The San Diego Air & Space Museum recently took possession of a Vietnam War era Bell UH-1V “Huey” helicopter.  The machine was declared surplus by the California Department of Forestry (CDF) after having been deployed for many years as a fire spotter.   The federal government’s General Services Administration (GSA), in their capacity, awarded the aircraft to our Museum.  This “Huey” actually saw combat in Vietnam as a UH-1H “slick”, serving in D Troop (Air), ¾ Cav, 25th Infantry Division, the “Centaurs” .  On return to the U.S. it was converted to a UH-1V, serving in the California Air Guard and finishing its service life with CDF.

While our “Huey” airframe is in good condition, it is missing main and tail rotors.  In addition, most of the cockpit and cargo areas have been stripped of the military equipment that was not necessary in its firefighting role with the CDF.  It is the goal of the Museum’s restoration team to return the “Huey” to its UH-1H configuration, reflecting its original mission.  That will require some scavenging on our part as most of these early birds have been scrapped.  Our team, however, is accustomed to, and up to the task, as we look forward to displaying this important and significant relic from the Vietnam War era at our Gillespie Field annex in El Cajon.

The Museum is seeking donations for this important restoration project. Estimated cost is $50,000 for parts and paint. In addition to donations, we are also looking for volunteer help from people experienced with this airframe or helicopters in general. For additional information please contact us.

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