Helicopter Facts for Fort Richardson, AK

The Germans used helicopters for artillery spotting on the Russian front in WWII. The Germans also built and perfected a rotor-kite (helicopter with no engine) that was towed behind a U-Boat to increase the range at which targets could be spotted. (Since it had no power, there was no torque, and no need for a tailrotor.)

Bell Helicopters built 10,005 Hueys from 1957 to 1975. Prior to 1957 there were three XH-40 prototypes and six YH-1B test helicopters manufactured. Of the 10,005 production Huey's the first 732 were designated HU-1A and HU-1B. 9,216 of these went to the US Army, 79 to the US Air Force, 42 to the Navy, and 127 to the Marine Corps. The rest went to other countries.

FAA - A History of Aircraft Structures Factoid for Fort Richardson, AK

Aircraft structural members are designed to carry a load or to resist stress. In designing an aircraft, every square inch of wing and fuselage, every rib, spar, and even each metal fitting must be considered in relation to the physical characteristics of the material of which it is made. Every part of the aircraft must be planned to carry the load to be imposed upon it.