Manufacturer: Bell Helicopter
Service: USAF Propulsion: 2x Pratt and Whitney T400-CP-400 turboshaft engines Range: 300 miles Maximum Speed: 149 mph Crew: Pilot with co-pilot and flight engineer, depending on mission
The Bell UH-1N Iroquois is a light-lift utility helicopter used to support various missions. Primary missions include the airlift of emergency security forces, security and surveillance of off-base nuclear weapons convoys, and distinguished visitor airlift. Other uses encompass disaster response operations, search and rescue, medical evacuation, airborne command and control, aerial testing, route reconnaissance, and support for aircrew survival school.
This versatile helicopter, powered by two Pratt and Whitney turboshaft engines, is adept at executing diverse tasks with precision. Its capabilities extend to disaster relief operations, search and rescue missions, medical evacuation, airborne command and control, aerial testing, reconnaissance, and support for aircrew survival school. The UH-1N stands out as a reliable workhorse, ensuring the success of a wide range of missions with its robust performance and advanced features.”
The UH-1N seamlessly navigates the challenges of flight in instrument and nighttime conditions. The crew complement is normally three (pilot, co-pilot, and flight engineer), but may vary with fewer crew members depending on mission requirements. When configured for passengers, the Bell UH-1N Iroquois can seat up to 13 people, balancing between fuel loads and operational conditions (may be less in austere environments). The medical evacuation configuration accommodates 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.
Introduced by Bell Helicopter in 1970, the UH-1N Iroquois entered service with the Air Force to provide search and rescue capabilities. Its diverse missions include missile security, distinguished visitor transport, survival school, and test support. The HH-1H’s and UH-1F’s support for missile wings were eventually replaced by the UH-1N, thanks to its twin-engine capability, enhancing safety and operational flexibility in the challenging environment of missile sites and flight operations.
“Manufactured by Bell Helicopter/Textron Inc., the UH-1N stands as the military evolution of the Bell 212, one of the numerous variants of the original “Huey” first designed and flown in 1956.
This versatile helicopter is assigned worldwide. Within the Air Force Global Strike Command, UH-1N’s are positioned at the 90th Missile Wing, F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo., the 341st Missile Wing, Malmstrom AFB, Mont., and the 91st Missile Wing, Minot AFB, N.D. These strategic locations showcase the UH-1N’s pivotal role in supporting missile operations across different regions.”
“Other units incorporating the UH-1N include the 1st Helicopter Squadron at Andrews AFB, Md.; the 36th Rescue Flight at Fairchild AFB, Wash.; the 459th Airlift Squadron at Yokota AB, Japan; the 40th Flight Test Squadron at Eglin AFB, Fla.; the 6th Special Operations Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Fla.; and the 512th Rescue Squadron at Kirtland AFB, N.M. These units showcase the widespread and diverse applications of the UH-1N across various operational contexts.”
