Bob,

  Welcome to the forum!  Am I to assume that you are the Bob Chenoweth that penned 'Army Gunships in Vietnam"?  That is one excellent book.  You have more pics of Alphas than all the other Huey refs I have combined!  Good to see you around here.  Check the Vietnam Huey thread when you have a few hours.  should be entertaining.

     Ray 

Hi,

This UH-1B is from the 334th AHC Saber Platoon, It was the UTTHCO prior to becoming the 334th, but depending on the actual date either unit designation is OK.  They experimented both with camouflage and weapons fits of all sorts.

I'd have to agree that the black and OD D model is a former 335th bird too.  That was their camo pattern!

Bob Chenoweth

Yep, the 1st ACG used the diagonal stripes during WWII and the Air Commandos continued to use those markings in Vietnam on A-26 and A-1 strike aircraft. 

 Jon

Leopard scheme with stripes. IIRC, the Air Commando units in the Pacific during WWII painted five diagonal white stripes on the fuselages of their aircraft. That's probably the origin of this 6th SOS scheme.

A UH-1N from the 20th SOS from a different time period, when I built the Italeri model and doing some research, I never found two to be painted exactly the smae. This is they only one I have in my photobucket account and all my books are packed pending a move.

Trigger wrote:

USAF UH-1Ns of the 20th SOS, 1979

Trigger, great pics. The Hi-Res version of the first one clearly shows three different camo schemes on the three aircraft.

http://img151.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=15178_DF-ST-87-01090_122_1107lo.jpg

Camouflaged UH-1H at JRTC in 1997.

USAF UH-1Ns of the 20th SOS, 1979

Heres a shot of "Horsethief" from the 166th Transport Detachment. She was the maintenance ship for the 335th AHC and would follow the "Cowboys" on combat assaults incase any went down.

Andy

rotorwash wrote:

Chief,   So BF means Bell Fcatory?  Sorry, but I don't speak acronym as well as those of you who actually served in the military.  I used Google to figure out that CCAD is Corpus Christi Army Depot.  It's a defficiency I'm trying to correct, but I got a long way to go!  Thanks again for your patience!       Ray

Yup, BF means Bell built at Bell Factory. Other airframes built under license in other countries have a different designator.

Chief Snake 

Ray,

I haven't been online much lately, just saw the picture of the "Spotted Slick" Dolphin 910 that Wally Nunn crewed.  I don't have anymore info at present, but sent an E-mail off to Wally to see if they painted the "camo" or they got it that way.  Wally and Sam Davis had volunteered to crew a couple of birds that were always out in the boonies supporting Special Forces or the Marines.  A good account of a major battle "910" was involved in supporting the Marines is at    http://174ahc.org/daido.htm    Coincidently Wally Nunn, Sam Davis, and Ken Johnson were Guests of Honor at the 3rd Marine Reunion this month getting recognition for their bravery during the battle and supporting the Marines.  More info when I hear from Wally.   

Chief,

  So BF means Bell Fcatory?  Sorry, but I don't speak acronym as well as those of you who actually served in the military.  I used Google to figure out that CCAD is Corpus Christi Army Depot.  It's a defficiency I'm trying to correct, but I got a long way to go!  Thanks again for your patience!

      Ray

rotorwash wrote:

Chief,   Sorry if I seem like an idiot, but I thought you were saying it was a UH-D, UH-B, or UH-F.  What does BF mean anyway?  Like I said, I'm kinda slow.  Thanks for your patience!   Ray

It means it was a UH-1D, built at Bell helicopter plant. UH-1D-BF. Later it was converted to UH-1H, but there is no indication who performed the conversion. It could have been Bell, but probably was done at CCAD,

Chief Snake 

Chief,

  Sorry if I seem like an idiot, but I thought you were saying it was a UH-D, UH-B, or UH-F.  What does BF mean anyway?  Like I said, I'm kinda slow.  Thanks for your patience!

  Ray 

rotorwash wrote:

Chief,   So if I understand correctly, the lot numbers show this bird was a Huey, but there is no specific reference on the site as to what model 9910 actually was.  Right?       Ray

It was a UH-1D-BF. That's what the info says right beside the serial block numbers. Most were converted to UH-1H, according to the data submitted to DOD. I don't see how it could be more specific than that!

Chief Snake 

Chief,

  So if I understand correctly, the lot numbers show this bird was a Huey, but there is no specific reference on the site as to what model 9910 actually was.  Right?

      Ray 

rotorwash wrote:

Chief,   Thanks for the link.  Perhaps I'm a blockhead, but I can't find 9910 listed in the 1965 serial numbers.  What am I doing wrong?     Ray

You have to read down the page until you get to the block of serial numbers containing the digits you seek. They should match up with the aircraft model. In this case the serial block issued to Army use was 65-9565 to 65-10135. 65-9910 was contained within that batch and was alloted to UH-1D-BF hueys built at Bell Helicopter Facilities. Specific information about that airframe is not available on the site, meaning that no one has submitted the current or any past significant disposition data about it.

Chief Snake 

Marko,

  The PDF must be right because serial no. 65-0910 is an F-4 Phantom!  

      Ray

Ray,

my reference is the .pdf list of all 174th AHC birds; don't know how accurate it is though :)

Marko 

Chief,

  Thanks for the link.  Perhaps I'm a blockhead, but I can't find 9910 listed in the 1965 serial numbers.  What am I doing wrong?

    Ray

The official serial allotment was 65-9910. The army Gold book listing is taken from the presumption that aircraft are serialed XX-XXXXX, which has been the case almost exclusively since 1967 or so. The first two digits are year of contract, the remaining digits cover block and construction  numbers for DOD information. In the mid sixties there was so much build up of airframes going on that the available numbers under the system where being stretched and additional numbers were needed. This site contains the best known resource for serial allotments and in some cases the disposition of that airframe.

http://home.att.net/~jbaugher/usafserials.html 

Chief Snake 

Marko,

  The tail no. listed on the 174th web page with the pic is 65-00910 not 65-09910, but the Army Gold book lists 65-09910 and the PDF of all 174th birds lists it as 65-09910 as well.  The golg book is in error abot 20% of the time so it's uncler whether the photo caption is wrong or the Gold Book is wrong (since that's where the number come from for the PDF entry).  Do you have any additional source for he tail no. info?  Here is the complete entry from the Gold Book:

Helicopter UH-1D 65-09910

Information on U.S. Army helicopter UH-1D tail number 65-09910
The Army purchased this helicopter 0566
Total flight hours at this point: 00000327
Date: 12/28/66
Unit: 335 AHC
This was a Combat incident. This helicopter was REPAIRED IN THEATER
This was a Rescue and Recovery mission for Rescue of Persons
Unknown this helicopter was on Take-Off at 0000 feet and 000 knots.
South Vietnam
Helicopter took 2 hits from:
Small Arms/Automatic Weapons; Gun launched non-explosive ballistic projectiles less than 20 mm in size. (7.62MM)
The helicopter was hit in the Passenger Cargo Section
Systems damaged were: ARMAMENT, STRUCTURE
The helicopter Continued Flight.
The aircraft continued and accomplished all mission objectives.
Original source(s) and document(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Survivability/Vulnerability Information Analysis Center Helicopter database. Also: UH1P1, 00988, FM232 ()

Information on U.S. Army helicopter UH-1D tail number 65-09910
The Army purchased this helicopter 0566
Total flight hours at this point: 00000430
Date: 01/16/67
Unit: 335 AHC
This was a Combat incident. This helicopter was REPAIRED IN THEATER
for Command and Control
While Enroute this helicopter was Unknown at 0020 feet and UNK knots.
South Vietnam
Helicopter took 2 hits from:
Small Arms/Automatic Weapons; Gun launched non-explosive ballistic projectiles less than 20 mm in size. (7.62MM)
The helicopter was hit in the Cockpit
Systems damaged were: ELECTRICAL SYS
The self sealing fuel tank developed a large leak.
The helicopter made a Forced Landing. Aircraft took off, fully flight capable.
The aircraft was diverted or delayed after completing some mission objectives.
Original source(s) and document(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Survivability/Vulnerability Information Analysis Center Helicopter database. Also: UH1P2, 72095 ()

Information on U.S. Army helicopter UH-1D tail number 65-09910
The Army purchased this helicopter 0566
Total flight hours at this point: 00000430
Date: 01/17/67
Unit: 335 AHC
This was a Combat incident. This helicopter was UNK
This was a Miscellaneous mission for Administration
While on Landing Zone this helicopter was on the Ground at 0000 feet and 000 knots.
South Vietnam
Helicopter took 1 hits from:
Explosive Weapon; Non-Artillery launched or static weapons containing explosive charges. (MINE)
The helicopter was hit in the Fuselage causing Fragmentation Damage.
Systems damaged were: PERSONNEL
Casualties = YES . .
Unknown impact on flight.
Unknown as to mission impact.
Original source(s) and document(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Survivability/Vulnerability Information Analysis Center Helicopter database. Also: UH1P2, 72100 ()

Information on U.S. Army helicopter UH-1D tail number 65-09910
The Army purchased this helicopter 0566
Total flight hours at this point: 00000527
Date: 04/24/67
Unit: 335 AHC
This was a Combat incident. This helicopter was REPAIRED IN THEATER
This was a Miscellaneous mission for Administration
While Enroute this helicopter was Unknown at 0500 feet and UNK knots.
South Vietnam
Helicopter took 1 hits from:
Small Arms/Automatic Weapons; Gun launched non-explosive ballistic projectiles less than 20 mm in size. (7.62MM)
The helicopter was hit in the Fuselage
Systems damaged were: UNK
The helicopter Continued Flight.
The aircraft continued and accomplished all mission objectives.
Original source(s) and document(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Survivability/Vulnerability Information Analysis Center Helicopter database. Also: UH1P2, 72557 ()

The following is Goldbook information on US Army helicopter UH-1D tail number 65-09910
It is provided here as an ESTIMATE of the history of this helicopter and is not intended to be the final authority.
This helicopter was purchased by the US Army in 0566.
Please provide any additional information on this helicopter to the VHPA.

DATE  FLT HRS    UIC      UNIT          AREA          POST          COUNTRY
6610  68  143 WGPQAA 335 AVN CO       VIETNAM                     RVN
6611  95  238 WGPQAA 335 AVN CO       VIETNAM                     RVN
6612  89  327 WGPQAA 335 AVN CO       VIETNAM                     RVN
6701 103  430 WGPQAA 335 AVN CO       VIETNAM                     RVN
6702  97  527 WGPQAA 335 AVN CO       VIETNAM                     RVN
6703   0  527 WGPQAA 335 AVN CO       VIETNAM                     RVN
6704   0  527 WGPQAA 335 AVN CO       VIETNAM                     RVN
6705   0  527 WGPQAA 335 AVN CO       VIETNAM                     RVN
6706   0  527 WGPQAA 335 AVN CO       VIETNAM                     RVN
6707   0  527 WGPQAA 335 AVN CO       VIETNAM                     RVN
6708  87  614 WC42AA 174 AVN CO       VIETNAM                     RVN
6709 145  759 WC42AA 174 AVN CO       VIETNAM                     RVN
6710 146  905 WC42AA 174 AVN CO       VIETNAM                     RVN
6711 141 1046 WC42AA 174 AVN CO       VIETNAM                     RVN
6712 121 1167 WC42AA 174 ASLT HEL CO  VIETNAM                     RVN
6801 185 1352 WC42AA 174 ASLT HEL CO  VIETNAM                     RVN
6802 105 1457 WC42AA 174 ASLT HEL CO  VIETNAM                     RVN
6803  12 1469 WC42AA 174 ASLT HEL CO  VIETNAM                     RVN
6804   0 1469 WC42AA 174 ASLT HEL CO  VIETNAM                     RVN
6805   0 1469 WC42AA 174 ASLT HEL CO  VIETNAM                     RVN
6806   0 1469 WC42AA 174 ASLT HEL CO  VIETNAM                     RVN
6807   0 1469 W0MUAA ARADMAC          IN STORAGE NAVAL AIR STN    AVCOM
6808   0 1469 8005   HHD 44 ENG GP    THAILAND                    PACIFIC
6809   0 1469 8005   HHD 44 ENG GP    THAILAND                    PACIFIC
6810   0 1469 8005   HHD 44 ENG GP    THAILAND                    PACIFIC
6811   0 1469 8005   POST SUPPLY      6TH ARMY   FORT ORD         6TH ARMY
6812   0 1469 8005   HHD 44 ENG GP    THAILAND                    PACIFIC
6901   0 1469 8005   HHD 44 ENG GP    THAILAND                    PACIFIC
6902  15 1484 WAGTC0 TRPC1SQ9CAV1CAV  VIETNAM                     RVN
6903  45 1529 WAGTC0 TRPC1SQ9CAV1CAV  VIETNAM                     RVN
6904  49 1578 WAGTC0 TRPC1SQ9CAV1CAV  VIETNAM                     RVN
6905  53 1631 WAGTC0 TRPC1SQ9CAV1CAV  VIETNAM                     RVN
6906  51 1682 WAGTC0 TRPC1SQ9CAV1CAV  VIETNAM                     RVN
6907  39 1721 WCLMAA 56 TRANS CO DS   VIETNAM                     RVN
6908   0 1721 W0Y6AA OS TO CONUS      ITR CONUS                   AVCOMITR
6909   0 1721 W0MUAA ARADMAC          IN MAINT   NAVAL AIR STN    AVCOM
6910   0 1721 W0MUAA ARADMAC          IN MAINT   NAVAL AIR STN    AVCOM
6911   0 1721 W0MUAA ARADMAC          IN MAINT   NAVAL AIR STN    AVCOM
6912   2 1723 W0MUAA ARADMAC          IN MAINT   NAVAL AIR STN    AVCOM
7001   0 1723 W0MUAA ARADMAC          IN MAINT   NAVAL AIR STN    AVCOM
7002   2 1725 WC5CAA 604 TRANS CO     VIETNAM                     RVN
7003 100 1825 WDUVAA 189 ASLT HEL CO  VIETNAM                     RVN
7004  70 1895 WC5CAA 604 TRANS CO     VIETNAM                     RVN
7005   0 1895 WC5CAA 604 TRANS CO     VIETNAM                     RVN
7006   0 1895 WC5CAA 604 TRANS CO     VIETNAM                     RVN
7007   0 1895 W0MUAA ARADMAC          IN MAINT   NAVAL AIR STN    AVCOM
7008   0 1895 W0MUAA ARADMAC          IN MAINT   NAVAL AIR STN    AVCOM
7009   0 1895 W0MUAA ARADMAC          IN MAINT   NAVAL AIR STN    AVCOM
7010   0 1895 W0MUAA ARADMAC          IN MAINT   NAVAL AIR STN    AVCOM
7011   0 1895 W0MUAA ARADMAC          IN MAINT   NAVAL AIR STN    AVCOM
7012   0 1895 W0MUAA ARADMAC          IN MAINT   NAVAL AIR STN    AVCOM
7101   3 1898 W0MUAA ARADMAC          IN MAINT   NAVAL AIR STN    AVSCOM
7102  18 1916 W0MUAA ARADMAC          IN MAINT   NAVAL AIR STN    AVSCOM
7103  18 1934 WDYBAA 240 AHC          VIETNAM                     RVN
7104  60 1994 WDYBAA 240 AHC          VIETNAM                     RVN
7105  84 2078 WDYBAA 240 AHC          VIETNAM                     RVN
7106  92 2170 WDYBAA 240 AHC          VIETNAM                     RVN
7107  46 2216 WDYBAA 240 AHC          VIETNAM                     RVN
7108  64 2280 WDYBAA 240 AHC          VIETNAM                     RVN
7109  25 2305 WDYBAA 240 AHC          VIETNAM                     RVN
7110  83 2388 WDYBAA 240 AHC          VIETNAM                     RVN
7111  38 2426 WDYBAA 128 AHC          VIETNAM                     RVN
7112  58 2484 WDYBAA 128 AHC          VIETNAM                     RVN
7201   0 2484 WC5DAA 605 TC DS        VIETNAM                     RVN
7202  55 2539 WC5DAA 605 TC DS        VIETNAM                     RVN
7203  54 2593 WC5DAA 605 TC DS        VIETNAM                     RVN
7204  63 2656 WC5DAA 388 TC CO        VIETNAM                     RVN
7205  58 2714 WC5DAA 388 TC CO        VIETNAM                     RVN
7206  63 2777 WC5DAA 388 TC CO        VIETNAM                     RVN
7207 102 2879 WC5DAA 388 TC CO        VIETNAM                     RVN
7208 103 2982 WC3JAA 129 ASLT HEL CO  VIETNAM                     RVN
7209 105 3087 WC3JAA 129 ASLT HEL CO  VIETNAM                     RVN
7210  56 3143 WC3JAA 129 ASLT HEL CO  VIETNAM                     RVN
7211   1 3144 WC3JAA 129 ASLT HEL CO  VIETNAM                     RVN
7212  10 3154 WC3JAA 129 ASLT HEL CO  VIETNAM                     RVN
7301   0 3154 WC3JAA 129 ASLT HEL CO  VIETNAM                     RVN

Ray,

Glad You posted the camouflaged 174th UH-1D; I saw this photo before, but forgot about it; anyway, I got some additional info on the bird: tail No. was 65-09910 and was nicknamed ''Spotted Slick''. It was in service with the 335th AHC before transferred to the 174th AHC; I believe it was the 335th that applied the distinctive camouflage.

Marko 

I found these hidden away in my files today, Not much info other than they were taken by a guy in 129th AHC in Vietnam.

Andy, 

That aircraft belongs to the 1st Airborne TOW Team, rushed to Vietnam in 1972 to deal with NVA armor. It has the XM-26 TOW missile system. Couple more pics (some of these might have been posted in other threads).

The system was so new that the unit deployed with civilian technicians. Here one of them checks out destroyed NVA armor.

Unit Photo

Probably everyone knows that the 174th AHC is most famous for the distinctive shark mouth's on their gunships (Sharks).  However, I found this pic on their website of UH-1D 65-00910 (A Dolphin), which is claimed to be the only cammo bird in the unit.  You got any more insight here, Mel?  I will post more pics of her if I fnd them. The photo is from April or May of 68.

   Ray
 

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Rich

I found these hidden away in my files today, Not much info other than they were taken by a guy in 129th AHC in Vietnam.

Andy

Here are a couple of birds tht also qualify as unusual and I will post them there as well.  Unfortunatley, I have only the pictures from the Army Aviation Museum archives and no other info. Please fill me in if you know more about these birds.

  The first is a multicolor AH-1G (sorry, but I only have black and white(:

[img]http://

It looks like this is a custom paint job that isn't quite finished!  

The next one is a UH-1B that has a nice tiger stripe cammo and presumably a quad LAU3A rocket pod armamant system!  I call this the Super Hog:

[img]http://

It looks to be a 1st Cav (sorry, UTTHCO) bird, but I really have no data on it.  Once again I would be happy for any info anyone could provide.

   Ray