Difference between revisions of "UH-1B"

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(Created page with "{{Specs-Card|code=uh_1b}} == Description == ''In the description, the first part needs to be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the helicopter, as well...")
 
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{{Specs-Card|code=uh_1b}}
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{{About
 +
| about = American utility helicopter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other variants
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| link = UH-1 (Family)
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}}
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{{Specs-Card
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|code=uh_1b
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
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}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
−
''In the description, the first part needs to be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the helicopter, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the helicopter in the game. Insert screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''
+
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the helicopter, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the helicopter in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 +
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American utility helicopter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.81 "The Valkyries"]].
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
−
=== Flight Performance ===
+
=== Flight performance ===
−
''Describe how the helicopter behaves in the air. Maximum speed, maneuverability, speed and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
+
{{Specs-Heli-Flight}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe how the helicopter behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 0 m - at sea level)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 +
|-
 +
! AB !! RB
 +
|-
 +
! Stock
 +
| 203 || 196 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}}
 +
|-
 +
! Upgraded
 +
| 230 || 217
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
−
''Examine the survivability of the helicopter. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, how many engines the vehicle has. Describe the armour, if there is any, also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''
+
{{Specs-Heli-Armour}}
 +
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the helicopter. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical systems.'' -->
 +
Helicopters have a unique role on the battlefield and fitting them with armour is not as easy as it is on a tank or a jet. The helicopter's setup is such that it must take off and land vertically, hover and fly and as the aircraft gets heavier, bigger and heavier equipment are needed to balance until you are left with a massive helicopter which cannot fly or do its intended mission. The Huey balances this out with a vehicle which can manoeuvre as needed and carry a decent payload whether people or weapon systems.
 +
 
 +
The {{PAGENAME}} does not fly with any protective armour or bullet-proof glass, which if installed would decrease the UH-1's ability to complete its mission. As such, the pilot must take this into account and fly the helicopter accordingly. Bull rushing right into the middle of a battlefield usually ends with disastrous results as without the armour, the Huey has nothing but thin metal fuselage coverings to protect the crew and vital equipment. The engine, transmission, main rotor, and tail rotors are all exposed to fire from missiles, rockets, cannons and even small calibre machine guns. The pilot must be aware of their surrounds and work to fight from the enemy vehicles blind spots or weak sides, because a burning and crashed helicopter only pads the enemies' score-count. Pick and choose your battles to preserve the helicopter.
 +
 
 +
But the "thin metal fuselage" is still "metal", it would provide minor, temporary protection for the interior modules (i.e. fuel, transmission, engine, crew, etc). This means that calibres 7.62 mm and below could potentially be stopped by the fuselage for a few shots until the fuselage starts giving warning when it slowly becomes yellow or orange.
 +
 
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Heli-Armaments}}
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
−
''Describe the offensive armament of the helicopter, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in battle, also what ammunition belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.''
+
{{Specs-Heli-Offensive}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the helicopter, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in battle, also what ammunition belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
 +
{{main|M75 (40 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 +
 
 +
* A choice between two presets:
 +
** Without offensive armament
 +
** 1 x 40 mm M75 grenade launcher, nose turret (150 rpg)
 +
 
 +
The {{PAGENAME}} can be outfitted with the nose turreted M75 Grenade Launcher after researching and purchasing the tier II Weaponry module M75. The M75 is a grenade launcher which can fire 40 mm grenade shells at 230 rounds per minute with a muzzle velocity of 800 ft/s (244 m/s). To ensure safe operation of the M75, after firing, the launcher automatically recenters itself and points forward (safe position) before firing can be resumed.
 +
 
 +
The ammunition used is a 40 x 53 mm high-velocity grenade, the default in War Thunder is the high explosive anti-tank grenade (HEATGR). Rounds from this launcher are good at peppering lightly armoured vehicles, vehicles with open crew tops and heavier armoured vehicles which may have weak spots to exploit.
 +
 
 +
[[File:UH-1B RAAF M134 Minigun.JPG|thumb|350x350px|A view of an [[M134 Minigun (7.62 mm)|M134 Minigun]] mated with the XM-21 flexible mount of an RAAF [[UH-1B]] Huey.]]
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
−
''Describe the helicopter's suspended armament: additional cannons under the winglets, any type of bombs, and rockets. Since any helicopter is essentially only a platform for suspended weaponry, this section is extremely important and deserves your special attention. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.''
+
{{Specs-Heli-Suspended}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe the helicopter's suspended armament: additional cannons under the winglets, any bombs, and rockets. Since any helicopter is essentially only a platform for suspended weaponry, this section is significant and deserves your special attention. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 +
|-
 +
! !! width="9%" | 1 !! width="9%" | 2 !! width="9%" | 3 !! width="9%" | 4
 +
| rowspan="5" width="25%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
 +
|-
 +
! [[M134 Minigun (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm M134 Minigun]] machine guns (1,500 rpg)
 +
| || 1 || 1 ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[M134 Minigun (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm M134 Minigun]] machine guns (3,000 rpg)
 +
| 1* || || || 1*
 +
|-
 +
! [[FFAR Mighty Mouse]] rockets
 +
| 19* || 19 || 19 || 19*
 +
|-
 +
! [[AGM-22]] missiles
 +
| || 3* || 3* ||
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="6" | * AGM-22 missiles cannot be equipped with other ordnance
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 +
 
 +
* 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
 +
* 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
 +
* 6 x AGM-22 missiles
 +
* 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine guns (1,500 rpg = 3,000 total)
 +
* 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine guns (3,000 rpg = 6,000 total)
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
 +
 
 +
The {{PAGENAME}} is a real workhorse utility helicopter which can pack a punch with several different weapons load-outs and configurations utilising rockets, guns, and missiles. Selecting a single type of weapon to fly into battle with or mixing it up will allow the pilot to mix and match as necessary for the upcoming fight. The [[M134 Minigun (7.62 mm)|M134]] with its almost 6,000 rounds-per-minute fire rate was an early fixture to helicopters as they can fly low and slow allowing them to pivot on the battlefield as necessary to take out personnel and light armoured vehicles. While initially not doing much damage it being rifle-calibre bullets, if the enemy does not move to avoid the fire, they will start taking more and more damage. The M134 is also good for clearing trees and exposing hiding positions of armoured vehicles providing a better shot for harder hitting weapon systems. Note that unlike the fixed forward-facing XM-18 gun pods, the XM-21 mounts for the M134 Miniguns are flexible and can be aimed almost 90° to either side, as well as nearly straight up and straight down, providing a key advantage especially when encountering enemy helicopters.
 +
 
 +
[[File:UH-1B_mightymouse.jpg|350px|thumb|right|A side view of an {{PAGENAME}} with a side mounted [[FFAR Mighty Mouse]] rocket launcher.]]Due to weight and recoil issues of autocannons, helicopters typically have a workaround which allows them to have similar firepower without the drawbacks. The {{PAGENAME}} can be outfitted with the [[FFAR Mighty Mouse]] rockets which just needed to be aimed at the target and fired. The Mighty Mouse rockets, when launched, have fins which flip out to spin-stabilise them and guide them in as straight of a path as possible without any further guidance. While a single rocket can inflict some severe damage including shooting down bomber aircraft, typically one rocket will not be enough. Effectively the rockets work like a cannon with a shotgun pattern, where they pack a punch like a cannon, but have the accuracy of a shotgun and typically requires firing off several at a time to ensure a few will hit the target. The {{PAGENAME}} can be outfitted with two amounts of the rockets, either 38 when stock or mixed with twin M134 Miniguns, or a total of 78 rockets when utilising them on both pylons. With the ability of the helicopter to swoop in and reorient towards a target in a matter of seconds, rockets can be streaking towards their target before the enemy has the chance to either notice or even swing a gun around to counter. Mighty Mouse rockets pack a punch, however, may not have enough oomph to get through some of the thicker skinned vehicles found on the battlefield.
  
−
== Usage in the battles ==
+
Not without a heavy-hitter, the {{PAGENAME}} can dish out damage with unguided rockets; however, to tackle some of the armoured goliaths rolling around on the battlefield, it needs something bigger! To meet this need, six [[AGM-22]] manual to command line of sight (MCLOS) wire-guided anti-tank missiles are installed. Knowing the location of an enemy tank allows the helicopter pilot to take evasive action while setting up to fire off a missile. Using structures and terrain as a shield, the helicopter pilot can fire off a missile and then guide it to the target without being a target itself. It is vital to fire, hit and then move as a sitting helicopter makes for an easy target and while guiding a missile to the destination, the pilot can get tunnel vision and not realise inbound threats to their position.
−
''Describe the tactics of playing in the helicopter, the features of using vehicles in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
+
 
 +
== Usage in battles ==
 +
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in a helicopter, the features of using the helicopter in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 +
The UH-1B is a utility helicopter, therefore not built for speed, protection, and manoeuvrability, so instead the pilot must rely heavily on medium to long range engagements using its AGM-22 missiles. The typical tactic of the AH-1G where the pilot doesn't have access to AGMs leaves them no choice but to go directly near or behind the front line. This tactic will prove hard for the UH-1B, since the UH-1B is not manoeuvrable and fast enough to safely be on the 1st line, but if the pilot hasn't unlocked the AGMs yet, the pilot doesn't have a choice but to temporarily bring back the AH-1G tactics until the AGMs are unlocked.
 +
 
 +
If using the AGM-22 missiles, it is better to be more than 1 km away from the target to avoid small arms fire (7.62 mm) especially tanks armed with 12.7 mm guns, and also try to be hidden in a place where you can look, shoot-through then hide again as modern MBTs are capable of helicopter engagements such as the Soviet/Russian tanks that are armed with ATGMs that are designed to shoot down helicopters of all kinds efficiently and with precision. Keep in mind that the UH-1Bs AGMs have very limited range yet 3 km is an already decent range, but below average, the AGM is also subsonic that only travels 190 m/s or mach 0.55, this means it will take more than 5 seconds to reach a target from 2 to 3 km away. SPAAGs that are only armed with 20 to 40 mm auto-cannons and target-tracking modules will also have a hard time targeting you from 2 to 3 km if you're on evasive manoeuvres, most SPAAGs are also hull breakable from the turret and can be targeted safely from 2.5 to 3 km away if it hasn't detected you on radar or visual range.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Varied weapon options allowing for customization to pilot's preference
 +
* Good visibility from the cockpit
 +
* Unlike the AH-1G, the UH-1B has AGMs
 +
* Fuselage can temporarily resist calibres that are 7.62 mm and below
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Exposed tail rotor blades, can come into contact with objects and break
 +
* Not built for speed
 +
* Engine and transmission frequently damaged due to lack of armour
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the helicopter in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''
+
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the helicopter in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 +
The United States Army identified in 1952 a need for a new general utility helicopter which could also serve as medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) and instrument training helicopter too. The current inventory of helicopters had several flaws which the Army wanted to overcome including being too large, underpowered or extremely complex to maintain. The Army wanted a workhorse that was easy to maintain and have a fairly small profile. Twenty companies participated in the bidding process and in 1955, Bell Helicopter was selected to build three copies of the Model 204 for evaluation, and this version was designated XH-40 (Experimental Helicopter-40).
 +
 
 +
The XH-40 was built with the Lycoming YT52-L-1 (LTC1B-1) turbo engine helicopter, the first non-piston helicopter tested by the military and first flew in 1956. Even before the prototype had flown, the Army put in an order for six YH-40 service test aircraft in which they could field test to determine how it would work under military unit operations. Proving successful, Bell was awarded a contract to build another 100 helicopters which were designated HU-1A (Helicopter Utility-1A) and hence was officially named "Iroquois". Iroquois ended up being a mouthful for people to say, so a nickname developed from the HU-1 designation which ended up being pronounced as "Huey" and stuck. In September 1962, the Department of Defense changed up the aircraft identification system to streamline between all of the different aircraft and their variations and changed the HU-1 to UH-1 (Utility Helicopter-1). Even with the change, the official Army name and the new DOD designation was rarely used as Huey was so well recognised as the name, that is what was to most people.
 +
 
 +
Unfortunately, with all of the positive feedback received for the YH-40, service tests performed by the Army found the T53-L-1A engine was found to be underpowered and could not perform to the level that was needed. Bell proposed to swap the T53-L-1A engine with the T53-L-5 engine, upping the shaft horsepower from 770 to 960 (570 kW to 720 kW) and extended the cabin to accommodate more people, up to 7 passengers or four stretchers and a medical attendant. The first production of the new helicopter UH-1B was delivered for service in 1961.
 +
 
 +
Several aerodynamic deficiencies of an armed UH-1B was explicitly identified not having enough engine power to lift the necessary weapons systems. The UH-1C was developed to overcome these problems by upgrading the helicopter with the T53-L-11 engine which had 1,100 shaft horsepower or 820 kW. The UH-1B helicopters which were in the service of the Army at the time were also upgraded with the new engine. Several adjustments were made to the UH-1C which included a new rotor-system, however, like many things which are upgraded, domino effect also requires other components and modules also to be updated. A larger diameter rotor was installed to counter blade stall during dives which required the tail boom to be extended and larger synchronized elevators to be added. While operating in military operations, it was determined necessary to add a redundant hydraulic control system to allow for continued operation in the event of a failure in one system. Larger fuel tanks allowed for further range with the total useful load capacity topping out at 4,673 lbs (2,120 kg). Mid-1966 saw the line production of the fully upgraded UH-1C helicopter.
 +
 
 +
Huey model 204 helicopters were a huge success and were put to use in several different capacities. However, the Army wanted another version which facilitated the carrying of more troops which spawned the Model 205. Bell adjusted by extending the HU-1B's fuselage by a total of 41 in (104 cm), boxed in the transmission and was able to add four more seats, two on each side of the transmission box facing out the side doors. With the side doors being easily removable, options to fly without doors made for quick loading and unloading of the helicopter which could now accommodate 15 persons, including the crew and could now hold six stretchers and a medic. First flown in 1961, the 205 took on many of the same upgrades as the UH-1C including the T53-L-11 which enabled usage of multiple types of fuel. Prototypes of this helicopter were designated YUH-1D, and the final assembly line aircraft was called the UH-1D.
 +
 
 +
This helicopter while still under evaluation the Army sent it to Vietnam in 1962 where it began operations. Initially only required as a general utility, MEDEVAC, and an instrument trainer, this helicopters role also expanded to include but not limited to air assault, cargo transport, search and rescue, electronic warfare and eventually ground attack.
 +
 
 +
During the Vietnam War, the UH-1 earned several other nicknames other than "Huey" which quickly identified to troops what role the helicopter had been outfitted for. Gunship versions of the UH-1s were identified as "Frogs" or "Hogs" if they carried rockets while if they just carried guns, they were identified as "Cobras". Troop transport versions were called "Slicks" due to weapon pods being absent on the external pylons while they did retain their door gunners. Later in the war from 1967 to 1968, the gunship Huey's were replaced by the new [[AH-1G|AH-1]] attack helicopters.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=uh_1b Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
−
== Read also ==
+
;Videos
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,''
+
{{Youtube-gallery|_xUPs-rPK3g|'''UH-1 Huey Ultimate Guide''' - ''Bob Dickinson''|6QZAY1EtkFU|'''The Shooting Range #110''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 01:01 discusses the UH-1 Huey.}}
−
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
−
''ETC.''
 
  
−
== Sources ==
+
== See also ==
 +
<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 +
* ''reference to the series of the helicopter;''
 +
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Related development
 +
* [[UH-1 (Family)]]
 +
 
 +
== External links ==
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 +
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
 
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
 +
 +
{{AirManufacturer Bell}}
 +
{{USA helicopters}}

Latest revision as of 18:49, 19 May 2024

This page is about the American utility helicopter UH-1B. For other variants, see UH-1 (Family).
UH-1B
uh_1b.png
GarageImage UH-1B.jpg
UH-1B
USA flag.png USA
V Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
9.0 8.7 8.7
Class:
Research:99 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:390 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The UH-1B is a rank V American utility helicopter with a battle rating of 9.0 (AB) and 8.7 (RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.81 "The Valkyries".

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 0 m217 km/h
Max altitude5 900 m
EngineLycoming Engines T53-L-11
Power1 100 hp
Take-off weight4 t
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 0 m - at sea level) 		Max altitude
(metres)
AB RB
Stock 203 196 5900
Upgraded 230 217

Survivability and armour

Crew2 people
Speed of destruction
Structural450 km/h
Gear420 km/h

Helicopters have a unique role on the battlefield and fitting them with armour is not as easy as it is on a tank or a jet. The helicopter's setup is such that it must take off and land vertically, hover and fly and as the aircraft gets heavier, bigger and heavier equipment are needed to balance until you are left with a massive helicopter which cannot fly or do its intended mission. The Huey balances this out with a vehicle which can manoeuvre as needed and carry a decent payload whether people or weapon systems.

The UH-1B does not fly with any protective armour or bullet-proof glass, which if installed would decrease the UH-1's ability to complete its mission. As such, the pilot must take this into account and fly the helicopter accordingly. Bull rushing right into the middle of a battlefield usually ends with disastrous results as without the armour, the Huey has nothing but thin metal fuselage coverings to protect the crew and vital equipment. The engine, transmission, main rotor, and tail rotors are all exposed to fire from missiles, rockets, cannons and even small calibre machine guns. The pilot must be aware of their surrounds and work to fight from the enemy vehicles blind spots or weak sides, because a burning and crashed helicopter only pads the enemies' score-count. Pick and choose your battles to preserve the helicopter.

But the "thin metal fuselage" is still "metal", it would provide minor, temporary protection for the interior modules (i.e. fuel, transmission, engine, crew, etc). This means that calibres 7.62 mm and below could potentially be stopped by the fuselage for a few shots until the fuselage starts giving warning when it slowly becomes yellow or orange.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB9 465 → 12 654 Sl icon.png
RB2 785 → 3 723 Sl icon.png
SB4 671 → 6 245 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications112 900 Rp icon.png
212 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 100 Ge icon.png
Crew training110 000 Sl icon.png
Experts390 000 Sl icon.png
Aces1 700 Ge icon.png
Research Aces720 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
100 / 300 / 430 % Sl icon.png
196 / 196 / 196 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
5 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mods cd 98 main rotor.png
Replacing helicopter blades
Research:
6 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Research:
9 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
380 Ge icon.png
Mods heli flak jacket.png
Flak jacket
Research:
5 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mods heli structure.png
Helicopter frame
Research:
6 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Research:
9 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
380 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
480 Ge icon.png
Mods gunpods.png
Gun pod M18A1
Research:
5 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods pilon block rocket.png
XM159
Research:
5 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods cannon.png
M75
Research:
6 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods atgm heli preset.png
M156 AGM
Research:
6 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mods weapon.png
M163_Minigun_new_gun
Research:
9 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
380 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods gunpods.png
Gun pod XM-21
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
480 Ge icon.png
Mods weapon.png
grenade_launcher_M75_new_gun
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
480 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main article: M75 (40 mm)

The UH-1B is armed with:

  • A choice between two presets:
    • Without offensive armament
    • 1 x 40 mm M75 grenade launcher, nose turret (150 rpg)

The UH-1B can be outfitted with the nose turreted M75 Grenade Launcher after researching and purchasing the tier II Weaponry module M75. The M75 is a grenade launcher which can fire 40 mm grenade shells at 230 rounds per minute with a muzzle velocity of 800 ft/s (244 m/s). To ensure safe operation of the M75, after firing, the launcher automatically recenters itself and points forward (safe position) before firing can be resumed.

The ammunition used is a 40 x 53 mm high-velocity grenade, the default in War Thunder is the high explosive anti-tank grenade (HEATGR). Rounds from this launcher are good at peppering lightly armoured vehicles, vehicles with open crew tops and heavier armoured vehicles which may have weak spots to exploit.

A view of an M134 Minigun mated with the XM-21 flexible mount of an RAAF UH-1B Huey.

Suspended armament

The UH-1B can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

1 2 3 4
Hardpoints UH-1B.png
7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine guns (1,500 rpg) 1 1
7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine guns (3,000 rpg) 1* 1*
FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets 19* 19 19 19*
AGM-22 missiles 3* 3*
* AGM-22 missiles cannot be equipped with other ordnance
Default weapon presets
  • 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
  • 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
  • 6 x AGM-22 missiles
  • 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine guns (1,500 rpg = 3,000 total)
  • 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine guns (3,000 rpg = 6,000 total)

The UH-1B is a real workhorse utility helicopter which can pack a punch with several different weapons load-outs and configurations utilising rockets, guns, and missiles. Selecting a single type of weapon to fly into battle with or mixing it up will allow the pilot to mix and match as necessary for the upcoming fight. The M134 with its almost 6,000 rounds-per-minute fire rate was an early fixture to helicopters as they can fly low and slow allowing them to pivot on the battlefield as necessary to take out personnel and light armoured vehicles. While initially not doing much damage it being rifle-calibre bullets, if the enemy does not move to avoid the fire, they will start taking more and more damage. The M134 is also good for clearing trees and exposing hiding positions of armoured vehicles providing a better shot for harder hitting weapon systems. Note that unlike the fixed forward-facing XM-18 gun pods, the XM-21 mounts for the M134 Miniguns are flexible and can be aimed almost 90° to either side, as well as nearly straight up and straight down, providing a key advantage especially when encountering enemy helicopters.

A side view of an UH-1B with a side mounted FFAR Mighty Mouse rocket launcher.
Due to weight and recoil issues of autocannons, helicopters typically have a workaround which allows them to have similar firepower without the drawbacks. The UH-1B can be outfitted with the FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets which just needed to be aimed at the target and fired. The Mighty Mouse rockets, when launched, have fins which flip out to spin-stabilise them and guide them in as straight of a path as possible without any further guidance. While a single rocket can inflict some severe damage including shooting down bomber aircraft, typically one rocket will not be enough. Effectively the rockets work like a cannon with a shotgun pattern, where they pack a punch like a cannon, but have the accuracy of a shotgun and typically requires firing off several at a time to ensure a few will hit the target. The UH-1B can be outfitted with two amounts of the rockets, either 38 when stock or mixed with twin M134 Miniguns, or a total of 78 rockets when utilising them on both pylons. With the ability of the helicopter to swoop in and reorient towards a target in a matter of seconds, rockets can be streaking towards their target before the enemy has the chance to either notice or even swing a gun around to counter. Mighty Mouse rockets pack a punch, however, may not have enough oomph to get through some of the thicker skinned vehicles found on the battlefield.

Not without a heavy-hitter, the UH-1B can dish out damage with unguided rockets; however, to tackle some of the armoured goliaths rolling around on the battlefield, it needs something bigger! To meet this need, six AGM-22 manual to command line of sight (MCLOS) wire-guided anti-tank missiles are installed. Knowing the location of an enemy tank allows the helicopter pilot to take evasive action while setting up to fire off a missile. Using structures and terrain as a shield, the helicopter pilot can fire off a missile and then guide it to the target without being a target itself. It is vital to fire, hit and then move as a sitting helicopter makes for an easy target and while guiding a missile to the destination, the pilot can get tunnel vision and not realise inbound threats to their position.

Usage in battles

The UH-1B is a utility helicopter, therefore not built for speed, protection, and manoeuvrability, so instead the pilot must rely heavily on medium to long range engagements using its AGM-22 missiles. The typical tactic of the AH-1G where the pilot doesn't have access to AGMs leaves them no choice but to go directly near or behind the front line. This tactic will prove hard for the UH-1B, since the UH-1B is not manoeuvrable and fast enough to safely be on the 1st line, but if the pilot hasn't unlocked the AGMs yet, the pilot doesn't have a choice but to temporarily bring back the AH-1G tactics until the AGMs are unlocked.

If using the AGM-22 missiles, it is better to be more than 1 km away from the target to avoid small arms fire (7.62 mm) especially tanks armed with 12.7 mm guns, and also try to be hidden in a place where you can look, shoot-through then hide again as modern MBTs are capable of helicopter engagements such as the Soviet/Russian tanks that are armed with ATGMs that are designed to shoot down helicopters of all kinds efficiently and with precision. Keep in mind that the UH-1Bs AGMs have very limited range yet 3 km is an already decent range, but below average, the AGM is also subsonic that only travels 190 m/s or mach 0.55, this means it will take more than 5 seconds to reach a target from 2 to 3 km away. SPAAGs that are only armed with 20 to 40 mm auto-cannons and target-tracking modules will also have a hard time targeting you from 2 to 3 km if you're on evasive manoeuvres, most SPAAGs are also hull breakable from the turret and can be targeted safely from 2.5 to 3 km away if it hasn't detected you on radar or visual range.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Varied weapon options allowing for customization to pilot's preference
  • Good visibility from the cockpit
  • Unlike the AH-1G, the UH-1B has AGMs
  • Fuselage can temporarily resist calibres that are 7.62 mm and below

Cons:

  • Exposed tail rotor blades, can come into contact with objects and break
  • Not built for speed
  • Engine and transmission frequently damaged due to lack of armour

History

The United States Army identified in 1952 a need for a new general utility helicopter which could also serve as medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) and instrument training helicopter too. The current inventory of helicopters had several flaws which the Army wanted to overcome including being too large, underpowered or extremely complex to maintain. The Army wanted a workhorse that was easy to maintain and have a fairly small profile. Twenty companies participated in the bidding process and in 1955, Bell Helicopter was selected to build three copies of the Model 204 for evaluation, and this version was designated XH-40 (Experimental Helicopter-40).

The XH-40 was built with the Lycoming YT52-L-1 (LTC1B-1) turbo engine helicopter, the first non-piston helicopter tested by the military and first flew in 1956. Even before the prototype had flown, the Army put in an order for six YH-40 service test aircraft in which they could field test to determine how it would work under military unit operations. Proving successful, Bell was awarded a contract to build another 100 helicopters which were designated HU-1A (Helicopter Utility-1A) and hence was officially named "Iroquois". Iroquois ended up being a mouthful for people to say, so a nickname developed from the HU-1 designation which ended up being pronounced as "Huey" and stuck. In September 1962, the Department of Defense changed up the aircraft identification system to streamline between all of the different aircraft and their variations and changed the HU-1 to UH-1 (Utility Helicopter-1). Even with the change, the official Army name and the new DOD designation was rarely used as Huey was so well recognised as the name, that is what was to most people.

Unfortunately, with all of the positive feedback received for the YH-40, service tests performed by the Army found the T53-L-1A engine was found to be underpowered and could not perform to the level that was needed. Bell proposed to swap the T53-L-1A engine with the T53-L-5 engine, upping the shaft horsepower from 770 to 960 (570 kW to 720 kW) and extended the cabin to accommodate more people, up to 7 passengers or four stretchers and a medical attendant. The first production of the new helicopter UH-1B was delivered for service in 1961.

Several aerodynamic deficiencies of an armed UH-1B was explicitly identified not having enough engine power to lift the necessary weapons systems. The UH-1C was developed to overcome these problems by upgrading the helicopter with the T53-L-11 engine which had 1,100 shaft horsepower or 820 kW. The UH-1B helicopters which were in the service of the Army at the time were also upgraded with the new engine. Several adjustments were made to the UH-1C which included a new rotor-system, however, like many things which are upgraded, domino effect also requires other components and modules also to be updated. A larger diameter rotor was installed to counter blade stall during dives which required the tail boom to be extended and larger synchronized elevators to be added. While operating in military operations, it was determined necessary to add a redundant hydraulic control system to allow for continued operation in the event of a failure in one system. Larger fuel tanks allowed for further range with the total useful load capacity topping out at 4,673 lbs (2,120 kg). Mid-1966 saw the line production of the fully upgraded UH-1C helicopter.

Huey model 204 helicopters were a huge success and were put to use in several different capacities. However, the Army wanted another version which facilitated the carrying of more troops which spawned the Model 205. Bell adjusted by extending the HU-1B's fuselage by a total of 41 in (104 cm), boxed in the transmission and was able to add four more seats, two on each side of the transmission box facing out the side doors. With the side doors being easily removable, options to fly without doors made for quick loading and unloading of the helicopter which could now accommodate 15 persons, including the crew and could now hold six stretchers and a medic. First flown in 1961, the 205 took on many of the same upgrades as the UH-1C including the T53-L-11 which enabled usage of multiple types of fuel. Prototypes of this helicopter were designated YUH-1D, and the final assembly line aircraft was called the UH-1D.

This helicopter while still under evaluation the Army sent it to Vietnam in 1962 where it began operations. Initially only required as a general utility, MEDEVAC, and an instrument trainer, this helicopters role also expanded to include but not limited to air assault, cargo transport, search and rescue, electronic warfare and eventually ground attack.

During the Vietnam War, the UH-1 earned several other nicknames other than "Huey" which quickly identified to troops what role the helicopter had been outfitted for. Gunship versions of the UH-1s were identified as "Frogs" or "Hogs" if they carried rockets while if they just carried guns, they were identified as "Cobras". Troop transport versions were called "Slicks" due to weapon pods being absent on the external pylons while they did retain their door gunners. Later in the war from 1967 to 1968, the gunship Huey's were replaced by the new AH-1 attack helicopters.

Media

Skins
Videos
UH-1 Huey Ultimate Guide - Bob Dickinson
The Shooting Range #110 - Pages of History section at 01:01 discusses the UH-1 Huey.

See also

Related development

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • other literature.


Bell Aircraft Corporation
Aircraft 
Fighters  P-39N-0 · P-39Q-5
  P-400
  P-63A-10 · P-63A-5 · P-63C-5 · ␠Kingcobra
Jet Fighters  P-59A
Export  ▂P-39K-1 · ▂Pokryshkin's P-39N-0 · ▂P-39Q-15 · ▄P-39Q-25
  ▂P-63A-5 · ▂P-63A-10 · ▂P-63C-5 · ▄P-63C-5
Helicopters 
Attack  AH-1F · AH-1G · AH-1Z · AH-1W
  OH-58D
Utility  UH-1B · UH-1C · UH-1C XM-30
Export/Licensed  ▅UH-1B · ◄UH-1D
  Tzefa A · Tzefa B · Tzefa D/E · ▅AH-1S early · ▅AH-1S · ▅AH-1S Kisarazu · ␗AH-1W
  ␗OH-58D
See Also  Fuji Heavy Industries · Agusta

USA helicopters
Attack 
Black Hawk  MH-60L DAP
Choctaw  H-34
Cobra  AH-1F · AH-1G · AH-1Z
SuperCobra  AH-1W
Kiowa  OH-58D
Little Bird  AH-6M
Apache  YAH-64 · AH-64A · ▃AH-64A Peten · AH-64A (GR) · AH-64D
Utility 
Huey  UH-1B · UH-1C · UH-1C XM-30

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