The 15 Most Important Helicopters of All Time

MSgt George Cater I like: The UH-1 Iroquois, called the "Huey," is the embodiment of the helicopter for people all over the world. Its association with Vietnam in history and in pop culture assured its status as did its groundbreaking use by American Forces. Over 16,000 military and civilian examples of the Huey family have been built, and production continues today with the military UH-1Y and civilian Bell 412.

Born as the Bell 204, the two-blade main rotor, single shaft turbine-powered design addressed an early 1950s Army requirement for a medical evacuation/instrument trainer/general utility helicopter. Selected in 1955 from 20 competing designs, it overcame early cabin configuration and insufficient power issues to become the U.S. military's first turbine-powered helicopter.

Officially named the "Iroquois" by the Army, its familiar "Huey" moniker stems from its early HU-1 designation. The nickname stuck so firmly that Bell actually cast "Huey" on the helicopter's anti-torque pedals. In Vietnam, its use as a MEDEVAC, utility, gunship, and transport aircraft altered the way modern armies fight. The air-assault/air cavalry concept was founded upon the Huey and the insertion/extraction techniques it pioneered underpin special forces operations to this day.

Anyone who has ever heard the Huey's characteristic two-blade rotor "whump-whump" sound will never forget it.

The most important helicopter in the world? The one that comes for you.....

Thanks for the read. As a 47 flight engineer and mechanic for 18 years, it number one in my opinion. I'm bias I guess. But enjoy going high and fast.