IPMS
(UK) is pleased to announce that the UK’s only flying UH-1 Huey
will be joined by another Vietnam veteran helicopter the OH6-A Loach.
Both
of these helicopters have documented combat histories and will make
an impressive display at Scale ModelWorld 2013. The Huey and Loach
will be flying to the Telford International Centre on the Friday
before the show and will be on display with various items of
memorabilia in Hall 3 over the show weekend.
The
UH-1 Huey is one of the most famous helicopters in the world. It is
to helicopters what the Spitfire and P-51 are to fixed wing aircraft.
The Huey is most famous for its role in the Vietnam War where they
flew 36,145 sorties in roles ranging from air assault to medevac. It
is estimated that around 2600 Hueys were based in Vietnam and Huey
509, our star attraction, served with the 129th Assault Helicopter
Company during 1972 and completed 108 flights totalling 559 combat
hours flown. The Huey is painted in the markings she wore during this
period.
The
Hughes OH-6A was manufactured in 1969 and was the 470th machine off
the production line. She was shipped direct to Vietnam where she
served with the 20th Transport Company and led an interesting life
including being shot down and recovered while under fire. This
incident occurred on 17th August 1970 when on a recon mission she was
hit 11 times by small arms and automatic weapons which damaged the
fuel system.
The
helicopter is painted in the colour scheme she wore in Vietnam.
Notes:
Scale
ModelWorld, the annual IPMS (UK) Model Show, is the largest plastic
modelling exhibition in the World and takes place on 9-10 November
2013 at The International Centre, Telford, Shropshire. TF3 4JH.
