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U.S. Marine Corps helicopter missing in Nepal while supporting earthquake relief

NUMBER 8. BELL UH-1 IROQUOIS (HUEY) is a military helicopter powered by a single turboshaft engine, with a two-bladed main rotor and tail rotor. The helicopter was developed by Bell Helicopter to meet the United States Army's requirement for a medical evacuation and utility helicopter in 1952, and first flew on 20 October 1956. Ordered into production in March 1960, the UH-1 was the first turbine-powered helicopter to enter production for the United States military, and more than 16,000 have been produced worldwide. The first combat operation of the UH-1 was in the service of the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. The original designation of HU-1 led to the helicopter's nickname of Huey. In September 1962, the designation was changed to UH-1, but "Huey" remained in common use. Approximately 7,000 UH-1 aircraft saw service in Vietnam.
A UH-1N Huey with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), flies past the USS Rushmore, March 29, 2013. The 15th MEU is deployed as part of the Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group as a U.S. Central Command theatre reserve force, providing support for maritime security operations and theatre security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.
(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Bobby J. Gonzalez) — NUMBER 8. BELL UH-1 IROQUOIS (HUEY) is a military helicopter powered by a single turboshaft engine, with a two-bladed main rotor and tail rotor. The helicopter was developed by Bell Helicopter to meet the United States Army’s requirement for a … NUMBER 8. BELL UH-1 IROQUOIS (HUEY) … more >

By Staff - Associated Press - Tuesday, May 12, 2015

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. officials say a U.S. Marine Corps helicopter providing assistance in the wake of the Nepal earthquake is missing.

Navy Capt. Chris Sims says the Huey was conducting disaster relief operations near Charikot, Nepal, on Tuesday.

The aircraft is part of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469.

U.S. officials would not say how many people were on board the helicopter.

Britain’s Sky News reported six U.S. troops and two Nepalese soldiers were aboard.

• Staff can be reached at 202-636-3000.

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