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 Apr 8
9:30AM TO 1:00PM
Exploration of Flight

Private Pilot Ground School Begins

Saturday, Apr 8 | 9:30AM to 1:00PM

Saturdays 4/8/23 – 5/27/23
9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

This 8-week Ground School will cover the subject areas of the FAA Private Pilot Aeronautical Knowledge Exam. 

This course is taught by Certified Instructors, and materials are included! Classroom ground instruction offers a great way to start training as efficiently and economically as possible, providing a significant cost savings versus one-on-one lessons.

 

Topics include:

  • Aircraft Systems
  • Aerodynamics
  • Airports and Airspace
  • Flight Physiology
  • Performance Calculations
  • Navigation
  • And More!

Pricing:

Non-Member | $350.00 per registrant

Member | $300.00 per registrant

 

Next Class: On Saturdays from April 8th to May 27th, 9:30am – 1:00pm

This class is currently being reserved for Flight Training Scholarship applicants. Remaining seats will be sold at a later date. To join the waitlist, please click here.

 

Please Note:

Students should bring a notebook and/or a personal device for notetaking.

Participants must be 14 years or older.

Saturday Apr 8
9:30AM TO 12:30PM
Exploration of Flight

Breakfast Fly-In

Breakfast Fly-In
Saturday, Apr 8 | 9:30AM to 12:30PM

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

Spend Saturday* morning watching aircraft fly in, enjoy breakfast from a local food truck and explore interactive exhibits and simulators.

Purchase Tickets

*Please note that this event is taking place on the 2nd Saturday of the month instead of the 1st Saturday.

Food Truck: Bruncholero
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.

*Weather permitting

Saturday Apr 8
10:00AM TO 2:00PM
Air & Space Museum

Cockpit Demo Day

Cockpit Demo Day
Saturday, Apr 8 | 10:00AM to 2:00PM

Get an up close look inside select aircraft at the museum and learn all about the history of the aircraft, instruments and controls!

Featured Aircraft in April:

  • Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 MLD
  • LTV A-7D Corsair II
  • Alexander Eaglerock
  • Cessna U-3A (Wheelchair accessible)
  • Bede BD-5 (Wheelchair accessible)

Purchase Tickets

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