There is no more iconic military helicopter than the Bell UH-1 Iroquois. That truth is etched in stone literally, in the Vietnam Memorial on Anzac Parade, Canberra, where the image of three Iroquois helicopters landing to extract troops in Phu?c Tuy Province in August 1967 captures their enduring legacy.] Flown by Australians of all three Services between 1962 and 2007, the Iroquois served the nation in peace and war, from Malaysia and Vietnam to the Middle East and the South Pacific. It saved lives in search-and-rescue missions, from those stranded on rooftops during devastating floods to those plucked from stormy seas. It was the Iroquois’ job to deliver water, food, fodder, and fuel to stranded outposts. It became the Iroquois’ job to help keep the peace. It ws also the ubiquitous training helicopter for pilots, loadmasters and crewmen destined for more advanced types like the Chinook, Seahawk and Black Hawk. Sixty-six were purchased over an 11-year period. Today, 33 remain, displayed in museums, RSL clubs, or standing guard as gate guardians at bases around the country, a lasting tribute to the Iroquois, an Australian aviation legend.
