4. Helicopters named for Native American Nations

Source: nativeamericatoday.c..tive-american-names/

Why Army Helicopters Have Native American Names.
Army Regulation 70-28 was created in 1969 (now rescinded). The regulation listed criteria on how popular names would be given to major items of equipment. Name choices had to:

1.Appeal to the imagination without sacrificing dignity.

2.Suggest an aggressive spirit and confidence in the item’s capabilities.

3.Reflect the item’s characteristics including mobility, agility, flexibility, firepower and endurance.

4.Be based on tactical application, not source or method of manufacture.

5.Be associated with the preceding qualities and criteria if a person’s name is proposed.

General Hamilton Howze wasn’t a fan of the names of the first two helicopters – Hoverfly and Dragonfly. So, he laid out instructions for naming the helicopters after their abilities. Howze said since the choppers were fast and agile, they would attack enemy flanks and fade away, similar to the way the tribes on the Great Plains fought during the American Indian Wars. He decided the next helicopter produced -- the well-known H-13 of “M.A.S.H.” fame -- would be called the Sioux in honour of the Native Americans who fought Army soldiers in the Sioux Wars and defeated the 7th Calvary Regiment at the Battle of Little Bighorn.

According to AR 70-28, Army aircraft were specifically categorized as requiring “Indian terms and names of American Indian tribes and chiefs.” Names to choose from were provided by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Though rescinded, the convention continues often with a traditional ceremony by the Nation/Tribe to bless the aircraft.