Airlines

Air Classics, Aug 2003 by Boehly, Andrew

NWM MUSEUM HUEYS

This is a letter to let readers know about two restoration projects going on at the National Warplane Museum, Elmira-Corning Regional Airport, New York. Nothing symbolizes the war in Vietnam more than the sight and sound of Bell's famous UH-1 Iroquois "Huey" helicopter. The NWM is now in the process of preserving this icon of the Vietnam War. Last year, we acquired four Bell UH-1Hs. We acquired three from the Maine Forestry Service and one from the California National Guard.

Two of the Hueys acquired by NWM saw combat in Vietnam. The Army received Huey s/n 65-9589 in 1965. Originally built as a D model, the helo was upgraded to an H two years later. It served as a troop carrier in two different companies attached to the 11th Combat Air Battalion - they were the 128th Attack Helicopter Company (call sign Tomahawks) based at Phu Loi, and the 173rd AHC (call sign Robin Hoods) based at Lai Khe. Huey 69-16723 served in combat with the 14th Combat Air Battalion where it was assigned to the 71st AHC (call sign Rattlers) and 174th AHC (call sign Dolphins). They were based at Chu Lai, Bien Hoa, and Quang Tri.

These two combat veterans are going to fill important voids in our current aircraft fleet. Helicopter 65-9589 is being restored for static display. Once complete, it will take its place beside our other Vietnam-era aircraft such as the F-4B Phantom II, MiG 21 Fishbed, and Hughes OH-6A Cayuse. Huey 69-16723 is currently being restored to flying condition. This will be the first helicopter and Vietnam-era aircraft to join our flying fleet. It is planned that this flying memorial to the men and women of the Vietnam War will return to the air this summer. The remaining two Hueys will be used for parts.

Andrew Boehly Curator, NWM