Huey

The Helicopter That Became an Australian Aviation Icon

Mark Lax

$69.99

Hardback

Forthcoming
Pre-Order now

QTY:

English

BIG SKY PUBLISHING
25 November 2025

Military history; Military history: post WW2 conflicts; Aviation manufacturing industry

Collector’s Edition, Limited Release - Full Colour Hardback

There is no more iconic military helicopter than the Bell UH-1 Iroquois.

That truth is etched in stone – literally – in the Vietnam Memorial on Anzac Parade, Canberra, where the image of three Iroquois helicopters landing to extract troops in Phước Tuy Province in August 1967 captures their enduring legacy.

Flown by Australians of all three Services between 1962 and 2007, the Iroquois served the nation in peace and war — from Malaysia and Vietnam to the Middle East and the South Pacific. It saved lives in search-and-rescue missions – from those stranded on rooftops during devastating floods to those plucked from stormy seas. It was the Iroquois’ job to deliver water, food, fodder, and fuel to stranded outposts. It became the Iroquois’ job to help keep the peace.

It was also the ubiquitous training helicopter for pilots, loadmasters and crewmen destined for more advanced types like the Chinook, Seahawk and Black Hawk.

Sixty-six were purchased over an 11-year period. Today, 33 remain — displayed in museums, RSL clubs, or standing guard as gate guardians at bases around the country — a lasting tribute to the Iroquois, an Australian aviation legend.

This stunning full-colour hardback celebrates its enduring legacy.

By: Mark Lax
Imprint: BIG SKY PUBLISHING
Country of Publication: Australia
Dimensions: Height: 285mm, Width: 220mm,
ISBN: 9781923514072
ISBN 10: 1923514075
Pages: 260
Publication Date: 25 November 2025
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Dr Mark Lax is presently the Senior Air Force Fellow at the RAAF’s Office of Air Force History. After a 33-year career in the Permanent Air Force retiring as an Air Commodore, Mark continues to serve in the RAAF Reserve and has since competed a PhD in Military History. Canberra based, he now lectures widely and writes on the broad spectrum of RAAF history in this the RAAF’s 100th year.