Bushranger A2-773 RAAF Serial: A2-773 Model: UH-1H US Serial 67-17575 Construction Number: 9773 It is believed that this Huey may have been originally built as a D Model but modified to H Model standards prior to delivery. A2-773 was delivered to 9 Squadron in Vietnam on 4 July 1968. Interestingly, A2-773 was used to validate the “Bushranger” gunship concept before three others were also converted. The gunships carried twin-fixed forward-firing 7.62-millimetre mini-guns and two seven-tube 2.75 inch rocket launchers, in addition to the two door-mounted M60 machine-guns. These “Bushranger” gunships were able to cover troop-carrying helicopters approaching “hot” landing zones and as well as providing close fire support. Post Vietnam service, the Huey was transferred to Australian Army Aviation in December 1989 and served with the 1st Aviation Regiment. The Iroquois was transported by C-130 Hercules aircraft to Christmas Island to assist with refugee problem (28 August to 8 September 2001. The ex-“Bushranger” was subsequently retired and placed into storage. A2-773 is now at the Australian War Memorial (AWM) Annex in Mitchell, ACT and set to be restored to Vietnam configuration for eventual display. Apparently, the AWM has sought this helicopter for some time because of its significant provenance, including two (2) RAAF pilots winning gallantry awards. Readers may be interested to note that the original “Bushranger” configuration had both the minigun and rocket launcher to the rear; the later configuration saw the minigun mounted forward in the more familiar position. Also of note is the removal of the perspex from the forward window of the cargo compartment to facilitate ‘hot’ refuelling; it also had the added benefit of reducing glare for the door gunners. Generally, the Bell UH-1 Iroquois (unofficially Huey) is a military helicopter powered by a single turboshaft engine, with two-bladed main and tail rotors. The helicopter was developed by Bell Helicopter to meet the United States Army's requirement for a medical evacuation and utility helicopter in 1952, and it first flew on 20 October 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 built. The first combat operation of the UH-1 was in the service of the U.S. 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. The Royal Australian Air Force employed the UH-1H until 1989. Iroquois helicopters of No. 9 Squadron RAAF were deployed to South Vietnam in mid 1966 in support of the 1st Australian Task Force. In this role they were armed with single M60 doorguns. In 1969 four of No. 9 Squadron's helicopters were converted to gunships (known as 'Bushrangers'), armed with two fixed forward firing M134 7.62 mm minigun (one each side) and a 7 round rocket pod on each side. Aircrew were armed with twin M60 flexible mounts in each door. UH-1 helicopters were used in many roles including troop transport, medevac and Bushranger gunships for armed support. No. 35 Squadron and No. 5 Squadron also operated the Iroquois in various roles through the 1970s and 1980s. Between 1982 and 1986, the squadron contributed aircraft and aircrew to the Australian helicopter detachment which formed part of the Multinational Force and Observers peacekeeping force in the Sinai Peninsula, Egypt. In 1988 the RAAF began to re-equip with S-70A Blackhawks. In 1989 and 1990 the RAAF's UH-1H Iroquois were subsequently transferred to the 171st Aviation Squadron in Darwin, Northern Territory and the 5th Aviation Regiment based in Townsville, Queensland following the decision that all battlefield helicopters would be operated by the Australian Army. On 21 September 2007, the Australian Army retired the last of their Bell UH-1s. The last flight occurred in Brisbane on that day with the aircraft replaced by MRH-90 medium helicopters and Tiger armed reconnaissance helicopters. The Royal Australian Navy's 723 Squadron also operated seven UH-1B from 1964 to 1989, with three of these aircraft lost in accidents during that time. 723 Squadron deployed Iroquois aircraft and personnel as part of the Experimental Military Unit during the Vietnam War.
