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History
In the period 1954-1955 the US Army was looking for a utility-helicopter to use for instrument training an common use. Bell had registered the contest with model 204 and was selected. The type, was eventually designated as HU-1; this was the reason for the well known nickname of this helicopter, Huey. It was designated UH-I Iroquois by the US Army.
The first of three prototypes flew in October 1956. Six pre production machines were built for testing purposes. The first production version was designated UH-1A and was delivered during 1959. It was equipped with one Lycoming T53-L-1A rated at 770 hp.
Versions.
- UH-1B Iroquois:
- This was a development of the UH-1A and it was equipped with the stronger Lycoming T53-L-5 turbo-shaft engine, rated at 960 hp. Later UH-1B's were equipped with a Lycoming T53-L-11 van 1100 hp. The UH-1B could carry seven passengers besides the crew of two, or two stretchers and two passengers.
The armament consisted of rockets an electrically manoeuvrable machine-guns. The first UH-1B was delivered in march 1961.- Model 204B:.This was the export version of the UH-1B, equipped with ten seats, one Lycoming T53-11A turbo-shaft of 1100 hp and rotor with a diameter of 14.63m. In the tail boom a room for luggage was available.
- Agusta-Bell 204B:. This was an utility-helicopter, which can be compared with the Iroquois and produced under licence by Agusta in Italy between 1961 and 1974. About 250 of it were built and delivered to both military as civil users. A difference with the US-built 204B is the engine type and the exhaust, pointing sideways, where as the original Bell has an exhaust pointing backwards.
- Bell 205B:This was an enlarged and heavier version of the Bell 204B.
- UH-1C Iroquois:
- This was a development of the UH-1B with improved rotor blades, thus giving the chopper a higher speed and better manoeuvrability.
- UH-1E Iroquois:
- This was the Naval version of the UH-1B, developed on behalf of the US Marine Corps. It could transport nine persons.
- UH-1F Iroquois:
- Also based upon the UH-1B. Twenty-five of this type were delivered to the USAF. It was equipped with a General Electric T58-GE-3 rated at 1100 hp; the rotor was enlarged and had a diameter of 14.63 m. Besides he pilot ten passengers or a load of 1815 kg could be carried. Delivery started in February 1964. A trainer version was the TH-1F Iroquois. A special version was the UH-1P.
- HH-1K Iroquois:
- This was a special SAR-implementation on behalf of the US Navy. Twenty seven of it were delivered in 1970.
- TH-1L Iroquois:
- This was a trainer version for the US Navy, which can be compared with the UH-1E. This type was equipped with one Lycoming T53-L-13 of 1100 hp and improved electronics. Fifty-four of this type were built in 1968.
- UH-1L Iroquois:
- An utility version of the TH-1L for the US Navy. Eight of this type were built in 1969.
- UH-1M Iroquois:
- An evaluation version on behalf of Hughes Aircraft Iroquois night fighter & night tracker system. Three of this type were used by US Army.
| Dimensions: | |||
| Length with rotor | 11,71 m | Rotor diameter: | 14,63 m |
| Height: | 3,86 m | Tail Rotor diameter: | - m |
| Weights: | |||
| Empty weight: | 1983 kg | Full weight: | 3856 kg |
| Performances: | |||
| Max. speed: | 240 km/hr | Cruising speed: | |
| Range: | 400 km | Service ceiling: | |
| Engine type: | B.S. Gnôme H-1000 rated 1050 hp | ||
| Crew: | Two men. | ||
| Armament: | None | ||
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