Bell Huey II: Details of KDF Chopper Carrying CDF Francis Ogolla That Crashed
The mysterious helicopter crash that resulted in the deaths of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Francis Ogolla and nine other KDF officers has sparked worries about the safety of military helicopters.
The helicopter crash in Elgeyo Marakwet that occurred yesterday marked the fifth incident involving the Kenya Defence Forces in the past year.
A military training helicopter carrying 20 individuals crashed and caught fire in the Ngong region recently. According to a statement from the KDF, the helicopter went down during a training exercise, and they confirmed that rescue efforts were in progress.
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Last month, Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) board chairman Caleb Kositany were unharmed after a helicopter accident in Baringo.
After the event, Baringo County Police Commander Julius Kiragu reported that the helicopter experienced mechanical issues soon after takeoff and crashed. All four individuals on board were unharmed.
This situation has highlighted safety concerns regarding the country’s military aircraft, especially since Kenya’s top military officer lost his life while on duty.
The aircraft utilized by CDF Ogolla is known as the Bell UH-1 Iroquois, also referred to as Bell Huey II, a helicopter designed to carry out a wide range of mission types.
Overview
Beyond military use, this aircraft is predominantly utilized by first responders, rescue teams, or VIPs. The aircraft was initially manufactured between 1956 and 1987, and since then, only around 16,000 units have been produced worldwide.
The helicopter is predominantly utilized by the United States Army, the Australian Army, and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. It became well-known during the Vietnam War, when over 7,000 helicopters were deployed.
Features
BellFlight, an aerospace company that designs aircraft, has released a fact sheet indicating that the Bell Huey II can hold up to 14 passengers and is equipped with mechanical and electrical provisions for emergencies.
The helicopter’s sliding doors enable in-flight activities, and the 1,800 shaft horsepower (shp) engine power provides excellent speed.
The updated Bell Huey II models incorporate commercial dynamic components that enhance hover performance in hot environments.
“So whether your mission is troop transport into high altitudes, medical evacuation in hot conditions, or VIP transport to and from remote bases, choose the Huey II,” read part of the profile.
In 2017, the Kenya Air Force received Bell Huey helicopters as part of a security cooperation program led by the United States Embassy in Africa.
Following the awarding of a $5.2 million foreign military sales contract to Bell Helicopter, the company provided Kenya with five Huey II helicopters and spare parts. Six helicopters were delivered to Laikipia Air Base.
Further, the US embassy provided over Ksh11.5 billion worth of military equipment.
Bell Huey II: Details of KDF Chopper Carrying CDF Francis Ogolla That Crashed