UH-1Y Venom | |
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A UH-1Y in flight | |
Role | Utility helicopter |
National origin | United States |
Manufacturer | Bell Helicopter |
First flight | 20 December 2001[1] |
Introduction | 8 August 2008 |
Status | In service |
Primary users | United States Marine Corps Czech Republic |
Produced | 2001–present |
Number built | 160[2] |
Developed from | Bell UH-1N Twin Huey |
The Bell UH-1Y Venom[3] (also called Super Huey)[4] is a twin-engine, 4-blade, medium-sized utility helicopter built by Bell Helicopter under the H-1 upgrade program of the United States Marine Corps. One of the latest members of the numerous Huey family, the UH-1Y is also called "Yankee" for the NATO phonetic alphabet pronunciation of its variant letter.[5] Bell was originally to produce UH-1Ys by rebuilding UH-1Ns, but ultimately used new built airframes.
In 2008, the UH-1Y entered service with the Marine Corps and also began full-rate production.[6] The new UH-1 variant replaced the USMC's UH-1N Twin Huey light utility helicopters, introduced in the early 1970s. The helicopter (and related Bell AH-1Z Viper) were ordered by the Czech Republic and the helicopter is in production in the early 2020s. Visually, some features that differentiate the Y model are a slightly longer cabin and larger twin engine exhaust vents compared to the earlier N model.
Development
[edit]![](Https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/99/UH-1Y.jpg/220px-UH-1Y.jpg)
Over the years, new avionics and radios, modern door guns, and safety upgrades have greatly increased the UH-1N's empty weight. With a maximum speed around 100 knots (190 km/h) and an inability to lift much more than its own crew, fuel, and ammunition, the UH-1N had limited capabilities as a transport.[citation needed]
In 1996, the United States Marine Corps launched the H-1 upgrade program. A contract was signed with Bell Helicopter for upgrading 100 UH-1Ns into UH-1Ys and upgrading 180 AH-1Ws into AH-1Zs.[7][8] The H-1 program modernized utility and attack helicopters with considerable design commonality to reduce operating costs. The UH-1Y and AH-1Z share a common tail boom, engines, rotor system, drivetrain, avionics architecture, software, controls, and displays for over 84% identical components.[9][10]
Production
[edit]Originally, the UH-1Y was to be remanufactured from UH-1N airframes, but in April 2005, approval was granted to build them as new helicopters.[6][11] Bell delivered two UH-1Ys to the U.S. Marine Corps in February 2008,[12] and full-rate production was begun in September 2009.[13] The Marine Corps purchased 160 Y-models to replace their inventory of N-models.[14] The final UH-1Y for the U.S. Marine Corps[15] was delivered in January 2019.[16] In 2021, the production line restarted to produce the UH-1Ys for the Czech Republic's order.[17] 160 have been produced with 8 more being made for the aforementioned Czech order as of 2022.[2]
Design
[edit]![](Https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/93/US_Navy_100802-N-3852A-330_A_UH-1Y_Huey_helicopter_takes_off_from_the_amphibious_assault_ship_USS_Wasp_%28LHD_1%29.jpg/220px-US_Navy_100802-N-3852A-330_A_UH-1Y_Huey_helicopter_takes_off_from_the_amphibious_assault_ship_USS_Wasp_%28LHD_1%29.jpg)
The UH-1Y variant modernizes the UH-1 design. The Y-model upgrades pilot avionics to a glass cockpit, adds further safety modifications, and provides the UH-1 with a modern forward-looking infrared system. Engine power was increased. Its most noticeable upgrade over previous variants is a four-blade, all-composite rotor system designed to withstand up to 23 mm rounds. By replacing the engines and the two-bladed rotor system with four composite blades, the Y-model returns the Huey to the utility role for which it was designed.
A 21-inch (530 mm) fuselage extension just forward of the main door was added for more capacity. The UH-1Y features upgraded transmissions and a digital cockpit with flat-panel multifunctional displays. Compared to the UH-1N, the Y-model has an increased payload, almost 50% greater range, a reduction in vibration, and higher cruising speed.[9][18][19]
The weapons used on the UH-1Y includes a variety of rocket and machine guns. This includes 2.75-inch (70 mm) rockets on the external hardpoints, and LAU-68, LAU-61, M260, and M261 launchers with Mk 66 rockets (Hydra 70). Machine guns include M240D, GAU-16 and GAU-17A.[20]
Operational history
[edit]![](Https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/dd/AH-1W_UH-1Y_take_off_from_Bastion_Afghanistan_2009.jpg/220px-AH-1W_UH-1Y_take_off_from_Bastion_Afghanistan_2009.jpg)
![](Https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/09/Bell_UH-1Y_Venom_%2813778983613%29.jpg/220px-Bell_UH-1Y_Venom_%2813778983613%29.jpg)
The UH-1Y and AH-1Z completed their developmental testing in early 2006.[21] During the first quarter of 2006 the UH-1Ys were transferred to the Operational Test Unit at NAS Patuxent River, where they began operational evaluation testing.[22] In February 2008, the UH-1Y and AH-1Z began the second and final portion of testing.[23] On 8 August 2008, the Marine Corps certified the UH-1Y as operationally capable, and it was deployed for the first time in January 2009 as part of the aviation combat element of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit.[24][25] The UH-1N Twin Huey was retired by the Marines in August 2014, making the UH-1Y the Marine Corps' standard utility helicopter.[26]
On 11 October 2017, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified the United States Congress of the potential sale of 12 UH-1Ys and related systems and support to the Czech Republic for a cost of US$575 million.[27] In December 2019, an order for eight UH-1Y helicopters was approved.[28][29] The first Czech UH-Y was delivered in 2023.[30]
Operators
[edit]![](Https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6e/CzechAirForce_UH-1Y.jpg/220px-CzechAirForce_UH-1Y.jpg)
- Czech Air Force (1 delivered, 7 remaining on order)[29] Another two to be transferred at no cost via the Excess Defense Articles program.[31]
Specifications
[edit]![](Https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/75/120722-F-MQ656-251_%287644653352%29.jpg/220px-120722-F-MQ656-251_%287644653352%29.jpg)
![](Https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/09/UH-1Y_Huey.jpg/220px-UH-1Y_Huey.jpg)
Data from Bell UH-1Y guide,[9] International Directory of Civil Aircraft[41]
General characteristics
- Crew: 2 (pilot and co-pilot)
- Capacity: 6,660 lb (3,021 kg) / up to ten crashworthy passenger seats / six litters / equivalent cargo[42]
- Length: 58 ft 4 in (17.78 m)
- Height: 14 ft 7 in (4.45 m)
- Empty weight: 11,840 lb (5,371 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 18,500 lb (8,391 kg)
- Powerplant: 2 × General Electric T700-GE-401C turboshaft, 1,828 shp (1,363 kW) each for 2 minutes 30 seconds
- 1,546 hp (1,153 kW) continuous
- Main rotor diameter: 48 ft 10 in (14.88 m)
- Main rotor area: 1,808 sq ft (168.0 m2)
- Blade section: Narramore[43]
Performance
- Maximum speed: 164 kn (189 mph, 304 km/h)
- Cruise speed: 158 kn (182 mph, 293 km/h)
- Never exceed speed: 198 kn (228 mph, 367 km/h)
- Combat range: 130 nmi (150 mi, 240 km) with 2,182 lb (990 kg) payload
- Endurance: 3 hours 18 minutes
- Service ceiling: 20,000 ft (6,100 m) +
- Rate of climb: 2,520 ft/min (12.8 m/s)
Armament
- 2 external stations for 70 mm (2.75 in) Hydra 70 or APKWS II[44] rockets
- 2 pintle mounts for 7.62×51 mm M240D machine guns, .50 in (12.7 mm) GAU-21 machine guns, or 7.62×51 mm NATO GAU-17/A Gatling guns
See also
[edit]![](Https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3c/US_Navy_081102-N-4774B-080_he_new_Bell_UH-1Y_Huey_helicopter_flies_toward_the_flight_deck_of_the_amphibious_assault_ship_USS_Boxer_%28LHD_4%29.jpg/220px-US_Navy_081102-N-4774B-080_he_new_Bell_UH-1Y_Huey_helicopter_flies_toward_the_flight_deck_of_the_amphibious_assault_ship_USS_Boxer_%28LHD_4%29.jpg)
- U.S. helicopter armament subsystems
- List of active United States military aircraft
- United States Marine Corps Aviation
Related development
References
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- ^ a b RS (22 July 2021). "Bell resumes production UH-1Y for Czech Air Force". scramble.nl. Retrieved 24 April 2024.
- ^ "Model Designation of Military Vehicles" (PDF). U.S. DoD Defense Technical Information Center. 12 May 2004. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 October 2007.
- ^ "Bell UH-1Y Super Huey". GE Aviation. 2008. Archived from the original on 6 January 2009. Retrieved 5 June 2009.
- ^ Jane's Information Group (2008). "Bell 205 (UH-1) – Bell UH-1Y Viper Upgrade (United States), Aircraft – Rotary-wing – Military". Archived from the original on 26 January 2013.
- ^ Donald, David (15 January 2015). Modern Battlefield Warplanes. AIRtime oublishing. ISBN 9781880588765.
- ^ Bishop, Chris (29 August 2006). Huey Cobra Gunships. Osprey Publishing. ISBN 9781841769844.
- ^ a b c "Bell UH-1Y pocket guide" (PDF). Bell Helicopter. March 2006. Archived from the original (PDF) on 29 December 2010. Retrieved 9 February 2019.
- ^ Rotorbreeze Magazine[permanent dead link]. Bell, October 2006.
- ^ Bruno, Michael. "Wynne Approves Buy Of New UH-1Y Hueys"[dead link]. Aviation Week, 25 April 2005.
- ^ "Bell Delivers Three H-1 Aircraft in February". Bell Helicopter. 3 March 2008. Archived from the original on 28 October 2008.
- ^ Nelms, Douglas (1 September 2009). "Program Insider: H-1 Update". Rotor & Wing. Archived from the original on 17 February 2012.
- ^ Butler, Amy (13 October 2010). "U.S. Marines Propose AH-1Z Production Boost". Aviation Week. Archived from the original on 7 January 2024. Retrieved 17 August 2017.
- ^ Reim, Garrett (17 May 2018). "Bell to finish Marine Corps deliveries of UH-1Y Venom by end of 2018". FlightGlobal. Archived from the original on 30 March 2019.
- ^ "U.S. Marines receives final production-era UH-1Y Venom".
- ^ Ganta, Himaja (20 July 2021). "Bell Textron begins UH-1Y helicopter production for Czech Republic". Airforce Technology. Retrieved 24 April 2024.
- ^ "The helicopter huey by the Bell Helicopters". Huey Helicopter Review. Archived from the original on 20 September 2016. Retrieved 10 January 2012.
- ^ "Bell UH-1Y". Bell Helicopter. Archived from the original on 25 April 2016.
- ^ "UH-1Y Huey Multipurpose Helicopter". Airforce Technology. Retrieved 24 May 2024.
- ^ Milliman, John (1 March 2006). "AH-1Z/UH-1Y complete developmental testing". U.S. Navy Naval Air Systems Command. Archived from the original on 24 January 2024.
- ^ "AH-1Z/UH-1Y Start OPEVAL". U.S Navy Naval Air Systems Command. 9 May 2006. Archived from the original on 24 January 2024.
- ^ Warwick, Graham (22 February 2008). "PICTURES: US Marine Corps' Bell AH-1Z and UH-1Y enter final test phase". FlightGlobal. Archived from the original on 7 February 2009.
- ^ Leland, Wendy (November–December 2008). "Airscoop". Naval Aviation News. United States Department of the Navy. p. 7. Archived from the original on 7 April 2010.
- ^ Morris, Jefferson. "Marine Corps Declares UH-1Y Operational"[dead link]. Aviation Week, 18 August 2008.
- ^ "Final Flight of UH-1N Huey for HMLA-773". helis.com. 3 September 2014. Archived from the original on 30 July 2021.
- ^ "Czech Republic – UH-1Y Utility Helicopters". Defense Security Cooperation Agency. 23 October 2017. Archived from the original on 26 October 2017. Retrieved 26 October 2017.
- ^ Lazarová, Daniela (22 August 2019). "Czech Army to acquire Viper and Venom helicopters from US". Radio Praha. Český rozhlas. Archived from the original on 21 April 2023. Retrieved 22 August 2019.
- ^ a b Parsons, Dan (16 December 2019). "Czech H-1 deal will keep Bell's production line open at least through 2024". Vertical Magazine. Archived from the original on 14 January 2024. Retrieved 29 December 2019.
- ^ "The Czech Republic Receives Its First UH-1Y Venom Utility Helicopter". Overt Defense. 22 August 2023. Retrieved 24 April 2024.
- ^ Bahounkova, Petra (18 August 2022). "Černochová: Spojené státy dají Česku zdarma osm vrtulníků" [Černochová: The United States will give the Czech Republic eight helicopters for free]. ČT24 (in Czech). Archived from the original on 24 January 2024.
- ^ "World Air Forces 2015 pg. 33". FlightGlobal Insight. 2015. Archived from the original on 24 March 2015. Retrieved 26 December 2014.
- ^ "Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167 HML/A-167 "Warriors"". tripod.com. Archived from the original on 3 May 2015. Retrieved 12 February 2013.
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- ^ "HMLA-269 transitions to UH-1Y". U.S. Marine Corps. 20 August 2012. Archived from the original on 24 January 2024. Retrieved 12 February 2013.
- ^ "MARINE LIGHT ATTACK HELICOPTER SQUADRON 367 HMLA-367 "Scarface"". tripod.com. Archived from the original on 2 February 2014. Retrieved 12 February 2013.
- ^ "Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369". 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Marines (.mil). Retrieved 17 August 2024.
- ^ "Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469 HMLA-469 "Vengeance"". tripod.com. Archived from the original on 20 January 2012. Retrieved 12 February 2013.
- ^ "Final Flight of UH-1N Huey for HMLA-773". Helihub.com. 4 September 2014. Archived from the original on 7 September 2014. Retrieved 9 January 2015.
- ^ "Marine Light Attack Helicopter Training Squadron 303 HMLA/T-303 "Atlas"". tripod.com. Archived from the original on 3 May 2015. Retrieved 12 February 2013.
- ^ Frawley, Gerard (2003). The International Directory of Civil Aircraft 2003/2004. Airlife Publishing. p. 44. ISBN 9781875671588.
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- ^ Lednicer, David. "The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage". m-selig.ae.illinois.edu. Archived from the original on 25 December 2023. Retrieved 16 April 2019.
- ^ "Marine helicopters deploy with laser-guided rocket". U.S. Navy Naval Air Systems Command. 17 April 2012. Archived from the original on 24 January 2024.
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