For all you UH-1 fans out there here is a paper put out by Bell on the Marine UH-1Y. This is one impressive aircraft, I wish the Army would of bought it rather than the ARH-70 underpowered thing. Enjoy.

-Dan

http://www.bellhelicopter.com/en/aircraft/military/pdf/UH1Y_PG_3-06_web.pdf

It looks pretty impressive. The USMC is stretching the longevity of the Huey far. Can't wait until it is operational.




You can't compare the two. It is like comparing a pick-up truck to a sports car. They are two different aircraft used for different missions. The ARH-70 is more than adequate for the armed recce role. The idea that it can carry a couple scouts is a bonus.

My point in the choice for the ARH is that it is still single engine and underpowered. By buying an off the shelf and combat proven acft would facilitate fielding a new weapon system. The ARH is still in the R&D stages. All my bretheren that fly the recon roll (which is going to the UAS, the whole reason why I chose to fly the Hawk) are tremendious pilots who can fly that lawnmower through hell, but I promise you that everyone of them would love that second engine. Going low and slow sneekin and peekin is not the place to lose an engine and try to do an autorotation.

Dan

I am just disappointed there is no reference to supplier discounts, financing options, cup holders, or paint options.

Thats definitely not your grandfathers Huey. Have they taken a simple proven workhorse and made it into yet another overly complex and expensive system?

Well it has given new life to an old system which seems to be a common occurrence with US military equipment. At least it breathes new life into a working system. That is what is important, as long as it flies and gets the job done why not. I don't know with all the funding with the War on Terrorism if this will be completed in the near future but it is a possibility.