SCOTTSDALE RSL military museum showed off the only ex-Australian Defence Force Bell UH-1 Iroquois helicopter in the state at its official opening on Friday.
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The helicopter was unveiled as the centrepiece of the museum, which was built specifically for the helicopter after the RSL's old museum became short on space for its diverse displays.
RSL sub-branch president Bruce Scott, who was the driving force behind the acquisition of the helicopter, said the museum was very lucky to be able to display the ex-service aircraft.
"Every man and his dog applied for this, but we got lucky - we've got the only one in the state," he said.
"This would be the best military museum in the state that's open to the public."
Mr Scott, who served in Vietnam between 1969 and 1970, said he remembered the helicopters vividly.
"These choppers used to carry us out to the jungle; they'd resupply us. They also carried out the wounded and the dead, and this one's exactly the same as them."
The museum will be open from 10am to 4pm, seven days a week. Entry costs $5.
Mr Scott said he was hopeful many people would visit the museum to help contribute to the $360,000 cost of the building, which was offset by a $230,000 grant from the state government.
