iscover
Warning: Attempt to read property "name" on false in /data/www/upgrade/australianaviation.com.au/httpdocs/wp-content/plugins/momentummedia-article-gate/includes/class-momentummedia-article-gate.php on line 169
While it’s true that RAAF operated Dragonflys and Sycamores in the 1950s, it was only when Australia obtained the Iroquois that it obtained true rotor power. The iconic Bell UH-1B was a coming-of-age moment for military helicopters. It could quickly transport five fully armed troops or equivalent cargo and sported an M60 machine gun for protection.
However, some background is needed: the original prototype Bell XH-40 entered service with the US Army in 1959 as the UH-1, but was better known as “Huey”. RAAF’s No. 9 Squadron received its first in 1962, and the aircraft and its variants served until 1985. While its military service is perhaps what it’s most famous for – particularly stints in Vietnam – it was arguably most effective for search and rescue. RAN, too, operated seven concurrently with RAAF. With the loss of RAAF’s rotor capability, the final 25 Iroquois were transferred to the Army’s No. 171 Squadron and Aviation School at Oakey and No. 5 Aviation Regiment at Townsville.
This content is available exclusively to Australian Aviation members.
A monthly membership is only $5.99 or save with our annual plans.
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Unlimited access to all Australian Aviation digital content
- Access to the Australian Aviation app
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Access to our Behind the Lens photo galleries and other exclusive content
- Daily news updates via our email bulletin
- Unlimited access to all Australian Aviation digital content
- Access to the Australian Aviation app
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Access to our Behind the Lens photo galleries and other exclusive content
- Daily news updates via our email bulletin
David McKeand
says:Many fond memories from an old Flight Fitter B (Elec). Canberra 9 Squadron, Williamtown Search and Rescue and Malaysia Butterworth 9 Squadron Detachment A, during 1962/64.