Tuesday 7 May 2013

Two Vietnam Helicopters at Scale ModelWorld!


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.
Website: www.smwshow.com


Huey 509 website: www.huey.co.uk

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