About the Bell® UH-1(E) Huey® - Vietnam War Gunship Helicopter:

In 1962, the United States Marine Corps was looking for a transport and support helicopter to replace the quirky Kaman OH-43D helicopter. The Bell® UH-1(B), which was already in service with the U.S. Army, won the contract. Upgrades from the Army model to the Marine version included: all-aluminum construction to resist corrosion, Marine compatible avionics, a rotor brake to stop the rotor while on board ships, and a roof mounted rescue hoist. Initially, the craft was powered by a Lycoming T53-L-11 turboshaft engine that produced 1,100 shp. Later models were upgraded to the T53-L-13 which pushed 1,400 shp. The Marine variation was formally called the UH-1(E) Iroquois.

Of course, “standard” is not in the Marines vocabulary, so the base transport and cargo UH-1(E) was upgraded to a gunship version. Armament could vary based on mission, but a common load out included up to six 7.62x51mm M60 machine guns—both door mounted and tandem mounted on the craft’s wings—or GAU-17/A air-cooled .50 caliber machine guns, and for added punch seven- or nineteen-round 2.75” rocket pods. The gunship variant saw use in support and attack roles. It offered protection to troop transports and convoys, and carried out search and destroy missions with AH-1 Cobras, as well as with PBRs and PCFs in the Mekong Delta. As was common in the Vietnam era, many UH-1(E) helicopters were adorned with artwork to fit the personality of their crews.

The Bell® UH-1 Huey® in all its variations has become synonymous with the Vietnam War, but more importantly it signified a shift in tactical ideology. Helicopters could take soldiers into almost any environment. Fast insertion and extraction became the blueprint for operations that continue into the present day.

Specifications:

Crew: 1–4
Armament: 6x 7.62 mm machine guns, 2x 2.75 in (70 mm) rocket pods
Maximum speed: 127 mph (204 km/h, 110 kn)
Range: 318 mi (511 km, 276 nmi)

Additional information about this Brickmania® custom building kit:

This epic build features all custom printed details and a crew of four minifigs with 3D printed headgear. Play features include mounted BrickArms, opening side and pilot doors, spinning rotor blades, and a sturdy, swooshable composition.

Model Statistics:

Designed by Daniel Siskind
778 LEGO®, BrickArms®, and Brickmania® elements
4x custom minifigs
Custom printed elements
Full-color printed building instructions
1/35th scale to match other Brickmania kits
Advanced Skill Level (6-8 years building experience recommended)

Bell®, Huey®, emblems, logos, and body designs are trademarks of Textron Innovations Inc. and are used under license by Brickmania LLC.

All Brickmania® model kits are made of new-condition LEGO® bricks. This model comes disassembled and includes complete printed building instructions. This is a limited-edition kit and production may be discontinued at any time.

This is not a LEGO® Product. LEGO and the LEGO minifigure are trademarks of the LEGO Group, which does not sponsor, authorize or endorse this product. The LEGO Group is not liable for any loss, injury or damage arising from the use or misuse of this product.