There were 766 Bell UH-1C helicopters built in several equipment modified variants. One
was the “Frog” equipped with side-mounted XM-158 twin rocket pods each holding seven
2.75 inch rockets. The "M-5" fitted the gunship with a nose turret mounting an M-75 40
mm automatic anti-personnel grenade launcher that held 300 anti-personnel grenades.
The crews referred to these as “Chunkers” because of the sound when the grenades
were fired. The infamous “Shark” gunships were created in 1966 when permission was
granted to use the fearsome looking “Tiger Mouth” on the front of the Hueys.

In 1971 the 174th AHC was part of the disastrous Operation Lam Son 719 in Laos. On
Wednesday March 3, 1971 UH-1C #64-14170 “Ace Of Spades” was crewed by pilot Gary
Harter, co-pilot Morgan Mills, door gunner Pat Wade and crew-chief Bob Jansen. UH-1C
#170 and another UH-1C were flying escort for some news people as well as supporting
an assault on LZ Lolo. During the action both “Frogs” were brought down by fire from
multiple guns in the area. #170 landed beside QL9 (Highway 9 – a dirt road) and the crew
were safely picked up.

Specifications - Bell Huey UH-1C “Frog”

Purpose
Strictly for use as a gunship.
A Huey gunship with an M-5 load out was called a "Frog"; one with the XM-3 was called a
"Hog"; and one with both was called a "Heavy Hog".

Dimensions
Length - 45 ft 10 in
Rotor - 44 ft diameter

Improvements
The new "Model 540" rotor system eliminated Bell's distinctive “teetering bar" and
replaced it with an electromechanical stabilization that reduced vibration and increased
maneuverability.
Larger tail boom than the UH-1B
Larger elevators than the UH-1B
The "C" was given a dual hydraulic control system for redundancy in battle and an
improved inlet filter system for the dusty conditions found in southeast Asia.

Engine - T53-L-11 with 1100 hp
Fuel - increased from 165 gallons to 242 US gallons

Performance
Speed - 131 kts
Range - 314 miles

Weight
Nominal useful load of 4673 lbs, maximum 9,530 lbs

Armament
2 X M -60 7.62mm machine guns
2 X side-mounted XM-158 rocket pods each holding seven 2.75 inch rockets
The "M-5" fitted the gunship with a nose turret mounting an M-75 40 millimeter automatic
grenade launcher, with a rate of fire of about 220 rounds per minute.

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