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 s, a major impetus being a requirement issued by the United States Army for a new medical evacuation and utility helicopter.
The Bell , first flown on 20 October , was warmly received, particularly for the performance of its single turboshaft engine over piston engine -powered counterparts. An initial production contract for HU-1A s was issued in March 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 YTL-1 LTC1B-1 engine, producing shp kW , by , the Lycoming TL , capable of 1, shp 1, kW , was being installed on some models.
A stretched version of the Iroquois, first flown during August , 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.
The Iroquois was first used in combat operations during the Vietnam War , the first examples being deployed in March It was used for various purposes, including conducting general support, air assault , cargo transport, aeromedical evacuation , search and rescue , electronic warfare, and ground attack missions.
Armed Iroquois gunships carried a variety of weapons, including rockets, grenade launchers, and machine guns, and were often modified in the field to suit specific operations. The United States Air Force deployed its Iroquois to Vietnam, using them to conduct reconnaissance operations, psychological warfare, and other support roles.
