Bell UH-1 Iroquois AKA Huey Explained. Major General And Medal Of Honor Patrick Henry Brady

Medal of Honor Major General Patrick Henry Brady explains the Bell UH-1 Iroquois.
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 than could accommodate more troops. Further modifications would include the use of all-aluminium 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 1962. It was used for various purposes, 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 also deployed its Iroquois to Vietnam, using them to conduct reconnaissance operations, psychological warfare, and other support roles. Other nations' armed air services, such as the Royal Australian Air Force, also dispatched their own Iroquois to Vietnam. In total, around 7,000 Iroquois were deployed in the Vietnam theatre, over 3,300 of which were believed to be destroyed. Various other conflicts have seen combat deployments of the Iroquois, such as the Rhodesian Bush War, Falklands War, War in Afghanistan, and the 2007 Lebanon conflict.
Patrick Henry Brady (born October 1, 1936), is a retired United States Army major general. While serving as a helicopter pilot in the Vietnam War, he received the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military decoration for valor.
General characteristics
Crew: 1-4
Capacity: 3,880 lb (1,760 kg) including 11-14 troops, 6 stretchers and attendant, or equivalent cargo
Length: 57 ft 9+5⁄8 in (17.618 m) with rotors
Width: 9 ft 6+1⁄2 in (2.908 m) (over skids)
Height: 14 ft 5+1⁄2 in (4.407 m) (tail rotor turning)
Empty weight: 5,210 lb (2,363 kg)
Gross weight: 9,039 lb (4,100 kg) (mission weight)
Max takeoff weight: 9,500 lb (4,309 kg)
Powerplant: 1 × Lycoming T53-L-13 turboshaft, 1,400 shp (1,000 kW) (limited to 1,100 shp (820 kW) by transmission)
Main rotor diameter: 48 ft 0 in (14.63 m)
Main rotor area: 1,809.56 sq ft (168.114 m2)
Performance
Maximum speed: 127 mph (204 km/h, 110 kn) (at maximum takeoff weight; also Vne at this weight)
Cruise speed: 127 mph (204 km/h, 110 kn) (at 5,700 ft (1,700 m) at maximum takeoff weight)
Range: 318 mi (511 km, 276 nmi) (with maximum fuel, no reserves, at sea level)
Service ceiling: 12,600 ft (3,800 m) (at maximum takeoff weight)
Rate of climb: 1,600 ft/min (8.1 m/s) at sea level (at maximum takeoff weight)
Disk loading: 5.25 lb/sq ft (25.6 kg/m2)
Power/mass: 0.1159 hp/lb (0.1905 kW/kg)
Armament
various including:
7.62 mm machine guns
2.75 in (70 mm) rocket pods
See also: U.S. helicopter armament subsystems
#huey #helicopter #aircraft

[@Dronescapes]

Click the link to watch more aircraft, heroes and their stories, missions: www.youtube.com/@Dronescapes

[@hueyman624]

The Huey behind General Brady never went to RVN. It was Louisiana Guard, built in 1973. When it came to the AAHF about 2002, it had an engine built new in 1991. I took that engine out and sent it to McTurbine for overhaul. When it came back I put it in 624, The Huey in the flying part of the video. I was project manager for 624 and lived with it for 9 months bringing it back to flight status. Then flew it for about 10 years. The 2 pilots in 624 are both Vietnam veteran pilots. One an Army Huey Pilot and the other a Marine CH-46 Pilot. Both fine men and pilots, I have flown with both many hours. Oddly enough, General Brady mentioned the Huey at the Museum of Flight In Seattle. When they were putting that Huey together, they didnt have a Huey mechanic. My friend who was project manager on 727 #1 told them he knew someone. I was teaching Helicopter Aerodynamics, Theory and Maintenance in Hueys and Jet Rangers a couple doors down at the College, so I went over and helped them out. I moved from GA to WA in 2005.

[@JoshuaC923]

That's pretty awesome👍🏻👍🏻

[@BVonBuescher]

Too cool. Please don’t ever stop sharing!

[@kwiturbitchin5277]

My brother and I just last week flew in the Cobra #998 in Hampton. Awesome experience! Huey 624 was there in the hanger. Named the Lucky Star. Beautiful helicopter.

[@high-rye]

Did this man Serve in Peacetime Korea late 80s? Because I was given the ride of my life in a Huey by a full bird colonel.exilirating terrifying and would love to do it again

[@traveltrailerlife]

I'm a Veteran of Vietnam (70-71) and Gulf War 1991 Iraq ... Iraq ( 04-05) Wars . I was a door gunner UH-1 helicopter in Vietnam with the 118th AHC .... And in Iraq worked on AH-64A Apache attack helicopter for the 1/151Aviation Regiment ... Retired 2011

[@Dronescapes]

Welcome home. Thank you for your service

[@demotime7947]

Dang over a 40 year career in the Army? I bet you love the current state of the military lol.

[@oby-1607]

General Brady, thank you for your service. Thank you Major Charles L. Kelly for your sacrifice. Every one of your words are golden. I have been in many helicopters but the Huey is the one I want.

[@thedude1-wn2ij]

When that man talked I sat and listened, men like him always want to pass a lesson on, no time for ego. What a fantastic watch!

[@jimcaufman2328]

I flew two tours in a Huey. November 67 to November 68 !st Cav and in the Delta 69 to 70. Pilot, Aircraft Commander and unit Instructor Pilot both tours. The Huey NEVER let me down. My crew and I saved a lot of people who were wounded or shot down. I turned 22 3 months before I came home on my second tour. When I came home in 1970 I went to college. I went on a job interview and was not hired because I had never had a job with "responsibility".

[@RainMakr]

Thank you for your service, it’s a crazy world you couldn’t get back into work based on that BS

[@lucasfillman5965]

Salute to this fine Man and his fellow Soldiers

[@randallsmith3986]

What an amazing interview. 👏

[@Dronescapes]

🙏🙏👍

[@jonathanjones6072]

My best friend spent the war in the door of a Huey. He was a door gunner. Never talked about it much and I didn't want to have him relive any of the nightmares I know he brought home. Alot of brave young men were saved by this ship, game changer. Thanks General I love choppers. Sure would love to see a movie about your experiences.

[@rogercamp2910]

The first air ambulance I flew in Germany was a Huey, built in 71 and served for some months in Nam. When took her over I had to sign for the bullet holes as well. She was a fantastic Helio.

[@ronbishop1068]

well done from Pilot Officer Ron Bishop helicopter pilot with the RAAF in SVN Phuoc TUY province SVN 1970-1971 yes they where great aircraft we had 16 UH-1H in our Squadron supporting the Austrailan Army . Good to see you speaking about this great machine.

[@julianpalmer4886]

This dude is not only an experienced professional but also one hell of a confidence exuding unit leader. He looks healthy for a Korean Veteran

[@isidrotrevino4681]

Gen. Brady is not a Korean War Veteran, he is a Vietnam war Veteran, served two tours in Vietnam.

[@Adam-rw2lf]

A real hard soldier. I Salute the Hero Kelly and you General.

[@123windyron]

Been there loved the hueys thank those pilots that helped us and saved many lives many a times bless those pilots.

[@scotnor]

I was with the 54th Med Detachment when we formed up at Ft. Benning and transferred to Chu Lai,RVN. We were 12 officers, 28 enlisted and six brand new H model Hueys. In 11 months, our unit transferred over 19,000 patients. General Brady taught us how to fly an unarmed helicopter in a hostile environment. Some of us were wounded( I have the dubious distinction of being the first)but we never lost any one. I’m sure I survived both tours as a helicopter pilot because of what I learned from him. My call sign was Dustoff 23.

[@barrymcclaughry9229]

57th dustoff. Brady was our CO in early 71

[@mauryamckendrick5446]

I can only imagine being a soldier over there and come under fire and be one of the guys to unfortunately get hit or hurt. Your out in middle of nowhere in a foreign country and now you are hurt and in shock and in crazy pain!! Thinking that you are going to die and all your buddies are trying to keep the enemy at bay and the noise is making you hurt even worse and you just want to get out of there!!! All of the sudden you hear that very specific sound of that rotor chopping it's way to come get you out of there!! That must have been such a relief to so many guys hearing that knowing they have a chance now.

[@fufu889]

Ignorant to the technicals but I love their sound and their history. Big respect for them! I don't fly but 11 months ago they had one giving flights at a plane show & I did it. Door open and all! Scary but beautiful! Thank you sir for your service!

[@erykzintak4936]

What an iconic machine one of my favorites it in its own right is a war hero

[@kitharrison8799]

One of the most iconic aircraft of all time, no question. How many lives were saved by Huey crews, often in brutal conditions? Huge respect to Vietnam vets, who were treated appallingly by their country x

[@diveexplore]

There is an original Vietnam era helicopter 509 flying in the UK. Going up in that bird was one of the best experiences I have ever had. The sound of the rotors, the vibration as you take off is something I will never forget. I got to sit where the door gunner would have been, doors open just wow!!! Absolute respect to the men who flew these machines.

[@twocyclediesel1280]

There’s a video on Huey 509, what a beautiful machine. I’m glad she’s in the care of such a dedicated owner. What an experience that must have been for you.

[@Rell6000]

UH-1 is a legend that came to this world once. A simple, reliable, easy, robust helicopter

[@BVonBuescher]

I hate war…. But these pilots are true hero’s, and the Huey is an iconic bird

[@allen480]

I can tell you that 98% of service members hate war (and all of the other nations too) They suck it up and do their duty.)

[@jonathanstancil8544]

All our veterans deserve our respect but our Vietnam vets deserve a little more. They were asked by an unwilling government to fight an unpopular war for an ungrateful nation. Thank you, General, for making sure so many made it back home.

[@Dronescapes]

👍👍🙏♥️

[@morganlewis2667]

Saying that proves you don't know shit. You have to have been a civilian to parrot that propaganda. Most people don't really want to know the truths of military

[@Bigsky1991]

General Brady spoke at my flight school graduation...and CW4 Mike Novosel pinned on my wings. Having two Army Aviation MOH recipients in the same room was a great honor for us.

[@Dronescapes]

👍🇺🇸

[@barrymcclaughry9229]

Mike Norvasel 82nd dustoff

[@bubbamarkland1992]

This is what I really enjoy! Great content

[@danielroncaioli6882]

Not a day goes by that I don’t miss being a Crew Chief in a UH-1H

[@robertgutheridge9672]

from one to another Thank you for your service to our country and humanity . I was 15 tango crew chief on a UH -60. operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm and like you there is not a day that i don't miss it. Most People will never Work with somebody or group of people that have as much trust in each other as what a aircrew has.

[@vahtikoira2125]

I was a crew chief on TH-1F single engine Huey trainers and UH-1N twin engine Huey gunships in the US Air Force many years ago. They were great aircraft built in the late 1960s and almost older than I was by a couple of years.

[@robertgutheridge9672]

@@vahtikoira2125 the uh1 was and still is a great helo. in fact to me it is what all others are messured against

[@JohnDunning-wz6nx]

I was a CREW chief on the gunship model in late 1970's. ❤

[@andrewbaker234]

Fantastic helicopter.

[@francisterlep4647]

Right on my brother thanks I flew as a gunner god bless you and your previous crew in nam

[@wyse1795]

MAKE A MOVIE ABOUT THIS

[@kwiturbitchin5277]

I rode in two different Hueys in 2018 and 2019. Both were flown in Vietnam. The pilots and ground crews are veterans too. Awesome experiences that I’d recommend to anyone. I had a blast and nothing comes close to the sound of those rotor blades! It was at a local air show and they were flown by the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation. They will also fly you in AH-1 Vietnam vintage Cobras but they’re about $400 a ride, compared to $90 for the Huey at the time.

[@BVonBuescher]

I grew up in aviation, and whenever a Huey would fly by, the old timers would tell me, that’s the sound of the blades whipping the air into submission! Lol

[@robertmonaghan5420]

God Bless People like You, General

[@Delatta1961]

I flew UH-1 Hueys and Black Hawks for the 57th MEDEVAC (The Original DUSTOFF) many years ago. We went when other aircraft declined. We had a legacy to fulfill. What he said about upgrading the Huey, is very true. In fact Bell Helicopters developed several prototypes and the Army declined them. Huge and costly mistake

[@sergeantmasson3669]

@Delatta1961, same division that I was in. Welcome home, brother.

[@blueridgebushcraft8294]

I still love the Huey it’s the iconic sound of when I grew up.

[@brentfellers9632]

Northern lights College in Dawson creek B.C. has a uh-1 in the AME program. Vietnam era even has patched up bullet holes complements of Charlie!

[@andrewsartscalemodels2344]

"Trees. Rotor blades. Go sideways. Piece of cake"! F@#k some men are just made differently! Hat off to you sir. Amazing.

[@Crin3122]

My grampa flew troop-lift heuys in vietnam and earned the distinguished flying cross (with tomahawk 26)

[@MrSuzuki1187]

The name UH-1 Huey came from the early models that were designated a HU-1, hence the name Huey.

[@nitrorrat8190]

Awesome story's

[@MoreFormosa]

Amazing. Thank you for this great documentary, and sharing this amazing American heroe's story... and while he's still sharp as a tack and recalls all the details, and we can let him know he's appreciated And hear all the details and emotions and challenges 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🙌🏼

[@Dronescapes]

Thank you!

[@Kashed]

My father was a Huey mechanic in Vietnam. March 29th 1967 - March 28th 1968 Phu Loi Vietnam 1st Aviation Brigade 11th Combat Aviation Battallion 128th Assault Helicopter Company (Tomahawks & Gunslingers) When a bird would go down they would drop him in the jungle for a limited amount of time to try and get it up and running. He says that they would have gunships hovering above but, you never knew who was around you and how long you had. Experienced all kinds of rocket attacks, dysentery, and the Tet Offensive with them coming over the wire. He said the first thing he saw getting off the bus was a guy with a belt made of ears and that all the young guys there looked like they were 40. He said he could balance those rotors just perfect. He had a bracelet back then made from the chain of the tail rotor. I’m still looking for one for him to replace the one he had when he served but, they are rare and expensive. He said a lot of pilots wore them. Thank you to all the men and women who served! 🇺🇸

[@justonsullivan3807]

It's a shame that with machines like this and so much more and we still couldn't win that war. We just lost way to many soldiers. R.I.P TO ALL OF THE FALLEN. 🙏🇺🇸🗽🇺🇸🙏

[@elkarpo]

Great conversation! Thanks

[@Dronescapes]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@brentdykgraaf184]

O.M.G....thank you sir..and every veteran...thank you soooo much for your service. May God bless you. May America never forget was been done in its defense. What is your opinion of oath breakers?.. You upheld yours.

[@jorgerivas7218]

El legendario Guerrero de los aires, honorable en todo aspecto, llega donde otros no pueden.

[@mail9353]

j'en ai déjà entendu un passer au dessus de moi à basse altitude, ça fait vraiment un bruit de dingue!

[@Jerry10939]

Rode in the back quite a few times in the Army. Love the Huey.

[@tootired76]

All these young men going off to fight in essentially a pop can!

[@davidtennien39]

I was in the 25th Infantry division from 1982 to 1985. A lot of time with the uh-1 doing airmoble missions. A lot more fun than the UH-60 BLACKHAWK.

[@Dronescapes]

👍👍🇺🇸

[@leliacinciulescu1286]

Cel mai iubit helicopter de soldații din Vietnam in timpul conflictului!

[@abdiabdilahi7319]

I love you so much ❤❤❤❤❤

[@markfryer9880]

I have a Huey story about it's distinctive rotor sound, but it doesn't involve any combat or Army experience. I am from Melbourne Australia and a few years ago I was living in West Heidelberg. Anyway, one Sunday morning I wake up to the sounds of Iroquois rotor blades, very close by and loud. Somewhat bewildered I checked that I was really awake and then grabbing up some clothes I went to investigate. I made it out to the street and through the tree tops on the other side of the creek where the large Northland shopping centre was I could just see a yellow Iroquois helicopter hovering and then moving away before returning. WTF??? What is going on? I jumped into my Hi-Ace van and headed over to the shopping centre. There in the front car park opposite the Bunnings Hardware store were some Air Conditioning plumbers loading and unloading the Iroquois of under slung loads of air conditioning duct work and equipment. I think from memory I must have enjoyed that free Air Show while sitting in the Bunnings car park on a Sunday morning for at least half an hour or more. It was quite a display of flying and manuvering of under slung loads of old and new air conditioning equipment. I do remember clearly that the pilot in the right hand seat had a perspex bubble in the upper half of his door window so that he could look down directly at his ground man for instructions. There would also have been another ground man up on the shopping centre roof plant room for the other half of the operation. I am unsure if there was a second pilot in the left-hand seat, but I would hope so, in order to take some of the basic workload from the right-hand pilot. I would say that all up the Iroquois was hovering and shuttling backwards and forwards to and from the car park to the plant room for at the very least one hour and possibly an hour and a half before the job was done and it headed off towards Essendon Airport. I discussed the use of the helicopter with an air-conditioning plumber that I know and he said that the helicopter would have been the cheapest and quickest way to deliver and remove the air-conditioning duct work and equipment from the roof top given the distance to the edges of the building and suitable crane locations. Hiring a crane big enough with a suitable reach over such a wide building would have been problematic to get a suitable one and a crane that large would require multiple days to set up, do the job and then dismantle the crane, not to mention potential weather delays and permitting issues. In this case the Iroquois solved the problem and had the job well done before any of the shops were due to be open on a Sunday morning and therefore less risk to the public or work crews. Mark from Melbourne Australia

[@JoshuaC923]

That's pretty cool, it really is a very district sound even amongst helicopters

[@daisybeagle6259]

Was the sound called the “the sound of freedom” by downed pilots?

[@mb5ggX2SyFMM]

The distinctive sound has always caused high anxiety for me. Always sends chills up and down my spine, a sinking sensation in the pit of my stomach, and tears from my clinched shut eyes.

[@high-rye]

😂thanks for sharing general and youtube

[@billevans7936]

Cool....

[@luatala8008]

This pilot is the real deal.

[@warrenjones744]

I miss the sound of the Huey flying overhead.

[@larrywilson1783]

I put a few hours in a huey. One of my best friends flew one in veitnam.

[@rodneyharouff5739]

good video!

[@Dronescapes]

Thanks!

[@Mtlmshr]

Would have like to hear a bit more details of his missions

[@alfredpaquin3563]

It's called a"slick" to be precise. 😊

[@user-sx1sc8vf3f]

ส่วนตัวผมนะครับเมื่อปี2516เหตุเกิดที่บนสันเขาจ.น่านตลอดหนึ่งปีที่ผมเห็นนักบินปิกหมัน ทบ.ไทยไปช่วยพวกผมทุกสภาวะอากาศเมื่อถูกเรียกมาเขาเก่งมากๆเลยครับทุกเหตุการเมื่อเกิดการปะทะหรือพวกผมถูกปิดล้อมปีกหมุน ทบ.1 จะมาร่อนยิงด้วยปืนกลอากาศและกันชิปเพื่อให้เพื่อนร่อนลงมารับพวกผมที่บาดเจ็บและเสียชีวิตเขาเก่งมากนะครับที่สามารถร่อนฝ่าห่ากระสุนข้าศึกลงมาชั่ววินาทีตัวผมเป็นกำลังคั้มกันรอบๆสนามฮ.ส่วนกันชิปก็พ้นกระสุนรอบๆสนามฮ.

[@AntonioCosta-iq9sg]

AERONAVE NENHUMA, IRÁ EM TEMPO ALGUM IRÁ SUPERAR ESTE HELICÓPTERO EM MOBILIDADE, RESISTÊNCIA E VERSATILIDADE EM VÔO. PARTICIPEI DE VÁRIAS OPERAÇÕES OPERAÇÕES ABORDO DESTE PÁSSARO.

[@falcon88h]

before i die... i need a ride in good old betty🙂

[@avadaily6146]

It ain't me, it ain't me I ain't no millionaire's son, no, no It ain't me, it ain't me I ain't no fortunate one, no.😅

[@leliacinciulescu1286]

Scrie ceva despre elicopterul "Puma" fabricat la Brașov , Romania!

[@sergeantmasson3669]

UH1 (Huey) medevac units didn't have any self-defense equipment.

[@pdoylemi]

A VERY impressive man, but not much of an explanation of the Huey.

[@morganlewis2667]

With respect, even though I was a passenger twice some of what he is saying doesn't communicate to the layman. Lead with the right foot etc. ?

[@barrymcclaughry9229]

Maj Kelly 57th dustoff . Created dustoff. Kia july 65 i think

[@8788luigi]

The helicopter that was designed from scratch to its being. The engine was,designed only for it.

[@snakezdewiggle6084]

Yep, should'a upgraded the Huey, no if's or but's about it.

[@high-rye]

Uh1 huey chopper

[@abdiabdilahi7319]

Live❤❤lamu

[@ethankhuongpham5550]

I'm a southern vietnamese was born after 1975!...and the American leaved us!why not South Korea,Taiwan...our fate!😢

[@Steve1734]

The USA owned the sky over South Vietnam. They sent over 7,000 Hueys there in all roles. They were the Jeep of the skies. They sent 800,000 troops there between 1965 and 1975 and spent over $120billion to 1973 (after that it was classified). They had every conceivable piece of equipment, aircraft and ground vehicles and unlimited supplies of men, stores and ammunition. But they still lost. Only the Marines and 82/101 Airborne put up any kind of real fight. The rest were a waste of blood and the youth of conscripts. Conscripts will never win you a war because they don't want to be there. Just like why Russians are losing in Ukraine.

[@WJSpies]

Army General with a big ego.. maybe he did whatever he says he did no doubt.. but he was no Robin Olds, Brigadier General USAF, F4 fighter pilot (a pure legend, and a triple ace). Robin Olds almost never talked about his medals, or about fear, whether he experienced it or not; save to say fear kept you alive because it made you sharp. If this guy was "never scared" he almost certainly got someone killed. Maybe several..

[@JimmyJamesJ]

It's not the Huey, it's the UH-1 Iroquois. UH1I, Uhii, UHII, not Huey.

[@smorrisby]

But the nickname stuck

[@tomkeating65]

Originally HU-1, hence huey.

[@PaulSmith-ss6zm]

He's not capable

[@legend7ify]

[@57silverwings]

Swash plates, stay bars and a Jesus nut. Safety wire that Jesus nut. 42 degree tail rotor gear box. And chain. Changing a transmission was a bitch. Hell hole on bottom underneath. Low speed and high speed track on main rotor. Track that tail rotor too. Grease pencils red color and black we used.