The Bell UH-1 Huey Helicopter
USAF
Bell UH-1N Huey Helicopter
The UH-1N is a light-lift utility helicopter used to support Air Force Space Command missile wings and groups. The helicopter has a number of uses. Its primary mission includes:
- Airlift of emergency security and disaster response forces
- Security surveillance of off-base movements of nuclear weapons convoys and test range areas during launch conditions
- Space shuttle landing support, priority maintenance dispatch support, and emergency positive control document changes
- Response to search and rescue operations
Other uses include airlift of missile support personnel, airborne cable inspections and distinguished visitor transport.
Features
PH1(NAC) STEPHEN BATIZ, USN
A Bell UH-1 Iroquois (Huey) helicopter from Helicopter Marine Light Attack Squadron 369
A Bell UH-1 Iroquois (Huey) helicopter from Helicopter Marine Light Attack Squadron 369 lands on the flight deck of the USS TARAWA (LHA 1) during Exercise KERNEL BLITZ ’97. Also seen in silhouette is a CH-46 Sea Knight. KERNEL BLITZ is taking place off the coast of Southern California and Camp Pendleton to train Navy and Marine Corps personnel in amphibious operations.
The UH-1N is capable of flight in instrument and nighttime conditions. The crew complement is normally two (pilot and co-pilot), but may be flown single-pilot depending on weather and mission requirements. The crew complement for hoist, water and navigational operations is three, adding a flight engineer.
When configured for passengers, the UH-1N can seat up to 13 people, but actual passenger loads are dependent on fuel loads and atmospheric conditions (may be less). The medical evacuation configuration can accommodate up to six litters. Without seats or litters, the cabin can carry bulky, oversized cargo. Access to the cabin is through two full-sized sliding doors.
Background
The UH-1N entered the Air Force inventory in 1970 to provide search and rescue capabilities. The missions expanded to include missile, distinguished visitor and survival school support. HH-1H's and UH-1F's supporting the missile wings were eventually replaced by the UH-1N due to the greater safety and capability offered by the twin engine.
Manufactured by Bell Helicopter/Textron Inc., the UH-1N is the military version of the Bell 212, one of the more than 15 variants of the original "Huey" first designed and flown in 1956. With AFSPC, UH-1N's are assigned to the 30th Space Wing, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., the 90th Space Wing, F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo., the 341st Space Wing, Malmstrom AFB, Mont., and the 91st Space Wing, Minot AFB, N.D.
General Characteristics
| Bell UH-1 Huey | ||
|---|---|---|
| Country | United States |  |
| Length | 17.44 meters | 57.22 feet |
| Height | 3.90 meters | 12.80 feet |
| MTO weight | 4,760 kilograms | 10,500 pounds |
| Max speed | 239.79 kph | 149 mph |
| Max cruise speed | 185.07 kph | 115 mph |
| Service ceiling | 4,570 meters | 15,000 feet |
| Range | 483 kilometers | 300 miles |
| Crew | Pilot,Co-Pilot and Flight Engineer, mission dependent | |
| Engine type | Pratt and Whitney T400-CP-400 turboshaft engines | |
| No. of Engines | 2 | |
USMC photo by Lance Cpl. Kelly R Chase
