Here’s why US Army helicopters have Native American names
Despite the absence of official regulations mandating this naming convention, the US military continues to use Native American names for its helicopters.
The US Army’s tradition of naming helicopters after Native American tribes and figures has deep historical roots and continues to this day. This naming convention, which began in the mid-20th century, reflects a complex relationship between the US military and Native American communities.
The practice originated in 1947 when Army General Hamilton H. Howze was tasked with naming helicopters. Dissatisfied with existing names like “Hoverfly” and “Dragonfly,” Howze sought more evocative titles. He drew inspiration from Native American tribes, viewing them as symbols of speed, agility, and warrior spirit.
In 1969, this naming practice was officially codified in Army Regulation 70-28. The regulation stipulated that Army aircraft should be named using “Indian terms and names of American Indian tribes and chiefs. Although this regulation was later rescinded, the tradition has persisted.
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Several well-known Army helicopters bear Native American names:
- AH-64 Apache: A famous attack helicopter
- UH-60 Black Hawk: A versatile utility helicopter
- CH-47 Chinook: A heavy-lift transport helicopter with two propellors
- OH-58 Kiowa: An observation helicopter
- UH-72 Lakota: A light utility helicopter
Rationale and symbolism
The military website makes it clear that it views these names as a way to honor Native American warriors and their fighting spirit. The names are meant to evoke qualities such as aggressiveness, confidence, and tactical prowess.