62-4567
I am the person who assembled '567' from an empty fuselage into a complete 1966-correct display aircraft (less engine). Further I did research that established its unequalled combat record. I also organized a veterans group of pilots and crew who flew this aircraft in Tet. I also co-wrote an 'After-Action' report with one of the leading Razorback pilots about the first few days of gunship operations during the Tet Offensive.
There are SOME who will allege that the few months '567' spent with the generally ineffectual "Seawolves" (HAL-3) outweigh the hundreds of combat hours flown by the Razorbacks, and the battle damage suffered by the ship and crew.
There are a lot of display Hueys but '567' has some big differences to other airframes on display.
1. It has ALL builder's nameplates intact on the right cargo door post. They were supposed to be removed during 'demilling' but were not.
2. It has ALL radios and instruments correct per the 1966 manual. All others were updated over the years.
3. It has the original 1962 light grey interior paint bearing wear marks of the aviators and crew who served on it. Others have been repainted flat-black.
4. It has 6 patched bullet holes remaining from the YEARS of service in-country.
5. It has the rare UH-1A torque pedals with "BELL" and "HUEY" cast in.
6. Everything is mechanically functional. Most electrical devices are connected.
7. It retains features unique to aircraft used at Ft. Rucker for pilot training.
If anyone has questions about the aircraft don't hesitate to contact me and post them here.
John Kessler, Ft. Lauderdale