Historical Military Helicopters

A collection of black and white images featuring various military helicopters from different eras, showcasing their designs and actions in naval exercises and live fire exercises.

Left side view of a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter after delivering an M102 105 mm Howitzer to members of the 9th Division Artillery during a live fire exercise. Base: Fort Lewis State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Light Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron 36 (HSL-36) SH-2F Seasprite light airborne multi-purpose system (LAMPS) helicopter takes off from the flight deck of the frigate USS TRIPPE (FF-1075) as a crewman signals during exercise Unitas XX. Subject Operation/Series: UNITAS XX Base: Rio De Janeiro Country: Brazil (BRA)

DA-SN-85-13503. Country: Unknown

A U.S. Air Force UH-1N Iroquois helicopter approaches the flight deck of the battleship USS IOWA (BB-61). The helicopter is armed with a rocket launcher and an M-134 minigun machine gun. Country: Unknown

Left side view of a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter after delivering an M102 105 mm Howitzer to members of the 9th Division Artillery during a live fire exercise. Base: Fort Lewis State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Arrival ceremonies for Habib Bourguiba, Sr., President of Tunisia, and wife Moufida Bourguiba, 12:00PM. First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy steps off US Marines helicopter for the arrival ceremonies for Habib Bourguiba, Sr., President of Tunisia. L-R: Unidentified man; Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, G. Mennen Soapy Williams; five unidentified men; White House Secret Service Agent, Gerald Jerry Behn (with back to camera); three unidentified men; President John F. Kennedy; Secretary of State, Dean Rusk (taking the First Lady's hand); unidentified man; Mrs. Kennedy. Military Air Transport Service (MATS) Terminal, Washington National Airport, Washington, D.C.

A CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter takes off from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS INDEPENDENCE (CV 62) during operations off the coast of Beirut, Lebanon. Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

A pilot stands in ankle deep snow as a new snow storm once again covers the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS GUADALCANAL (LPH-7) during winter operations as a part of NATO Exercise Teamwork '92. Behind the sailor is a CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 263 (HMM-263). Subject Operation/Series: TEAMWORK '92 Base: Trondheim Fjord Country: Norway (NOR)

DN-SN-85-02105. Subject Operation/Series: URGENT FURY Base: Grenville Country: Grenada (GRD)

Right side view of a UH-1N Iroquois helicopter being used for training by members of the search and rescue team. Base: Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Rescue of Lance Packer. This image depicts a Coast Guard helicopter rescuing Lance Packer.

Two CH-46E Sea Knight helicopters of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 261 (HMM-261) lift off from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS SAIPAN (LHA 2) during a rehearsal for Operation Sharp Edge. The SAIPAN is on station off the coast of Liberia. Subject Operation/Series: SHARP EDGE Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A Detachment 1, 1ST Special Operaitons Wing UH-1N Iroquois helicopter prepares to take off on a search and rescue mission for the Costa Rican Red Cross. Country: Costa Rica (CRI)

Three Marine AH-1 Sea Cobra helicopters are lined up and parked on the runway. The helicopters are being used by the infantry for close air support during Operation Gallant Eagle '82. Subject Operation/Series: GALLANT EAGLE '82 Base: Twentynine Palms State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

While a crew member climbs in, the commander of airplane quadron 7 (vsq 7) lieutenant-to-sea first class A. van Dijk (1951, right) next to the Westland SH-14C Navy Lynx helicopter with registration 271 (19 ..) At Marineliegkamp De Kooy in May 1989.

A view of CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS GUAM (LPH 9), during operations off the coast of Beirut, Lebanon. Base: USS Guam (LPH 9) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

One of the unique pieces of equipment brought to Vietnam by the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), U.S. Army, is the huge Sky Crane CH-54A helicopter which can lift tremendous loads.

A CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopter prepares to remove members of the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, from a landing zone during a simulated raid on a missile site. Country: Unknown

A right side view of an SH-2F Seasprite light airborne multi-purpose system (LAMPS) helicopter in flight during exercise Unitas XX. The helicopter is assigned to Light Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron 36. Subject Operation/Series: UNITAS XX Base: Iquique Country: Chile (CHL)

A CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter takes off from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS INDEPENDENCE (CV 62) during operations off the coast of Beirut, Lebanon. Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

Helicopters at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS), Quantico. United States Marine Corps helicopter at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS), Quantico, Virginia.

Model being tested with helicopter.

A Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron 9 (HS-9) SH-3H Sea King helicopter is tied down on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72). The helicopter will be part of a fight deck display at the ship's commissioning ceremony on November 11. Base: Naval Air Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-SN-90-02252. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

Princess Beatrix brings an introductory visit to various parts of the Royal Navy. Arrival by naval helicopter of the Agusta Bell type (I) UH-1 in Den Helder and Reception by the Commander of the Sea Night in the Netherlands (CZM) Vice-Admiraal (VADM) mr. A.N. The Vos Van Steenwijk.

DN-SN-90-02290. Base: USS Independence (CV 62)

Left side view of an SH-3D Sea King helicopter hovering above the aircraft carrier USS INDEPENDENCE (CV 62) during operations off the coast of Beirut, Lebanon. Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

A CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopter lifts off the Marine compound at Beirut International Airport. Base: Beirut Country: Lebanon (LBN)

An HAS.2A AEW Sea King from British Royal Navy Helicopter Squadron 849, prepares to lift from the deck of the U.S. Navy aircraft USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73). GEORGE WASHINGTON is deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: USS George Washington (CVN 73) Country: At Sea

President Kennedy departs the White House for Atlantic City, New Jersey, 9:09AM. President John F. Kennedy (carrying hat) boards a United States Army helicopter on the South Lawn of the White House, Washington, D.C.; the President traveled to Andrews Air Force Base en route to Atlantic City, New Jersey. Special Assistant to the President, Dave Powers, walks at right; Army presidential helicopter pilot, Barney Hulett, sits in helicopter at left.

DN-SN-85-00751. Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

Exercise people deposit on a floating platform with the sling (hoisting cable) from the Westland SH-14D Navy Lynx helicopter with registration 283 (1981-approx. 2012) in May 1990.

A Helicopter Light Anti-submarine Squadron 94 (HSL 94) SH-2F Seasprite helicopter picks up a load of supplies aboard the guided missile frigate USS CLARK (FFG 11). Country: Unknown

Coast Guard Helicopter Assists Plane Crash. This image depicts a Coast Guard helicopter assisting a crashed plane.

Headquarters, 71St Tactical Reconnaissance Wing, Okinawa, Ryukyu Retto -- Dangling From The Ladder Of A Kadena Based Air Force R-6 Helicopter Was Cpl. Ed Sutowski's Job During The Three Day Ishikawa Beach Festival, Held At Ishikawa Beach, 4, 5, And 6Th Of

A CH-46D Sea Knight helicopter from Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 11 (HC-11) deployed with the USS PELELIU (LHA 5) Amphibious Ready Group and the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, carries supplies from a resupply ship off the coast of Hawaii. State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-90-01341. Subject Operation/Series: UNITAS XXV Base: Minas Gerais (A 11)

Exercises with the Konlandforce: descending from helicopters. Genius staff leaves the Lynx helicopter

Honduran troops line up to board a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter during the joint US/Honduras training Exercise AHUAS TARA II (BIG PINE). Subject Operation/Series: AHUAS TARA II (BIG PINE) Country: Honduras (HND)

The Cambodian Campaign (also known as the Cambodian Incursion) was a series of military operations conducted in eastern Cambodia during mid-1970 by the United States (U.S.) and the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam) during the Vietnam War. A total of 13 major operations were conducted by the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) between 29 April and 22 July and by U.S. forces between 1 May and 30 June.

DA-ST-88-04823. Base: Fort Irwin State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An air-to-air left front view of an SH-60B Sea Hawk helicopter conducting anti-submarine warfare operations off the coast of Southern California. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

Crewmen work on the tail rotor of a Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron 3 (HS-3) SH-3H Sea King Helicopter on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS INDEPENDENCE (CV-62). Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A US Air Force MH-53 Pave Low helicopter is framed by the tail gunner of another Pave Low during a training mission. (Exact date shot unknown). Country: Adriatic Sea

Long shot, right side front view of a CH-46 Chinook helicopter carrying a sling load about fifteen feet off the ground. A warehouse is seen in the background. This mission is in support of Operation Restore Hope. Subject Operation/Series: RESTORE HOPE Country: Somalia (SOM)

Soldiers leave the Agusta-Bell 204B (registration number 227) of the Royal Navy on November 18, 1965.

DA-SC-88-00437. Subject Operation/Series: OPPORTUNE JOURNEY 1-86 State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A fleet of CH-54 helicopters departing from a military base during the Vietnam War on April 2, 1968. The CH-54, also known as the Flying Crane, was a heavy-lift helicopter used extensively for logistical support and airlifting heavy equipment during the conflict.

An Army UH-1 Iroquois medevac helicopter prepares to pick up a paratrooper injured in a mass air drop during Exercise Gallant Eagle '82. Subject Operation/Series: GALLANT EAGLE '82 Base: Fort Irwin State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A maintenance crewman hoses off the folded-back rotor blades of a Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 16 (HC-16) SH-3D Sea King helicopter. Base: Naval Air Station, Pensacola State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A UH-46 Sea Knight helicopter from Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 6 (HC-6) transports a load of supplies to a waiting ship. The helicopter is replenishing ships positioned off the coast of Lebanon in support of US Marines assigned to the multinational peacekeeping force in Beirut. Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

Soldiers rappel from a UH-1 Iroquois helicopter during "Light Fighter Academy" air assault training. Base: Fort Mccoy State: Wisconsin (WI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

011110-N-3896H-004. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Uss Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Scene Major Command Shown: CVN-71 COD C-2A aircraft

A Marine CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopter of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM-165) prepares to airlift a television generator that will be used at the Sri Lankan television station. In the foreground, a Marine radio operator tries to protect his face from the dirt being raised by the helicopter. Country: Ceylon (LKA)

DN-ST-85-03934. Subject Operation/Series: INTENSE LOOK Base: Rota Country: Spain (ESP)

Rear View of HH-53 Approaching an HC-130P for Aerial Refueling. Rear View of HH-53 Approaching an HC-130P for Aerial Refueling. "VietnamRear view of a U.S. Air Force HH-53 of the 37th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron approaching an HC-130P for aerial refueling of the coast." Photographer: Sgt. Peter Seel

DN-SN-85-11102. Base: Naval Air Station, Alameda State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-87-08092. Base: Hurlburt Field State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Members of Detachment 2, 619th Military Airlift Support Squadron, and members of the New Zealand air force load a UH-1N Iroquois helicopter aboard a C-5B Galaxy aircraft for delivery to McMurdo Station during Operation DEEP FREEZE '90. Iroquois helicopters are used by members of the National Science Foundation working at the Station and are flown by United States Navy personnel. Subject Operation/Series: DEEP FREEZE '90 Base: Christchurch State: Canterbury Country: New Zealand (NZL)

Medium shot of US Marines from Second Battalion, Fifth Marines extract from a CH-53 Sea Stallion and take security postitions during Operation Sea Horse Wind at Fort Hunter Liggett in Jolon, California. Subject Operation/Series: SEA HORSE WIND Base: Fort Hunter Liggett State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DA-SN-88-00648. Subject Operation/Series: ARDENT GROUND '87 Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

Visit of drs. W.K. Hoekzema, State Secretary for Defense at the MarineLiegkamp de Kooy. Mr Hoekzema is in a flyer overall in a Lynx helicopter.

Soldiers run away during the exercise on November 18, 1965 away from their helicopter. The Agusta-Bell 204B (registration number 226) of the Royal Netherlands Marine has deposited the soldiers on the marked strip.

Vintage photograph. Bell helicopter performing Black fly fogging operations

A UH-46A Sea Knight helicopter participates in a medical evacuation drill held in conjunction with the Naval Regional Medical Center during PACEX '89. Subject Operation/Series: PACEX '89 Base: San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A left side view of a Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter taking on fuel from a Marine Refueler-Transport Squadron 252 (VMGR-252) KC-130R Hercules aircraft during a flight out of Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point, North Carolina. Country: Unknown

Helicopter Basket Rescue Demonstration. This image depicts a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter demonstrating the use of hydraulic-hoisted basket in rescue work.

U.S. Marines prepare to load mail into CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters at Beirut International Airport. The Marines have been deployed in Lebanon as part of a multi-national peacekeeping force following confrontation between Israeli forces and the Palestine Liberation Organization. Base: Beirut Country: Lebanon (LBN)

Artists' renderings of Bell XV-15 Army Configurations Combat, Rescue and JVX

Aircraft, Burma, India & INDIA,SALVAGE War

Presentation of the National Security Medal to Allen Dulles, 11:00AM. Allen W. Dulles, retiring director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), watches President John F. Kennedy's United States Army helicopter land at CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia. The President was there to present Mr. Dulles with the National Security Medal.

A Canadian army CH-135 helicopter airlifts a lightweight utility vehicle during the combined United States/Canadian NATO exercise RENDEZVOUS '83. Subject Operation/Series: RENDEZVOUS '83 Base: Camp Wainwright State: Alberta (AB) Country: Canada (CAN)

A 71st Air Rescue Squadron (71st ARS) HH-3E Jolly Green Giant helicopter travels en route to its final destination at the Aircraft Maintenance and Regeneration Center, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. The helicopter is one of two from the 71st ARS that was relocated in preparation for the squadron's deactivation on June 1, 1991. The 210th Air Rescue Squadron, Air National Guard, will take over Alaskan rescue missions. Country: Unknown

DN-SN-89-03404. Country: Unknown

A UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter approaches a hillside to pick up members of Company D, 2nd Light Armored Infantry Battalion, who became heat casualties during Operation CHEYENNE, a reconnaissance patrol through the jungle area west of Howard Air Force Base. Subject Operation/Series: CHEYENNE Country: Panama (PAN)

A Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463 (HMH-463) CH-53D Sea Stallion helicopter transports a winch to the Coast Guard Omega Station, Haiku Valley. Base: Oahu State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The Duke of Edinburgh Reviews Empire Troops Here For The Coronation -- The Duke of Edinburgh, wearing flying glasses leaving his helicopter, accompanies by Major General Gascoigne. The helicopter landed on the Parade Ground about ½ mile away from the troops lined up for inspection. The Duke of Edinburgh wearing the uniform of the Admiral of the fleet today left Buckingham palace by hoverplane for Pirbright, in Surrey, where he inspected the Empire Troops here for the Coronation. May 26, 1953. (Photo by Fox Photos).

Departure ceremony for Sukarno, President of Indonesia, 3:40PM. President John F. Kennedy bids farewell to President of Indonesia, Ahmed Sukarno, in front of a United States Marine Corps helicopter on the South Lawn, White House, Washington, D.C. Also pictured: Indonesian Ambassador to the United States, Zairin Zain; US Chief of Protocol, Angier Biddle Duke; Minister of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia, Dr. Subandrio; US Secretary of State, Dean Rusk.

DN-ST-87-02679. Base: Perth Country: Australia (AUS)

Campaign Trip to Pennsylvania. Two United States Army helicopters arrive at the Ellipse to take President John F. Kennedy to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, for a congressional campaign trip. The Washington Monument and Jefferson Memorial are visible in the background. President's Park South, Washington, D.C.

A "casualty" is being carried from an Army UH-1 Iroquois helicopter upon arrival in a local hospital area. The patient was transported from Norton Air Force Base as part of Exercise Wounded Eagle '82. Subject Operation/Series: WOUNDED EAGLE '82 Base: San Bernardino State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

United States Marines walk right to left out the back of two USMC CH-46 Sea Knights that are on the ground at the Baledogle Landing Zone, Somalia. The Marines secured the area for arrivals of aircraft later that day. This mission is in support of Operation Restore Hope. Subject Operation/Series: RESTORE HOPE Base: Bale Dogle Country: Somalia (SOM)

970211-M-0023H-026. Subject Operation/Series: REVISED CAPABILITIES Base: Lz Falcon, Camp Lejeune State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Trip to Europe: Italy, Naples: President Kennedy arrives at NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) Headquarters, 4:30PM. A U.S. Army helicopter sits on the tarmac at Allied Forces Southern Europe (AFSOUTH), a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) military command in Bagnoli, Naples, Italy; President John F. Kennedy traveled aboard the helicopter to the NATO headquarters to attend a meeting and deliver remarks.

Boeing CH-47D Chinook from 298 Squadron, possibly the D-665, during a probably a veteran meeting at Soesterberg airbase. Recording is scanned in mirror image.

Anefo photo collection. Embarkation first equipment for the Dutch UNIFIL troops sent to Lebanon in Helihaven in Rotterdam; Swap jeep. 13 February 1979. Rotterdam, South Holland

The flight service and the sick of the Marine Square Valkenburg (MVKV) hold a joint OSR exercise. OSRD stands for investigation and rescue service; The Royal Netherlands Air Force (KLU) known under the name SAR (search and rescue). A doctor boarded an agusta bell (i) uh1 helicopter.

Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ) departs White House via helicopter. Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson (right) walks with an unidentified man toward a United States Marines helicopter prior to his departure from the White House. The Washington Monument is visible in the background. South Lawn, Washington, D.C.

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