This film by Bell Helicopter, “The New Airmobile Army” shows tests of the UH-1 Huey helicopter as part of the Howze Board Field Tests series VI at Fort Bragg. These tests were critical in developing airmobile tactics that were employed during the Vietnam War, and give some insight into the reasons that planners had such great faith in the strategy, as the helicopter certainly seemed like a game-changer. (Note: our print of the film is silent, but it was likely released with narration and sound, or may have been prevented to staff with narration provided by a live commentator.)
The film is divided into sections including “Marshaling for the Assault” (:41), “Preparation of the Objective” (3:18), “Iroquois Assault” (4:13), “Where are the Helicopters?” (6:22), “Counter Guerrilla Operations” (6:50), “Troopers Rappel with Scout Dogs Flush Out Guerrillas” (8:21). At 11:19 the UH-1 is shown carrying various loads, in this case a Little John missile and at (12:02) a jeep. At (12:40) “UH-1 Armament” shows off the door guns and at (13:10) rockets.
The Howze Board was the informal name of the Tactical Mobility Requirements Board created at the direct request of Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara to review and test new concepts integrating helicopters into the United States Army. What became known as airmobility within the United States Army was a direct result of the Howze Board’s findings.
The UH-1 shown at :50 is equipped with rocket launchers and a door-mounted minigun. It and sister ships engage in a war games exercise in the film. The Howze Board relied on extensive use of war gaming to support its final report, examining the utility of airmobility in larger operations and conventional warfare. For example, the main scenario was centered on the role an airmobile division could play in resisting a Soviet invasion of Iran. It also incorporated ideas forwarded by a team that visited Southeast Asia in June 1962.
Other interesting shots include: flare gun (1:21).
The Bell UH-1 Iroquois (nicknamed “Huey”) is a utility military helicopter powered by a single turboshaft engine, with two-bladed main and tail rotors. The first member of the prolific Huey family, it was developed by Bell Helicopter to meet a 1952 US Army requirement for a medical evacuation and utility helicopter, and first flew in 1956. The UH-1 was the first turbine-powered helicopter produced for the United States military, and more than 16,000 have been built since 1960.
The Iroquois was originally designated HU-1, hence the Huey nickname, which has remained in common use, despite the official redesignation to UH-1 in 1962. The UH-1 first saw service in combat operations during the Vietnam War, with around 7,000 helicopters deployed. The Bell 204 and 205 are Iroquois versions developed for the civil market.
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This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com
