"Bandit 2" is a Bell UH-1B, U.S. Army serial number 62-2084, FAA registration N832M, that has been restored to its original Vietnam combat configuration including guns and rocket pods. It is painted to represent the 118th Assault Helicopter Company "Thunderbirds," Third Platoon "Bandits," at Bien Hoa, Vietnam, were it was assigned in 1965.
This aircraft flew with the U.S. Army from 1963-1984. In 1964, it deployed to Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division from Ft. Campbell, Ky. 14 bullet hole patches were discovered during the restoration at the museum.
The museum purchased this helicopter from Lee County in Flordia where it was spraying insecticide for the Lee County Mosquito Abatement program. This Huey had been sitting dormant for 8 years in Florida before coming to California and being restored in 2003.
This aircraft flew with the U.S. Army from 1963-1984. In 1964, it deployed to Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division from Ft. Campbell, Ky. 14 bullet hole patches were discovered during the restoration at the museum.
The museum purchased this helicopter from Lee County in Flordia where it was spraying insecticide for the Lee County Mosquito Abatement program. This Huey had been sitting dormant for 8 years in Florida before coming to California and being restored in 2003.
First Flight!
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