Bell UH-1Y Venom explained

The Bell UH-1Y Venom[1] (also called Super Huey)[2] 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.[3] 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.[4] 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

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 100kn and an inability to lift much more than its own crew, fuel, and ammunition, the UH-1N had limited capabilities as a transport.

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.[5] [6] 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.[7] [8]

Production

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.[9] Bell delivered two UH-1Ys to the U.S. Marine Corps in February 2008,[10] and full-rate production was begun in September 2009.[11] The Marine Corps purchased 160 Y-models to replace their inventory of N-models.[12] The final UH-1Y for the U.S. Marine Corps[13] was delivered in January 2019.[14] In 2021, the production line restarted to produce the UH-1Ys for the Czech Republic's order.[15] 160 have been produced with 8 more being made for the aforementioned Czech order as of 2022.[16]

Design

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 21inches 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.[17] [18]

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.[19]

Operational history

The UH-1Y and AH-1Z completed their developmental testing in early 2006.[20] 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.[21] In February 2008, the UH-1Y and AH-1Z began the second and final portion of testing.[22] 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.[23] [24] The UH-1N Twin Huey was retired by the Marines in August 2014, making the UH-1Y the Marine Corps' standard utility helicopter.[25]

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.[26] In December 2019, an order for eight UH-1Y helicopters was approved.[27] [28] The first Czech UH-Y was delivered in 2023.[29]

Operators

Czech Republic

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Model Designation of Military Vehicles . U.S. DoD Defense Technical Information Center . https://web.archive.org/web/20071025181044/http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/412015l.pdf . 25 October 2007 . 12 May 2004 . dead.
  2. Web site: Bell UH-1Y Super Huey. 5 June 2009 . GE Aviation . 2008 . https://web.archive.org/web/20090106051624/http://www.geaviationsystems.com/Platforms/By-Manufacturer/Bell/Bell-UH-1Y/index.asp . 6 January 2009.
  3. Web site: Bell 205 (UH-1) – Bell UH-1Y Viper Upgrade (United States), Aircraft – Rotary-wing – Military . https://archive.today/20130126205654/http://www.janes.com/extracts/extract/jau/jau_1402.html . dead . 26 January 2013 . Jane's Information Group . 2008.
  4. Web site: UH-1Ys to be built new starting in 06 . Naval Air Systems Command . https://archive.today/20240124210650/https://www.navair.navy.mil/node/14481 . 24 January 2024 . 22 April 2005 . live.
  5. Book: Donald . David . Modern Battlefield Warplanes . 15 January 2015 . AIRtime oublishing . 9781880588765.
  6. Book: Bishop . Chris . Huey Cobra Gunships . 29 August 2006 . Osprey Publishing . 9781841769844.
  7. Web site: March 2006 . Bell UH-1Y pocket guide . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20101229201940/http://www.bellhelicopter.com/en/aircraft/military/pdf/UH1Y_PG_3-06_web.pdf . 29 December 2010 . 9 February 2019 . Bell Helicopter.
  8. http://www.bellhelicopter.com/en/support/pdf/rb/rb_oct18.pdf Rotorbreeze Magazine
  9. Bruno, Michael. "Wynne Approves Buy Of New UH-1Y Hueys". Aviation Week, 25 April 2005.
  10. Web site: Bell Delivers Three H-1 Aircraft in February . Bell Helicopter . https://web.archive.org/web/20081028131414/http://www.bellhelicopter.com/en/company/pressReleases/PR_08_0305_threeH-1Delivered.cfm . 28 October 2008 . 3 March 2008 . dead.
  11. News: Nelms . Douglas . 1 September 2009 . Program Insider: H-1 Update . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120217023904/http://www.aviationtoday.com/rw/military/attack/Program-Insider-H-1-Update_34824.html . 17 February 2012 . Rotor & Wing.
  12. Web site: Butler . Amy . 13 October 2010 . U.S. Marines Propose AH-1Z Production Boost . subscription . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240107042429/https://aviationweek.com/us-marines-propose-ah-1z-production-boost . 7 January 2024 . 17 August 2017 . Aviation Week.
  13. Web site: Reim . Garrett . Bell to finish Marine Corps deliveries of UH-1Y Venom by end of 2018 . FlightGlobal . https://web.archive.org/web/20190330003423/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/bell-to-finish-marine-corps-deliveries-of-uh-1y-veno-448664/ . 30 March 2019 . en . 17 May 2018 . dead.
  14. Web site: U.S. Marines receives final production-era UH-1Y Venom .
  15. Web site: Ganta . Himaja . 2021-07-20 . Bell Textron begins UH-1Y helicopter production for Czech Republic . 2024-04-24 . Airforce Technology . en-US.
  16. Web site: RS . 2021-07-22 . Bell resumes production UH-1Y for Czech Air Force . 2024-04-24 . scramble.nl . en-GB.
  17. Web site: The helicopter huey by the Bell Helicopters . Huey Helicopter Review . 10 January 2012 . 20 September 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160920113705/http://www.hueyhelicopterreview.com/2011/10/helicopter-huey/ . dead.
  18. Web site: Bell UH-1Y . Bell Helicopter . https://web.archive.org/web/20160425063624/http://www.bellhelicopter.com/military/bell-uh-1y . 25 April 2016 . dead.
  19. Web site: UH-1Y Huey Multipurpose Helicopter . 2024-05-24 . Airforce Technology . en-US.
  20. Web site: Milliman . John . AH-1Z/UH-1Y complete developmental testing . U.S. Navy Naval Air Systems Command . https://archive.today/20240124213620/https://www.navair.navy.mil/node/13926 . 24 January 2024 . 1 March 2006 . live.
  21. Web site: AH-1Z/UH-1Y Start OPEVAL . U.S Navy Naval Air Systems Command . https://archive.today/20240124214014/https://www.navair.navy.mil/node/14066 . 24 January 2024 . 9 May 2006 . live.
  22. Web site: Warwick . Graham . PICTURES: US Marine Corps' Bell AH-1Z and UH-1Y enter final test phase . FlightGlobal . https://web.archive.org/web/20090207202038/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/02/20/221714/pictures-us-marine-corps-bell-ah-1z-and-uh-1y-enter-final-test-phase.html . 7 February 2009 . 22 February 2008 . dead.
  23. Web site: Airscoop . Leland . Wendy . November–December 2008 . Naval Aviation News . . 7. http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20100407151522/http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/nhcorg5.htm . 7 April 2010 . dead .
  24. Morris, Jefferson. "Marine Corps Declares UH-1Y Operational". Aviation Week, 18 August 2008.
  25. Web site: Final Flight of UH-1N Huey for HMLA-773 . helis.com . https://web.archive.org/web/20210730210920/https://www.helis.com/database/news/hmla-773_uh-1n/ . 30 July 2021 . 3 September 2014 . live.
  26. Web site: Czech Republic – UH-1Y Utility Helicopters. Defense Security Cooperation Agency. 23 October 2017. 26 October 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171026163202/http://www.dsca.mil/major-arms-sales/czech-republic-uh-1y-utility-helicopters. 26 October 2017. live.
  27. News: Lazarová . Daniela . 22 August 2019 . Czech Army to acquire Viper and Venom helicopters from US . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230421141316/https://english.radio.cz/czech-army-acquire-viper-and-venom-helicopters-us-8122676 . 21 April 2023 . 22 August 2019 . Radio Praha . Český rozhlas.
  28. Web site: Parsons . Dan . 16 December 2019 . Czech H-1 deal will keep Bell's production line open at least through 2024 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240114090533/https://www.verticalmag.com/news/czech-h-1-deal-will-keep-bells-production-line-open-at-least-through-2024/ . 14 January 2024 . 29 December 2019 . Vertical Magazine.
  29. Web site: 2023-08-22 . The Czech Republic Receives Its First UH-1Y Venom Utility Helicopter . 2024-04-24 . Overt Defense . en-CA.
  30. Web site: 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 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240124220218/https://ct24.ceskatelevize.cz/clanek/domaci/cernochova-spojene-staty-daji-cesku-zdarma-osm-vrtulniku-17113 . 24 January 2024 . ČT24 . Czech.
  31. Web site: 2015 . World Air Forces 2015 pg. 33 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20150324102339/http://forms.flightglobal.com/WorldAirForces2015?product=PREM&mode=DOWNLOAD&DMDcode=FGWC4&fcid=%7B05ceef25-b72e-4bea-9a83-a7ab7d02e55a%7D_FC078_PREM_201412&fcfileext=pdf . 24 March 2015 . 26 December 2014 . FlightGlobal Insight.
  32. Web site: Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167 HML/A-167 "Warriors". tripod.com. 12 February 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20150503014258/http://hma1369.tripod.com/167.html. 3 May 2015. live.
  33. Web site: Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron-169 [HMLA-169] ]. tripod.com . 12 February 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110929101414/http://hma1369.tripod.com/169.html . 29 September 2011 . live.
  34. Web site: 20 August 2012 . HMLA-269 transitions to UH-1Y . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240124220710/https://www.newriver.marines.mil/News/Article/Article/523255/hmla-269-transitions-to-uh-1y/ . 24 January 2024 . 12 February 2013 . U.S. Marine Corps.
  35. Web site: MARINE LIGHT ATTACK HELICOPTER SQUADRON 367 HMLA-367 "Scarface" . tripod.com . 12 February 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140202173825/http://hma1369.tripod.com/367.html . 2 February 2014 . live.
  36. Web site: Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369 . 17 August 2024 . 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Marines (.mil).
  37. Web site: Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469 HMLA-469 "Vengeance" . tripod.com . 12 February 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120120133923/http://hma1369.tripod.com/469.html . 20 January 2012 . live.
  38. Web site: Final Flight of UH-1N Huey for HMLA-773 . 4 September 2014 . Helihub.com . 9 January 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140907074606/http://helihub.com/2014/09/04/final-flight-of-uh-1n-huey-for-hmla-773/ . 7 September 2014 . live.
  39. Web site: Marine Light Attack Helicopter Training Squadron 303 HMLA/T-303 "Atlas" . tripod.com . 12 February 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150503013526/http://hma1369.tripod.com/303.html . 3 May 2015 . live.

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Bell UH-1Y Venom".

Except where otherwise indicated, Everything.Explained.Today is © Copyright 2009-2024, A B Cryer, All Rights Reserved. Cookie policy.