USMC HUEYS IN VIETNAM

You need to reference the UH-1E. Early E models resembled Army B models, later resembled the Army C models(some mixing occured in the field when parts were changed). Major defference was the roof mounted rescue hoist which was often removed. Most other differences were internal.

 You may wish to check out some of the other Huey related threads going on, there is a lot of info in some of them

Chris,

Check out this site, best place to see pics of Marine UH-1Es, also has some pictures of armamant systems not yet mentioned on here.

http://www.popasmoke.com/visions/index.php?page=view&category=20

Enjoy

Andy.

Chris,

  The UH-1E is the Marine version of the Huey used in Vietnam as Grandad said.  The first Echos off the line at Bell were based on the B model, while all later Echos were based on the C model Huey.  The major differences between the Echo and the B/C models were aluminum frame (Echo) vs. magnesium frame, rotor brake on the echo, different communication equipment (i.e. different instruments), and the rescue hoist mounted above the right cabin.  As Grandad said these were usually removed in country, however, the housing for the hoist remained and identifies UH-1E, UH-1L (Navy), TH-1L (Trainers), and HH-1K (Rescue) helos from all Army Hueys.  Check out Mel's thread that we kinda hijacked to talk about these variants:

/forums/785871/ShowPost.aspx

The other major difference between the UH-1E and their Army cpounterparts was armamant.  I just posted info on the TK-2 (Temporary Kit 2) system on another thread the other day.  But basically the Army used the M156 universal mounting system which could be used to mount rockets and guns.  On Army birds the guns were outboard and the rockets were inboard.  The TK-2 system was just the opposite with the guns mounted inboard and the rockets outboard.  The TK-2 system allowed the Marines to mount rocket pods intended for use with fixed wing aircraft.  That is why many UH-1E pics show white rocket pods.  The inboard gun system usually consisted of a pair of M60C's.  Some UH-1E's also carries the TAT 101 turret with twin M60's in the nose of the aircraft.  There are a LOT of details that you can get into with regards to Hueys.  My advice is to get a big cup of coffee, set down at your computer and read through all the Huey threads here. There are a lot of guys with diverse backgrounds that contribute to this site.  we are fortunate to have several VN vets to help keep us on our toes.  On the first page of the Vietnam Hueys thread is a list of refs with info on each that I have used.  I would get the Squadron UH-1 Gunships Walkaround as it has quite a few pics of Echos in it.  In fact, here are some of them that I scanned and posted elsewhere on this site.  

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Good luck with your build and let us know how it goes.

    Ray
 

Hey guys.

Thanks for the help again.You guys may remember helping me with some questions I had a couple weeks ago.I have also noticed the color on the Marine birds seem to be a different shade of green.I have heard thati t is field green?Any one know if this is correct?I have the UH-1 gunships book on order for 2 weeks now, as well as the the Eduard parts, so hopefully I will slack off on the questions when the book arrives.I really appreciate all the help from you all as I am sure (RAY)that some of the pics I would not be able to find had it not been for all of you guys help.

i did a lil' research on this. The Smaller USMC aircraft used Medium Field Green instead of Field Green. FS34095/ FS14095 instead of 34097/14097. Field Green is brighter.

Does anyone have the dimentions for the hoist and winch? I'm getting ready to modify a Charlie into an Echo gunship. I'm also measuring up to mount a chin turret.

These are the best I could find. If you come up with anymore up-close pics. I sure would like to have them. 

Kris,

    The Italeri AB204B has a winch that I believe can be modified for your Echo.  Check it out and see.

    Ray
 

Isn't it the same one that comes with the D model? It looks like that would be it, but I think it still would need chopping and skewing. The hoist I already started checking by sanding old sprues. It looks fairly simple to replicate. I just need dimensions to get the size just right. I got a digital caliper from my parents, now I look for any excuse to use it.

rotorwash knows his stuff! True, the "doggies" had titanium birds and were lighter. Ours were aluminum which were more resistant to corrosion as we are an amphibious force and many times operate from ships. Because we were heavier modifications were made to both engine and transmissions which made us a few knots faster.

I crewed Echos for both VMO2 (the Checkerboards) and HML-167. Port-side door gun.

Marine birds had antennas mounted on the tail booms although I can't remember if that was the AM or FM.

As far as gun mounts, you might want to research something called a Sangria gun mount.

The ole Sarge is thinkin' back 38 years ago now! Sheesh.......

                                                                                               Hawk

                                                                                               RVN '69

Hueys don't fly......they beat the air into submission.

As far as gun mounts, you might want to research something called a Sangria gun mount.

It was called a Sagami Mount.  Check the other Huey threads that are stickied to the top of the Helo Forum.  It has been brought up quite a few times. 

Sangria is a fruity wine drink.  Cheers!

HeavyArty wrote:

As far as gun mounts, you might want to research something called a Sangria gun mount.   It was called a Sagami Mount.  Check the other Huey threads that are stickied to the top of the Helo Forum.  It has been brought up quite a few times.  Sangria is a fruity wine drink.  Cheers!

From the Spanish word for blood or bleeding. Some refer to it as 'goat's blood'.

If I were still a drinking man I would have to go for Jack or Turkey on the rocks. Lightly on the rocks!