Bell UH–1Y Venom

About the UH-1Y:

The Bell UH-1Y Venom is a twin engine, medium class utility helicopter. It is powered by two General Electric T700-GE-401C turboshaft engines with 1,546 shp each.

Notable equipment on the AH-1Z are the FLIR Systems AN/AAQ-22 BRITE Star (EO/IR) fire control system, the Thales TopOwl Helmet Mounted Sight and Display System, the AN/ARC-210 Digital Communication System, and the Raytheon AN/APX-100 Identification Friend-or-Foe (IFF) transponder.

The primary navigation system is the CN-1689(V)2/ASN Embedded GPS/INS supported by the AN/ARN-153(V) TACAN System and DF-301E VHF/UHF Direction Finder.

Aircraft countermeasures include the BAE Systems AN/ALE-47 Airborne Countermeasures Dispenser System, the AN/AVR-2A Laser Warning System, the AN/APR-39A Radar Warning Receiver, and AN/AAR-47 Missile Warning System.

DoD Upgrade Program:

The H–1 Helicopter Upgrade program converts AH–1W Super Cobra and UH–1N Huey helicopters to the AH-1Z Viper and UH–1Y Venom, respectively. The upgraded helicopters will have increased maneuverability, speed, and payload capability. The upgrades include a new four-bladed rotor system, new transmissions, a new four-bladed tail rotor and drive system + upgraded landing gear. Also, this program provides for UH-1Y and AH-1Z new-build rotorcraft.

The UH-1Y is the most significant upgrade ever made to the combat-proven UH-1 helicopter. At the core of the upgrade is a new four-bladed, all-composite and ballistically tolerant (up to 23mm) rotor system, upgraded engines and transmissions, integrated digital cockpit featuring multifunction flat panels, increased payload capabilities, crash-worthy seating for all crew and passengers, and 84% identical parts with the AH-1Z Viper. The upgraded helicopters also provide increased load carrying ability, greater range and survivability, smaller logistical footprint and easier maintenance for the Marine Corps.

The DoD procurement strategy is to remanufacture 10 UH-1N Huey helicopters into UH-1Ys and build 150 new UH-1Y Venom.

Armament/Weapons:

The UH-1Y Venom is equipped with two M240D 7.62mm machine guns and carries 2.75" (70mm) Hydra-70 rockets. For more details, see specifications below.

Price/Unit Cost:

The price of the UH-1Y Venom, excluding initial spares and ancillary equipment is $19.85 million (in 2012). The cost of the airframe and avionics is $18.38 million while the engines cost $735,900 each.

Mission/Role:

The UH-1Y utility helicopter provides command & control and assault support under day/night and adverse weather conditions.

FY 2012 UH-1 DoD Program:

Provides funds for the purchase of 15 UH-1Y Venom new-build aircraft.

FY 2013 UH-1 DoD Program:

Provides funds for the purchase of 15 UH-1Y Venom new-build aircraft. For more information, click to view the FY 2013 H-1 DoD Budget.

Sources Used: U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), Bell Helicopter, General Electric,
and FLIR Systems.

Primary Function: Command & control and assault support
under day/night and adverse weather conditions
Prime Contractor: Bell Helicopter Textron
Power Plant: 2x General Electric T700-GE-401C turboshaft engines with 1,546 shp (each engine)
Length: Fuselage: 44 ft (13.41 m); w/rotating rotor: 58 ft (17.68 m)
Height: 17 ft (5.18 m)
Rotor Diameter: 48 ft 10 in (14.88 m)
Weight (Empty): 11,839 lbs (5,370 kg)
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW): 18,500 lbs (8,390 kg)
Payload: Max: 3,220 lbs (1,460 kg)
Capacity: 10 combat-equipped troops
Fuel Capacity: Internal: 2,584 lbs (1,172 kg)
Speed: Cruise: 146 kts/168 mph (270 km/h); Max: 170 kts/196 mph (315 km/h)
Rate of Climb: 2,520 ft/min (12.8 m/s)
Service Ceiling: 20,000 ft (6,096 m); Max operational altitude is 10,000 ft (3,048 m)
Combat Radius: 130 nm/150 miles (241 km) with 2,182 lbs (990 kg) payload
Crew: Four (pilot, co-pilot, crew chief, gunner)
First Flight: December 20, 2001
Deployed: August 2008

Armament/Weapons: 2x M240D 7.62 mm machine guns;
2x LAU-61 19-tube Rocket Pods for 2.75" (70mm) Hydra-70 rockets;
or 2x LAU-68 7-tube Rocket Pods for 2.75" (70mm) Hydra-70 rockets.

Avionics/Countermeasures:
FLIR Systems AN/AAQ-22D BRITE Star (EO/IR) fire control system
Thales TopOwl Helmet Mounted Sight and Display System
Rockwell Collins AN/ARC-210 Digital Communication System
CN-1689(V)2/ASN Embedded GPS/INS
Rockwell Collins AN/ARN-153(V) TACAN System
DF-301E VHF/UHF Direction Finder
Raytheon AN/APX-100 Identification Friend-or-Foe (IFF)
BAE Systems AN/ALE-47 Airborne Countermeasures Dispenser System
Goodrich AN/AVR-2A Laser Warning System
Northrop Grumman AN/APR-39B(V)2 Radar Warning Receiver
Alliant Techsystems AN/AAR-47 Missile Warning System

Product Type:	Utility Helicopter
Using Service:	Air Force (USAF) and Marine Corps (USMC)
Program Status:	In Production
Prime Contractor:	Bell Helicopter (Textron)

Purchases of H-1 Helicopters (NAVY)	UH-1 Aircraft Modifications (NAVY)	Aircraft Spares and Parts (NAVY)
	UH-1 Aircraft Modifications (USAF)

Product Type:

Using Service:

Program Status:

Prime Contractor:

About the UH-1Y:

DoD Upgrade Program:

Armament/Weapons:

Price/Unit Cost:

Mission/Role:

FY 2012 UH-1 DoD Program:

FY 2013 UH-1 DoD Program:

External Resources:

UH-1 U.S. Defense Budget Charts:

DoD Spending, Procurement and RDT&E: FY 2011 + Budget for FY 2012 and FY 2013

Download Official U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Budget Data:

Aircraft Specifications: UH–1Y Venom