The Bell UH-1 Huey Helicopter
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The Bell UH-1 Huey Helicopter

ByMike Byrd

In 1952 the US Army specified a requirement for new helicopter to serve as a medical evacuation, helicopter trainer, troop transport and general utility helicopter. Of the twenty companies that submitted designs, Bell Helicopter won the bid in late 1953 to build the first 3 prototypes based on their Model 204 design. The first flight of the XH-40 was October 20th, 1956 at Fort Worth, Texas and Bell was commissioned to build the first 100 HU-1A helicopters in March 1960, officially named Iroquois. While its official name is rarely used, the helicopter was nicknamed the Huey and the name stuck even after the US Army changed its designation to UH-1 “Huey” Helicopter.

Army Helicopter Pilots Are Specially Trained

Army Helicopter Pilots Are Specially Trained

ByMike Byrd

Army helicopter pilots are specially trained for combat missions and flying in challenging conditions. Becoming an army helicopter pilot must be one of the most exciting careers there is. You could be ferrying troops or ammunition in a Chinook helicopter, scouting in a Kiowa, working special operations in a Black Hawk helicopter, or controlling the…

How to Become a Medevac Helicopter Pilot

How to Become a Medevac Helicopter Pilot

ByMike Byrd

Being a medevac helicopter pilot has to be one of the most important vocations there is. That is especially true if you are planning to become an Army medevac helicopter pilot. Even civilian pilots fly into harm’s way to rescue the injured, making it a very human career choice for anyone with the aptitude. There are two routes to becoming a medevac helicopter pilot. The first is to join the army and become a helicopter pilot. The other is to train as a civilian and join one of the many medevac outfits running across the country. It is this latter that we shall discuss here.

Mastering the Skies: A Comprehensive Guide to Flying RC Helicopters

Mastering the Skies: A Comprehensive Guide to Flying RC Helicopters

ByMike Byrd

The world of RC helicopters is thrilling but also riddled with challenges. It demands precision, dedication, and the right set of tools. This guide aims to navigate you through the intricacies of this exhilarating hobby, ensuring a smooth flight every time.

The initial step to a great flying experience is investing in a top-notch flight simulator. Why? Because diving into the world of RC helicopters can be daunting, especially with a steep learning curve awaiting. A simulator, mimicking the real-life versions of the helicopters you’ll fly, can be your best bet against early crashes. Some notable simulators include the Real Flight G5.5 by Great Planes, Phoenix R/C Pro Simulator V3.0 from Horizon Hobby, and Aerofly V5.5 from Ikarus.

Nitro vs Electric RC Helicopters

Nitro vs Electric RC Helicopters

ByMike Byrd

Just ask anyone out there who has had the opportunity to fly an RC helicopter how much fun can be had and you will get a quick answer in return. Many people choose to fly RC Helicopters as a pastime just to find that doing so can quickly grow into a lifetime hobby. The one thing to keep in mind when you first decide to try flying your own helicopter is whether you want to buy a Nitro RC helicopter or an electric powered one. There are benefits and drawbacks to both but by knowing these in the beginning you will be better prepared to make the decision on which one to buy.

A History of RC Helicopters
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A History of RC Helicopters

ByMike Byrd

RC helicopters are an amazing class of remote-controlled vehicles. They have an interesting history. RC helicopters began as tools for testing new helicopter design. They then moved into the retail market for model aircraft enthusiasts. Today, they are mainstream as toys and are used by some armed forces as drones. Throughout this transformation RC helicopters have been experiments for engineers, toys for the public, and weapons for armies.

Toy vs Hobby Grade RC Helicopters
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Toy vs Hobby Grade RC Helicopters

ByMike Byrd

Ever wonder what the difference between RC helicopter your buy at Wal-mart like air hogs and the more expensive hobby grade RC helicopters are? Here are a few thoughts from someone who has ten years’ experience in the hobby. Electric remote controlled helicopters are loads of fun in a variety of ways but here we try and help you make the buying decision.

Harnessing the Huey: The Emergence of Tactical Air Mobility
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Harnessing the Huey: The Emergence of Tactical Air Mobility

ByMike Byrd

In the 1960s, the US Army began experimenting with the use of helicopters to enhance tactical air mobility. Major General Harry Kinnard,Kinnard, an ardent aviation advocate, led the 11th Air Assault Division at Fort Benning, Georgia. Colonel Delbert Bristol led the 10th Air Transport Brigade, with a shared mission to maximize the helicopter’s battlefield impact.

The Huey Helicopter as a Medevac in Vietnam
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The Huey Helicopter as a Medevac in Vietnam

ByMike Byrd

Helicopters were instrumental in the Vietnam War. The challenging terrain made land travel difficult. Moreover, long distances involved complicated things further. However, helicopters, particularly the Huey, changed the game. This article will explore how the Huey Helicopter became a crucial part of Medevac missions in Vietnam.

The Remarkable Journey of the Airbus EC135 Helicopter

The Remarkable Journey of the Airbus EC135 Helicopter

ByMike Byrd

The Airbus EC135 helicopter has a fascinating origin story. Initially, it was a humble demonstrator. However, it quickly climbed the ladder of popularity. Airbus decided to turn it into a production model.

The EC135 began its journey in the 1970s. The EC135 was originally built by German manufacturer Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm and Aerospatiale as the BO 108. It was not just a helicopter, but a technology showcase. It aimed to highlight the latest advances in avionics and aerodynamics.

Robinson R22 Helicopter Hovering Video
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Robinson R22 Helicopter Hovering Video

ByMike Byrd

This helicopter video shows a Robinson R-22 Helicopter hovering in one place. 

The Robinson R-22 Helicopter is one of the most popular helicopters in the world.  It is used for flight training, livestock mustering to patrolling pipelines because of it’s dependability, low operating costs and performance.

The Robinson R22 Beta II helicopter is flown throughout the world for many applications, ranging from flight training to livestock mustering to patrolling pipelines, that require dependability, low operating costs, and performance.

More CH-47 Chinook Helicopter History

More CH-47 Chinook Helicopter History

ByMike Byrd

The Boeing CH-47 Chinook Helicopter has a storied history. Initially developed as an expansion of the Vertol Model 107, it was favored by the Army. Why? Because of its substantial carrying capacity. Its prototype took to the skies on September 21, 1961, and the Army welcomed the CH-47A Chinook in 1972.

These large twin rotors, combined with a roomy fuselage and cutting-edge turboshaft engines, provided a level of airlift ability previously unseen. Furthermore, the design of the Chinook’s fuselage is primarily free from obstructions, housing the engine and gearbox in pylons and fuel in side pods.

Boeing Chinook Helicopter Performance Video
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Boeing Chinook Helicopter Performance Video

ByMike Byrd

This video demonstrates the multiple uses of the Chinook CH-47 Helicopter.  The Chinook may look like a lumbering giant, but this video will change your opinion of the Chinook Dual-Rotor Helicopter.  The CH-47 goes through some powerful moves and you quickly realize that even the Chinook pilots get to have some serious fun with their machines.