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It is designed and produced by American aerospace company Bell Helicopter.
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It is the first member of the prolific Huey family, as well as the first turbine-powered helicopter in service with the US military.
Image: COURTESY
The tragic helicopter crash that killed Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Francis Ogolla and nine other senior military officers in Marakwet East has thrown the country into a state of mourning.
Ogolla who was in the company of the officers was on a trip to visit troops deployed in the North Rift under Operation Maliza Uhalifu and to inspect the ongoing school renovation works in five schools.
Here's what you need to know about the chopper
As investigations begin, key details are emerging about the ill-fated aircraft, offering insights into understanding what went wrong.
The aircraft is one of six Bell UH-1H Huey II helicopters acquired by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) from the United States in 2016.
It is designed and produced by American aerospace company Bell Helicopter.
It is the first member of the prolific Huey family, as well as the first turbine-powered helicopter in service with the US military.
Officials then said that these acquired helicopters were intended to bolster Kenya's military capabilities.
This is particularly in counter-terrorism operations and support for troops serving in the African Union mission in the region.
The chopper is an upgraded version of the iconic Bell UH-1H medium-lift helicopter, incorporating advancements such as refurbished zero-timed airframes, upgraded engines, drive trains, avionics, and rotors.
Bell UH-1H was first used by the US military in combat operations during the Vietnam War in 1962.
Use, size and speed
It was used for various purposes, including conducting general support, air assault, cargo transport, aeromedical evacuation, search and rescue, electronic warfare, and ground attack missions.
These enhancements provide the helicopter with improved hovering capabilities and a longer time between overhauls (TBO) for critical components, making it more efficient and reliable.
It has a capacity of carrying people passengers including two cabin crew members.
It is 17 metres long with a height of four metres.
This aircraft can cruise at a speed of 209km/h with a maximum of 238km/h.
The chopper can be adapted for a variety of missions, including disaster response, firefighting, military support, cargo transport, special operations, and search and rescue missions.
While the cause of the crash on Thursday, April 18, remains unknown, the investigation is delving into all aspects of the aircraft, its maintenance history, and flight conditions at the time.
The mission
Detailing the events leading up to the death, President William Ruto said Ogolla boarded the Kenya Air Force Huey Helicopter and left Nairobi Thursday morning.
He was to inspect Chesitet Primary School, Cheptulel Boys High School, Chepoton Primary School, Ksaa Primary School and Sablimoi Primary School as part of his working tour.
At Chesitetin in Baringo, he was briefed on the security situation by a multi-agency team after which he proceeded to the Kainuk Forward Operating Base in Turkana, where he addressed troops.
He then departed from Kainuk to Chesegon in West Pokot where he launched the rehabilitation of Cheptulel Boys High School.
At 2:20 pm as he departed Chesegon for the Recruits Training School (RTS) in Uasin Gishu, where he was scheduled to inspect construction facilities at the institution, the chopper came down.