Bell UH-1B Iroquois
Bell Helicopter · USA · first flew 1960 · helicopter
The UH-1B is the early, narrow-body Huey — shorter cabin, lower payload than the 'D' model that followed. In Vietnam it served primarily as a gunship and light utility aircraft, mounting rocket pods and later TOW missiles.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turboshaft, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 12.77 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Narrow, single-door cabin shorter than UH-1D — seats only 6-7 troops versus the wider D model
- Lycoming T53-L-13 engine giving a relatively narrow engine cowling profile
- Rocket pods or TOW missile systems commonly fitted on outrigger pylons — primarily a gunship/utility mark
The narrow cabin is the primary UH-1B identifier against the wider UH-1D/H. The narrow fuselage behind the cockpit with a relatively tight cabin cross-section makes the D look like a different, fatter aircraft. The single two-blade rotor and skid undercarriage are common to all early Hueys.
Specifications
- The Bell UH-1B Iroquois has a length of 12.77 m (42 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 13.41 m (44 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 222 km/h (138 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Entered service 1961; improved over the UH-1A with a more powerful engine. Around 1,010 UH-1Bs delivered to the US Army. In Vietnam the type served in the airmobile cavalry concept while the UH-1D carried troops; the UH-1B typically covered the insertion and provided fire support.
Variants
The UH-1A was the original mark; UH-1B added more power. The UH-1C was a dedicated gunship with a narrower cabin. The UH-1B was also exported widely.
Where you'll see it
US Army Vietnam 1962-1970s in primary role; many exported to Australia, New Zealand, Germany, and others. Several flyable UH-1Bs in private and museum ownership.
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- Scout
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