UH-1Y Venom
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| UH-1Y Venom | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Bell UH-1Y | |
| Type | Multipurpose utility helicopter |
| Manufacturer | Bell Helicopter Textron |
| Maiden flight | 20 December 2001[1] |
| Introduced | 2008+ |
| Status | In production |
| Primary user | United States Marine Corps |
| Developed from | UH-1N Twin Huey |
| Variants | AH-1 Cobra Bell 212 Bell 214 |
The Bell UH-1Y Venom is currently in low-rate production to replace the United States Marine Corps aging fleet of UH-1N Twin Huey light utility helicopters first introduced in the early 1970s. Originally the UH-1Y was to have been remanufactured from UH-1N airframes, but in April of 2005 the aircraft were approved to built as new helicopters.[2]
Contents |
[edit] Overview
The most successful military helicopter ever produced, the UH-1 Huey, with over 16,000 produced since 1956, is brought into the 21st century with the advent of the UH-1Y variant. The UH-1Y is the most advanced upgrade to the proud line of battle-tested helicopters. The most noticeable upgrade, when compared to previous variants, is the new four-bladed, all-composite rotor system. This system has also been upgraded to withstand ballistics up to 23 mm. In addition to the rotor system, the UH-1Y has upgraded engines and transmission, increased payload, greater range, digital cockpit with flat panel multifunctional displays, and an 84 percent parts commonality with the AH-1Z.
[edit] Development
The UH-1Y model was developed in conjunction with the new AH-1Z Super Cobra to maximize cost savings and minimize required maintenance parts (Bell claims an 85% part commonality between the two models[3]). The Y model updates an airframe that has been central to the Marine Corps aviation in Iraq. The Huey has many mission requirements including command and control (C2), escort, reconnaissance, troop transport, medical evacuation and close air support. Typically detachments of 2-4 Hueys have been deployed with detachments of 4-8 Cobras. The forward mounted weaponry of the Cobra combined with the door guns of the Huey provides a 240° field of fire.
Over the years new avionics and radios in addition to modern door guns and safety upgrades have made the UH-1N too heavy for its own powertrain. With a maximum speed of approximately 100kts and an inability to lift much more than its own crew, fuel and ammunition the Huey, while useful, is limited in its utility. The Y model upgrades pilot avionics to a glass cockpit, adds further safety modifications, and provides the Huey with a modern FLIR system. However, the biggest improvements are in regard to power. By replacing the engines and the two bladed rotor system with four composite blades the Y model will return the Huey to the utility role it was designed for. According to [Bell] the Y model will have 125% higher payload than the UH-1N, and almost 50% more range and maximum cruise speed than the UH-1N. Tactically this means the Huey can keep up with the other helicopters it is supposed to be escorting rather than slowing them down and making them easier targets. Hueys will be able to pull the power needed to move aggressively and, if necessary, evasively. Strategically this means commanders riding in the Huey will have all the radios and fire power they need and the range of the transport helicopters carrying their men.
On November 18, 2006, the first production model UH-1Y completed its first flight and is currently being readied for transfer to the US Marine Corps.[citation needed]
[edit] Operators
- United States
- Marine Corps, in testing.
[edit] Specifications
This aircraft article is missing some (or all) of its specifications. If you have a source, you can help Wikipedia by adding them.[edit] References
- ^ UH-1Y Achieves First Flight. Retrieved on 17 March 2007.
- ^ http://pma276public.navair.navy.mil/pma276public/news.asp
- ^ Rotorbreeze Magazine, October 2006
[edit] External links
[edit] Related content
Related development
Designation sequence
Related lists
- List of active United States military aircraft
See also
Fighter aircraft: YFM-1 · P-39 · P-59 · P-63 · XP-77 · XP-83
Commercial Helicopters: 47 · 204 · 205 · 206 · 210 · 212 · 214 · 222 · 230 · 407 · 412 · 417 · 427 · 429 · 430
Military Helicopters: H-13 · UH-1 · UH-1N · UH-1Y · 207 · 209 · AH-1 · 309 · YAH-63 · OH-58 · ARH-70
Tiltrotors: V-22 · BA609 · TR918 · QTR
Experimental aircraft: X-1 · X-2 · X-5 · X-20 X-22 · XV-3 · XV-15 · 533
Timeline of aviation
Aircraft · Aircraft manufacturers · Aircraft engines · Aircraft engine manufacturers · Airports · Airlines
Air forces · Aircraft weapons · Missiles · Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) · Experimental aircraft
Notable military accidents and incidents · Notable airline accidents and incidents · Famous aviation-related deaths
Flight airspeed record · Flight distance record · Flight altitude record · Flight endurance record · Most produced aircraft
Categories: Articles with unsourced statements since March 2007 | All articles with unsourced statements | Aircraft without specifications | Active United States military aircraft | Lists of military aircraft | United States military lists | U.S. military utility aircraft 2000-2009 | United States Marine Corps equipment | Military helicopters
