Under the US Marine Corps H-1 programme, 100 UH-1N Huey
utility helicopters are being remanufactured by Bell Helicopter to the UH-1Y
grade and 180 AH-1W
SuperCobra attack helicopters to AH-1Z grade.
In April 2005, the USMC decided that the helicopters will
be built as new rather than remanufactured, starting from the third low-rate
initial production (LRIP) batch in 2008 through to final deliveries in 2016.
"The UH-1Y helicopter is fully marinised and capable
of shipboard operations worldwide."
The UH-1Y and AH-1Z have a very high level of commonality
which reduces the manufacturing and procurement costs. The helicopters have a
common four-bladed, composite, hingeless, bearingless main rotor system and
tail rotor, engine, avionics, software, controls and displays.
AH-1Z Viper: Details
UH-1Y helicopter upgrade programme
The first flight of the UH-1Y took place in December 2001
and first flight of the fully configured aircraft was in October 2003. An LRIP
order for six UH-1Y was placed in December 2003 and a second batch of four LRIP
aircraft was ordered in April 2005. One UH-1Y was delivered to the USMC in
October 2005.
Developmental testing was completed in February 2006 and
a six-month operational evaluation (OPEVAL) began in May 2006. The third LRIP
contract for seven UH-1Ys was placed in July 2006. The first production UH-1Y
was delivered in January 2007.
Initial operating capability was achieved in September
2008 and the UH-1Y is scheduled for its first operational deployment in January
2009 aboard USS Boxer, Wasp Class amphibious
assault ship.
By October 2008, the USMC had placed orders for 37 UH-1Y
of which 14 had been delivered. Deliveries of 123 aircraft are scheduled to
conclude in 2016.
More than 16,000 UH-1 Iroquois (better known as Huey)
helicopters have been produced by Bell since service entry in 1958. The UH-1N
entered service with the US Marine Corps in 1971.
The UH-1Y utility helicopter is fully marinised and
capable of shipboard operations worldwide, including take-off, landing,
refuelling and rearming. The helicopter is securable for deck movement up to
Sea State 5. Missions include airborne command and control, aeromedical
evacuation, troop transport, transport of supplies and equipment and search and
rescue.
Price/Unit Cost:
The unit cost of a new build UH-1Y Venom is $25.42
million (flyaway cost in FY 2014). The cost of the airframe is $20.19 million,
the avionics package costs $2.81 million and the engines (x2) cost $755,905
each.
Total Cost - Life of Program (LoP):
The total procurement cost of the H-1 Upgrades program is
$11.47 billion (estimated by the DoD) + $1.54 billion in research and
development (RDT&E) funds, which means the total estimated program cost is
$13.01 billion (numbers are aggregated annual funds spent over the life of the
program and no price/inflation adjustment was made). This figure excludes
military construction (MILCON) costs in support of the program in the amount of
$17.6 million.
Mission/Role:
The UH-1Y utility helicopter provides command &
control and assault support under day/night and adverse weather conditions.
FY 2014 UH-1 DoD Program:
Provides funds in the amount of $331.6M for the purchase
of 11 UH-1Y Venom new build aircraft.
FY 2015 UH-1 DoD Program:
Provides funds in the amount of $440.2M for the purchase
of 15 new build UH-1Y Venom utility helicopters. The budget also funds
development efforts to support follow-on improvements to sensors and weapons
integration, avionics and air vehicle components that will address
deficiencies, systems safety, obsolescence, reliability, and cost growth
issues. Sources Used: U.S. Department of Defense
(DoD), Bell Helicopter, General Electric, and FLIR Systems.
Latest Bell UH-1Y "Venom" Variant Of The Iconic Huey
Finds An Export Customer: Here
Excerpt
Nearly 61 years to the day since its first flight, the legendary
UH-1 is still being exported to militaries abroad. Of course the newest variant
of the UH-1, the UH-1Y "Venom," is very much a different helicopter
than its grandfather, having far more in common with the more modern but still
dated Twin Huey Super Cobra. Nonetheless, with the news that the US Government
approved the sale of UH-1Ys to the Czech Republic, it's safe to say that Hueys
are still in demand in an age when the field of light to medium militarized
utility helicopters is crowded to say the least.
UH-1Y Huey design
Dimension data: blueskyrotor.com
The most noticeable external changes to the H-1 are the new four-bladed all composite, ballistically tolerant main and tail rotors. The rotors can sustain a 23mm round direct hit The rotor design has eliminated all bearings, hinges and rotor-mounted vibration absorbers. The blade body consists of a spar assembly, leading edge protective strips, skins over a honeycomb core and a trailing edge strip.
b-domke.de
b-domke.de
b-domke.de
Howard Mason
Blade folding is by a combination of automatic and manual
procedures. The system is capable of folding and unfolding in horizontal winds
up to 45kt from any direction.
wikimedia.org
Two fast rope gantries, deployable from within the cabin,
are permanently installed. The gantries can be stowed in two positions so the
cabin can be configured for ten crashworthy seats or six litters.
Cockpit
The new fully integrated glass cockpit is night vision
goggle compatible. The two crew stations are nearly identical with pilot or
copilot functions at either station. The flight controls include conventional
cyclic, collective and directional pedals.
Each crew station has two 8in×8in active matrix liquid
crystal colour multifunction displays and a 4.2in×4.2in dual function display
and data entry keyboard on the central console.
Thales Avionics is to supply the TopOwl Helmet Mounted
Sight and Display (HMD), also fitted on the Tiger, NH90 and Rooivalk helicopters.
The lightweight sight and display includes advanced visor projection with image
intensifiers and forward-looking infrared.
TopOwl Helmet Mounted Sight and Display (HMD)
TopOwl provides the pilot with optimum vision of the environment featuring unique visor-projected intensified night vision which is extremely comfortable to use.
MISSION
To accomplish the mission, TopOwl can display before the pilot’s eyes images from any sensor located on the aircraft such as an FLIR HD. The high accuracy head tracking system is able to slave any weapon.
COMFORT
TopOwl Helmet Mounted Sight and Display (HMD)
thalesgroup.com
VISION
TopOwl provides the pilot with optimum vision of the environment featuring unique visor-projected intensified night vision which is extremely comfortable to use.
MISSION
To accomplish the mission, TopOwl can display before the pilot’s eyes images from any sensor located on the aircraft such as an FLIR HD. The high accuracy head tracking system is able to slave any weapon.
COMFORT
TopOwl provides the pilot with the best comfort, reducing
pilot fatigue and improving performance over long and iterative missions.
TopOwl® has been chosen by 16 countries for their army, navy and/or air force attack and transport helicopters.
In full-rate production, TopOwl is operational on 5 major helicopter programmes: Tiger, NH90, Cobra AH-1Z, Huey UH-1Y and Rooivalk; T129 is in progress.
TopOwl® has been chosen by 16 countries for their army, navy and/or air force attack and transport helicopters.
In full-rate production, TopOwl is operational on 5 major helicopter programmes: Tiger, NH90, Cobra AH-1Z, Huey UH-1Y and Rooivalk; T129 is in progress.
Main characteristics:
- Binocular
40° field-of-view
- Visor
projection
- Modular
Integrated Image Intensifier
- FLIR
- Compatible
with full weapon suite: Guns, Rockets, Missiles
- Headborne
weight < 2.2 kg
- Customized
helmet liner to pilot head
- Integrated
Display Capabilities:
- Stroke symbology
- Raster video image (FLIR)
- Image intensified secure
A FLIR Systems BRITE Star thermal imaging and laser
designation system is mounted under the nose. BRITE Star consists of a triple
field-of-view thermal imager based on a 3 to 5-micron indium antinomide focal
plane array, a high-resolution CCD TV camera and an eyesafe laser rangefinder
and designator. The system replaces the AN/AAQ-22A SAFIRE and AN/AAQ-22C Star
SAFIRE (also made by FLIR Systems) currently fitted on the UH-1N.
BRITE Star thermal imaging and laser designation system
BRITE Star thermal imaging and laser designation system
BRITE Star II
The Most Powerful Multi-Sensor Targeting System in its
Class
The BRITE Star® II systems are the latest generation of
the combat-proven BRITE Star laser designation system. With a 100% duty cycle,
diode-pumped laser rangefinder/designator and in-flight boresighting, the BRITE
Star II are always ready for action. Its
range performance, sensor combination, and program record make it the low-risk
choice for reliable, long range target designation.
Howard Mason
FLIR BRITE Star II Features
- 5
field-of-view (FOV), large format thermal imager
- 3
FOV, high-resolution, 3-chip color daylight camera with matched fields of
view to the thermal imager
- Diode
pumped laser designator/rangefinder
- Laser
pointer
- Automatic
in-flight boresighting capability
- Laser
spot tracker
- Inertial
measurement unit and navigation processor
- Automatic
target tracker
- Selected
on high-profile platforms
- All FLIR inside
Benefits
- Offers
a field-of-view setting to match any mission, providing excellent
situational awareness and the greatest standoff range in its class
- Enhances
daylight missions and target identification; maintains operator
orientation when switching between sensors
- Offers
continuous duty cycle, high reliability, and long range performance;
compatible with US and NATO laser-guided munitions, including HELLFIRE
missiles
- Provides
air-to-ground tactical advantage, mark locations/targets for NVG equipped
forces
- On-demand
confirmation of designator accuracy without sacrificing field of regard;
minimizes pre-flight preparation, and enables fast installation on
multiple platforms
- Enables
sensor cueing to designated targets, simplifies target hand-off, and helps
put secondary eyes on target
- Ensures
precision geo-pointing and target geolocation, holds track during rigorous
maneuvers
- Multi-mode
adaptive tracker locks onto, and holds, moving and stationary targets
independent of platform motion
- Selected
for US DoD and FMS programs, the BRITE Star II is the high-performance,
low-risk solution
- FLIR controls the critical technology inside every Star class gimbal ensuring the fastest service and worldwide support
Howard Mason
The communications suite includes the US Navy standard
AN/ARC-210 radio, UHF/VHF communications, COMSEC, an APX-100(V) IFF
identification friend or foe, a satellite communications interface with a high
power amplifier and tactical data modem.
AN/ARC-210 radio
APX-100(V) IFF identification friend or foe
The APX-100 Mark XII/Mode S IFF (Identification Friend of Foe) transponder meets air-to-air, air-to-surface and surface-to-air mission security and civil aviation agencies requirements. Raytheon's APX-100 has been selected for the following platforms: C-141, C-5, C-130, C-17, CH-47, C-21, KC-10, C-40, KC-135 and C-9. Source
AN/ARC-210 radio
rockwellcollins.com
Technical specifications
APX-100(V) IFF identification friend or foe
The APX-100 Mark XII/Mode S IFF (Identification Friend of Foe) transponder meets air-to-air, air-to-surface and surface-to-air mission security and civil aviation agencies requirements. Raytheon's APX-100 has been selected for the following platforms: C-141, C-5, C-130, C-17, CH-47, C-21, KC-10, C-40, KC-135 and C-9. Source
The primary navigation system is the US Navy embedded GPS
inertial navigation system with an ARN-153 TACAN system and VHF/UHF direction
finder. The cockpit is equipped with a digital map for navigation, threat
display and in-flight mission planning.
ARN-153 TACAN system
ARN-153 TACAN system
TCN-500 / AN/ARN-153(V) Advanced Digital TACAN
Receiver-Transmitter
Field tested and proven over many years and on multiple
platforms, the TCN-500 is the latest technology airborne Receiver-Transmitter
(RT) component of the Tactical Airborne Navigation (TACAN) system.
The TCN-500 RT measures the slant-range distance and
relative bearing to a selected ground station or an airborne beacon and
computes velocity and time-to-go to that station.
An optional configuration measures slant-range distance
to up to three selected ground stations for RHO-RHO or DME-DME area navigation.
Integrated avionics
Northrop Grumman was contracted to develop the integrated
avionics system which includes controls, cockpit displays, communications,
navigation, central mission computer and external stores and weapons management
system.
The automatic flight control system has a stability
control augmentation system (SCAS) with fail passive four-axis control of
pitch, roll, yaw and collective.
The pilot can select other operating modes of the flight
control system: heading, attitude, speed, cruise, altitude and hover-hold,
hover wave-off and force trim. Wave-off mode causes the helicopter to change
from the flight condition at engagement to a pre-selected terminal speed. Force
trim enables the pilot to reduce the control forces to zero.
Weapons
The helicopter is armed with 70mm rockets. The pilot launches the rockets by a trigger squeeze for single, pairs or salvo firings. The helicopter can be fitted with the seven-tube LAU-68, the 19-tube LAU-61 and, with additional software, the seven-tube M-261 or 19-tube M-260 for remote set fusing. The helicopter supports all Mk 66 rockets with unitary, airburst and training warheads.
Seven-tube LAU-68
The LAU-68 F/A is a 7-round 2.75-inch (70 mm) extended
length rocket launcher, primarily used by the U.S. Navy
TYPE
LAU-68 F/A EXTENDED LENGTH LAUNCHER
LENGTH
71.1 INCHES (180.6 CM.)
DIAMETER
10.125 INCHES (25.7 CM.)
WEIGHT (EMPTY)
92 POUNDS (41.73 KG.)
CAPACITY
7 ROCKETS (2.75 INCH/70MM.)
Source: arnolddefense.com
19-tube LAU-61
The LAU-61 G/A is a 19-round 2.75-inch (70 mm) digital
rocket launcher that can fire guided or unguided rockets, and is used by the
U.S. Navy’s Advanced Precision Kill Weapons System.
TYPE
LAU-61 G/A DIGITAL LAUNCHER
LENGTH
76.54 INCHES (194.4 CM.)
DIAMETER
16.27 INCHES (41.32 CM.)
WEIGHT (EMPTY)
205 POUNDS (92.99 KG.)
CAPACITY
19 ROCKETS (2.75 INCH/70MM.)
Source: arnolddefense.com
The M260 is a 7-round 2.75-inch (70 mm) lightweight
rocket launcher primarily used in attack helicopters.
TYPE
M260 LIGHTWEIGHT LAUNCHER
LENGTH
66.2 INCHES (168.15 CM.)
DIAMETER
9.72 INCHES (24.68 CM.)
WEIGHT (EMPTY)
35 POUNDS (15.9 KG.)
CAPACITY
7 ROCKETS (2.75 INCH/70MM.)
Source: arnolddefense.com
19-tube M-261
The M261 is a 19-round 2.75-inch (70 mm) lightweight rocket launcher primarily used in attack helicopters.
TYPE
M261 LIGHTWEIGHT LAUNCHER
LENGTH
66.2 INCHES (168.15 CM.)
DIAMETER
15.875 INCHES (40.32 CM.)
WEIGHT (EMPTY)
87 POUNDS (39.46 KG.)
CAPACITY
19 ROCKETS (2.75 INCH/70MM.)
Source: arnolddefense.com
Hydra 70 2.75 inch Rockets
Hydra 70 is the name associated with the new family of
2.75 inch (70mm) rockets. Basically, Hydra 70 refers to the MK66 rocket motor
with any warhead / fuze combination. The MK66 rocket motor was designed to
provide a common 2.75 inch rocket for helicopters and high-performance
aircraft. It uses a longer tube, and
improved double base solid propellant, and a different nozzle and fin assembly.
Increased velocity and spin provide improved trajectory stability for better
accuracy. The launch signature and smoke trail have been significantly reduced.
The MK66 Mod 1 is not HERO (Hazard of Electronic Radiation to Ordnance) safe.
It can be inadvertently ignited by EMR (ElectroMagnetic Radiation), especially
by radio frequencies found aboard Navy ships. Both the Mod 2 and 3 have HERO
filters, and the Mod 2 filters may prevent the AH-1 RMS from inventorying. The
Mod 1 is the standard motor for Army use as will be the Mod 3 when fielded.
M260 and M261 launchers are required to fire the MK66
rocket. They have reduced system weight and provide remote set fuze interface
capabilities. The M158A1 and M200 launchers are not compatible with the MK66
rocket motor.
Combat and Training Rocket Warheads
M151 High-Explosive. The M151 HE (diagram) is
an antipersonnel, antimaterial warhead and is traditionally referred to as
the 10-Pounder. The bursting radius is 10 meters; however, high
velocity fragments can produce a lethality radius in excess of 50 meters. The
nose section is constructed of malleable cast iron which is threaded to receive
the fuze. The base section is constructed of steel or cast iron and is threaded
so that it can be attached to the rocket motor. The base section and the rocket
motor are welded (brazed) together. Total weight of the loaded, unfuzed,
warhead is 8.7 pounds, of which 2.3 pounds is composition B4. The M151 can use
M423, M429, or M433 fuzes.
M156 White Phosphorous (Smoke). The M156 (diagram) is
primarily used for target marking and incendiary purposes. It ballistically
matches the M151 and is of similar construction. Filler for the M156 is 2,2
pounds of WP with .12-pound bursting charge of composition B. The approximate
weight of the fuzed warhead is 9.7 pounds. M423 or M429 fuzes can be used with
156.
M229 High-Explosive. The M229 HE (diagram) warhead
is currently in the inventory. An elongated version of the M151, it is commonly
referred to as the 17-Pounder. The M229 filler consists of 4.8
pounds of composition B4 and can use the same fuzes as the M151. Its unfuzed
weight is 16.4 pounds.
M247 High-Explosive, Dual-Purpose. The M247 (diagram) is
no longer in production; however, some of these warheads may still be found in
war reserve stockage. With a shape charge for antiarmor capability, the M247
employs a cone-shaped charge like that of the M72 LAW. The point-initiated
detonating fuze is an integral part of the warhead. The weight of the M247 is
8.8 pounds, of which 2.0 pounds is composition B.
M257 Illumination. The M257 (diagram) illumination
warhead provides one million candlepower for 100 seconds or more. It can
illuminate an area in excess of one square kilometer at optimum height. A
deployed main parachute descent is approximately 15 feet per second. An M442
integral fuze provides a standoff range of approximately 3,000 meters with the
MK40 motor and approximately 3,500 meters with the MK66 motor. The weight of
the M257 is 10.8 pounds, of which 5.4 pounds is magnesium sodium nitrate.
M259 Smoke-Screening (White
Phosphorous) The M259 (diagram) smoke-screening
warhead is in inventory but is not currently being produced. It provides the
capability to produce tactical smoke screens. With conditions favorable to
smoke operation, 14 rockets can produce an effective smoke screen for 5
minutes. With a motor burnout fuze (M446) and an MK40 motor, the warhead can
provide a stand-off range of 2,500 to 3,000 meters. The weight of the warhead
is 8.8 pounds. An improved smoke warhead, the M264 smoke screen (red
phosphorous) is in development to replace the M259. The M264 will employ the
M439 fuze.
M261 High-Explosive Multi-purpose
submunition. The MPSM HE (diagram) warhead
provides improved lethal effectiveness against area targets such as light
armor, wheeled vehicles, material, and personnel. It has a plastic nose cone
assembly, an aluminum warhead case, an integral fuze, an expulsion charge, and
nine M73
(diagram) submunitions. The primary warhead fuze (M439) is remotely
set with the ARCS, MFD, or RMS to provide range (time of flight) from 500
meters to approximately 7,000 meters. On the AH-1, the RMS is programmable only
from 700 meters to 6,900 meters.
Initial forward motion of the rocket at firing initiates
fuze timing. At fuze time an at a point before and above the target, depending
on the launch angle and range, the expulsion charge is initiated. The SMs are
separated by ejection, and arming occurs when the RAD (ram air decelerator)
deploys. The RAD virtually stops forward velocity and stabilizes the decent of
the SM. An M230 omnidirectional fuze with an M55 detonator is used on each SM
and is designed to function regardless of the impact angle.
Each SM has a steel body which has a 3.2-ounce shaped
charge of composition B for armor penetration. The SM is internally scored to
optimize fragments against personnel and material. Upon detonation, the shaped
charge penetrates in line with its axis and the SM body explodes into high
velocity fragments (approximately 195 at 10 grains each up to 5,000 feet per
second) to defeat soft targets. The fuzed weight of the M261 is 13.6 pounds.
M267 MPSM Smoke Signature (Training). The M267 MPSM
(diagram) training warhead operationally, physically, and
ballistically matches the M261. Three M75 practice SMs and six inert SM load
simulators take the place of nine HE submunitions in the M261 warhead. Like the
M274, each of the three practice SMs contains approximately 17 grams ( 0.6
ounces of pyrotechnic powder. An M231 fuze with an M55 detonator is used with
practice SMs.
M274 Smoke Signature (Training). The M274 (diagram) smoke
signature training rocket provides a ballistic match for the M151HE warhead.
The casing is a modified WTU-1/B with vent holes or blowout plugs. A modified
M423 fuze mechanism is integral to the warhead. A cylindrical cartridge
assembly is in the forward section of the casing; it contains approximately 1.4
ounces of potassium perchlorate and aluminum powder which provides a
"flash, bang, and smoke" signature. The M274 weighs 9.3 pounds.
Flechette, WDU (4A/A). The 4A/A (diagram) flechette
is not currently in production. Used primarily for antipersonnel operations,
this warhead contains approximately 2,200 twenty grain flechettes. The
flechettes are released by a base-mounted, fuze-ignited (integral fuze)
expulsion charge at rocket motor burnout. Fuzed weight of the flechette is 9.3
pounds.
The M255E1 flechette warhead, which contains
approximately 1,180 sixty-grain hardened steel flechettes, is in limited
production. It has possible air-to-air as well as air-to-ground application.
The M255E1 is designed for use with the M439 fuze.
MK66
|
|
Length without warhead
|
41.7 inches
|
Weight before firing
|
13.6 lbs.
|
Burn time (77° F)
|
1.05 - 1.10 seconds
|
Average thrust
|
1,300 - 1,370 pound
|
Launch spin rate
|
9 - 10 revolution per second
|
Motor burnout (warhead type unknown)
|
1,280 (397m) ft from launcher
|
Velocity at motor burnout
|
2,425 fps
|
Maximum range at QE 43° ground launch
(MPSM warhead) |
10,425m
|
The machine guns selected for the UH-1Y are the M-240D, GAU-16 and GAU-17A.
The 7.62mm GAU-17A aircraft machine gun can be fired by
either member of crew when in the forward fixed position. The GAU-17A is
air-cooled, multi-barreled and electrically powered with a firing rate up to
3,000 rounds a minute.
7.62mm GAU-17A aircraft machine gun
7.62mm GAU-17A aircraft machine gun
navweaps.com
The M134 GAU-17 “Vulcan” cannon is a six-barreled, air
cooled, medium machine gun used primarily as a fire suppression weapon in
aircraft for the U.S. military. The so-called “Gatling” design relies on
electric motors to power the barrels resulting in a firing rate as much as
6,000 rounds per minute. It is used in a variety of rotor wing aircraft in the
“door gunner” position and is used by the U.S. Navy for its riverine craft and
special operations watercraft.
Manufacturer
General Electric
Service
USN, USAF, US Army
Weight
85 lbs
Length
29.5 in
Barrel length
22 in
Caliber
7.62×51mm NATO
Action
Electrically driven rotary breech
Rate of fire
2,000–6,000 rpm
Muzzle velocity
2,800 ft/sec (853 m/s)
Maximum range
1,093 yd
Source: military.com
The 0.50-calibre Browning GAU-16A gun is belt fed, recoil
operated and air-cooled (replaced by GAU-21 .50 caliber machine gun). The rate of fire is from 750 to 850 rounds a minute.
0.50-calibre Browning GAU-21 gun
0.50-calibre Browning GAU-21 gun
The FN® M3M (GAU-21) is a
.50 caliber (12.7x99mm) single barrel rapid-fire machine gun suitable for
rotary-wing aircraft applications providing defensive firepower ranging out to
nearly 2000 meters. The FN M3M™ was designated by the U.S. Navy as the GAU-21
in 2004. The U.S. D.o.D. has authorized the use of the GAU-21 for all branches
of service, and it is currently in operation on multiple rotary-wing platforms
of the US Navy, US Marine Corps, and the US Air Force. An evolution of the M3
.50-caliber heavy machine gun, it produces a blistering 1,100 rounds per minute
cyclic rate of fire through the use of open-bolt operation and a dual recoil
buffer system. Operating independent of either electrical or hydraulic power
sources, the FN M3M™/GAU-21’s unique soft mount system enhances weapon accuracy
and minimizes the firing vibration transmitted to the airframe.
RIMPAC 16: Scarface squadron CO says Hawaiian range
provides training like no other
Cpl. Christopher Neumann
aims his GAU-21 .50 caliber machine gun during a close air support exercise at
Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii, July 19, 2016. Neumann is participating in Rim
of the Pacific 2016, a multinational military exercise, from June 29 to Aug. 8
in and around the Hawaiian Islands. RIMPAC offers the U.S. military the
opportunity to train with partners and allies in the Pacific region. Neumann, a
native of Wells, Maine, is a UH-1Y Huey crew chief with Marine Light Attack
Helicopter 367, which supports III Marine Expeditionary Force. Source: marines.mil
SPECS
- CALIBER: 50
BMG (12.7x99mm) NATO
- OPERATION: Short-recoil
- CAPACITY: 100
- 600 Rd.
- WEIGHT: 81.6
lb.
- BARREL
LENGTH: 36"
- RATE OF FIRE: 950 - 1,100 RPM
Source: fnamerica.com
Cpl Andrew Harris, a UH-1Y Super Huey crew chief with Marine Light Attack
Helicopter Squadron 369 performs a weapons check before an aerial assault
support mission for ground convoys in Helmand province, Afghanistan, May 3,
2014 Photo by Sgt Frances Johnson
The 7.62mm M-240D is a belt fed, recoil operated,
air-cooled machine gun with a rate of fire of 750 to 950 rounds a minute.
7.62mm M-240D
7.62mm M-240D
SPECS
CALIBER: 7.62x51mm NATO
OPERATION: Open-bolt
BARREL LENGTH: 21.7″
OVERALL LENGTH: 48.5″
HEIGHT: 11.6″
RATE OF FIRE: 550 - 650 RPM
Source: fnamerica.com
Countermeasures
The helicopter is equipped with a suite of
self-protection and electronic warfare systems including the Northrop Grumman
APR-39B(V)2 radar warning receiver (upgraded to AN/APR-39D(V)2) and ATK AAR-47(V)2 missile warner and laser
detection system. The helicopter also has a BAE Systems Integrated Defense
Solutions (formerly Tracor) ALE-47 countermeasures dispenser.
Northrop Grumman AN/APR-39D(V)2 radar warning receiver
ATK AAR-47(V)2 missile warner and laser detection system
The AN/AAR-47 Missile Warning System is aMissile Approach Warning system used on slow moving aircraft such as helicopters and military transport aircraft to notify the pilot of threats and to trigger the aircraft’scountermeasures systems. Its main users are theU.S Army, Navy and Air Force, but is also operated by other countries. Originally developed by Loral (now part of BAE Systems), it has been solely a product of Alliant Techsystems(ATK) since 2002.
ALE-47 countermeasures dispenser
In response to automated warnings of radar, infrared, laser and other threats against aircraft, the AN/ALE-47 Countermeasures Dispenser System (CMDS) both assists the crew in staying aware of the threats, and managing the deployment of electronic warfare devices that operate externally to the vehicle. “Electronic”, in this context, covers enemy sensors across the electromagnetic spectrum. Electronic defense includes, as well as receivers and computers that detect and analyze threats, both countermeasures that are part of the aircraft, but also expendables that are released from it.
Northrop Grumman AN/APR-39D(V)2 radar warning receiver
General data:
|
|
Type: ESM
|
Altitude Max: 0 m
|
Range Max: 222.2 km
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Altitude Min: 0 m
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Range Min: 0 km
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Generation: Late 2000s
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Sensors / EW:
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AN/APR-39B(V)2 -
(USN/USMC) ESM
Role: RWR, Radar Warning Receiver Max Range: 222.2 km 
AN/APR-39D(V)2 radar warning receiver and ATK AAR-47(V)2 missile warner and laser detection system - Howard Mason
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The AN/AAR-47 Missile Warning System is aMissile Approach Warning system used on slow moving aircraft such as helicopters and military transport aircraft to notify the pilot of threats and to trigger the aircraft’scountermeasures systems. Its main users are theU.S Army, Navy and Air Force, but is also operated by other countries. Originally developed by Loral (now part of BAE Systems), it has been solely a product of Alliant Techsystems(ATK) since 2002.
Method of Operation
The AN/AAR-47 passively detects missiles by
theirUltraviolet signature, and
uses algorithms to differentiate between incoming missiles and false alarms.
Newer versions also have laser warning sensors and
are capable of detecting a wider range of threats. After processing the nature
of the threat, the system gives the pilot an audio and visual warning, and
indicates the direction of the incoming threat. It also sends a signal to the
aircraft’s infrared countermeasures system,
which can then for example deploy flares.
Components
The AAR-47 missile warning system consists of
4 Optical Sensor Converters (OSC), a Computer Processor and a Control
Indicator. The system is relatively light at a total weight of approximately 32
pounds.
There is one optical sensor converter for
each side of the aircraft. They have an infrared camera for detecting incoming
missiles. The Optical modules since version AAR-47(V)2 include a laser warning
sensor, and versions since AAR-47A(V)2 further incorporate an ultraviolet
sensor for improved dynamic blanking laser warning detection.
The computer processor evaluates the data
from the OSC:s and analyzes whether a detected event is an incoming missile. If
a threat is detected, it sends a signal to the control indicator which informs
the crew, and the aircraft’s infrared countermeasures system. Source revolvy.com
Howard Mason
ALE-47 countermeasures dispenser
In response to automated warnings of radar, infrared, laser and other threats against aircraft, the AN/ALE-47 Countermeasures Dispenser System (CMDS) both assists the crew in staying aware of the threats, and managing the deployment of electronic warfare devices that operate externally to the vehicle. “Electronic”, in this context, covers enemy sensors across the electromagnetic spectrum. Electronic defense includes, as well as receivers and computers that detect and analyze threats, both countermeasures that are part of the aircraft, but also expendables that are released from it.
Howard Mason
In other words, it both acts as an electronics
countermeasures suite controller and as an electronic warfare expendables
dispenser. It replaces the AN/ALE-39.
Alternatively, it can be controlled by other control systems, such as the AN/ALQ-213. Source citizendium.org
Engines
Howard Mason
The helicopter has two General Electric T700-GE-401C
engines which provide a maximum continuous power of 1,546shp. The engine is
equipped with a digital engine control unit (DECU) that maintains turbine
speed, gas temperature and torque within allowed limits.
2 x General Electric T700-GE-401C engines
2 x General Electric T700-GE-401C engines
The General Electric T700-GE-401 was the first engine
qualified under the rigorous U.S. Navy salt ingestion tests, where it proved
its suitability for naval operation. Originally chosen for the SH-60 Seahawk,
the T700-GE-401 remains in production for Kaman's SH-2G Super Seasprite
helicopter. Furthermore, the 401 is the chosen powerplant for the U.S. Marines
Corps' upgrade program for the UH-1Y Venom utility helicopter.
The T700-GE-401C is a more powerful variant of the
original 401. It powers the AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter and the UH-1Y Venom
utility helicopter.
Manufacturer: General Electric Co.
Power: Up to 1,890 shp (1,410 kW)
Overall Pressure Ratio at Maximum Power: Unknown
Compressor Stages: 6
HP-LP Turbine Stages: 2-2
Length: 46 in (7.17 m)
Diameter: 15.6 in (39.6 cm)
Dry Weight: 458 lbs (208 kg)
Platforms:
T700-GE-401: SH-2G Super Seasprite
T700-GE-401C: AH-1Z Viper; UH-1Y Venom; HH-60J Jayhawk;
SH-60B Seahawk
Source: fi-powerweb.com
Auxiliary Power Units: T-62T-40-1 APU
wikimedia.org
The DECU provides automatic overspeed protection,
auto-relight in the event of flame-out and loadshare between the two engines.
The exhaust system contains an integrated hover infrared suppression system.
Fuel system
The crashworthy fuel system consists of five
interconnected self-sealing rubber fuel cells. Three main fuel cells are
installed aft of the cabin bulkhead and two feed cells are under the cabin
floor. The total usable fuel capacity is 1,333l.
Pressure and gravity refueling receptacles are installed
in the aft port fuel cell.
Auxiliary fuel tanks can be attached to one or both DAS
mounts. With both auxiliary fuel tanks installed the total fuel capacity is
increased to 2,021l.
Specifications
Specifications
Technical data: blueskyrotor.com
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