During the Vietnam War the US Army saw a need for a new type of unit in order to take advantage of new technology and tactics. Initially a new experimental unit was formed at Fort Benning, Georgia, the 11th Air Assault Division on 11 February 1963, combining light infantry with integral helicopter transport and air support. Nonetheless, the 11th Air Assault Division assets were merged with the co-located 2nd Infantry Division and reflagged as the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), continuing the tradition of the 1st Cavalry Division. Within several months it was sent to Vietnam and the concept of air mobility became bound up with the challenges of that campaign, especially its varied terrain – the jungles, mountains, and rivers which complicated ground movement.
The primary helicopter was the UH-1 Iroquois nicknamed the “Huey”. The Huey is a multi-purpose American helicopter, which entered service in 1957. It became synonymous for its role during the Vietnam War, where it served as a transport, air support and medical helicopter. Many types of armaments were mounted on the helicopter, including a machine gun on the transport sides, and in the support version, 70 mm unguided missile trays and M134 Miniguns. 12 soldiers could board the helicopter.
The first unit of the new division to see major combat was the 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, led by Lieutenant Colonel Harold G. Moore. The 7th Cavalry was the same regiment that Custer had commanded at the ill-fated Battle of the Little Bighorn. On November 14, 1965, Moore led his troops in the first large unit engagement of the Vietnam War, which took place near the Chu Pong massif near the Vietnam-Cambodia border. It is known today as the Battle of Ia Drang Valley, and is considered to be the first large scale helicopter air assault.
This Cobi kit is of an Air Cavalry “Huey” helicopter. The kit features operable crew and cargo doors, door mounted mini gun that can be retracted inside, and the main and tail rotors spin. The set comes with 2 minifigures.
