Bell UH-1H Iroquois
Bell Helicopter · USA · first flew 1966 · helicopter
The UH-1H is the most-produced Huey and the standard by which all Hueys are measured — over 5,000 built, equipping dozens of nations. It is externally almost identical to the UH-1D but powered by the more capable Lycoming T53-L-703.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turboshaft, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Wide D-model cabin body — same cabin width as UH-1D, seats 12-14 troops |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Wide D-model cabin body — same cabin width as UH-1D, seats 12-14 troops
- T53-L-703 engine giving slightly better high-hot performance; cowling subtly larger than UH-1D
- Most common surviving Huey mark worldwide — seen in virtually every nation's military aviation
Visually identical to the UH-1D in almost all respects. The H model's T53-L-703 engine produces a negligibly different sound signature but no visible external difference to a spotter. National markings and documentation are the practical differentiators. If only one Huey is present, assume UH-1H — it is by far the most common single-engined Huey variant surviving.
Specifications
- The Bell UH-1H Iroquois has a length of 17.62 m (58 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 14.63 m (48 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 220 km/h (137 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flight 1966; 5,435 built for the US Army plus extensive export. The definitive US Army utility helicopter of the Vietnam era and beyond, serving with the US Army until replaced by the UH-60 Black Hawk in the 1980s. Many nations still fly UH-1Hs in the 2020s; some have been re-engined with modern turboshafts.
Variants
The UH-1H is itself the major production standard; the Bell 205 is the commercial equivalent. Many UH-1H operators have upgraded engines and avionics under national programmes.
Where you'll see it
US Army 1967-1990s; still active in dozens of nations including Taiwan, Colombia, Thailand, and many others in the 2020s. The most common Huey variant seen globally.
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