UH-1Y Venom
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 user United States Marine Corps
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, 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" after the NATO phonetic alphabet pronunciation of its variant letter.[5] Bell was originally to produce UH-1Ys by rebuilding UH-1Ns, but ultimately built them from scratch instead. In 2008, the UH-1Y entered service with the Marine Corps and also began full-rate production.[6] The aircraft replaced the USMC's UH-1N Twin Huey light utility helicopters, introduced in the early 1970s. The final UH-1Y was delivered in 2018.[7]

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 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.

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.[8][9] 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.[10][11]

A UH-1Y during sea trials aboard USS Bataan

Originally, the UH-1Y was to have been remanufactured from UH-1N airframes, but in April 2005, approval was granted to build them as new helicopters.[6][12] Bell delivered two UH-1Ys to the U.S. Marine Corps in February 2008,[13] and full-rate production was begun in September 2009.[14] The Marine Corps purchased 160 Y-models to replace their inventory of N-models.[15]

Design

UH-1Y refueling at night

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.[10][16][17]

Operational history

The UH-1Y and AH-1Z completed their developmental testing in early 2006.[18] 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.[19] In February 2008, the UH-1Y and AH-1Z began the second and final portion of testing.[20] 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.[21][22] The UH-1N Twin Huey was retired by the Marines in August 2014, making the UH-1Y the Marine Corps' standard utility helicopter.[23]

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.[24] In December 2019, an order for eight UH-1Y helicopters was approved.[25][26]

Operators

The first delivered UH-1Y to the Czech Air Force on a public display during the NATO Days in Ostrava airshow in September 2023
A UH-1Y from HMLA-367 and an AH-1W SuperCobra in Afghanistan, November 2009
 Czech Republic
  • Czech Air Force (1 delivered, 7 remaining on order)[26] Another two to be transferred at no cost via the Excess Defense Articles program.[27]
 United States

Specifications

UH-1Y firing rockets

Data from Bell UH-1Y guide,[10] International Directory of Civil Aircraft[36]

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[37]
  • 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[38]

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

See also

Related development

References

  1. ↑ "UH-1Y Achieves First Flight". Archived from the original on 4 May 2007. Retrieved 17 March 2007.
  2. ↑ "AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom Helicopters". Retrieved 25 October 2020.
  3. ↑ DoD 4120-15L, Model Designation of Military Aerospace Vehicles Archived 25 October 2007 at the Wayback Machine. US DoD, 12 May 2004.
  4. ↑ GE Aviation (2008). "Bell UH-1Y Super Huey". Archived from the original on 6 January 2009. Retrieved 5 June 2009.
  5. ↑ 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.
  6. 1 2 "UH-1Ys to be built new starting in 06" Archived 6 February 2009 at the Wayback Machine. US Navy, 22 April 2005.
  7. ↑ Bell to finish Marine Corps deliveries of UH-1Y Venom by end of 2018 Archived 30 March 2019 at the Wayback Machine. Flight International. 17 May 2018.
  8. ↑ Donald, David. Modern Battlefield Warplanes. AIRTime Publishing, 2004. ISBN 1-880588-76-5.
  9. ↑ Bishop, Chris. Huey Cobra Gunships. Osprey Publishing, 2006. ISBN 1-84176-984-3.
  10. 1 2 3 "Bell UH-1Y pocket guide" (PDF). bellhelicopter.com. Bell Helicopter. March 2006. Archived from the original (PDF) on 29 December 2010. Retrieved 9 February 2019.
  11. ↑ Rotorbreeze Magazine. Bell, October 2006.
  12. ↑ Bruno, Michael. "Wynne Approves Buy Of New UH-1Y Hueys". Aviation Week, 25 April 2005.
  13. ↑ "Bell H-1 upgrade program delivers two UH-1Y and one AH-1Z in February" Archived 28 October 2008 at the Wayback Machine, Bell Helicopter, 3 March 2008.
  14. ↑ "Program Insider: H-1 Update". Rotor & Wing. 1 September 2009. Archived from the original on 17 February 2012.
  15. ↑ Butler, Amy. "U.S. Marines Propose AH-1Z Production Boost" Archived 18 August 2017 at the Wayback Machine. Aviation Week, 13 October 2010. Retrieved: 17 August 2017.
  16. ↑ "The helicopter huey by the Bell Helicopters". Huey Helicopter Review. Archived from the original on 20 September 2016. Retrieved 10 January 2012.
  17. ↑ UH-1Y page Archived 25 April 2016 at the Wayback Machine. Bell.
  18. ↑ Milliman, John. "AH-1Z/UH-1Y complete developmental testing" Archived 28 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine. US Navy, 1 March 2006.
  19. ↑ "AH-1Z/UH-1Y Start OPEVAL". US Navy, 6 May 2006.
  20. ↑ Warwick, Graham. "US Marine Corps' Bell AH-1Z and UH-1Y enter final test phase" Archived 7 February 2009 at the Wayback Machine. Flightglobal.com, 20 February 2008.
  21. ↑ 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.
  22. ↑ Morris, Jefferson. "Marine Corps Declares UH-1Y Operational". Aviation Week, 18 August 2008.
  23. ↑ Final Flight of UH-1N Huey for HMLA-773 Archived 18 January 2016 at the Wayback Machine - Marines.mil, 3 September 2014
  24. ↑ "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.
  25. ↑ Lazarová, Daniela (22 August 2019). "Czech Army to acquire Viper and Venom helicopters from US". Radio Praha. Český rozhlas. Retrieved 22 August 2019.
  26. 1 2 "Czech H-1 deal will keep Bell's production line open at least through 2024". Retrieved 29 December 2019.
  27. ↑ Bahounkova, Petra (18 August 2022). "Černochová: Spojené státy dají Česku zdarma osm vrtulníků". Czech Television.
  28. ↑ "World Air Forces 2015 pg. 33". Flightglobal Insight. 2015. Archived from the original on 24 March 2015. Retrieved 26 December 2014.
  29. ↑ "Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167 HML/A-167 "Warriors"". tripod.com. Archived from the original on 3 May 2015. Retrieved 12 February 2013.
  30. ↑ "Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron-169 [HMLA-169]". tripod.com. Archived from the original on 29 September 2011. Retrieved 12 February 2013.
  31. ↑ "Squadron 269 transition to new helicopter". USMC.mil. Archived from the original on 18 January 2016. Retrieved 12 February 2013.
  32. ↑ "MARINE LIGHT ATTACK HELICOPTER SQUADRON 367 HMLA-367 "Scarface"". tripod.com. Archived from the original on 2 February 2014. Retrieved 12 February 2013.
  33. ↑ "Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469 HMLA-469 "Vengeance"". tripod.com. Archived from the original on 20 January 2012. Retrieved 12 February 2013.
  34. ↑ "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.
  35. ↑ "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.
  36. ↑ Frawley, Gerard: The International Directory of Civil Aircraft, 2003–2004, p. 44. Aerospace Publications Pty Ltd, 2003. ISBN 1-875671-58-7
  37. ↑ "UH-1Y Huey, United States of America". army-technology.com. Archived from the original on 7 January 2012. Retrieved 10 January 2012.
  38. ↑ Lednicer, David. "The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage". m-selig.ae.illinois.edu. Retrieved 16 April 2019.
  39. ↑ Marine helicopters deploy with laser-guided rocket - NAVAIR.Navy.mil, 17 April 2012 Archived 3 October 2012 at the Wayback Machine
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