PHL rotary wing capability to improve with acquisition of 21 UH-1 'Huey' units

The Philippine Air Force (PAF)'s ability to provide logistic, medical, and fire support to hard pressed ground troops will be greatly enhanced as an additional 21 UH-1 "Huey" helicopters is now on the way for the country's military aviation arm.

 

Department of National Defense (DND) Undersecretary for finance, munitions, installation, and materiel Fernando Manalo said this contract is worth P1.2 billion.

 

He added that this acquisition proposal is presently undergoing evaluation at the government procurement board.

 

Once approved by the above-mentioned body, Manalo said the entire 21 helicopters will be delivered before the end of 2012.

 

"If the contract is signed before end of August, we can assure people there will be 21 UH-1 'Huey' available (for the PAF) before end of the year," the DND official stressed.

 

The arrival of these helicopters would greatly boost the PAF's helicopter fleet whose number have been depleted through the years through series of air mishaps or lack of spare parts.

 

Between 50 to 70 UH-1 "Huey" are still in active service with the PAF.

 

UH-1 "Huey" is a military helicopter powered by a single, turboshaft engine, with a two-bladed main rotor and tail rotor.

 

The UH-1 was developed by Bell Helicopter to meet the United States Army's requirement for a medical evacuation and utility helicopter in 1952. It first flew on Oct. 20, 1956.

 

Ordered into production in March 1960, the UH-1 was the first turbine-powered helicopter to enter production for the United States military, and more than 16,000 have been produced worldwide.

 

The first combat operation of the UH-1 was in the service of the US Army during the Vietnam War.

 

The original designation of HU-1 led to the helicopter's nickname of "Huey".

 

In September 1962, the designation was changed to UH-1, but "Huey" remained in common use.

 

Approximately 7,000 UH-1 aircraft saw service in Vietnam.

 

In Vietnam, primary missions included general support, air assault, cargo transport, aeromedical evacuation, search and rescue, electronic warfare, and later, ground attack.

 

During the conflict, the craft was upgraded, notably to a larger version based on the Model 205. This version was initially designated the UH-1D and flew operationally from 1963.-Black Pearl (August 06, 2012 12:34AM)