The Bell HU-1H Iroquois (often referred to as "Huey") is a twin-rotor, single-turboshaft utility helicopter utilized by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF). Manufactured in Japan by Fuji Heavy Industries, the HU-1H appears in The Early Days OVA.
Design and Development[]
UH-1H Iroquois
UH-1H of the JGSDF
The HU-1H is an upgraded version of the Bell UH-1D Iroquois, featuring a more powerful Lycoming T53-L-13 turboshaft engine. The H-model's tail boom has a movable horizontal stabilizer, allowing greater control authority and utility. Visually, the H-model Huey can be distinguished from earlier models by the placement of its pitot tube; the H-model has its tube installed on the roof, while older types have it mounted on the nose.
The Huey is a spartan design tailor-made for military use. Powered by a single turboshaft engine, it features two main rotor blades. The helicopter's core structure consists of two beams that run the length of the cabin from the nose to the tail boom attachment point. Two bulkheads affixed to these beams provide the mounting points for the passenger cabin, landing gear, fuel tanks, and engine. The cockpit of the HU-1H has two pilot seats, each with a full set of controls, though technically only one pilot is required to fly the helicopter. Typically, the helicopter is operated by two pilots to share the workload. The passenger compartment is spacious enough to seat 13 troops, or up to six stretchers. Various other equipment, such as a rescue hoist, additional fuel tanks, spotlights, and other mission-specific equipment. The Huey's two large doors make entering and exiting the helicopter easy, and they can be easily removed or pinned open if necessary.
Operational Use[]
HU-1H flies alongside an airlifted AV-98 Ingram Unit 1
During Kiyoteru Kai's attempt to destroy Tokyo with a nuclear missile, military forces were dispatched to put an end to the threat. While it would ultimately be the Tokyo Metropolitan Police's Special Vehicles Section 2 that would carry out the operation to board the Sunflower 8, JGSDF helicopters were utilized to facilitate the mission. Along with Boeing CH-47 transport helicopters, HU-1H Hueys were also deployed during the operation.
Specifications[]
General Characteristics
- Crew: 1-2 Pilots
- Length: 17.6 m (57 ft 9.6 in)
- Width: 2.9 m (9 ft 6.5 in)
- Height: 4.4 m (14 ft 5.5 in)
- Maximum Takeoff Weight: 4,309 kg (9,500 lb)
- Main Rotor Diameter: 14.6 m (48 ft)
Performance
- Maximum Speed: 204 km/h (127 mph)
- Range: 511 km (318 mi)
- Service Ceiling: 3,800 m (12,600 ft)
Gallery[]
Trivia[]
- In official Patlabor media, the Iroquois is listed with the designation HU-1H, but in reality, the helicopter is actually called the UH-1H. Prior to 1962, helicopters in the UH-1 family were indeed referred to with the model number HU-1, but as the UH-1H first flew in 1967, it was never given the older-style number.