UH-1 (NO.3)
The UH-1 Iroquois is a military helicopter powered by a single, turboshaft engine, with a two-bladed main rotor and tail rotor. The helicopter was developed by Bell Helicopterto meet the United States Army’s requirement for a medical evacuation and utility helicopter in 1952, and first flew on 20 October 1956. Ordered into production in March 1960, the UH-1 was the first turbine-powered helicopter to enter production for theUnited States military, and more than 16,000 have been produced worldwide.
The first combat operation of the UH-1 was in the service of the U.S. Army during theVietnam War. The original designation of HU-1 led to the helicopter’s nickname ofHuey. In September 1962, the designation was changed to UH-1, but Huey remained in common use, as well as being chosen as the official name by the United States Marine Corps. Approximately 7,000 UH-1 aircraft saw service in Vietnam.
General characteristics
- Crew: 1-4
- Capacity: 3,880 lb including 14 troops, or 6 stretchers, or equivalent cargo
- Length: 57 ft 1 in (17.40 m) with rotors
- Wingspan: 48 ft 0 in (14.63 m)
- Width: 8 ft 7 in (2.62 m) (Fuselage)
- Height: 14 ft 5 in (4.39 m)
- Empty weight: 5,215 lb (2,365 kg)
- Gross weight: 9,040 lb (4,100 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 9,500 lb (4,309 kg)
- Powerplant: 1 × Lycoming T53-L-11 turboshaft, 1,100 shp (820 kW)
- Main rotor diameter: 48 ft 0 in (14.63 m)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 135 mph (217 km/h; 117 kn)
- Cruise speed: 125 mph (109 kn; 201 km/h)
- Range: 315 mi (274 nmi; 507 km)
- Service ceiling: 19,390 ft (5,910 m) (Dependent on environmental factors such as weight, outside temp., etc)
- Rate of climb: 1,755 ft/min (8.92 m/s)
- Power/mass: 0.15 hp/lb (0.25 kW/kg)
Armament
Variable, but may include a combination of:
- 2x 7.62 mm M60 machine gun, or 2x 7.62 mm GAU-17/A machine gun
- 2x 7-round or 19-round 2.75 in (70 mm) rocket pods
- 2x 7.62 mm Rheinmetall MG3 (German Army and German Luftwaffe)
