Creating the helicopter air raid concept and introducing the definition of utility helicopter; UH-1 Hueys, which have a special place in aviation lovers with their characteristic sound and iconic appearance, are gradually retiring.
The Republic of Korea, one of many Huey users around the world, has phased out UH-1 Iroquoisutility helicopters in its inventory. The platforms, which have been serving there for about 52 years, are retired with a ceremony held on July 31, 2020. It has been announced that the helicopters, 129 of which are under the command of Seoul and also known as “Huey”, flew 792,000 hours and distance approximately 146 million kilometres distance during this period. The UH-1s were assigned for many different purposes, from personnel and material transfer to medical evacuation, training to firefighting duties during their service. Seoul has announced that the platforms will be replaced by KUH-1 Surion utility helicopters of KAI (Korean Aerospace Industries).
Made its first flight under the name XH-40 on 20 October 1956, approximately 16,000 UH-1 Iroquois were produced. Platforms appeared on the battlefield for the first time in the Vietnam War. Helicopters, which have many different variants, have succeeded in entering the inventory of more than 50 countries. UH-1; is driven by a Lycoming T53 turboshaft engine and has a two-bladed the main rotor that also causes a “Huey thump” sound that becomes a characteristic feature of the platform.
