Mojo's UH-1B on the set of Mars Attacks

The most widely used and easily the most recognized military helicopter in the world is the Bell UH-1 series, officially called the Iroquois, but better known as the "Huey". There were a number of different models of Hueys built and used over the last four decades.

The "B" model, which is sometimes knowns as the "Baby Huey", was one of the original versions introduced in the early 1960s, and saw extensive service in Viet Nam (if model depiction and accuracy is important to your project, please read the "Background Information" section below).

We have one UH-1B aircraft available for production work. It is normally kept in basic Army olive drab green, but can be painted to meet your specifications, including depiction as a civilian Bell 204B. The helicopter is capable of carrying sling loads, as can be seen in the photo gallery with our Might Mite.

The UH-1B Huey Photo Gallery

UH-1B Background Information

In 1955, the US Army sought to develop a new jet-powered helicopter for use in MedEvac and Command and Control missions to replace the venerable Bell 47 (the type featured in M*A*S*H). The design selected was Bell Helicopters' Model 204, which first flew in 1956. It was originally designated the H-40, but when the Army changed its numbering system, the helicoter was designated HU-1 (helicopter-utility), from which the nickname "Huey" comes, even though the type's official name is "Iroquois". Later, the DoD changed their designation system again, and the HU-1 became the UH-1.

The Army ordered 183 UH-1A models, and then asked Bell to make some minor improvements, which led to the UH-1B. The "B" Model had a slightly longer fuselage which could accomodate, in its original MedEvac role, seven passengers: three on stretchers, two sitting casualties and a medical attendant.   Over 1,000 UH-1Bs were built between 1961 and 1965, and they began arriving in Viet Nam in 1963. Bell built an identical civilian version, the Model 204B, which was also sold to some foreign militaries.

The UH-1B saw extensive service in Viet Nam, both in armed and unarmed configurations. In the originally-intended MedEvac role, they were often called "DustOffs". Transport versions, known as "Slicks" because of their uncluttered appearance, were generally armed with an M-60 machine gun mounted in each door to provide covering fire for embarking and disembarking troops.

To escort unarmed versions, the Army also had UH-1Bs equipped and dedicated to the gunship role. They were fitted with an "M-6E3" armament system, which included two M-60 machine guns mounted on an outrigger outboard of each door, for a total of four, and eight-round rocket packs. The machine guns could be aimed by the pilot using a cockpit-mounted sight and a hydraulic actuation system. However, the UH-1B gunships tended to lack the engine power necessary to both carry weapons and ammunition as well as keep up with transport Hueys, and so Bell designed yet another Huey variant, the "UH-1C", intended strictly for the gunship role. The C Model had a number of internal differences, but it general appearance was identical to the B Model. Our UH-1B can easily pose as a "C" gunship model, as well as the civilian variant Model 204B.