All Thomas Gunn aircraft are hand carved in mahogany and take around 80 hours to manufacture, each comes with a full interior and all are limited editions.

*Extremely limited in number*

The Huey, as is the P51 Mustang and the Flying Fortress, is an instantly recognizable aircraft to those of us who have an interest in military history.  The Huey for many people is the definitive symbol of the Vietnam War and over 60 years since its maiden flight, is still in frontline service with a multitude of armed forces across the world.

Following the US Army evaluation of the use of helicopters, mainly the H-13 and the H-19, in the Korean War.  Military pioneers such as General’s James M Gavin and Hamilton Howze pushed the concept of air mobility in the 1950s, but needed a helicopter to make it work and the Huey made it possible.  The US Army issued a tender for a helicopter for primarily casevac missions, suitable also for general military use and training aircraft. Bell was announced the winners of the tender in 1955 and the Huey was born.  President of the Bell Corporation said he was told by an Army Officer “This will become our truck of the air”

The helicopter was designated HU-1 and officially named ‘Iroquois, in keeping with the Army Practice of naming its helicopters using Native American tribal names or words., however, from the designation of HU-1 it instantly received the nickname ‘Huey’.  Developed continued and in under 6 years the size of the helicopter increased, from its original capacity of being about to carry 6 troops or 2 medivac cases, this was increased to 12 troops or 6 medivac cases. 

A multitude of further developments has made the Huey one of most wide used, probably the most widely used helicopter in the world, seeing service in Vietnam and right through to the second Gulf War and beyond.  However, the Huey got its legendary status in the Vietnam War, flying over 36 million missions in its three main roles, slick [troop transport], Gunship [armed] and Dustoff [medical evacuation].

The TG accessories and KC figures are shown for scale comparison purposes only and are not included with the model.

Info: UH-1 Huey Bell, Army Variant, Sharks Mouth - Thomas Gunn Models