}
<!-- This article is a part of [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft]]. Please see [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft/page content]] for recommended layout, and guidelines. -->
{{Infobox aircraft
 | name = UH-1 Iroquois / "Huey"
 | image = File:UH1 Huey - Fly Navy 2017 (26938005897).jpg
 | image_caption = A Bell UH-1H Iroquois
 | alt = Bell UH-1H Iroquois
 | aircraft_type     = [[Utility helicopter]]
 | national_origin   = United States
 | manufacturer      = [[Bell Helicopter]]
 | designer          = 
 | first_flight      = 20 October 1956 (XH-40)
 | introduction        = 1959
 | retired           = 
 | status            = In service
 | primary_user      = [[United States Army]] (historical) <!--Limit one (1) primary user. Top 4 users listed in 'primary user' and 'more users' fields. -->
 | more_users        = {{unbulleted list|[[Japan Ground Self-Defense Force]]|[[Canadian Army]]|See [[#Operators|Operators]] section for others}}<!-- Only THREE (3) 'more users' here. -->
 | produced          = 1956–1987
 | number_built      = >16,000
| variants = {{unbulleted list|[[Bell UH-1N Twin Huey]]|[[Bell 204/205]]|[[Bell 212]]|[[Bell 214]]|[[Bell 412]]|[[Bell CH-146 Griffon]]|[[Bell UH-1Y Venom]]}}
 | developed_into    = {{unbulleted list|[[Bell 214ST]]|[[Bell 533]]}}
}}

The '''Bell UH-1 Iroquois''' (nicknamed "'''Huey'''") is a utility [[military helicopter]] designed and produced by the American aerospace company [[Bell Helicopter]]. It is the first member of the prolific [[Bell Huey family|Huey family]], as well as the first turbine-powered helicopter in service with the [[United States military]].

Development of the Iroquois started in the early 1950s, a major impetus being a requirement issued by the [[United States Army]] for a new [[medical evacuation]] and [[utility helicopter]]. The [[Bell 204/205|Bell 204]], first flown on 20 October 1956, was warmly received, particularly for the performance of its single [[turboshaft]] engine over [[piston engine]]-powered counterparts. An initial production contract for 100 ''HU-1A''s was issued in March 1960. In response to criticisms over the rotorcraft's power, Bell quickly developed multiple models furnished with more powerful engines; in comparison to the prototype's [[Lycoming T53|Lycoming YT53-L-1]] (LTC1B-1) engine, producing {{convert|700|shp|lk=in}}, by 1966, the [[Lycoming T53|Lycoming T53-L-13]], capable of {{convert|1400|shp}}, was being installed on some models. A stretched version of the Iroquois, first flown during August 1961, was also produced in response to Army demands for a version that could accommodate more troops. Further modifications would include the use of all-aluminium construction, the adoption of a rotor brake, and alternative powerplants.

The Iroquois was first used in combat operations during the [[Vietnam War]], the first examples being deployed in March 1962. It was used for various purposes, including conducting general support, [[air assault]], cargo transport, [[aeromedical evacuation]], [[search and rescue]], electronic warfare, and ground attack missions. Armed Iroquois [[gunship]]s carried a variety of weapons, including rockets, grenade launchers, and machine guns, and were often modified in the field to suit specific operations. The [[United States Air Force]] deployed its Iroquois to Vietnam, using them to conduct reconnaissance operations, psychological warfare, and other support roles. Other nations' armed air services, such as the [[Royal Australian Air Force]], also dispatched their own Iroquois to Vietnam. In total, around 7,000 Iroquois were deployed in the Vietnam theater, over 3,300 of which were believed to be destroyed. Various other conflicts have seen combat deployments of the Iroquois, such as the [[Rhodesian Bush War]], [[Falklands War]], [[War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)|War in Afghanistan]], and the [[2007 Lebanon conflict]].

The Iroquois was originally designated '''HU-1''', hence the ''Huey'' nickname, which has remained in common use, despite the official redesignation to UH-1 in 1962.<ref name="DVHAA">{{cite web |url= http://www.dvhaa.org/aircraft/uh-1v.html |title= Bell UH-1V 'Huey' |publisher= Delaware Valley Historical Aircraft Association |date= March 2008 |access-date= 25 February 2009 |archive-date= 11 May 2008 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080511191323/http://www.dvhaa.org/aircraft/uh-1v.html |url-status= dead }}</ref> Various derivatives and developments of the Iroquois were produced. A dedicated [[attack helicopter]], the [[Bell AH-1 Cobra]], was derived from the UH-1, and retained a high degree of commonality. The [[Bell 204/205|Bell 204 and 205]] are Iroquois versions developed for the civilian market. In response to demands from some customers, a twin-engined model, the [[UH-1N Twin Huey]], was also developed during the late 1960s; a further updated four blades model, the Bell 412, entered service in Canada but not the US. A further updated UH-1 with twin engines and four-bladed derivative, the [[Bell UH-1Y Venom]], was also developed during the early twenty-first century for the USMC. In US Army service, the Iroquois was gradually phased out following the introduction of the [[Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk]] and the [[Eurocopter UH-72 Lakota]] in the early 21st century. However, hundreds were still in use more than 50 years following the type's introduction. In excess of 16,000 Iroquois have been built since 1960.<ref name="UH-1Y_guide"/> With new orders from Japan and the Czech Republic, the UH-1 remains in production. Several export customers, such as Canada, Germany, Taiwan, Japan, and Italy, opted to produce the type [[licensed production|under license]]. Operators have been located across the world, including the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and the Pacific region.

==Development==
{{main|Bell UH-1 Iroquois variants}}
[[File:Bell XH-40.jpg|thumb|Bell XH-40, a prototype of the UH-1]]

In 1952, the U.S. Army identified a requirement for a new helicopter to serve as [[medical evacuation]] (MEDEVAC), instrument trainer, and general utility aircraft. The Army determined that current helicopters were too large, underpowered, or too complex to maintain easily. During November 1953, revised military requirements were submitted to the Department of the Army.<ref name="Weinert203">Weinert 1991, p. 203.</ref> Twenty companies submitted designs in their bid for the contract, including Bell Helicopter with the ''Model 204'' and [[Kaman Aircraft]] with a turbine-powered version of the [[Kaman HH-43 Huskie|H-43]].<ref name= "remarkheuy 2016"/> On 23 February 1955, the Army announced its decision, selecting Bell to build three copies of the Model 204 for evaluation with the designation ''XH-40''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/PDF/MagazineArchive/Documents/KittyHawkChronology/Kitty1903-79.pdf#page=74|title=Up From Kitty Hawk|page=74|website=[[Air & Space Forces Magazine]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251101003842/https://www.airandspaceforces.com/PDF/MagazineArchive/Documents/KittyHawkChronology/Kitty1903-79.pdf|access-date=17 August 2009|archive-date=1 November 2025|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Model 204===
{{main|Bell 204/205}}

Powered by a prototype [[Lycoming T53|Lycoming YT53-L-1]] (LTC1B-1) engine producing 700 [[Horsepower#Shaft horsepower|shp]] (520&nbsp;kW), the XH-40 first flew on 20 October 1956,<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1957/1957%20-%201046.html |title= Aeroengines 1957 |publisher= Flight |date= 26 July 1957 |access-date= 10 August 2009 |archive-date= 19 November 2009 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091119192101/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1957/1957%20-%201046.html |url-status= dead }}</ref> at [[Fort Worth]], [[Texas]], with Bell's chief test pilot, Floyd Carlson, at the controls. Even prior to the first flight, the Army had placed an order for six ''YH-40'' service test helicopters. During 1957, a further two prototypes were completed.<ref name="Weinert203"/><ref name=Donald>Donald, David, ed. "Bell 204"; "Bell 205". ''The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft''. New York: Barnes & Noble Books, 1997. {{ISBN|0-7607-0592-5}}.{{page needed|date=October 2015}}</ref> In 1959, the Army awarded Bell a production contract for 182 aircraft, which was designated "HU-1A" and officially named ''Iroquois'' after [[Iroquois|the Native American nations]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Johnson |first1=E. R. |last2=Williams |first2=Ted |title=American Military Helicopters and Vertical/Short Landing and Takeoff Aircraft Since 1941 |date=29 November 2021 |publisher=McFarland |isbn=978-1-4766-4342-7 |page=123 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xtxSEAAAQBAJ |access-date=23 August 2023 |language=en}}</ref>

The helicopter quickly developed a nickname derived from its HU-1 designation, which came to be pronounced as "Huey". The reference became so popular that Bell began casting the name on the helicopter's anti-torque pedals.<ref name="DVHAA" /> The official U.S. Army name was almost never used in practice.<ref name="Drendel">Drendel 1983, pp. 9–21.</ref> Even after September 1962, at which point the designation for all models was changed to UH-1 under a unified [[United States Department of Defense|Department of Defense]] (DOD) designation system, yet the nickname persisted.<ref name= "remarkheuy 2016">{{cite web |url= https://vtol.org/files/dmfile/50-52HueybyFardinkSO162.pdf |title= Huey Turns 60: A Retrospective Review of the UH-1's Remarkable Military Service |publisher= vtol.org |first= Paul J. |last= Fardink |date= September–October 2016}}</ref>

While glowing in praise for the helicopter's advances over piston-engined helicopters, the Army reports from the service tests of the YH-40 found it to be underpowered with the production T53-L-1A powerplant producing a maximum continuous 770 [[shaft horsepower]] (570 kilowatts).{{#tag:ref|The total power rating of the T53-L-1A is 860&nbsp;shp (640&nbsp;kW). Military engines are often derated to improve reliability of the aircraft [[powertrain]] and to provide a temporary period of higher power output without exceeding the limits of the engine.|group=N}} The Army indicated the need for improved follow-on models even as the first UH-1As were being delivered. In response, Bell proposed the UH-1B, equipped with the Lycoming T53-L-5 engine producing 960&nbsp;shp (720&nbsp;kW) and a longer cabin that could accommodate either seven passengers or four stretchers and a medical attendant. Army testing of the UH-1B started in November 1960, with the first production aircraft delivered in March 1961.<ref name="Weinert203"/>

[[File:USN 1131561.jpg|thumb|left|UH-1B cockpit view]]
Bell commenced development of the UH-1C in 1960 to correct aerodynamic deficiencies of the armed UH-1B. Bell fitted the UH-1C with a 1,100&nbsp;shp (820&nbsp;kW) T53-L-11 engine to provide the power needed to lift all weapons systems in use or under development. The Army eventually refitted all UH-1B aircraft with the same engine. A new rotor system was developed for the UH-1C to allow higher air speeds and reduce the incidence of [[retreating blade stall]] during diving engagements. The improved rotor resulted in better maneuverability and a slight speed increase.<ref name=Donald/> The increased power and a larger diameter rotor required Bell's engineers to design a new tail boom for the UH-1C. The longer tail boom incorporated a wider chord vertical fin on the tail rotor pylon and larger synchronized elevators.{{Citation needed|date=June 2022}}

Bell also introduced a dual hydraulic control system for redundancy as well as an improved inlet filter system for the dusty conditions found in southeast Asia. The UH-1C fuel capacity was increased to 242 [[Gallon|US gallons]] (920 liters), and gross weight was raised to {{convert|9500|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}}, giving a nominal useful load of {{convert|4673|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}}. UH-1C production started in June 1966 with a total of 766 aircraft produced, including five for the [[Royal Australian Navy]] and five for Norway.{{Citation needed|date=June 2022}}

===Model 205===
{{main|Bell 204/205}}
[[File:Ventura County Sheriff Bell HH-1H (205) "N205SD".jpg|thumb|[[Ventura County Sheriff's Department]] Air Unit Fire Support Bell HH-1H]]

While earlier short-body Hueys were a success, the Army wanted a version that could carry more troops. Bell's solution was to stretch the HU-1B fuselage by {{convert|41|in|cm|0|abbr=on}} and use the extra space to fit four seats next to the transmission, facing out. Seating capacity increased to 15, including crew.<ref name=Apostolo_Bell_204-205>Apostolo 1984, pp. 47–48.</ref> The enlarged cabin could also accommodate six stretchers and a medic, two more than the earlier models.<ref name=Apostolo_Bell_204-205/> In place of the earlier model's sliding side doors with a single window, larger doors were fitted which had two windows, plus a small hinged panel with an optional window, providing enhanced access to the cabin. The doors and hinged panels were quickly removable, allowing the Huey to be flown in a doors off configuration.

The Model 205 prototype flew on 16 August 1961.<ref>McGowen 2005, p. 100.</ref><ref>Pattillo 2001, p. 208.</ref> Seven pre-production/prototype aircraft had been delivered for testing at [[Edwards AFB]] starting in March 1961. The 205 was initially equipped with a {{convert|44|ft|m|adj=on}} main rotor and a Lycoming T53-L-9 engine with 1,100 shp (820&nbsp;kW). The rotor was lengthened to {{convert|48|ft|m}} with a chord of {{convert|21|in|cm|0|abbr=on}}. The tailboom was also lengthened, to accommodate the longer rotor blades. Altogether, the modifications resulted in a gross weight capacity of {{convert|9500|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}}. The Army ordered production of the 205 in 1963, produced with a T53-L-11 engine for its multi-fuel capability.{{#tag:ref|The 7 January 1965-edition of ''Flight International'' magazine states that the L-11 engine is similar to the L-9 in power, but with a multi-fuel capability.|group=N}}<ref>{{cite magazine |last= Dobson |first= G |title= Helicopter powerplants: The world scene |magazine= Flight |date= 7 January 1965 }}</ref> The prototypes were designated as YUH-1D and the production aircraft was designated as the ''UH-1D''.

During 1966, Bell installed the {{convert|1400|shp|abbr=on}} Lycoming T53-L-13 engine to provide more power for the helicopter. The [[pitot tube]] was relocated from the nose to the roof of the cockpit to prevent damage during landing. Production models in this configuration were designated as the ''UH-1H''.<ref name="Drendel"/><ref name="Mutza"/>

===Marine Corps===
[[File:UH-1E's of HML-167, 1970.tiff|thumb|USMC UH-1E helicopters in formation, 1970]]
In 1962, the [[United States Marine Corps]] held a competition to choose an assault support helicopter to replace the [[Cessna O-1]] fixed-wing aircraft and the [[HH-43 Huskie|Kaman OH-43D]] helicopter. The winner was the UH-1B, which was already in service with the Army. The helicopter was designated the ''UH-1E'' and modified to meet Marine requirements. The major changes included the use of all-aluminium construction for corrosion resistance,{{#tag:ref|Earlier UH-1s had some magnesium components.|group=N}} radios compatible with Marine Corps ground frequencies, a rotor brake for shipboard use to stop the rotor quickly on shutdown and a roof-mounted rescue hoist.{{Citation needed|date=June 2022}}

The UH-1E was first flown on 7 October 1963, and deliveries commenced on 21 February 1964; a total of 192 Iroquois of this model were completed.<ref name= "remarkheuy 2016"/> Due to production line realities at Bell, the UH-1E was produced in two versions, both with the same UH-1E designation. The first 34 built were essentially UH-1B airframes with the Lycoming T53-L-11 engine producing 1,100 shp (820&nbsp;kW).{{Citation needed|date=June 2022}} When Bell switched production to the UH-1C, the UH-1E production benefited from the same changes. The Marine Corps later upgraded UH-1E engines to the Lycoming T53-L-13, which produced 1,400 shp (1,000&nbsp;kW), after the Army introduced the UH-1M and upgraded their UH-1C helicopters to the same engine.

===Air Force===
The [[United States Air Force]] (USAF) held a competition for a helicopter to be used for support on missile bases included a specific requirement to mandate the use of the [[General Electric T58]] [[turboshaft]] as a powerplant. The Air Force had a large inventory of these engines on hand for its fleet of [[Sikorsky S-61R|HH-3 Jolly Green Giant]] rescue helicopters and using the same engine for both helicopters would save costs. In response, Bell proposed an upgraded version of the 204B with the T58 engine. Because the T58 output shaft is at the rear, and was thus mounted in front of the transmission on the HH-3, it had to have a separate offset gearbox (SDG or speed decreaser gearbox) at the rear, and shafting to couple to the UH-1 transmission.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cactusairforce.com/inventory_item/uh-1b-huey/ |title=UH-1B Huey |website=cactusairforce.com |access-date=20 January 2023}}</ref>

===Twin-engine variants===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="float: right; margin-right: 0; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"
|-
! scope="col" | Model
! scope="col" | Engines
! scope="col" | Blades
! scope="col" | [[First flight|F.F.]] Year
|-
! scope="row" | UH-1/CH-118/204/5
| 1
| 2
| 1956
|-
! scope="row" | UH-1N/CH-135/212
| 2
| 2
| 1968
|-
! scope="row" | 412/CH-146/UH-2
| 2
| 4
| 1979
|-
! scope="row" | UH-1Y
| 2
| 4
| 2001
|}
The single-engine UH-1 variants were followed by the twin-engine [[UH-1N Twin Huey]] ([[Bell 212]]) and years later the [[UH-1Y Venom]].<ref name= "remarkheuy 2016"/> Bell began development of the UH-1N for Canada in 1968. It changed to the more powerful [[Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6T]] twin-engine set. The US also ordered the helicopter with the USAF receiving it in 1970. Canada's military, the U.S. Marine Corps, and the U.S. Navy first received the model in 1971.<ref name="Donald p113">Donald 1997. p. 113.</ref><ref name= "remarkheuy 2016"/>

In 1996, the USMC launched the [[H-1 upgrade program]] via the award of a contract to Bell Helicopter for development of the improved UH-1Y and [[AH-1Z Viper|AH-1Zs]] variants.<ref name="mod_battle">Donald, David. ''Modern Battlefield Warplanes''. London: AIRTime Publishing, 2004. {{ISBN|1-880588-76-5}}.</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/helicopters/retrospective-how-the-uh-1-huey-changed-modern-warfare/130259.article |title= RETROSPECTIVE: How the UH-1 'Huey' changed modern warfare |publisher= Flight International |first= Garrett |last= Reim |date= 12 December 2018}}</ref> The UH-1Y includes a lengthened cabin, four-blade rotor, and two more powerful [[General Electric T700|GE T700]] engines.<ref name="UH-1Y_guide">{{cite web |url= http://www.bellhelicopter.com/en/aircraft/military/pdf/UH1Y_PG_3-06_web.pdf |title= Bell UH-1Y pocket guide |publisher= Bell Helicopter |date= March 2006 |access-date= 20 January 2010 |archive-date= 29 December 2010 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101229201940/http://www.bellhelicopter.com/en/aircraft/military/pdf/UH1Y_PG_3-06_web.pdf |url-status= dead }}</ref> The UH-1Y entered service with the USMC in 2008.<ref>{{cite web |last= Trimble |first= Stephen |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/08/18/314915/uh-1y-declared-operational-after-12-year-development.html |title= UH-1Y declared operational after 12-year development phase |publisher= Flightglobal.com |date= 18 August 2008 |access-date= 24 January 2010 |archive-date= 2 September 2008 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080902004704/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/08/18/314915/uh-1y-declared-operational-after-12-year-development.html |url-status= dead }}</ref>

The [[Bell 412]] is an improved four-blade main rotor version of the twin-engined Bell 212, and while not adopted by the US, was chosen by Canada ([[Bell CH-146 Griffon|CH-146 Griffon]]), license produced in Italy as the Augusta-Bell AB412, and is going to be made for the Japan Self Defense Force in Japan by Subaru.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Bell / Agusta Bell 412 - Aerospace Technology |url=https://www.aerospace-technology.com/projects/bell-412/ |access-date=26 April 2024 |website=www.aerospace-technology.com}}</ref> It is a popular commercial and military helicopter, and it competed in the early 2000s Army Light Utility Helicopter program, but lost to what would be the [[Eurocopter UH-72 Lakota|UH-72 Lakota.]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bell Helicopter LUH Submission Surpasses 3.1 Million Flight Hour Milestone |url=https://verticalmag.com/press-releases/bell-helicopter-luh-submission-surpasses-3-1-million-flight-hour-milestone-html/ |access-date=26 April 2024 |website=Vertical Mag |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Airbus wins US Army UH-72A Lakota upgrade contract {{!}} Shephard |url=https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/air-warfare/airbus-wins-us-army-uh-72a-lakota-upgrade-contract/ |access-date=26 April 2024 |website=www.shephardmedia.com |language=en}}</ref> That program replaced aging UH-1 and OH-58A/C models being used by the National Guard.<ref name=":0" />

==Design==
[[File:UH-1B Iroquois Vietnam.jpg|thumb|UH-1B in Vietnam, 1965]]
The Bell UH-1 Iroquois is a utility helicopter designed for military use. It has a metal fuselage of semi-[[monocoque]] construction with tubular landing skids and two rotor blades on the main rotor.<ref name="helicopter markets">{{cite book |editor-last= Endres |editor-first= Gunter |title= Jane's Helicopter Markets and Systems |location= London |publisher= Jane's Information Group |year= 2006 |isbn= 978-0-7106-2684-4}}</ref> Early UH-1 models featured a single [[Lycoming T53]] turboshaft engine in versions with power ratings from {{convert|700|to|1400|shp|kW|abbr=on|sigfig=3}}.<ref name=Donald/> Later UH-1 and related models often featured twin engines and four-blade rotors.<ref name= "remarkheuy 2016"/> All members of the UH-1 family have similar construction. The UH-1H is the most-produced version, and is representative of all types. The main structure consists of two longitudinal main beams that run under the passenger cabin to the nose and back to the tail boom attachment point. The main beams are separated by transverse bulkheads and provide the supporting structure for the cabin, landing gear, under-floor fuel tanks, transmission, engine and tail boom. The main beams are joined at the lift beam, a short aluminum girder structure that is attached to the transmission via a lift link on the top and the cargo hook on the bottom and is located at the aircraft's center of gravity. The lift beams were changed to steel later in the UH-1H's life, due to cracking on high-time airframes. The semi-monocoque tail boom attaches to the fuselage with four bolts.<ref name="MB">DAOT 5: ''C-12-118-000/MB-000 Operating Instructions CH118 Helicopter'' (unclassified), Change 2, 23 April 1987. Department of National Defence</ref>

[[File:Bell 212 OE-XAA.ogg|thumb|"Thumping" sound of an Austrian UH-1]]
[[File:Navy-hh1n-158256-070327-16cr-10.jpg|thumb|right|HH-1N rotor head]]
The UH-1H's dynamic components include the engine, transmission, rotor mast, main rotor blades, tail rotor driveshaft, and the 42-degree and 90-degree gearboxes of the tail rotor. The main rotor transmission consists of a 90-degree [[bevel gear]] assembly with a reduction ratio of 2.14:1, followed by a 2-stage [[planetary gear]]set with a ratio of 9.53:1 (two stages of 3.087:1 each). This is in addition to the output gearbox of the T53 engine with a reduction ratio of 3.19:1. This combined reduction results in 324 rpm at the main rotor.<ref>{{cite report |url=https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/AD0855747.pdf |title=USAAVLABS Technical Report 68-57 Installation of a high-reduction-ratio transmission in the UH-1 helicopter |last1=Bowen |first1=C. W. |last2=Braddock |first2=C. E. |last3=Walker |first3=R. D. |date=May 1969 |publisher=U.S. Army Aviation Material Laboratories |pages=Figure 1 and p. 7}}</ref> The two-bladed, semi-rigid rotor design, with [[Coning (aerodynamics)|pre-coned]] and underslung blades,<ref name="Leishman">{{cite book |last1=Leishman |first1=Gordon J. |title=Principles of Helicopter Aerodynamics with CD Extra |date=24 April 2006 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-0-521-85860-1 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nMV-TkaX-9cC |access-date=7 July 2022 |language=en |page=129 |chapter=4.2 Types of Rotors |quote=the Bell-Huey series of helicopters. Here, the blades are given a precone angle so that a downward (negative) bending component resulting from the centrifugal forces produced by the blade rotation eliminates the upward (positive) bending moment at the hub resulting from the aerodynamic loads. }}</ref> is a development of early Bell model designs, such as the [[Bell 47]] with which it shares common design features, including a damped stabilizer bar. The two-bladed system reduces storage space required for the aircraft, but at a cost of higher vibration levels. The two-bladed design is also responsible for the characteristic 'Huey thump' sound<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bPFNRU7-M0&t=50|title=Huey Helicopter Start Up and Take Off Original Sound Effect 4K 50fps|date=13 August 2022|via=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wsnZiXnbAP4&t=62|title=[4K] What a Sound! BELL UH-1D * spotters dream ! * SAR 71+34|date=14 October 2018|via=YouTube}}</ref> when the aircraft is in flight, which is particularly evident during descent and in turning flight. The tail rotor is driven from the main transmission, via the two directional gearboxes which provide a tail rotor speed approximately six times that of the main rotor to increase tail rotor effectiveness.<ref name="MB" />

[[File:Avhuey 05.jpg|thumb|left|Typical armament for UH-1 gunship]]
The UH-1H also features a synchronized elevator on the tail boom, which is linked to the cyclic control and allows a wider center of gravity range. The standard fuel system consists of five interconnected fuel tanks, three of which are mounted behind the transmission and two of which are under the cabin floor. The landing gear consists of two arched cross tubes joining the skid tubes. The skids have replaceable sacrificial skid shoes to prevent wear of the skid tubes themselves. Skis and inflatable floats may be fitted.<ref name="MB" /> While the five main fuel tanks are [[self-sealing fuel tank|self-sealing]], the UH-1H was not equipped with factory armor, although armored pilot seats were available.<ref name="MB" />

Internal seating is made up of two pilot seats and additional seating for up to 13 passengers or crew in the cabin. The maximum seating arrangement consists of a four-man bench seat facing rearwards behind the pilot seats, facing a five-man bench seat in front of the transmission structure, with two, two-man bench seats facing outwards from the transmission structure on either side of the aircraft. All passenger seats are constructed of aluminum tube frames with canvas material seats, and are quickly removable and reconfigurable. The cabin may also be configured with up to six stretchers, an internal rescue hoist, auxiliary fuel tanks, spotlights, or many other mission kits. Access to the cabin is via two aft-sliding doors and two small, forward-hinged panels. The doors and hinged panels may be removed for flight or the doors may be pinned open. Pilot access is via individual hinged doors.<ref name="MB" />

The UH-1H's dual controls are conventional for a helicopter and consist of a single hydraulic system boosting the cyclic stick, collective lever and anti-torque pedals. The collective levers have integral throttles, although these are not used to control rotor rpm, which is automatically governed, but are used for starting and shutting down the engine. The cyclic and collective control the main rotor pitch through push-pull tube linkages to the swashplate, while the anti-torque pedals change the pitch of the tail rotor via a tensioned cable arrangement. Some UH-1Hs have been modified to replace the tail rotor control cables with push-pull tubes similar to the [[UH-1N Twin Huey]].<ref name="MB" />

==Operational history==

===U.S. Army===
[[File:UH-1D helicopters in Vietnam 1966.jpg|thumb|UH-1Ds airlift members of the 2nd Battalion, [[14th Infantry Regiment (United States)|14th Infantry Regiment]] from the Filhol Rubber Plantation area to a staging area in 1966.]]

The HU-1A (later redesignated UH-1A) first entered service with the [[101st Airborne Division]] at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, the [[82nd Airborne Division (United States)|82nd Airborne Division]], and the [[57th Medical Detachment]]. Although intended for evaluation only, the Army quickly pressed the new helicopter into operational service, and Hueys with the 57th Medical Detachment arrived in [[South Vietnam]] in March 1962.<ref name="Mutza">Mutza 1986, {{page needed|date=June 2022}}.</ref><ref name= "remarkheuy 2016"/> The UH-1 has long been a symbol of US involvement in Southeast Asia in general and Vietnam in particular, and as a result of that conflict, has become one of the world's most recognized helicopters. In Vietnam primary missions included general support, [[air assault]], cargo transport, [[medevac|aeromedical evacuation]], [[search and rescue]], electronic warfare, and later, ground attack. During the conflict, the craft was upgraded, notably to a larger version based on the Model 205. This version was initially designated the UH-1D and flew operationally from 1963.{{Citation needed|date=June 2022}}

During its Vietnam War service, the UH-1 was used for various purposes and various terms for each task abounded. UH-1s tasked with ground attack or armed escort were outfitted with rocket launchers, grenade launchers, and machine guns. As early as 1962, UH-1s were modified locally by the companies themselves, who fabricated their own mounting systems.<ref>{{cite web |last= Price |first= Major David H. |url= http://www-rucker.army.mil/pdf/Library/Army_Aviation_Story_Pt_XI.pdf |title= The Army Aviation Story Part XI: The Mid-1960s |publisher= rucker.army.mil |access-date= 3 March 2012 |archive-date= 22 July 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110722185115/http://www-rucker.army.mil/pdf/Library/Army_Aviation_Story_Pt_XI.pdf |url-status= dead }}</ref> These [[gunship]] UH-1s were commonly referred to as "Frogs" or "Hogs" if they carried rockets, and "Cobras" or simply "Guns" if they had guns.<ref name="Huey_Cobras">{{cite book |last= Bishop |first= Chris |title= Huey Cobra Gunships |location= London |publisher= Osprey Publishing |date= 2006 |isbn= 1-84176-984-3}}</ref><ref>Drendel 1974, p. 9.</ref>{{#tag:ref|Quote: "The UH-1B was the first helicopter gunship to achieve widespread combat use. It was also the first to carry the name "Cobra"|group=N}}<ref name="Chickenhawk">{{cite book |last= Mason |first= Robert |title= Chickenhawk |location= New York |publisher= Viking Penguin Books |date= 1984 |isbn= 0-14-303571-1}}</ref> UH-1s tasked and configured for troop transport were often called "Slicks" due to an absence of weapons pods. Slicks did have [[door gunner]]s, but were generally employed in the troop transport and [[Medical evacuation|medevac]] roles.<ref name="Drendel"/><ref name="Mutza"/>

[[File:Infantry 1-9 US Cavalry exiting UH-1D.jpg|left|thumb|A rifle squad from the [[9th Cavalry Regiment (United States)|1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry]] exiting from a UH-1D.]]
UH-1s also flew hunter-killer teams with observation helicopters, namely the Bell [[OH-58 Kiowa|OH-58A Kiowa]] and the [[Hughes Helicopters|Hughes]] [[Hughes H-6|OH-6 Cayuse]] (''Loach'').<ref name="Drendel"/><ref name="Mutza"/> Towards the end of the conflict, the UH-1 was tested with [[TOW missile]]s, and two UH-1B helicopters equipped with the [[US Helicopter Armament Subsystems#UH-1 Iroquois|XM26 Armament Subsystem]] were deployed to help counter the [[Easter Offensive|1972 Easter Invasion]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://tri.army.mil/LC/CS/csa/xm26tow.htm |title= U.S. Army Helicopter Weapon Systems: Operations with XM26 TOW missile system in Kontum (1972) |publisher= army.mil |access-date= 25 August 2010 |archive-date= 5 June 2008 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080605010555/http://tri.army.mil/LC/CS/csa/xm26tow.htm |url-status= dead }}</ref> [[USAF]] Lieutenant [[James Phillip Fleming|James P. Fleming]] piloted a UH-1F on a 26 November 1968 mission that earned him the [[Medal of Honor]].<ref name="usafbio">{{cite web |url= http://www.af.mil/information/heritage/person.asp?dec=&pid=123006514 |title= Col. James P. Fleming |publisher= U.S. Air Force |date= 29 May 2012 |access-date= 29 May 2012 |archive-date= 21 October 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121021072144/http://www.af.mil/information/heritage/person.asp?dec=&pid=123006514 |url-status= dead }}</ref>

During the course of the conflict, the UH-1 went through several upgrades. The UH-1A, B, and C models (short fuselage, Bell 204) and the UH-1D and H models (stretched-fuselage, [[Bell 204/205|Bell 205]]) each had improved performance and load-carrying capabilities. The UH-1B and C performed the gunship, and some of the transport, duties in the early years of the Vietnam War. The first batch of 77 UH-1Ds arrived in South Vietnam in April 1965.<ref>{{cite book|last=Birtle|first=Andrew|title=Advice and Support: The Middle Years, January 1964–June 1965|publisher=Center of Military History, United States Army |year=2024|url=https://history.army.mil/Publications/Publications-Catalog-Sub/Publications-By-Title/Advice-and-Support-The-Middle-Years/|isbn=9781959302056|page=572}}{{PD-notice}}</ref> UH-1B/C gunships were replaced by the new [[Bell AH-1 Cobra|AH-1 Cobra]] attack helicopter from 1967 to late 1968. The increasing intensity and sophistication of [[North Vietnam]]ese anti-aircraft defenses made continued use of UH-1 gunships impractical, and after Vietnam the Cobra was adopted as the Army's main attack helicopter. Devotees of the UH-1 in the gunship role cite its ability to act as an impromptu [[Dustoff]] if the need arose, as well as the superior observational capabilities of the larger Huey cockpit, which allowed return fire from door gunners to the rear and sides of the aircraft.<ref name="Drendel"/><ref name="Mutza"/> In air cavalry [[troop]]s (i.e., [[Company (military unit)|companies]]) UH-1s were combined with [[Infantry Branch (United States)|infantry]] [[Reconnaissance|scouts]], OH-6 and OH-58 aero-scout helicopters, and AH-1 attack helicopters to form [[Cavalry tactics#Cavalry in modern warfare|several color-coded teams]] (viz., blue, white, red, purple, and pink) to perform various [[reconnaissance]], security, and [[economy of force]] missions in fulfilling the traditional cavalry battlefield role.{{Citation needed|date=June 2022}}

[[File:USS Garrett County (AGP-786) at anchor in the Mekong Delta ca late 1960s.jpg|thumb|Two UH-1B gunships from [[HA(L)-3|HAL-3 "Seawolf"]] sit on the deck of {{USS|Garrett County|LST-786|6}} in [[Mekong Delta]], South Vietnam.]]
The Army tested a great variety of experimental weapons on the UH-1; nearly anything that could be carried. The Army desired weapons with large calibers and high rates of fire, which led to the testing of a 20&nbsp;mm cannon on a large mount bolted to the cabin floor. The size of the weapon allowed very little room for movement. The Army further tested a full-size Vulcan cannon firing out the door of a UH-1. It was capable of firing 2400 rounds per minute, or about 40 rounds per second. Despite this being a significant reduction from the nearly 100 rounds per second fired by a standard Vulcan cannon, the installation proved too kinetic for the UH-1. Podded versions of the M24 20&nbsp;mm cannon were tested in combat over Vietnam. There was a wide variety of 7.62&nbsp;mm automatic weapons tested, including different installations of the M60 machine gun. AS-10 and SS-11 missiles were tested in several different configurations. High-capacity rocket launchers were also tested, such as the XM3 launcher, which had 24 launching tubes. Press photos were taken with the XM5 and XM3 installed on the same aircraft, but this arrangement could not be used because it was more than the gross take-off weight of the aircraft.<ref name="MutzaP39">Mutza 2013, p. 39.</ref>

During the Easter Offensive of 1972 by North Vietnam, experimental models of the TOW-firing XM26 were taken out of storage and sent to South Vietnam in response to the onslaught. The pilots had never fired a TOW missile before, and were given brief crash courses. Despite having little training with the units, the pilots managed to hit targets with 151 of the 162 missiles fired in combat, including a pair of tanks. The airborne TOW launchers were known as "Hawks Claws" and were based at [[Camp Holloway]].<ref name="MutzaP39"/> During the conflict, 7,013 UH-1s served in Vietnam and of these 3,305 were destroyed. In total, 1,151 pilots were killed, along with 1,231 other crew members (these figures are not including [[Army of the Republic of Vietnam]] losses).<ref name="vhpa">{{cite web |url= https://www.vhpa.org/heliloss.pdf |title= Helicopter Losses During the Vietnam War |publisher= Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association |access-date= 5 September 2019 |archive-date= 29 October 2008 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081029002005/http://www.vhpa.org/heliloss.pdf |url-status= dead }}</ref><ref name= "remarkheuy 2016"/>

Post Vietnam, the US Army continued to operate large numbers of Iroquois; they would see further combat during the [[United States invasion of Grenada|US invasion of Grenada]] in 1983, the [[United States invasion of Panama|US invasion of Panama]] in 1989, and the [[Gulf War]] in 1991.<ref name= "remarkheuy 2016"/> In the latter conflict, in excess of 400 Iroquois performed a variety of missions in the region; over a nine-month period, the fleet cumulatively reached 31,000 flight hours and achieved a stable fully mission capable rate of 70%. The type comprised more than 20% of all rotorcraft across the coalition and recorded 21% of the overall flying hours.<ref name= "remarkheuy 2016"/> Even after the Gulf War, the US Army had more than 2,800 Iroquois in its inventory; in particular, 389 UH-1Vs comprised 76% of the Army's medevac aircraft. Nevertheless, plans were mooted as early as 1992 to undertake a slow withdrawal of the aging type in favor of larger and more technologically advanced rotorcraft.<ref name= "remarkheuy 2016"/>

The US Army began phasing out the UH-1 with the introduction of the [[Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk]] starting in the 1980s, although the Army UH-1 Residual Fleet had around 700 UH-1s that were to be retained until 2015, primarily in support of Army Aviation training at [[Fort Rucker]] and in selected [[Army National Guard]] units. Army support for the craft was intended to end in 2004; The UH-1 was retired from active Army service in early 2005.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htatrit/articles/20130411.aspx |title= Death Traps No More |publisher= Strategypage.com |date= 11 April 2013 |access-date= 16 May 2013 |archive-date= 15 May 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130515212531/http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htatrit/articles/20130411.aspx |url-status= dead }}</ref> During 2009, Army National Guard retirements of the UH-1 accelerated with the introduction of the [[Eurocopter UH-72 Lakota]].<ref>{{cite web |last= Mehl |first= Maj. Thomas W |url= http://www.ng.mil/news/archives/2009/02/022609-Final.aspx |title= A Final LZ |publisher= Army National Guard |access-date= 25 August 2010 |archive-date= 12 July 2009 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090712012315/http://www.ng.mil/news/archives/2009/02/022609-Final.aspx |url-status= dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last= Sommers |first= Larry |url= http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009news/HueyRetirement.asp |title= Huey Retirement |publisher= Army National Guard |date= 4 May 2009 |access-date= 25 August 2010 |archive-date= 8 January 2010 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100108143258/http://dma.wi.gov/dma/news/2009news/HueyRetirement.asp |url-status= dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last= Soucy |first= Staff Sgt. Jon |url= http://www.arng.army.mil/News/Pages/NewHelicoptersDeliveredtoDistrictofColumbiaNationalGuard.aspx |title= New Helicopters Delivered to District of Columbia National Guard |publisher= Army National Guard |date= 3 December 2009 |access-date= 25 August 2010 |archive-date= 10 March 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110310153512/http://www.arng.army.mil/News/Pages/NewHelicoptersDeliveredtoDistrictofColumbiaNationalGuard.aspx |url-status= dead }}</ref> In 2009 the Army National Guard marked 50 years of service of the Huey in the Army, and 40 with the National Guard and had a ceremonial end to its service at that time; in the coming years many final flights of the Huey in State National Guard took place.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Huey's Last Hurrah - National Guard |url=https://www.nationalguard.mil/Features/2009/Hueys-Last-Hurrah/ |access-date=26 April 2024 |website=www.nationalguard.mil}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=D.C. National Guard, Army Huey takes its final flight |url=https://www.nationalguard.mil/News/Article/627840/dc-national-guard-army-huey-takes-its-final-flight/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nationalguard.mil%2FNews%2FArticle-View%2FArticle%2F627840%2Fdc-national-guard-army-huey-takes-its-final-flight%2F |access-date=26 April 2024 |website=National Guard |language=en-US }}{{Dead link|date=October 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref> The Washington, D.C. Army National Guard had its last flight in 2011, and Pennsylvania in 2010.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Brittany |date=21 April 2010 |title=Pennsylvania Army National Guard's last Huey helicopter pilot ends 42-year career |url=https://www.pennlive.com/midstate/2010/04/pennsylvania_army_national_gua_3.html |access-date=26 April 2024 |website=pennlive |language=en}}</ref> The final U.S. Army UH-1 was retired in late 2016, and transferred to a State police department.<ref>{{cite web |last= Edwards |first= J. D. |url= http://www.wsmr.army.mil/fn/Pages/Last-UH-1-Huey,-a-42-year-military-veteran-retires.aspx |title= Last UH-1 Huey, a 42-year military veteran retires |publisher= wsmr.army.mil |access-date= 3 July 2017 |archive-date= 23 July 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170723131114/http://www.wsmr.army.mil/fn/Pages/Last-UH-1-Huey,-a-42-year-military-veteran-retires.aspx |url-status= dead }}</ref><ref name= "remarkheuy 2016"/> In context, the Huey is still in service with Armed Forces overall, and the Air Force UH-1N were still in service as of 2024, but scheduled for replacement.<ref name=":3" />

===U.S. Air Force===
[[File:Huey Trio UH-1Ns Fly Over Joint Base Andrews, MD, May 10, 2019.jpg|thumb|Trio of UH-1N in 2019]]
[[File:UH-1N-6.jpg|thumb|A USAF UH-1N during Exercise Wounded Eagle '83]]
<!-- [[File:Vietnam Air Force UH-1 in flight 19700718.jpg|thumb|[[Republic of Vietnam Air Force]] (VNAF) UH-1H lands during a combat mission in Southeast Asia in 1970|alt=USAF UH-1 landing]] -->

In October 1965, the [[United States Air Force]] (USAF) [[20th Helicopter Squadron]] was formed at [[Tan Son Nhut Air Base]] in South Vietnam, equipped initially with [[Sikorsky S-61R|CH-3C]] helicopters. By June 1967, the UH-1F and UH-1P were also added to the unit's inventory and, by the end of the year, the entire unit had shifted from Tan Son Nhut to [[Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Force Base]], with the CH-3s transferring to the [[21st Helicopter Squadron]]. On 1 August 1968, the unit was redesignated the 20th Special Operations Squadron. The 20th SOS's UH-1s were known as the ''Green Hornets'', stemming from their color, a primarily green two-tone camouflage (green and tan) was carried, and radio call-sign "Hornet". The main role of these helicopters were to insert and extract reconnaissance teams, provide cover for such operations, conduct psychological warfare, and other support roles for [[covert operation]]s especially in Laos and Cambodia during the so-called [[Laotian Civil War|Secret War]].<ref name="Covert">Mutza 1987, pp. 22–31.</ref>

USAF UH-1s were often equipped with automatic grenade launchers in place of the door guns. The XM-94 grenade launcher had been tested on Army rotorcraft prior to its use by the USAF. The unit was capable of firing 400 grenades per minute, up to 1,500 yards effective range.<ref>Mutza 2012, p. 33.</ref>

Into the twenty-first century, the USAF operates the [[Bell UH-1N Twin Huey|UH-1N]] for support of [[intercontinental ballistic missile]] (ICBM) sites, including transport of security personnel and distinguished visitors.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104464/uh-1n-huey/ |title= UH-1N Huey |work= Air Force |publisher= U.S. Air Force |date= 30 September 2015 |access-date= 21 August 2017 |archive-date= 22 August 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170822012904/http://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104464/uh-1n-huey/ |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.janes.com/article/71230/us-air-force-targets-july-for-uh-1n-replacement-solicitation |title= US Air Force targets July for UH-1N replacement solicitation |publisher= IHS Jane's Defence Weekly |date= 8 June 2017 |access-date= 21 August 2017 |archive-date= 22 August 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170822052644/http://www.janes.com/article/71230/us-air-force-targets-july-for-uh-1n-replacement-solicitation |url-status= dead }}</ref> On 24 September 2018, the USAF announced that the Boeing/Leonardo MH-139 (an [[AgustaWestland AW139|AW-139]] variant) had won a competition to replace the UH-1N fleet.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.defensenews.com/breaking-news/2018/09/24/the-air-force-picks-a-winner-for-its-huey-replacement-helicopter-contract/ |title= The Air Force picks a winner for its Huey replacement helicopter contract |first= Valerie |last= Insinna |date= 24 September 2018 |website= defensenews.com |access-date= 25 September 2018}}</ref> The UH-1N fleet is in service as of 2024, as production of the new type is ramped up.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Losey |first=Stephen |date=30 January 2024 |title=Boeing expects Grey Wolf helicopter deliveries to Air Force this year |url=https://www.defensenews.com/air/2024/01/30/boeing-expects-grey-wolf-helicopter-deliveries-to-air-force-this-year/ |access-date=26 April 2024 |website=Defense News |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Hadley |first=Greg |date=20 November 2023 |title=Air Force Gets Its Final Test MH-139 Helicopter from Boeing |url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/air-force-final-test-mh-139-helicopter/ |access-date=26 April 2024 |website=Air & Space Forces Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref>

===U.S. Navy===
[[File:US Navy 031209-N-9964S-018 Aviation Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Nate Gooding climbs into an HH-1M Huey.jpg|thumb|HH-1 Huey on exercises in 2003]]
The [[United States Navy|US Navy]] acquired a number of surplus UH-1B helicopters from the U.S. Army, these rotorcraft were modified into gunships, outfitted with special gun mounts and radar altimeters. They were known as ''Seawolves'' in service with Navy Helicopter Attack (Light) (HA(L)-3). UH-1C helicopters were also acquired during the 1970s.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.seawolf.org/aircraft/aircraft.asp |title= Navy Seawolves |publisher= seawolf.org |access-date= 3 March 2012 |archive-date= 21 September 2010 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100921065701/http://www.seawolf.org/aircraft/aircraft.asp |url-status= dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://combatsar.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/Combatsar |title= History of US Navy Combat Search and Rescue |access-date= 12 November 2010 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110708180137/http://combatsar.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/Combatsar |archive-date= 8 July 2011 |url-status= live}}</ref> The Seawolves worked as a team with Navy river patrol operations.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.blackpony.org/pressrel.html |title= River Patrol Force |publisher= Navy News Release |date= 1969 |access-date= 3 March 2012 |archive-date= 16 July 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110716201553/http://www.blackpony.org/pressrel.html |url-status= dead }}</ref>

Four years after the disestablishment of [[Helicopter Attack Squadron (Light) Three|HA(L)-3]], the Navy determined that it still had a need for gunships, establishing two new Naval Reserve Helicopter Attack (Light) Squadrons as part of the newly formed Commander, Helicopter Wing Reserve (COMHELWINGRES) in 1976. [[Helicopter Attack Squadron (Light) Five|Helicopter Attack Squadron (Light) Five (HA(L)-5)]], nicknamed the "Blue Hawks", was established at [[Naval Air Station Point Mugu]], California on 11 June 1977 and its sister squadron, Helicopter Attack Squadron (Light) Four (HA(L)-4), known as the [[HSC-84|Red Wolves]], was formed at [[Naval Station Norfolk|Naval Air Station Norfolk, Virginia]] on 1 July 1976.<ref name=blue>{{cite web |url= http://bluehawksofhal-5.org/ |title= BLUEHAWKS of HAL-5 |work= bluehawksofhal-5.org |access-date= 10 March 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150108202616/http://www.bluehawksofhal-5.org/ |archive-date= 8 January 2015 |url-status= live}}</ref>

The last regular Navy Huey's, HH-1's for search and rescue were retired in 2009 and replaced by H-60 Seahawks,<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Navy retires the Huey {{!}} Shephard |url=https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/defence-helicopter/us-navy-retires-the-huey/ |access-date=26 April 2024 |website=www.shephardmedia.com}}</ref> and the last Marine Corps UH-1N were retired in 2014.<ref>{{cite web |last=Jennings |first=Gareth |date=4 September 2014 |title=UH-1N 'Huey' retired from USMC service |url=http://www.janes.com/article/42729/uh-1n-huey-retired-from-usmc-service |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141206222521/http://www.janes.com/article/42729/uh-1n-huey-retired-from-usmc-service |archive-date=6 December 2014 |work=IHS Jane's Defence Weekly}}</ref>

===Drug Enforcement Administration===
The UH-1H has been used on multiple occasions by the American [[Drug Enforcement Administration]] (DEA); initially, these were usually borrowed from the U.S. Army to support planned missions, such for [[Operation Snowcap]], a large multi-year counter-[[narcotics]] action covering nine countries across Latin America.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2021-04/1985-1990_p_58-67.pdf |title= History |publisher= [[Drug Enforcement Administration]] |access-date= 27 June 2022 |page= 63}}</ref>

During the [[War in Afghanistan]], the DEA made use of a number of UH-1s stationed in the country for the purpose of conducting counter-narcotics raids. Operated by contractors, these Hueys provide transportation, surveillance, and air support for DEA FAST teams. During July 2009, four UH-1Hs and two [[Mi-17]]s were used in a raid that led to the arrest of an [[Afghan Border Police]] commander on corruption charges.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2009/09/afghan-hash-bust-underscores-official-corruption/ |title= Afghan hash bust underscores official corruption |publisher= Wired.com |access-date= 4 October 2009 |archive-date= 24 May 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130524014429/http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2009/09/afghan-hash-bust-underscores-official-corruption/ |url-status= dead }}</ref>

===Argentina===
Nine [[Argentine Army Aviation]] UH-1Hs and two [[Argentine Air Force]] [[Bell 212]] were included with the [[Argentine air forces in the Falklands War|aircraft deployed]] during the [[Falklands War]]. They performed general transport and SAR missions and were based at [[Port Stanley]] (BAM Puerto Argentino). Two of the Hueys were destroyed and, after the hostilities had ended, the remainder were captured by the British military.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.fuerzaaerea.mil.ar/conflicto/212.html |title= Bell 212 |publisher= fuerzaaerea.mil.ar |date= 25 August 2010 |access-date= 25 May 2009 |archive-date= 17 April 2009 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090417233840/http://www.fuerzaaerea.mil.ar/conflicto/212.html |url-status= dead }}</ref><ref name= "aeroespacio 2008">{{cite web |url= http://www.aeroespacio.com.ar/site/anteriores/538-550/542/site/_05Bell%20212.htm |title= ElBell 212 en la Fuerza Aérea |work= FAA official magazine |access-date= 27 June 2022 |archive-date= 28 October 2008 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081028175607/http://www.aeroespacio.com.ar/site/anteriores/538-550/542/site/_05Bell%20212.htm |url-status= dead }}</ref> Three captured aircraft survive as museum pieces in England and Falklands.{{Citation needed|date=June 2022}}

===Australia===
[[File:7RAR soldiers board a No. 9 Squadron UH-1 during Operation Santa Fe.jpg|thumb|left|Australian soldiers boarding a RAAF UH-1D in Vietnam, 1967]]

The [[Royal Australian Air Force]] employed the UH-1H until 1989. Iroquois helicopters of [[No. 9 Squadron RAAF]] were deployed to South Vietnam in mid 1966 in support of the [[1st Australian Task Force]]. In this role they were armed with single [[M60 machine gun|M60]] doorguns. In 1969 four of No. 9 Squadron's helicopters were converted to gunships (known as 'Bushrangers'), armed with two fixed forward firing M134 7.62&nbsp;mm minigun (one each side) and a 7-round rocket pod on each side. Aircrew were armed with twin M60 flexible mounts in each door. UH-1 helicopters were used in many roles including troop transport, [[medevac]] and Bushranger gunships for armed support.<ref name="auto">Eather 1995, p. 40.</ref> [[No. 35 Squadron RAAF|No. 35 Squadron]] and [[No. 5 Squadron RAAF|No. 5 Squadron]] also operated the Iroquois in various roles through the 1970s and 1980s. Between 1982 and 1986, the squadron contributed aircraft and aircrew to the Australian helicopter detachment which formed part of the [[Multinational Force and Observers]] [[peacekeeping]] force in the [[Sinai Peninsula]], Egypt.<ref name="auto"/> During 1988, the RAAF began to re-equip with [[UH-60 Blackhawk|S-70A Blackhawk]]s.<ref name="auto"/>

[[File:Bell UH-1C Iroquois at the Fleet Air Arm Museum February 2015.jpg|thumb|A retired [[Royal Australian Navy]] (RAN) UH-1B]]
In 1989 and 1990, the RAAF's UH-1H Iroquois were subsequently transferred to the [[171st Aviation Squadron (Australia)|171st Aviation Squadron]] in [[Darwin, Northern Territory]] and the [[5th Aviation Regiment (Australia)|5th Aviation Regiment]] based in [[Townsville, Queensland]] following the decision that all battlefield helicopters would be operated by the Australian Army.<ref name=Eather151>Eather 1995, pp. 150–151.</ref> On 21 September 2007, the Australian Army retired the last of their Bell UH-1s. The last flight occurred in Brisbane on that day with the aircraft replaced by [[NH-90|MRH-90]] medium helicopters and [[Eurocopter Tiger|Tiger]] armed reconnaissance helicopters.<ref>{{cite web |last= Stackpool |first= Andrew |title= 40 Years of Top Service |url= http://digital.realviewtechnologies.com/default.aspx?xml=defencenews_army.xml&iid=38348&startpage=10&crd=0&searchKey=iroquois |work= Army |publisher= Directorate of Defence Newspapers |access-date= 28 February 2013 |location= Canberra, Australia |page= 10 |date= 22 July 2010 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141217044108/http://digital.realviewtechnologies.com/default.aspx?xml=defencenews_army.xml&iid=38348&startpage=10&crd=0&searchKey=iroquois |archive-date= 17 December 2014 |url-status= live}}</ref>

The [[Royal Australian Navy]]'s [[723 Squadron RAN|723 Squadron]] also operated seven UH-1B from 1964 to 1989, with three of these aircraft lost in accidents during that time.<ref>[http://www.adf-serials.com.au/3a2.shtml "RAAF/Army A2/N9 Bell UH-1B/D/H Iroqois."] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130411114354/http://www.adf-serials.com.au/3a2.shtml |date=11 April 2013}} ''ADF Serials''. Retrieved: 31 July 2012.</ref> 723 Squadron deployed Iroquois aircraft and personnel as part of the [[Experimental Military Unit]] during the Vietnam War.<ref>Australian Naval Aviation Museum (ANAM) 1998, p. 179.</ref>

===El Salvador===
Numerous UH-1s were operated by the [[Salvadoran Air Force]]; during the 1980s, it became the biggest and most experienced combat helicopter force in Central and South America, fighting for over a decade during the [[Salvadoran Civil War]] and having been trained by US Army in tactics developed during the Vietnam War. By the start of 1985, El Salvador had 33 UH-1s in its inventory, some configured as gunships and others as transports; furthermore, in the following years, the country expanded its UH-1 fleet further with assistance from the US government.<ref name= "ap1985"/><ref name="Carter Salvador Arms">{{cite news |title= Guerillas regroup as Carter switches on Salvador arms |url= https://www.nytimes.com/1981/01/25/weekinreview/the-world-in-summary-guerrillas-regroup-as-carter-switches-on-salvador-arms.html |newspaper= The New York Times |date= 25 January 1981}}</ref> Several Salvadoran UH-1M and UH-1H helicopters used were modified to carry bombs instead of rocket pods.<ref>{{cite web |last= Cooper |first= Tom |url= http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_158.shtml |title= El Salvador, 1980–1992 |publisher= Air Combat Information Group |date= 1 September 2003 |access-date= 3 September 2007 |archive-date= 5 November 2008 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081105090238/http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_158.shtml |url-status= usurped }}</ref> The UH-1s enabled the military to avoid ground routes vulnerable to guerrilla ambushes; the gunships were typically used to suppress hostile forces ahead of troops being inserted by UH-1 transports.<ref name= "ap1985">{{cite web |url= https://apnews.com/article/cc0eb8ee6c6aae2e0798bcdd6b0fbe6c |title= El Salvador To Get Four Helicopter Gunships, Four For Transport |publisher= apnews.com |first= Joseph B. |last= Frazier |date= 29 January 1985}}</ref>

===Germany===
[[File:Bell UH-1D SAR (Ltg 63).jpg|thumb|German UH-1D]]
[[File:Bell UH-1D Germany - Air Force, SXF Berlin (Schoenefeld), Germany PP1148368551.jpg|thumb|German UH-1D on exercises near Schönfeld, Germany (2006)]]

The German aerospace company [[Dornier Flugzeugwerke|Dornier]] constructed 352 UH-1Ds [[licensed production|under license]] between 1967 and 1981 for the West German [[Bundeswehr]].<ref name= "germanlegend"/> These saw service with both the German Army and German Air Force as utility helicopters, they were also commonly used for search and rescue (SAR) missions.<ref name="Drendel" /> After being replaced by newer twin-engine [[Eurocopter EC145]]s, the last UH-1Ds in German service were withdrawn on 12 April 2021.<ref name="germanlegend">{{Cite web |title= Das Heer verabschiedet eine Legende (The Army says goodbye to a legend) |url= https://www.bundeswehr.de/de/organisation/heer/aktuelles/das-heer-verabschiedet-eine-legende-5054736 |access-date= 27 April 2021 |website= bundeswehr.de |date= 13 April 2021 |language= de}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/h145-officially-takes-on-domestic-sar-role-for-german-army |title= H145 officially takes on domestic SAR role for German Army |publisher= janes.com |date= 6 July 2020 |first= Gareth |last= Jennings}}</ref>

===Israel===
Israel withdrew its UH-1s from service in 2002, after 33 years of operation. They were replaced by Sikorsky [[UH-60 Blackhawk]] helicopters with an initial batch of 10 delivered during 1994. While some were passed on to pro-Israeli militias in Lebanon, eleven other UH-1Ds were reportedly sold to a Singapore-based logging company but were, instead, delivered in October 1978 to the [[Rhodesian Air Force]] to skirt a United Nations-endorsed [[embargo]] imposed on the country during the [[Rhodesian Bush War]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/waf/aa-mideast/israel/af/types/bell1.htm |title= Israel: UH-1 |publisher= aeroflight.co.uk |access-date= 4 October 2009 |archive-date= 3 March 2010 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100303225951/http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/waf/aa-mideast/israel/af/types/bell1.htm |url-status= dead }}</ref><ref>Brent 1988, p. 14.</ref>

===Japan===
[[File:JGSDF International disaster relief activities in Pakistan.jpg|thumb|A [[Japan Ground Self-Defense Force|JGSDF]] Bell-Fuji UH-1H conducting [[2005 Kashmir earthquake|Kashmir earthquake]] relief activities (2005)]]
[[File:JGSDF UH-1H & Type87 mine dispenser 20110109-01.JPG|thumb|Japanese UH-1H armed with Type 87 mine dispenser]]

In 1960, Subaru made an agreement to produce the HU-1B for Japan, which was renamed the UH-1B in 1962, along with the HU-1H, renamed UH-1H. Bell and Subaru developed the UH-1J.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Made in SUBARU｜SUBARU BELL 412EPX｜SUBARU Aerospace Company |url=https://aerospace.subaru.co.jp/412epx/en/history.html |access-date=26 April 2024 |website=SUBARU Aerospace Company |language=en}}</ref>

Entering service starting in 1993, 130 UH-1J were produced by Fuji for the Japanese Self-Defense Force.<ref>{{Cite web|date=21 December 2022 |title=Philippine Army to receive UH-1J helicopters from Japan |url=https://www.key.aero/article/philippine-army-receive-uh-1j-helicopters-japan |access-date=26 April 2024 |website=key.aero |language=en}}</ref>

In 2005, a pair of [[Japan Ground Self-Defense Force]] (JGSDF) UH-1 helicopters were deployed to Pakistan for earthquake disaster relief.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2005/10/14/national/asdf-c-130s-depart-on-pakistan-relief-duty/ |title= ASDF C-130s depart on Pakistan relief duty |publisher= [[Japan Times]] |date= 14 October 2005 |access-date= 11 February 2016 |archive-date= 2 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160402053446/http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2005/10/14/national/asdf-c-130s-depart-on-pakistan-relief-duty/ |url-status= dead }}</ref> During 2010, after floods in Pakistan, UH-1s were again deployed to the country to aid in disaster relief.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2010/08/19/national/gsdf-choppers-pakistan-bound/ |title= GSDF choppers Pakistan-bound |publisher= Japan Times |date= 19 August 2010 |access-date= 11 February 2016 |archive-date= 2 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160402053451/http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2010/08/19/national/gsdf-choppers-pakistan-bound/ |url-status= dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2010/10/27/national/chopper-unit-back-from-pakistan/ |title= Chopper unit back from Pakistan |publisher= Japan Times |date= 27 October 2010 |access-date= 11 February 2016 |archive-date= 2 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160402053440/http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2010/10/27/national/chopper-unit-back-from-pakistan/ |url-status= dead }}</ref> Japanese UH-1s have also been periodically used to conduct [[Aerial firefighting|water bombing]] against fires.<ref>{{cite news|author= <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title= GSDF helicopter makes emergency landing at Tottori airport |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2018/03/29/national/gsdf-helicopter-makes-emergency-landing-tottori-airport/#.Wr2jcGaB1EI |work= [[Japan Times]] |date= 29 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180330144951/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2018/03/29/national/gsdf-helicopter-makes-emergency-landing-tottori-airport/#.Wr2jcGaB1EI |archive-date= 30 March 2018 |url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author= <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title= GSDF helicopter makes emergency landing at western Japan airport |url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20180329/p2g/00m/0dm/061000c |work= [[Mainichi Shimbun]] |date= 29 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180329115302/https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20180329/p2g/00m/0dm/061000c |archive-date= 29 March 2018 |url-status= dead}}</ref>

In the aftermath of the [[2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami]], Japan's UH-1 fleet was extensively deployed across the country for disaster relief purposes; they also conducted reconnaissance flights over the stricken [[Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant]] while carrying radiation detection equipment to help inform planners of the plant's condition.<ref>{{cite web|last= Hiscock |first= Kyle W |url=http://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a560865.pdf |title= Thesis: Japan's Self Defense Forces after the Great East Japan Earthquake: Toward a new Status Quo |publisher= dtic.mil |date= March 2012 |access-date= 30 September 2017 |archive-date= 16 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160216050634/http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a560865.pdf |url-status= dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1856031 |title= Introduction to Aerial Radiological Measurements |publisher=osti.gov |access-date= 27 June 2022|last1= Wasiolek |first1= Piotr T. }}</ref>

By the early 2020s, Japan's [[Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency]] was in the process of recapitalizing much of the JGSDF's rotarywing capability; it is planned for a locally-built model of the twin-engined multirole [[Bell 412]] helicopter to replace the remaining older UH-1s in Japanese service; the new helicopter will be called the H-2 in JSDF service.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/helicopters/jgsdf-beefs-up-rotorcraft-to-address-tougher-neighbourhood/138957.article |title= JGSDF beefs up rotorcraft to address tougher neighbourhood |publisher= [[Flight International]] |first= Greg |last= Waldron |date= 24 June 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/tokyo-provides-more-details-about-jgdsfs-new-uh-2-helicopter |title= Tokyo provides more details about JGDSF's new UH-2 helicopter |publisher= janes.com |first= Alessandra |last= Giovanzanti |date= 19 July 2021}}</ref> The first flight of the Subaru UH-2 took place in 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ng |first=Jr |date=26 May 2022 |title=Subaru UH-2 helicopter performs maiden flight |url=https://www.asianmilitaryreview.com/2022/05/subaru-uh-2-helicopter-performs-maiden-flight/ |access-date=26 April 2024 |website=Asian Military Review |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Lebanon===
During the early 1990s, the [[Lebanese Air Force]] (LAF) inducted their first UH-1 helicopters.<ref name= "vertical leb2021"/> During the [[2007 Lebanon conflict]], at the Battle of Nahr el-Bared in North Lebanon, the Lebanese Army, lacking fixed-wing aircraft, modified several UH-1Hs to carry {{convert|500|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}} [[Mark 82 bomb]]s, enabling it to perform [[helicopter bombing]], and used it to strike militant-held positions. Specifically, special mounting points were installed along the sides of each Huey for the carriage of these high explosive bombs.<ref>{{cite web |last= Kahwaji |first= Riad |url= http://yalibnan.com/site/archives/2007/09/the_victory_leb_1.php |title= The victory – Lebanon developed helicopter bombers |publisher= Ya Libnan |date= 3 September 2007 |access-date= 3 September 2007 |archive-date= 28 September 2007 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070928041018/http://yalibnan.com/site/archives/2007/09/the_victory_leb_1.php |url-status= dead }}</ref> In the aftermath of the [[2020 Beirut explosion]], UH-1s participated in the disaster response, and were used to extinguish fires.<ref name= "vertical leb2021"/>

Typically, the fleet is tasked with performing search and rescue, troop transport, aerial firefighting and utility missions.<ref name= "vertical leb2021"/> In the late 2010s, specially modified UH-1Ds participated in the first [[LIDAR]] mapping exercise in the country.<ref>{{cite journal |url= https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Self-made-construction-to-mount-the-Riegl-VP-1-POD-on-a-Bell-UH-1D-helicopter-of-the_fig2_344758332 |title= Between Land and Sea: An Airborne LiDAR Field Survey to Detect Ancient Sites in the Chekka Region/Lebanon Using Spatial Analyses |last1=Rom |first1=Jakob |last2=Haas |first2=Florian |last3=Manuel |first3=Stark |last4=Dremel |first4=Fabian |last5=Becht |first5=Michael |last6=Kopetzky |first6=Karin |last7=Schwall |first7=Christoph |last8=Wimmer |first8=Michael |last9=Pfeifer |first9=Norbert |last10=Mardini |first10=Mahmoud |last11=Hermann |first11=Genz |date= October 2020 |pages= 248–268 |volume= 6 |journal= Open Archaeology |doi= 10.1515/opar-2020-0113|s2cid= 224769155 |doi-access= free }}</ref> During February 2021, an additional three Bell UH-1H-IIs were delivered to the LAF by Bell to augment their existing fleet.<ref name= "vertical leb2021">{{cite web |url= https://verticalmag.com/press-releases/bell-delivers-three-huey-iis-to-the-lebanese-air-force/ |title= Bell delivers three Huey IIs to the Lebanese Air Force |publisher= verticalmag.com |date= 23 February 2021}}</ref>

===New Zealand===
[[File:RNZAF Iroquois 2009.jpg|thumb|left|A Royal New Zealand Air Force No. 3 Squadron UH-1H Iroquois, November 2009]]

The [[Royal New Zealand Air Force]] had an active fleet of 13 Iroquois serving with [[No. 3 Squadron RNZAF]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.airforce.mil.nz/about-us/squadrons/3-squadron/3-squadron-history.htm |title= RNZAF – 3 Squadron History |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130206000656/http://airforce.mil.nz/about-us/squadrons/3-squadron/3-squadron-history.htm |archive-date= 6 February 2013 |work= Royal New Zealand Air Force |access-date= 4 September 2012}}</ref> The first delivery was five UH-1D in 1966 followed in 1970 by nine UH-1H and one more UH-1H in 1976. All of the UH-1D aircraft were upgraded to 1H specification during the 1970s. Two ex-U.S. Army UH-1H attrition airframes were purchased in 1996. Three aircraft have been lost in accidents.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.airforce.mil.nz/about-us/aircraft/iroquois.htm |title= RNZAF – Aircraft – UH-1H Iroquois |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130206000750/http://airforce.mil.nz/about-us/aircraft/iroquois.htm |archive-date= 6 February 2013 |url-status= live |work= Royal New Zealand Air Force |access-date= 18 October 2012}}</ref>

The RNZAF has retired the Iroquois, with the [[NHIndustries NH90]] as its replacement.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/air-force-retires-iroquois/57CUCD3WXTDPQC4GJOWZABX2YA/ |title= Air Force retires Iroquois |date= 22 September 2009 |access-date= 9 December 2021 |work= [[The New Zealand Herald]]}}</ref>  Eight active NH90 helicopters plus one spare have been procured. This process was initially expected to be completed by the end of 2013, but was delayed until 2016. Individual aircraft were retired as they reach their next major group servicing intervals; the UH-1H was retired as the NH90 fleet stood up.<ref name="NZNH90">{{cite web |url= http://www.airforce.mil.nz/projects/nh90.htm |title= NH90 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120211232139/http://www.airforce.mil.nz/projects/nh90.htm |archive-date= 11 February 2012 |work= Royal New Zealand Air Force |access-date= 30 January 2012}}</ref> On 21 May 2015, the remaining UH-1H fleet of six helicopters conducted a final tour of the country ahead of its planned retirement on 1 July. During 49 years of service the type had seen service in areas including the UK, Southeast Asia, Timor, the [[Solomon Islands]], various South Pacific nations, and the Antarctic.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/helicopters/rnzaf-huey-embarks-on-final-domestic-tour/116976.article |title= RNZAF Huey embarks on final domestic tour |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150610090440/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/rnzaf-huey-embarks-on-final-domestic-tour-412661/ |archive-date= 10 June 2015 |work= Flightglobal |access-date= 9 December 2021 |first=Peter |last= Clark |date= 22 May 2015 |url-access= registration}}</ref>

One was preserved in the New Zealand National museum after its retirement from service in 2013, delivered to the museum in 2015; it had had been in service many decades entering RNZAF service in 1966.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bell UH-1H Iroquois |url=https://airforcemuseum.co.nz/aircraft/bell-uh-1h-iroquois-nz3801/ |access-date=5 May 2024 |website=Air Force Museum of New Zealand |language=en-NZ}}</ref>

===Pakistan===
During the [[List of floods in Pakistan|1973 floods]] in Pakistan, the U.S. was the first to send a relief team with six UH-1H helicopters, which operated mainly in the south of Pakistan. After completing their mission, the helicopters were left at [[Qasim Army Aviation Base|Dhamial]]. Initially idle for a few months, they were later gifted to Pakistan by the U.S. government, following a proposal made to Prime Minister Bhutto before his state visit to the U.S. in 1974.<ref>{{cite book| author = Pakistan. Army. Army Aviation Directorate. Historical Section| title = History of Pakistan Army Aviation, 1947-2007| publisher = Army Aviation Directorate| location = Islamabad, Pakistan| year = 2008| isbn = 978-969-9246-00-5| pages = 173}}</ref>

===Philippines===
[[File:Airmen with the 6th SOS train Philippine airmen to use a rope ladder.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Philippine Air Force]] Airmen with the [[6 SOS|6th SOS]] unit of the USAF during a bilateral exercise]]

The [[Philippine Air Force]] (PAF) has a long history of acquiring [[United States Air Force]] assets, including the Bell UH-1.On 29 March 1969 the PAF received the first UH-1 Hueys and a unit was reorganized into the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing. The Huey platforms were brand-new equipped with the latest avionics and pilots were provided ballistics helmets.  The first four helicopters with tail numbers 290, 291, 292 and 293 came straight out of the factory, the US Army having started commissioning initials productions only two years before.

In PAF service, the type was regularly used to combat local insurgents as well as to conduct disaster relief operations after several earthquakes and typhoons hit the nation.<ref name= "decomm paf2021"/> Learning from this experience, the PAF decided to arm the Hueys with machineguns. In February 1971, aircrew members of the unit underwent gunnery training at Fort Magsaysay. The sparkling new M-60 machineguns now enhanced the Hueys' capability to provide fire support from the air. The new-found fire power was ably demonstrated in punitive operations at Barrio Talbac, San Ildefonso, Bulacan, on 7–8 April 1971. In the ensuing encounter, Huk Commander Beto and his aide named Yoyong were killed. [[Francis Ford Coppola]] filmed ''[[Apocalypse Now]]'' in the Philippines primarily because President [[Ferdinand Marcos]] agreed to let Coppola use Philippine Hueys to film the iconic scene with [[Robert Duvall]] as Lt. Colonel Kilgore.<ref name="Apocalypse Now">{{cite web |last1= De Semlyen |first1= Phil |title= Anatomy of a Scene: Apocalypse Now |url= https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/apocalypse-now-storyboards/ |website= Empire Magazine |date= 20 May 2011 |access-date= 29 October 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171029072150/https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/apocalypse-now-storyboards/ |archive-date= 29 October 2017 |url-status= live}}</ref>In 2004, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) procured 20 refurbished UH-1H 'Huey' helicopters from Singapore Technologies Aerospace (ST Aero) in a deal worth US$12&nbsp;million.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/294253748|title=Philippine Air Force buys Hueys from Singapore|website=ResearchGate}}</ref> 

In 2013, due to urgent operational requirements the PAF Procured Brand New [[Bell 412]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.helicopterinvestor.com/news/86582/bell-delivers-final-bell-412ep-to-philippine-dnd/|title=Bell delivers final Bell 412EP to Philippine DND}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pco.gov.ph/march-09-2016-news-releases/|title=Presidential Communications Office - March 09, 2016 – News Releases|website=pco.gov.ph}}</ref> delivered in 2015.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.bellflight.com/en-US/162317-bell-helicopter-delivers-final-bell-412ep-aircraft-to-the-philippine-department-of-national-defense|title=Bell Helicopter Delivers Final Bell 412EP Aircraft to the Philippine Department of National Defense|date=16 August 2015|website=Bell newsroom}}</ref> Procured another batch of 21 units refurbished Bell [[UH-1D]] now with Nigh Vision Compatible Cockpit with a budget of PHP1.26bn ($28m) contract with Rice Aircraft Services and Eagle Copters joint venture (JV) delivered in 2015.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.paf.mil.ph/history/philippine-air-force-2010-2016 | title=The Philippine Air Force (2010-2016) &#124; Philippine Air Force }}</ref><ref name="The Philippine Star">{{cite news |url= http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/12/30/1273374/paf-welcomes-supply-deal-boosting-helicopter-fleet |title= PAF welcomes supply deal boosting helicopter fleet |newspaper= The Philippine Star |date= 30 December 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170703151455/http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/12/30/1273374/paf-welcomes-supply-deal-boosting-helicopter-fleet |archive-date= 3 July 2017 |url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.dnd.gov.ph/transparency/procurement/DND_BAC/Invitation_to_bid/ITB%20AUG%2013.pdf |title= DND set to acquire 21 refurbished Huey helicopters |access-date= 26 August 2013 |publisher= DND.gov.ph |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170702070356/http://www.dnd.gov.ph/transparency/procurement/DND_BAC/Invitation_to_bid/ITB%20AUG%2013.pdf |archive-date= 2 July 2017 |url-status= live}}</ref> 

Furthermore, during October 2019, the Philippines made a deal with Japan to acquire some of its spare parts inventory; this reportedly was to facilitate the restoration of 7 units stored UH-1s to flightworthy condition.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.defensenews.com/global/asia-pacific/2019/10/11/philippine-air-force-reactivates-seven-old-huey-helos-thanks-to-spares-from-japan/ |title= Philippine air force reactivates seven old Huey helos thanks to spares from Japan |publisher= defensenews.com |first= Mike |last= Yeo |date= 11 October 2019}}</ref> By January 2021, the PAF had 13 UH-1H and 10 UH-1D helicopters in an operational condition.<ref name="UH1_Maxdefense">{{cite web |url= https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1471644173006235&id=117625771741422&__tn__=%2As%2As-R |title= Estimated Quantity of UH-1 Family of Helicopters of the Philippine Air Force |website= Maxdefense Philippines FB Page |publisher= Max Montero |access-date= 27 January 2021}}</ref>{{Self-published inline|date=November 2021}}On 2021, a plan to retire all of the PAF's remaining UH-1 helicopters was raised,<ref>{{cite web |url= https://mb.com.ph/2021/01/24/prrd-to-retire-all-huey-helicopters-in-paf-fleet/ |title= PRRD to retire all Huey helicopters in PAF fleet |website= Manila Bulletin |date= 24 January 2021 |access-date= 24 January 2021}}</ref> following a series of crashes involving the type.  On 14 October 2021, the PAF officially decommissioned the remainder of its UH-1D fleet, the retired rotorcraft were stored at Clark Air Base. However airworthy airframes were returned to service due to lack of aircraft.<ref>https://www.paf.mil.ph/news-articles/paf-uh-1h-helicopters-back-action {{Bare URL inline|date=August 2025}}</ref><ref name= "decomm paf2021">{{cite web |url= http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/asiapacific/2021-10/14/c_1310244628.htm |title= Philippine military decommissions 10 U.S.-made vintage helicopters |publisher= xinhuanet.com |date= 14 October 2021}}</ref> The role of the UH-1 is to be performed by recently delivered [[Poland]] Built PZL Mielec ([[Sikorsky S-70i]]) helicopters which were acquired through Multi-Year Contractual Authority (MYCA);<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dbm.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/BESF/BESF2025/B12a.pdf|title=Wayback Machine|website=www.dbm.gov.ph}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.asianmilitaryreview.com/2021/11/philippines-receives-final-batch-of-s-70i-black-hawk-helos/ |title= Philippines receives final batch of S-70i Black Hawk helos |publisher= asianmilitaryreview.com |date= 12 November 2021}}</ref> in January 2022

In 2022, the Philippines said that some of the retired Huey's will be reactivated with the help of Turkish company ASFAT.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://militaryleak.com/2022/05/04/philippines-air-forces-to-reactivate-retired-hueys-with-turkish-defense-company-asfat/|title=Philippines Air Forces to Reactivate Retired Hueys with Turkish Defense Company ASFAT|date=4 May 2022|website=militaryleak.com}}</ref> Also, in 2022, Japan planned to donate UH-1s leaving its service to the Philippine Army.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Japan to donate UH-1J helicopter to Philippine Army |url=https://www.singaporeairshow.com/top-reads/japan-to-donate-uh-1j-helicopter-to-philippine-army |access-date=5 May 2024 |website=singaporeairshow.com}}</ref> Japan is introducing new Huey's as replacement. As of December 2024, twenty-three units are in active service.<ref>https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=106507 {{Bare URL inline|date=August 2025}}</ref>

===Rhodesia===
Very late in the [[Rhodesian Bush War]], the [[Rhodesian Air Force]] obtained 11 former Israeli Agusta-Bell 205As in violation of [[International sanctions|sanction]]s on the nation, allegedly having used a series of intermediaries to evade them.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1978/12/15/rhodesia-admits-us-helicopters-used-in-war-against-guerrillas/bff13e67-e843-48d4-8944-7705ad934d37/ |title= Rhodesia Admits U.S. Helicopters Used in War Against Guerrillas |date= 15 December 1978 |newspaper= [[The Washington Post]] |access-date= 29 December 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160305061425/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1978/12/15/rhodesia-admits-us-helicopters-used-in-war-against-guerrillas/bff13e67-e843-48d4-8944-7705ad934d37/ |archive-date= 5 March 2016 |url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/international/story/19790131-mystery-surrounding-us-made-huey-helicopters-smuggled-into-ian-smiths-rhodesia-solved-821818-2014-12-26 |title= Mystery surrounding US-made Huey helicopters smuggled into Ian Smith's Rhodesia solved |first= Chhotu |last= Karadia |date= 31 January 1979}}</ref> Locally known as ''Cheetahs'', these helicopters were returned to a flightworthy condition and then assigned to No. 8 Squadron, after which they usually functioned as armed gunships as well as troop transports. During September 1979, one Cheetah was lost in combat after being hit by an RPG while flying over [[Mozambique]]. At least another three other UH-1s were also lost. The surviving helicopters were put up for sale in 1990.<ref name="Rhodesia">{{cite web |url= http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/waf/aa-africa/zim/af/types/ab205.htm |title= Zimbabwe – Air Force – Aircraft Types |publisher= Aeroflight |access-date= 20 May 2009 |archive-date= 1 March 2010 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100301162342/http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/waf/aa-africa/zim/af/types/ab205.htm |url-status= dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://sofrep.com/news/fire-force-rhodesias-coin-killing-machine-part-3/ |title= Fire Force: Rhodesia's COIN Killing Machine (Part 3) |publisher= sofrep.com |first= Dan |last= Tharp |date= 16 June 2012}}</ref>

===Yemen===
In July 2009, Yemen received four UH-1Hs. These remained grounded for almost all the time they were in Yemen; at least one helicopter was heavily damaged during Saudi-led airstrikes on Al Daylami and [[Al Anad Air Base]]s.<ref name="Rhodesia" />

==Variant overview==
{{main|Bell UH-1 Iroquois variants|Bell Huey family}}

===U.S. military variants===
[[File:Bell UH-1A Iroquois in flight.jpg|thumb|UH-1A Iroquois in flight]]
[[File:NASA Langley's Bell UH-1H Huey.jpg|thumb|[[NASA]]'s UH-1H returns to [[Langley Research Center|Langley]] after supporting [[Space Shuttle]] operations at [[Kennedy Space Center]].]]
[[File:U.S. Air Force TH-1 Huey.JPG|thumb|A [[USAF]] TH-1H out of [[Randolph Air Force Base]], 2005]]
[[File:Royal Thai Air Force special operation troops rope out from UH-1.jpg|thumb|[[Royal Thai Air Force]] special operation troops [[rappel]] from UH-1 during a demonstration on Children day 2013]]

* '''XH-40''': The initial Bell 204 prototype. Three prototypes were built, equipped with the [[Lycoming T53|Lycoming XT-53-L-1]] engine of {{convert|700|shp|abbr=on}}.<ref name="Mutza"/>
* '''YH-40''': Six aircraft for evaluation, as XH-40 with {{convert|12|in|mm|adj=on}} cabin stretch and other modifications.
** '''[[Bell 533|Bell Model 533]]''': One YH-40-BF rebuilt as a flight test bed with turbojet engines and wings.
* '''HU-1A''': Initial Bell 204 production model, redesignated as the '''UH-1A''' in 1962.<ref name="Mutza"/> 182 built.<ref name="Andrade p 125">Andrade 1987, p. 125.</ref>
** '''TH-1A''': UH-1A with dual controls and blind-flying instruments, 14 conversions.<ref name="Andrade p 125"/>
** '''XH-1A''': A single UH-1A was redesignated for grenade launcher testing in 1960.<ref name="Mutza"/>
* '''HU-1B''': Upgraded HU-1A, various external and rotor improvements. Redesignated '''UH-1B''' in 1962.<ref name="Mutza"/> 1014 built plus four prototypes designated '''YUH-1B'''.<ref name="Andrade p 125"/>
** '''NUH-1B''': a single test aircraft, serial number 64–18261.<ref name="Mutza"/>
* '''UH-1C''': The UH-1B gunship lacked the power necessary to carry weapons and ammunition and keep up with transport Hueys. So Bell designed yet another variant, the UH-1C, intended strictly for the gunship role. It is an UH-1B with improved engine, modified blades and rotor-head for better performance in the gunship role.<ref name="Mutza"/> 767 built.<ref name="Andrade p 125"/>
* '''YUH-1D''': Seven pre-production prototypes of the UH-1D.
* '''UH-1D Iroquois''': Initial Bell 205 production model (long fuselage version of the 204). Designed as a troop carrier to replace the [[Sikorsky_H-34|CH-34]] then in US Army service.<ref name="Mutza"/> 2008 built; many later converted to UH-1H standard.<ref name="Andrade p 125"/>
** '''HH-1D''': Army crash rescue variant of UH-1D.<ref name="Mutza"/>
* '''UH-1E''': UH-1B/C for USMC with different avionics and equipment.<ref name="Mutza"/> 192 built.<ref name="Andrade p 125"/>
** '''NUH-1E''': UH-1E configured for testing.
** '''TH-1E''': UH-1C configured for Marine Corps training. Twenty were built in 1965.<ref name="Mutza"/>
* '''UH-1F''': UH-1B/C for USAF with [[General Electric T58-GE-3]] engine of {{convert|1325|shp|abbr=on}}.<ref name="Mutza"/> 120 built.<ref name="Andrade p 125"/>
** '''TH-1F''': Instrument and Rescue Trainer based on the UH-1F for the USAF.<ref name="Mutza"/> 26 built.<ref name="Andrade p 125"/>
[[File:BellCH-118Huey118109and118101.JPG|thumb|Base Rescue Moose Jaw CH-118 Iroquois helicopters at [[CFB Moose Jaw]], 1982]]
* '''UH-1H''': Improved UH-1D with a [[Lycoming T53-L-13]] engine of {{convert|1400|shp|abbr=on}}.<ref name="Mutza"/> 5435 built.<ref name="Andrade p 125"/>
** '''CUH-1H''': [[Canadian Forces]] designation for the UH-1H utility transport helicopter. Redesignated '''CH-118'''.<ref name="Mutza"/><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/equip/historical/iroquoislst_e.asp |title= Bell CH-118 Iroquois |publisher= [[Department of National Defence]] |access-date= 30 August 2007 |archive-date= 10 May 2006 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20060510134213/http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/equip/historical/iroquoislst_e.asp |url-status= dead }}</ref> A total of 10 built.<ref name="Andrade p 125"/>
** '''EH-1H''': Twenty-two aircraft converted by installation of [[AN/ARQ-33]] radio intercept and jamming equipment for Project Quick Fix.
** '''HH-1H''': [[Search and rescue]] (SAR) variant for the USAF with rescue hoist.<ref name="Mutza"/> A total of 30 built.<ref name="Andrade p 125"/>
** '''JUH-1''': Five UH-1Hs converted to SOTAS battlefield surveillance configuration with belly-mounted airborne radar.<ref name="Mutza"/>
** '''TH-1H''': Recently modified UH-1Hs for use as basic helicopter flight trainers by the USAF.
* '''HH-1K''': Purpose-built SAR variant of the Model 204 for the US Navy with USN avionics and equipment.<ref name="Mutza"/> 27 built.<ref name="Andrade p 125"/>
* '''TH-1L''': Helicopter flight trainer based on the HH-1K for the USN. A total of 45 were built.<ref name="Mutza"/>
** '''UH-1L''': Utility variant of the TH-1L. Eight were built.<ref name="Mutza"/>
* '''UH-1M''': Gunship specific UH-1C upgrade with [[Lycoming T53-L-13]] engine of {{convert|1400|shp|abbr=on}}.<ref name="Mutza"/>
* '''[[UH-1N Twin Huey|UH-1N]]''': Initial [[Bell 212]] production model, the Bell "Twin Pac" twin-engined Huey powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada [[Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6T|T400-CP-400]].<ref name="Mutza"/>
* '''UH-1P''': UH-1F variant for USAF for special operations use and attack operations used solely by the USAF 20th Special Operations Squadron, "the Green Hornets".<ref name="Mutza"/>
* '''EH-1U''': No more than two UH-1H aircraft modified for Multiple Target Electronic Warfare System (MULTEWS).<ref>{{cite web |last= Buley |first= Dennis |publisher= Aeroflight |date= 29 December 1999 |url= http://nasaa-home.org/asa/buley2/multews.htm |title= US Army's Fleet of Special Electronic Mission Aircraft |access-date= 28 October 2008 |archive-date= 27 July 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110727111331/http://nasaa-home.org/asa/buley2/multews.htm |url-status= dead }}</ref>
* '''UH-1V''': Aeromedical evacuation, rescue version for the US Army.<ref name="Mutza"/>
* '''EH-1X''': Ten [[Electronic warfare]] UH-1Hs converted under "Quick Fix IIA".<ref name="Mutza"/>
* '''[[UH-1Y Venom|UH-1Y]]''': Upgraded variant developed from existing upgraded late model UH-1Ns, with additional emphasis on commonality with the [[AH-1 SuperCobra|AH-1Z]].

Note: In U.S. service, the G, J, Q, R, S, T, W and Z model designations are used by the [[AH-1 Cobra|AH-1]]. The UH-1 and AH-1 are considered members of the same H-1 series. The military does not use I (India) or O (Oscar) for aircraft designations to avoid confusion with "one" and "zero" respectively.

===Other military variants===
* '''Bell 204''': Bell Helicopters company designation, covering aircraft from the XH-40, YH-40 prototypes to the UH-1A, UH-1B, UH-1C, UH-1E, UH-1F, HH-1K, UH-1L, UH-1P and UH-1M production aircraft.
** '''Agusta-Bell AB 204''': Military utility transport helicopter. Built under license in Italy by [[Agusta]].
** '''Agusta-Bell AB 204AS''': Anti-submarine warfare, anti-shipping version of the AB 204 helicopter.
** '''Fuji-Bell HU-1B/HU-1H''': Military utility transport helicopter for the [[Japan Ground Self-Defense Force]]. Built under license in Japan by [[Fuji Heavy Industries]].<ref>{{cite web |url= https://aerospace.subaru.co.jp/412epx/en/history.html |title= History: Subaru Bell 412EPX |publisher= Subaru Aerospace Company |access-date= 27 June 2022}}</ref>
* '''Bell 205''': Bell Helicopters company designation of the UH-1D and UH-1H helicopters.
** '''Bell 205A-1''': Military utility transport helicopter version, initial version based on the UH-1H.
** '''Bell 205A-1A''': As 205A-1, but with armament hardpoints and military avionics. Produced specifically for Israeli contract.
** '''Agusta-Bell 205''': Military utility transport helicopter. Built under license in Italy by Agusta.
* '''[[Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation|AIDC UH-1H]]''': Military utility transport helicopter. Built under license in Taiwan by [[Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation]].<ref name= "Huey"/>
* '''[[Dornier Flugzeugwerke|Dornier]] UH-1D''': Military utility transport helicopter. Built under license in Germany by [[Dornier Flugzeugwerke]].<ref name="Huey">{{cite web |last= Goebel |first= Greg |url= http://www.vectorsite.net/avhuey.html |title= The Bell UH-1 Huey |publisher= vectorsite.net |access-date= 3 March 2012 |archive-date= 5 April 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110405092751/http://www.vectorsite.net/avhuey.html |url-status= usurped }}</ref>
* '''UH-1G''': Unofficial name applied locally to at least one armed UH-1H by the [[Khmer Air Force]] in Cambodia.<ref>{{cite web |last= Forsgren |first= Jan |url= http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/waf/aa-eastasia/cambodia/cam-af1-aircraft.htm |title= Aviation Royale Khmere/Khmer Air Force Aircraft |publisher= Aeroflight |date= 22 April 2007 |access-date= 28 October 2008 |archive-date= 22 October 2008 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081022083225/http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/waf/aa-eastasia/cambodia/cam-af1-aircraft.htm#uh-1 |url-status= dead }}</ref>
[[File:UH-1J & rapeling infantry.JPG|thumb| [[JGSDF]] UH-1J in Okadama STA, 2007]]
* '''Fuji-Bell UH-1J''': An improved Japanese version of the UH-1H built under license in Japan by [[Fuji Heavy Industries]] was locally given the designation UH-1J.<ref>{{in lang|ja}} {{cite web |url= http://rightwing.sakura.ne.jp/equipment/jgsdf/aviation/uh-1j/uh1j.html |title= UH-1J 多用途ヘリコプター |access-date= 11 December 2007 |archive-date= 27 January 2008 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080127010329/http://rightwing.sakura.ne.jp/equipment/jgsdf/aviation/uh-1j/uh1j.html |url-status= dead }}</ref> Among improvements were a Lycoming T53-L-703 turboshaft engine providing 1,343&nbsp;kW (1,800 shp), a vibration-reduction system, infrared countermeasures, and a night-vision-goggle (NVG) compatible cockpit.<ref name=airvectors_Huey>{{cite web |last= Goebel |first= Greg |url= http://www.airvectors.net/avhuey.html |title= The Bell UH-1 Huey: Foreign-Build Hueys |publisher= airvectors.net |date= 1 December 2007 |access-date= 16 August 2009 |archive-date= 1 October 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131001232751/http://www.airvectors.net/avhuey.html#m7 |url-status= dead }}</ref>
*'''Bell 211 Huey Tug''' With up-rated dynamic system and larger wide chord blades, the Bell 211 was offered for use as the US Army's prime artillery mover, but not taken up.<ref name="Drendel" />
* '''Bell Huey II''': A modified and re-engined UH-1H, improvements were an Allison T53-L-703 turboshaft engine providing 1,343&nbsp;kW (1,800 shp), a vibration-reduction system, infrared countermeasures and a night-vision-goggle (NVG) compatible cockpit. This significantly improves performance and cost-effectiveness. Currently offered by Bell to all current military users of the type.<ref name="HueyII">{{cite web |url= https://www.bellflight.com/products/bell-huey-ii |title= Huey II |access-date= 9 December 2021 |author= Bell Textron Inc. |author-link= Bell Textron |work= bellflight.com |year= 2021|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20211119234841/https://www.bellflight.com/products/bell-huey-ii |archive-date= 19 November 2021 |url-status= live}}</ref>
* '''UH-1/T700 Ultra Huey''': Upgraded commercial version, fitted with a 1,400-kW (1900-shp) [[General Electric T700-GE-701C]] turboshaft engine.<ref name="Lib">{{cite web |url= http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-5527196_ITM |title= The UH-1/T700 Ultra Huey helicopter powered by General Electric engines demonstrated high altitude/hot day capabilities during a series of flight demonstrations |publisher= Defense Daily |date= October 1994 |access-date= 29 October 2008 |archive-date= 12 January 2009 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090112033613/http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-5527196_ITM |url-status= dead }}</ref>
*'''Bell 412''' a four rotor version of the Bell 212 used by Canada as the CH-146 Griffon, license produced in Italy as the Augusta-Bell 412, and is going to be made in Japan.<ref name=":1" />
*'''UH-1H II''' is a modernized version of the UH-1H that mixes in Bell 212 components.<ref>{{Cite web |title=UH-1H Huey II Multi-Mission Helicopter |url=https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/uh-1h-huey-ii-multi-mission-helicopter/ |access-date=5 May 2024 |website=Airforce Technology |language=en-US}}</ref>
*'''H.6''': ({{langx|th|ฮ.๖}}) [[Royal Thai Armed Forces]] designation for the UH-1H.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=Thai Military Aircraft Designations |url=https://designation-systems.net/non-us/thailand.html |access-date=20 March 2025 |website=designation-systems.net}}</ref>
*'''H.LL.1''': ({{langx|th|ฮ.ลล.๑}}) Royal Thai Armed Forces designation for the UH-1D.<ref name=":4" />

==Operators==
[[File:Iraqi air force UH-1H II Huey helicopter.JPG|thumb|An Iraqi Army Aviation Command UH-1H II, 2009]]
{{main|List of Bell UH-1 Iroquois operators}}

==Aircraft on display==
{{main|List of displayed Bell UH-1 Iroquois}}
[[File:TH-1L Iroquois PRNAM-1.jpg|thumb|TH-1L Iroquois at [[Patuxent River Naval Air Museum]] ]]

==Accidents==
<!-- The vast majority of accidents are not notable enough to be covered on Wikipedia, only those with dedicated articles should be listed -->
* {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|1982|07|23|df=y}} |event=[[Twilight Zone accident]]: A UH-1 crashed at [[Indian Dunes]] in [[Valencia, California]], during the making of ''[[Twilight Zone: The Movie]]''. Actor [[Vic Morrow]] and two child actors were killed.}}
* 11 August 1989: A [[Spanish Army]] UH-1H helicopter was reportedly downed by a rock thrown during training near [[Madrid]], injuring three crew members. The incident occurred when a farmer allegedly threw the rock, leading to the crash in [[El Boalo]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=País |first=El |date=11 August 1989 |title=Un helicóptero del Ejército de Tierra, derribado de una pedrada cerca de Madrid |url=https://elpais.com/diario/1989/08/11/portada/618789601_850215.html |access-date=25 May 2025 |work=El País |language=es |issn=1134-6582}}</ref>
* {{Timeline-event |date={{Start date|2018|01|17|df=y}} |event=A [[2018 Sapphire Aviation Bell UH-1H Iroquois crash|Sapphire Aviation UH-1H crashed near Raton]], New Mexico, United States. Five of the six people on board were killed, including Zimbabwean politician [[Roy Bennett (politician)|Roy Bennett]].}}
* 8 September 2024: [[2024 Pasaquina Bell UH-1 crash]]: A UH-1 crashed in the [[Pasaquina|Pasaquina municipality]] of [[La Unión Department]] in El Salvador. All nine people on board were killed, among the victims was the Director of the [[National Civil Police (El Salvador)|National Civil Police of El Salvador]], [[Mauricio Arriaza Chicas]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bernal |first=David |date=8 September 2024 |title=Muere director PNC y exgerente de COSAVI en accidente aéreo en Pasaquina: Fuerza Armada |url=https://www.laprensagrafica.com/elsalvador/Confirman-accidente-de-helicoptero-que-transportaba-a-exgerente-de-COSAVI-y-director-de-la-PNC-20240908-0055.html |access-date=29 September 2024 |work=La Prensa Grafica}}</ref>

==Specifications (UH-1H)==
[[File:Bell UH-1H Iroquois 3-view line drawing.png|thumb|Bell UH-1H Iroquois 3-view drawing]]

{{Aircraft specs
 |ref= ''Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1987-88''<ref>{{cite book |editor1-last= Taylor |editor1-first= John W. R. |title= Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1987-88 |date= 1987 |publisher= Jane's Publishing Company Limited |location= London |isbn= 0 7106-0850-0 |page= 365 |url= https://archive.org/details/janesallworldsai0000unse/page/365/mode/1up |access-date= 8 September 2021}}</ref>
 |prime units?= imp<!-- imp or kts first for US aircraft, and UK aircraft pre-metrification, met(ric) first for all others. You MUST choose a format, or no specifications will show -->
<!--   General characteristics
-->
 |crew= 1–4
 |capacity= {{convert|3880|lb|kg}} including 11–14 troops, 6 stretchers and attendant, or equivalent cargo
 |length m=
 |length ft= 57
 |length in= 9+5/8
 |length note= with rotors
 |width m=
 |width ft= 9
 |width in= 6+1/2
 |width note= (over skids)
 |height m=
 |height ft= 14
 |height in= 5+1/2
 |height note= (tail rotor turning)
 |empty weight kg=
 |empty weight lb= 5,210
 |empty weight note=
 |gross weight kg=
 |gross weight lb= 9,039
 |gross weight note= (mission weight)
 |max takeoff weight kg=
 |max takeoff weight lb= 9,500
 |max takeoff weight note=
 |fuel capacity=
 |more general=
<!--   Powerplant
-->
 |eng1 number= 1
 |eng1 name= [[Lycoming T53|Lycoming T53-L-13]]
 |eng1 type= [[turboshaft]]
 |eng1 kw=<!-- prop engines -->
 |eng1 shp= 1,400
 |eng1 note= (limited to {{cvt|1100|shp}} by transmission)
 |power original=
 |thrust original=
 |more power=
 |rot number= 1
 |rot dia ft= 48
 |rot dia in= 0
 |rot area sqm=<!-- helicopters -->
 |rot area sqft= 1,809.56
 |rot area note=
<!--   Performance
-->
 |max speed kmh=
 |max speed mph= 127
 |max speed kts=
 |max speed note= (at maximum takeoff weight; also [[Vne]] at this weight)
 |cruise speed kmh=
 |cruise speed mph= 127
 |cruise speed kts=
 |cruise speed note= (at {{cvt|5700|ft}} at maximum takeoff weight)
 |range km= 511
 |range miles=
 |range nmi=
 |range note= (with maximum fuel, no reserves, at sea level)
 |combat range km=
 |combat range miles=
 |combat range nmi=
 |combat range note=
 |ferry range km=
 |ferry range miles=
 |ferry range nmi=
 |ferry range note=
 |endurance=<!-- if range unknown -->
 |ceiling m=
 |ceiling ft= 12,600
 |ceiling note=(at maximum takeoff weight)
 |g limits=<!-- aerobatic -->
 |roll rate=<!-- aerobatic -->
 |climb rate ms=
 |climb rate ftmin= 1,600
 |climb rate note= at sea level (at maximum takeoff weight)
 |time to altitude=
 |lift to drag=
 |wing loading kg/m2=
 |wing loading lb/sqft=
 |wing loading note=
 |disk loading kg/m2=
 |disk loading lb/sqft= 5.25
 |disk loading note=
 |fuel consumption kg/km=
 |fuel consumption lb/mi=
 |power/mass= {{cvt|0.1159|hp/lb}} <!-- note Jane's 1987-88 kg/kW value is inconsistent with its lb/shp value because the raw engine power value was used for the former -->
 |more performance=
<!--   Armament
-->
 |armament= various including:
* 7.62 mm machine guns
* {{convert|2.75|in|mm|abbr=on}} rocket pods
{{see also|U.S. helicopter armament subsystems}}
 |guns=
 |bombs=
 |rockets=
 |missiles=
 |hardpoints=
 |hardpoint capacity=
 |hardpoint rockets=
 |hardpoint missiles=
 |hardpoint bombs=
 |hardpoint other=
 |avionics=
}}

==Notable appearances in media==
<!-- All content about the aircraft in fictional and gaming use has been moved to [[Aircraft in fiction]], please see [[WP:AIRPOP]] -->
{{main|Aircraft in fiction#Bell UH-1 Iroquois}}

The image of American troops disembarking from a Huey has become an iconic image of the Vietnam War, and can be seen in many films, video games and television shows on the subject, as well as more modern settings. The UH-1 is seen in many films about the Vietnam War, including ''[[The Green Berets (film)|The Green Berets]]'', ''[[The Deer Hunter]]'', ''[[Platoon (film)|Platoon]]'', ''[[Hamburger Hill]]'', ''[[Apocalypse Now]]'',<ref name="Apocalypse Now"/> ''[[Casualties of War]]'', and ''[[Born on the Fourth of July (film)|Born on the Fourth of July]]''. It is prominently featured in ''[[We Were Soldiers]]'' as the main helicopter used by the [[1st Cavalry Division (United States)|Air Cavalry]] in the [[Battle of Ia Drang]]. Author [[Robert Mason (writer)|Robert Mason]] recounts his career as a UH-1 "Slick" pilot in his memoir, ''[[Chickenhawk (book)|Chickenhawk]]''.

The 2002 journey of ''Huey 091'', displayed in the Smithsonian [[National Museum of American History]], is outlined in the 2004 documentary ''[[In the Shadow of the Blade]]''.<ref name="Shadow">{{cite web |url= http://www.intheshadowoftheblade.com/ |title= In The Shadow of The Blade |publisher= intheshadowoftheblade.com |date= 2004 |access-date= 5 August 2009 |archive-date= 24 May 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190524144819/http://intheshadowoftheblade.com/ |url-status= dead }}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Aviation}}
[[File:UH-1 UdvarHazy.jpg|thumb|Huey on display at the Smithsonian, Washington, D.C.]]
{{aircontent
|see also=
* [[Bell Huey family]] – overview of all models
|related=
* [[Bell AH-1 Cobra]]
* [[Bell 212]]
* [[Bell 214]]
* [[Bell 412]]
* [[Bell 533]]
* [[Bell UH-1N Twin Huey]]
|similar aircraft=
* [[Sikorsky XH-39]]
|lists=
* [[List of active United States military aircraft]]
* [[List of most-produced rotorcraft]]
}}

==References==

===Footnotes===
{{Reflist|group=N}}

===Citations===
{{Reflist}}

===Bibliography===
* {{cite book |last= Andrade |first= John M. |title= U.S. Military Aircraft Designations and Serials since 1909 |location= Hersham, Surrey, UK |publisher= Midland Counties Publications |date= 1979 |isbn= 0-904597-22-9}}
* {{cite book |last= Apostolo |first= Giorgio |title= Bell 204, Bell 205: The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Helicopters |location= New York |publisher= Bonanza Books |date= 1984 |isbn= 0-517-43935-2}}
* {{cite book |last= Australian Naval Aviation Museum |first= (ANAM) |title= Flying Stations: A Story of Australian Naval Aviation |location= St Leonards, NSW |publisher= Allen & Unwin |date= 1998 |isbn= 1-86448-846-8}}
* {{cite book |last= Brent |first= W. A. |title= Rhodesian Air Force A Brief History 1947–1980 |location= Ottawa, Ontario, Canada |publisher= Freeworld Publications |date= 1988 |isbn= 0-620-11805-9}}
* {{cite book |last= Chant |first= Christopher |title= Fighting Helicopters of the 20th Century: 20th Century Military Series |location= Christchurch, Dorset, UK |publisher= Graham Beehag Books |date= 1996 |isbn= 1-85501-808-X}}
* {{cite book |last= Debay |first= Yves |title= Combat Helicopters |location= Paris |publisher= Histoire & Collections |date= 1996 |isbn= 2-908182-52-1}}
* {{cite book |editor-last= Donald |editor-first= David |title= Bell Model 212 Twin Two-Twelve: The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft |location= New York |publisher= Barnes & Noble Books |date= 1997 |isbn= 0-7607-0592-5}}
* {{cite book |last= Drendel |first= Lou |title= Gunslingers in Action |location= Carrollton, Texas |publisher= Squadron/Signal Publications |date= 1974 |isbn= 0-89747-013-3}}
* {{cite book |last= Drendel |first= Lou |title= Huey |location= Carrollton, Texas |publisher= Squadron/Signal Publications |date= 1983 |isbn= 0-89747-145-8}}.
* {{cite book |title= Flying Squadrons of the Australian Defence Force |last= Eather |first= Steve |publisher= Aerospace Publications |year= 1995 |isbn= 1-875671-15-3 |location= Weston Creek, ACT}}
* {{cite book |editor-last= Eden |editor-first= Paul |title= Bell UH-1 Iroquois: Encyclopedia of Modern Military Aircraft |location= London |publisher= Amber Books |date= 2004 |isbn= 1-904687-84-9}}
* {{cite magazine |last= Elliot |first= Bryn |title= Bears in the Air: The US Air Police Perspective |magazine= [[Air Enthusiast]] |date= March–April 1997 |issue= 68 |pages= 46–51 |issn= 0143-5450}}
* {{cite book |last= Francillon |first= René, J. |title= Vietnam: The War in the Air |location= New York |publisher= Arch Cape Press |date= 1987 |isbn= 0-517-62976-3}}
* {{cite book |last1= Guilmartin |first1= John Francis |first2= Michael |last2= O'Leary |title= The Illustrated History of the Vietnam War, Volume 11: Helicopters |location= New York |publisher= Bantam Books |date= 1988 |isbn= 0-553-34506-0}}
* {{cite book |last= McGowen |first= Stanley S. |title= Helicopters: An Illustrated History of Their Impact |location= Santa Barbara, California |publisher= ABC-CLIO |date= 2005 |isbn= 978-1-85109-468-4}}
* {{cite book |last= Mesko |first= Jim |title= Airmobile: The Helicopter War in Vietnam |location= Carrollton, Texas |publisher= Squadron/Signal Publications |date= 1984 |isbn= 0-89747-159-8}}
* {{cite book |last= Mikesh |first= Robert C. |title= Flying Dragons: The South Vietnamese Air Force |location= London |publisher= Osprey Publishing |date= 1988 |isbn= 0-85045-819-6}}
*{{cite journal |last1=Morales |first1=Joao-Paulo|last2=Mitilian|first2=Vatche |title=Heavy Duty: Lebanon's DIY "Hueybombers"|journal=The Aviation Historian |date=April 2018 |issue=23 |pages=100–108 |issn=2051-1930|name-list-style=amp}}
* {{cite book |last= Mutza |first= Wayne |title= Helicopter Gunships: Deadly Combat Weapon Systems |publisher= Specialty Press |date= 2012 |isbn= 978-1-58007-154-3}}
* {{cite book |last= Mutza |first= Wayne |title= UH-1 Huey in Action |location= Carrollton, Texas |publisher= Squadron/Signal Publications |date= 1986 |isbn= 0-89747-179-2}}
* {{cite magazine |last= Mutza |first= Wayne |title= Covertly to Cambodia |magazine= [[Air Enthusiast]] |issue= 32 |date= December 1986 – April 1987 |pages= 22–31 |location= Bromley, UK |publisher= Pilot Press |issn= 0143-5450}}
* {{cite book |last= Mutza |first= Wayne |title= UH-1 Huey in Color |location= Carrollton, Texas |publisher= Squadron/Signal Publications |date= 1992 |isbn= 0-89747-279-9}}
* {{cite book |last= Pattillo |first= Donald M. |title= Pushing the Envelope: The American Aircraft Industry |location= Ann Arbor, Michigan |publisher= University of Michigan Press |date= 2001 |isbn= 978-0-472-08671-9}}
* [http://www.airliners.net/info/stats.main?id=73 Specifications for Bell 204, 205 and 214 Huey Plus]

==External links==
{{commons}}
* [http://www.bellhelicopter.com/commercial/bell-huey-ii Bell Huey II page on BellHelicopter.com]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070525163303/http://tri.army.mil/LC/CS/csa/aadesc.htm#UH1 UH-1D/UH-1H Iroquois utility helicopter] and [https://web.archive.org/web/20070807125624/http://www.aviation.army.mil/factsheets/uh1.html UH-1 Factsheet on Army.mil]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080215190609/http://pma276public.navair.navy.mil/pma276public/history.asp UH-1 history on Navy Air web site]
* [http://www.airvectors.net/avhuey.html The Bell UH-1 Huey at Greg Goebel's Air Vectors site]
* [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/retrospective-how-the-uh-1-huey-changed-modern-wa-453559/ "RETROSPECTIVE: How the UH-1 'Huey' changed modern warfare" on FlightGlobal.com]

{{Bell Aircraft}}
{{Huey family}}
{{AircraftDesignationNavboxShell
 |1={{US Army helicopters}}
 |2={{US helicopters}}
 |3={{USAF system codes}}
 |4={{CF aircraft}}
 |5={{Italian military aircraft}}
 |6={{Italian Army helicopter designations}}
 |7={{ADF aircraft designations}}
 |8={{Thai helicopter designations}}
}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:1950s United States helicopters]]
[[Category:1950s United States military utility aircraft|UH-1 Iroquois]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1956]]
[[Category:Aircraft with skid landing gear]]
[[Category:Bell aircraft|H-001, U]]
[[Category:Gunships]]
[[Category:Military equipment of the Vietnam War]]
[[Category:Search and rescue helicopters]]
[[Category:Single-rotor helicopters]]
[[Category:Single-turbine helicopters]]
[[Category:United States military helicopters]]