Sound of Freedom

S/N 67-17279

In country from 1968 to 1971 flying a documented total of 2,393 hours for the 170th Assault Helicopter Company during the Vietnam War.   This elite unit’s sacrifices and combat achievements went unrecognized from 1965-2001. The 170th were also known as the bikinis; this aircraft specifically being a bikini red, went to war piloted by boys as young as 19. These boys quickly became men as they entered without previous helicopter tactics, techniques and flight procedures.

The UH1 Iroquois is mostly known by its nickname, “Huey”. Over 7,000 Hueys served in Vietnam with 2,820 being lost. These losses came with great reward as 90,000 troops were evacuated in an average time of 1 hour while saving thousands of lives.

UH-1H Specs

External Dimensions

Main Rotor diameter: 48 ft 0 in
Length, overall: 57 ft 9.625 in
Length, fuselage: 41 ft 10.75 in
Width, overall: 9 ft 4 in
Width, skids: 8 ft 7 in
Height, overall: 14 ft 5.5 in
Height, tail rotor head: 11 ft 9.75 in

Internal Dimensions

Cabin Length: 7 ft 8 in
Max width: 7 ft 8 in
Max height: 4 ft 1 in
Cargo compartment: 28 cu ft

Weights

Empty weight: 5,210 lbs
Gross weight: 9,500 lbs
Cargo, external: 4,000 lbs
Cargo, internal: 220 cu ft

Powerplant

Manufacturer: Honeywell (Lycoming)
Engine: T53-L-13B
Horsepower: 1,400 shp (1,044 kW)
Takeoff: 1,100 shp (820 kW)
Continuous: 1,100 shp (820 kW)

Performance 

Max speed: 120 kts
Cruise speed: 114 kts
Max range: 276 nm
Max rate of climb: 1,600 fpm
Service Ceiling: 12,600 ft

Armament

2 Door gunners M-60D (7.62mm NATO firing 600 rounds per min)

170th Awards

Two Presidential Unit Citations
Valorous Unit Award
Five awards of the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm
The Civic Action Honor Medal, First Class
Distinguished service cross for bravery
Other valorous Unit Awards
Better Men” Monument in Fort Ruckers dedicated to the 45 soldiers of the 170th Assault Helicopter Company ‘bikinis who lost their lives in Vietnam

Huey Cabin and Cockpit

Huey Exterior