The U.S. Embassy in El Salvador has confirmed the transfer of two Bell UH-1N medium military helicopters, nicknamed "Twin Huey," to the Salvadoran contingent deployed in Haiti as part of the Gang Supression Force (GSF). These helicopters will be used for medical evacuation and security support operations in Haiti, according to the announcement.

As part of this cooperation, the United States has trained 10 Salvadoran pilots and four maintenance technicians to ensure the helicopters are maintained and operated safely during the mission.

The transfer agreement was signed by the Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy, ​​Naomi Fellows, and the Minister of National Defence, Francis Merino Monroy.

Learn more about the Bell UH-1N helicopter :

This is a medium, twin-engine military helicopter developed from the civilian Bell 212. It can carry a crew of three and up to 13 passengers, although the number of passengers may vary depending on the payload. In a medical evacuation configuration, it can carry up to six stretchers. Its first flight took place in 1969.

Originally designed for the Canadian Armed Forces, it was widely used by the United States, particularly for search and rescue missions, and has been superseded by more advanced models such as the UH-1Y Venom.

Its range is 460 km, its maximum speed is 220 km/h, and its maximum altitude, depending on the load, is 4,500 m. Payload: ± 2,000 kg

SL/ HaitiLibre