I’ve started doing some research on US Military VIP Helicopters and I was wondering what type of Helicopters the US Army use for their VIP flights .
I have already built a 1/72 VIP UH-60A Blackhawk
I have a few 1/72 Helicopter kits and aftermarket decals put aside for some VIP US Navy and Marine Corps Helicopters as well as some United States of America decals .
I have a 1/72 Revell CH-47D Chinook in my stash and I was wondering if any of these birds were used for VIP flights ?
As far as I know, currently, the Army only uses VH-60s as VIP transports. There were VH-1H/Vs as well. The Army also used to share the duties of moving the President and flew VH-3s too.
I was thinking about a UH-34A Choctaw but I don’t know how to scratch-build those landing gear floats ??? . I do have a OH-6 cayuse in my stash , I never knew that little bird could be use as an VIP Helo .
Those are really great pic’s Ray , I am very greatful for you taking the time to post and share them . The VIP Helicopter build is probably two months away from starting , I just would like to get everything sorted out first .
I think a UH-34A might be the way to go , I’ll have to try and work something out for those wheel floats .
You are most welcome. the H-34 with the floats is in the Army Aviation Museum and I have pics of her, including a couple of interior shots. I’ll try to get those up for you tonight or tomorrow. Got a busy day ahead. Good luck with this project!
If you want to add an Army presidential helo, they did use the UH-34 (VH-34?) before they gave up flying the President to the USMC. The Pima air museum in Arizona has one used by LBJ.
Out of curiosity does anyone know why the Army stopped flying the president? From what I’ve found the Army and USMC used to switch off until sometime in the 60’s or early 70’s. It seems like a fairly prestigious duty to hand off to another service lightly.
Just a guess, but I know Quanitco [and HMX-1] is closer to the White House than any other military installation. [although, there is another location that HMX-1 flies to between Quantico and the White House. ]
I did get the VH-60 resin set , The resin parts are okay but the clear parts were a disappointment . I was going to do the same as my US.Army VIP Blackhawk and cut the Hasegawa kit cabin doors in half .
I’ll post another pic of the Army Blackhawk from the starboard side .
The presidential VH-60 will look pretty much like the VIP Army Blackhawk but with the extra communication and sensors and the folded under boarding steps
here’s the promised VH-34 pics. These are all of 64320 , a bird flown by Col. Bill Howell. First, some pics of her in the Army Aviation Museum:
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i really need to take some more of her next time I’m at Rucker. If your build is a month or two off, I’ll be going back in March most likely. Anyway, here are some pics of her from Col Howell’s photo collection:
The Army and USMC shared the duty from 57-76. The Army’s Executive Flight Detachment used to fly from Ft. Belvoir, Va. HMX-1, based in Quantico VA, still has the mission of rotary wing transport for the President and other select VIPs.
Grandadjohn and Ray , thankyou for those wonderful pic’s of the VIP VH-34 . I’ve copied all of them into the computer for future reference , the close-ups of the landing gear and floats are excellent .
Thanks again guys , I really appreciate all your help . [tup]
Back in the late seventies, I worked for an Army Reserve outfit that had UH-1Hs. This was a headquarters unit that frequently flew Generals and such around. The aircraft were standard Army Hueys, that had carpet installed. They also had the standard seating, but someone had fashioned some cushions that could be snapped onto the seat structure. The seat cushions were made of green Nomex. The carpet was colored gold. Considering all the fire safety rules that they had, I don’t know how they got away with having the carpet in the aircraft. The carpet seemd to be the same that would be in a comercial helo, so perhaps it was at least approved for civil aviation. The paint job was the almost black Army green that was in use at the time.
Ray/ Thanks. I served as security for helicopter supportr mission 1958 to 1960. Traveled through Europe o Peace through understanding mission was in Paris 1960 for summit confrence when Gary Powers U2 plane was shot down. Canada for St. Lawrence Seaway dedication. Kansasfor dedication of Eisenhgower librayy. Numerous trips to Georgia for his golf. Saw some familiar faces in photos M/S Dunn. SP/4 Mooers army security. Dont get me going. Enjoyed every minute even 24 hr security back at Davison Army Airfield. S/P4 John P. Krajceck, 521 Miulitary Police. Fortr Belvoir,Va. Thanks , John
