Mission

The UH-1N is a light-lift utility helicopter used to support Air Force Space Command missile wings and groups. The helicopter has a number of uses. Its primary mission includes:

• Airlift of emergency security and disaster response forces,
• Security surveillance of off-base movements of nuclear weapons convoys and test range areas during launch conditions
• Space shuttle landing support, priority maintenance dispatch support, and emergency positive control document changes
• Response to search and rescue operations

Other uses include airlift of missile support personnel, airborne cable inspections and distinguished visitor transport.

Features

The UH-1N is capable of flight in instrument and nighttime conditions. The crew complement is normally two (pilot and co-pilot), but may be flown single-pilot depending on weather and mission requirements. The crew complement for hoist, water and navigational operations is three, adding a flight engineer. When configured for passengers, the UH-1N can seat up to 13 people, but actual passenger loads are dependent on fuel loads and atmospheric conditions (may be less). The medical evacuation configuration can accommodate 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.

Background

The UH-1N entered the Air Force inventory in 1970 to provide search and rescue capabilities. The missions expanded to include missile, distinguished visitor and survival school support. HH-1H's and UH-1F's supporting the missile wings were eventually replaced by the UH-1N due to the greater safety and capability offered by the twin engine. Manufactured by Bell Helicopter/Textron Inc., the UH-1N is the military version of the Bell 212, one of the more than 15 variants of the original "Huey" first designed and flown in 1956. With AFSPC, UH-1N's are assigned to the 30th Space Wing, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., the 90th Space Wing, F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo., the 341st Space Wing, Malmstrom AFB, Mont., and the 91st Space Wing, Minot AFB, N.D.

General Characteristics

Primary function: Light-lift utility
Contractor: Bell Helicopter Co.
Power Plant: Two Pratt and Whitney T400-CP-400 turboshaft engines
Maximum Gross Weight: 10,500 pounds (4,763 kilograms)
Range: 300-plus miles
Ceiling: 15,000 feet (4,572 meters); 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) for gross weights above 10,000 pounds (4,536 kilograms)
Maximum Speed: 149 mph (130 knots)
Cruise Speed: 103-115 mph (90-100 knots)
Length: 57 feet, 3 inches (17.44 meters)
Width: 9 feet, 5 inches (2.87 meters)
Height: 12 feet, 10 inches (3.9 meters)
Diameter of Main Rotor: 48 feet (14.63 meters)
Diameter of Tail Rotor: 8 feet, 6 inches (2.6 meters)
Crew: Pilot with co-pilot and flight engineer, depending upon mission
Date Deployed: 1970
Inventory: Active force, 62; Reserve, 0; ANG, 0

Point of Contact

Air Force Space Command, Public Affairs Office; 150 Vandenberg St., Suite 1105; Peterson AFB, CO 80914-4500; DSN 692-3731, or (719) 554-3731

Current as of May 2002