The Bell UH-1 Iroquois (nicknamed Huey) is a utility military helicopter developed by Bell Helicopter to meet a US Armys 1952 requirement for a medical evacuation and utility helicopter. The UH-1 was the first turbine-powered helicopter to enter production in 1960 for the US military, and more than 16,000 have been built since. The UH-1 first saw service in combat operations during the Vietnam War, with around 7,000 helicopters deployed. The design is in the colors of one the UH-1s flown by Maj. Bruce Crandall during the battle of la Drang. Schematic design.