Airplane Model*Hobby Master HH1014 1:72 UH-1C “Easy Rider” – Miniature Marvels: Airplane Models & Painted Dice

Hobby Master HH1014 1:72 UH-1C “Easy Rider” 174th Assault Helicopter Company “Sharks”, 1970s

US Army trials of the Bell 204 helicopter in 1955 lead to the development of the HU-1. Because of the initial designation the nickname Huey came about. It was soon realized that the HU-1 didnt have the lifting power for heavy loads or room for enough troops so it was given a larger cabin, larger engine, a modified main rotor along with a few other improvements and was re-designated the UH-1B. Later versions of the UH-1B received a more powerful engine. There were 1,010 B variants delivered to the US Army.

In June 1966 the 174th (Sharks) Assault Helicopter Company asked the WWII Flying Tigers for permission to use their shark-mouth paint scheme and it was granted. UH-1C 66-15045 received the shark-mouth as well as the name Easy Rider, after the movie of the same name. On November 23, 1970 while flying an overnight mission, at low altitudes and in a mist the tail rotor struck trees which brought the copter down. Everyone on board survived. In 1971 the 174th ceased operations in Vietnam. Later UH-1M 66-15242 assumed the name Easy Rider.