Bell UH-1D "SAR"

Revell 1/72

The Bell UH-1 Iroquois (nicknamed "Huey") is a utility military helicopter designed and produced by the American aerospace company Bell Helicopter. It is the first member of the prolific Huey family, as well as the first turbine-powered helicopter in service with the United States military.

Development of the Iroquois started in the early 1950s, a major impetus being a requirement issued by the United States Army for a new medical evacuation and utility helicopter. The Bell 204, first flown on 20 October 1956, was warmly received, particularly for the performance of its single turboshaft engine over piston engine-powered counterparts. An initial production contract for 100 HU-1As
was issued in March 1960. In response to criticisms over the
rotorcraft's power, Bell quickly developed multiple models furnished
with more powerful engines; in comparison to the prototype's Lycoming YT53-L-1 (LTC1B-1) engine, producing 700 shp (520 kW), by 1966, the Lycoming T53-L-13,
capable of 1,400 shp (1,000 kW), was being installed on some models. A
stretched version of the Iroquois, first flown during August 1961, was
also produced in response to Army demands for a version that could
accommodate more troops. Further modifications would include the use of
all-aluminum construction, the adoption of a rotor brake, and
alternative powerplants.

UH-1DIroquois: Initial Bell 205 production model (long
fuselage version of the 204). Designed as a troop carrier to replace the
CH-34 then in US Army service. 2008 built; many later converted to UH-1H standard