September 2, 2007:
Iraq is
buying sixteen more American UH-1HP "Huey II" helicopters, for $9.4 million
each. This includes training and large quantities of spare parts and technical
support. The U.S. Army has stopped using the UH-1, but the U.S. Marine Corps
still uses versions similar to the Huey II. With a new, more powerful, engine,
new electronics and rebuilt frame, the refurbished UH-1s provide performance
comparable to more recent helicopter designs. The HP model has operating costs
that are 30 percent lower, and is easier to maintain. The UH-1HP is in use by
several foreign countries. The five ton UH-1HP can lift about a ton more than
earlier models and performs very well in hot and high environments.