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Holzdorf (dpa) - After more than 50 years in use, the German Armed Forces decommissioned the last Bell UH-1D helicopters, which are also known as “carpet knockers” because of their rotor noise.
"That is a legend that we are retiring today," said Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer (CDU) when handing over the new H145 LUH SAR rescue helicopter to the search and rescue command in Holzdorf in Saxony-Anhalt.
The Bundeswehr procured a total of seven of these machines for the army's three rescue teams.
They are “a quantum leap technologically,” said Kramp-Karrenbauer.
However, this ends the era of the helicopter, with which hundreds of thousands of Bundeswehr soldiers have come into contact over the past five decades.
The Bell UH-1D was originally developed for the US armed forces and was used in large numbers in the Vietnam War.
Based on its original type designation HU-1, the helicopter is also called "Huey".
The Bundeswehr procured 340 copies from 1968 onwards.
The machines were used to transport people, fight forest fires and floods, as well as search and rescue services.
At the end of June, the last machine, with a “Goodbye Huey!” Special paint job, will be brought to the helicopter museum in Bückeburg, Lower Saxony.
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© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210412-99-176146 / 2
Video of the Bell UH-1D from 1968
Bell UH-ID as a rescue helicopter
Bundeswehr to H145