So unassuming is the humble Huey (never called "Iroquois" by those who flew them) that its role as one of the major combat aircraft of the century is easily forgotten. More than 12,000 of all models were built and -- on any given day, during its heyday in Vietnam -- 2,000 could be in the air at once.

From 1962, when the first short-fuselage HU-1s arrived, to the later large-doored versions, they took on transport, utility and medevac or "dustoff" missions. The Huey later morphed into a gunship with multiple protrusions of guns and rocket pods added to protect and escort the unarmed troop-carrying "slicks."

When the new Huey Cobra appeared, a true Air Cavalry was born. Though most of the USAF machines are gone, the army expects to keep the Huey through the first decade of this century.

Pictured here is a 1:72 scale diecast replica of a Royal Australian Air Force Bell UH-1B Huey helicopter that was attached to No.9 Squadron during 1961. Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Rotor Span: 7-1/2-inches
Length: 8-inches

Release Date: July 2008

Historical Account: "Baby Huey" - No.9 Squadron was re-formed at RAAF Base Williamtown on June 11th, 1962, equipped with UH-1 Iroquois helicopters. While originally formed to provide the RAAF with a search and rescue capability, the Squadron's main role rapidly became providing airlift to the Australian Army.

No.9 Squadron was deployed to South Vietnam in mid 1966 and, as part of the 1st Australian Task Force, began flying operations on 11 June 1966. The Squadron provided the Task Force with part of its helicopter support (most of which was provided by the US Army) Problems soon arose between 9 Squadron and army commanders. The most potentially detrimental development was the insistence that 'Air Board regulations, framed for peacetime, should apply'. Strictures, included 9 Squadron Iroquois helicopters not operating 'into insecure locations' or undertaking roles that were 'offensive'. This exhibited a lack of awareness by the RAAF of the requirements of the ground force in South Vietnam and, by inference, restricted the Army to secure locations where the enemy were unlikely to be, if they wished to be supported by 9 Squadron. The unworkable nature of such operational constraints in war caused Major General Mackay, at one stage, to ground 9 Squadron.

As part of the general Australian withdrawal No.9 Squadron departed from South Vietnam on December 8th, 1971.