Hope you enjoy my UH-1Y Venom United States helicopter.

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TheBellUH-1Y Venom[3](also calledSuper Huey[4]) is a twin-engine medium size utilityhelicopter, part of theUnited States Marine Corps'H-1 upgrade program. The helicopter is also calledYankeefor its variant letter, Y.[5]

The UH-1Y is currently in full-rate production to replace the USMC's aging fleet ofUH-1N Twin Hueylightutility helicoptersfirst introduced in the early 1970s. The UH-1Y was to have been remanufactured from UH-1Ns, but in 2005 it was approved for the aircraft to be built as new.[6]

Development[edit]

In 1996, theUnited States Marine Corpslaunched the H-1 upgrade program by signing a contract withBell Helicopterfor upgrading 100UH-1Nsinto UH-1Ys and upgrading 180AH-1WsintoAH-1Zs.[7][8]The H-1 program created completely modernizedattackandutility helicopterswith considerable design commonality to reduce operating costs. The UH-1Y and AH-1Z share a common tail boom, engines, rotor system, drive train, avionics architecture, software, controls and displays for over 84% identical components.[9][10]

The Y-model updates an airframe that has been central to the Marine Corps aviation in Iraq. The Huey has many mission requirements including command and control (C2), escort, reconnaissance, troop transport, medical evacuation and close air support. Typically detachments of 2o 4 Hueys have been deployed with detachments of 4o 8 Cobras. The forward mounted weaponry of the Cobra combined with the door guns of the Huey provides a 240° field of fire.

Over the years new avionics and radios, in addition to modern door guns and safety upgrades, have greatly increased the UH-1N's empty weight. With a maximum speed of approximately 100 knots (190km/h) and an inability to lift much more than its own crew, fuel and ammunition, the UH-1N, while useful, is limited in its utility.

A UH-1Y ofHMLAT-303at Camp Pendleton, 2008

The Y-model upgrades pilot avionics to a glass cockpit, adds further safety modifications and provides the UH-1 with a modernFLIRsystem. However, the biggest improvement is an increase in engine power. By replacing the engines and the two bladed rotor system with four composite blades the Y-model will return the Huey to the utility role for which it was designed. 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][11]

Bell delivered two UH-1Ys to the U.S. Marine Corps in February 2008.[12]As of September 2009, the UH-1Y is in full-rate production, with the Marine Corps expected to have 21 by the end of the year.[13]The Marine Corps plans to eventually buy 160 of the Y-models to replace their inventory of N-models,[14]with aircraft deliveries to be completed by 2016.[15][16]

Design[edit]

The UH-1Y variant modernizes the UH-1 design. Its most noticeable upgrade over previous variants is a four-bladed, all-composite rotor system designed to withstand ballistics up to 23mm. A 21-inch (530mm) insert just forward of the main door has been installed for more capacity. The UH-1Y features upgraded engines and transmission, a digital cockpit withflat panelmultifunctional displays, and an 84% parts commonality with the AH-1Z. Compared to the UH-1N, the Y-model has an almost 125% increased payload, almost 50% greater range, a reduction invibration, and higher cruise speed.[17][9][18]The UH-1Y can keep up with the other helicopters it is escorting. The UH-1Y will have more power to maneuver. Ground forces commanders riding in the Y-model will have radios, firepower and the range to match the transport helicopters carrying their troops.[citation needed]

TheLockheed Martintarget sight system (TSS) incorporates a third-generationFLIRsensor. The TSS provides target sighting in day, night or adverse weather conditions. The system has various view modes and can track with FLIR or by TV. It is also used on theAH-1Z Viperand theKC-130JHarvest HAWK.[19]

Operational history[edit]

A UH-1Y from HMLA-367 and anAH-1W SuperCobrain Afghanistan, November 2009

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 the NAS Patuxent River, where they began operational evaluation (OPEVAL) testing.[21]In February 2008, the UH-1Y and AH-1Z began the second and final portion of OPEVAL testing.[22]

On 8 August 2008, the Marine Corps certified the UH-1Y as operationally capable and was deployed for the first time in January 2009 as part of theaviation combat elementof the13th Marine Expeditionary Unit.[23][24]