MASH Helicopter

The MASH helicopter, officially the Bell H-13, also known as the Sioux, was used by the military of Great Britain and the United States as a medivac and utility helicopter. It was produced by Westland in Great Britain and Bell in the United States. It was the first helicopter assigned to MASH (Mobile Army Surgical Hospital) field hospital units during the Korean War when it was equipped with body shields on both fuselage sides to protect patients being transported from wind and debris.

MASH helicopter shields were painted black. Wounded troops would sometimes be put into the body shields while unconscious and wake up in their darkness while the helicopter was in flight. One can only imagine how they felt.

The MASH helicopter, Bell H-13, was also used as a scout and reconnaissance helicopter as well as a flight training aircraft. It was exported to U.S. allies throughout the world. Over 5,600 of the helicopters in both military and civilian variants were produced.