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.
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 (190km/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
Rear view of UH-1Y showing the twin engine exhausts
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.[1]
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 23mm 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 (530mm) 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 (70mm) 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, GAU-21, and GAU-17A.[20][21]
The AN/ALQ-231(V)3 Intrepid Tiger II pod on a UH-1Y
The UH-1Y can also be fitted with the AN/ALQ-231(V)3 Intrepid Tiger II (IT II), an advanced electronic warfare pod designed to provide precise, on-demand electronic attack and support capabilities. It features an open architecture and rapid reprogrammability, allowing it to adapt to evolving threats. The IT II can be controlled from the cockpit or by a ground operator, enabling flexible deployment in various combat scenarios. It gives the UH-1Y the ability to jam enemy communications, gather signals intelligence, and disrupt adversary networks, making it a crucial asset for electronic warfare operations.[22]
Operational history
UH-1Y operating in Hawaii
The UH-1Y and AH-1Z completed their developmental testing in early 2006.[23] 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.[24] In February 2008, the UH-1Y and AH-1Z began the second and final portion of testing.[25] 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.[26][27] The UH-1N Twin Huey was retired by the Marines in August 2014, making the UH-1Y the Marine Corps' standard utility helicopter.[28]
A UH-1Y from HMLA-367 and an AH-1W SuperCobra in Afghanistan, November 2009
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