The Argentine Government approved the budget item for the purchase of a Bell structural conversion kit to convert Bell UH-1H helicopters to the UH-1H-II (Huey II) version through the «Foering Military Sales» FMS program.
Administrative Decision 232/2023 approved the expenditure derived from the LOA («Letter of Offer and Acceptance») denominated AR-B-UYW between the Government of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the Government of the REPUBLIC OF ARGENTINA for the acquisition of a Bell structural conversion kit to convert Bell UH-1H helicopters to the UH-1H-II (Huey II) version through the «Foreign Military Sales» (FMS) program for a total amount of USD 3,746,322, corresponding to the LOA (Letter of Offer and Acceptance) denominated AR-B-UYW.
See also: Classics are classics: 13 Argentinian Army Huey II’s deployment to Cordoba
Huey II modernization continues
Like all previously modernized units, the new conversion kit will be implemented at the 601st Aircraft Supply and Maintenance Battalion (under Army Aviation) at Campo de Mayo for the modernization and life extension of a UH-1H, allowing it to continue operating safely for another 10 years.
The UH-1Hs are reliable, robust and easy to maintain machines and have an outstanding service record in the Argentine Army of more than 50 years. And while the conversion to Huey II; which includes the installation of a more powerful engine, reinforcements to the structure, changes to the blades and transmission, give a new breath of fresh air to these noble flying machines; it is clear that the Huey are not eternal (much less the modern operating environments they may have to face) and require a replacement in line with the current times.
