Air & Space Museum

Bell UH-1M Iroquois “Huey”

Bell UH-1M Iroquois “Huey”

One of the most iconic symbols of the Vietnam War is the Bell UH-1 “Huey” helicopter. Hueys served throughout the conflict as troop and cargo carriers, air ambulances, and gunships with the US Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. Over 7,000 of these helicopters saw use in the war, because the difficult terrain and lack of improved roads in the region made them the fastest way to move people and materials to where they were needed. The use of the Huey in Vietnam set the pattern for “air mobility” in wars of the future.

Early in the conflict, the Army realized that they needed dedicated attack helicopters to support the unarmed troop carrier helicopters. These gunships were heavily armed with machine guns, rockets, and grenade launchers to suppress enemy ground fire during assault landings and act as airborne artillery for troops on the ground. The UH-1M was specifically built for the gunship role, with a more powerful engine and wider rotor blades to carry the weight of the weapons.

This UH-1M was manufactured by Bell Helicopters in 1967 and served two combat tours in Vietnam from 1967 to 1969 with the 9th Air Cavalry Regiment of the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). In 1971 it returned to the US and Bell rebuilt it for service with the Nebraska Army National Guard. After retirement the Army assigned it for use as a target at the White Sands Missile Range.

Col. Bill McPherson had flown this helicopter while serving in Vietnam. He acquired and restored “Sweet Sioux” as a mobile display for parades and military functions. He and Lt. Col. Kenneth Overturf, also a Vietnam War Huey pilot, spent many hours touring the state with the Huey and talking to Vietnam Veterans before donating it to Wings Over the Rockies in 2020.

Aircraft specifications:
Fuselage length: 42 ft 7 in (13 m)
Rotor diameter: 48 ft (14.6 m)
Maximum speed: 144 mph (232 km/h)
Maximum weight: 9,040 lb (4,100 kg)
Engine: Lycoming T-53-L-13, 1,400 hp (1,000 kW)

Air & Space Museum

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Lowry - Denver

Air & Space Museum

Upcoming Events

Saturday Oct 7
9:30AM TO 12:30PM
Exploration of Flight

Breakfast Fly-In

Breakfast Fly-In
Saturday, Oct 7 | 9:30AM to 12:30PM

Join Wings Over the Rockies Exploration of Flight for monthly fly-ins featuring planes, pilots and breakfast!

On the first Saturday of every month, enjoy breakfast from a local food truck, watch aircraft fly in and explore interactive exhibits and simulators.

Purchase Tickets

Food Truck: Cruz In & Eat
Please note: Food purchases are not included in admission.

Pilots – Fly in for free breakfast! For tie-down space, contact Flight@WingsMuseum.org or 303.360.5360 ext 160.

Saturday Oct 14
9:00AM TO 2:00PM
Exploration of Flight

Round Engine Roundup with an Eclipse Encounter

Round Engine Roundup with an Eclipse Encounter
Saturday, Oct 14 | 9:00AM to 2:00PM

Join us at Exploration of Flight for a roundup of round engine aircraft, featuring the Sea Fury. Plus, view the 2023 Annular Eclipse from Centennial Airport! Build your own telescope and create a moon phase calendar at our learning stations, followed by an educational talk about the eclipse from Wings Over the Rockies Curator Chuck Stout.

Arrive early for prime eclipse viewing, as the eclipse is expected to be visible in the area around 10:30 a.m. The first 100 people will receive free eclipse glasses to safely view the eclipse. Additional glasses will be for sale.

Pre-Purchase Tickets

Food Truck: Colorado Coney Company

Saturday Oct 14
10:00AM TO 11:00AM

Teachers Only | Professional Development: Nose Art

Teachers Only | Professional Development: Nose Art
Saturday, Oct 14 | 10:00AM to 11:00AM

Teacher Workshop: Nose Art

Teachers are invited to join us for this online workshop and learn a unique aerospace lesson to bring to your classroom!

As aviation developed, especially as the result of World War I, many pilots chose to decorate their aircraft with designs intended to intimidate their opponents, or to remind the pilots of easier times at home. During this unique program, participants will have a chance to review some of that remarkable history and develop their own insignia and learn how to generate the image on a square of aircraft aluminum.

Register below and you will receive a confirmation email with the online meeting link.

Register Here

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