H-1 PROGRAMAH-1Z AND UH-1Y

2012-2013, Issue 1

PREMIER ATTACK AND UTILITY HELICOPTERS

Semper Fidelis,

James F. AmosGeneral, U.S. Marine Corps

Table of ContentsMessage from the Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps .................. 1  Executive Summary ......................................................................... 2  Program Overview .......................................................................... 3  Design Philosophy ........................................................................... 485 Percent Commonality of Maintenance-significant Components ........ 5Cockpit and Integrated Systems ....................................................... 6Hands on Collective and Stick ........................................................... 8Optimized TopOwl ........................................................................... 9Survivability .................................................................................. 10Transportability ............................................................................. 11AH-1Z ......................................................................................... 12 General Characteristics ............................................................ 13 Major Systems ........................................................................ 14 ‘Viper’ Missions........................................................................ 16 Mission Profiles ....................................................................... 17 Target Sight System ................................................................. 18 Weapons/Payload Configurations ............................................... 19UH-1Y ......................................................................................... 20 General Characteristics ............................................................ 21 Major Systems ........................................................................ 22 ‘Venom’ Missions ..................................................................... 24 Mission Profiles ....................................................................... 25 BRITE Star II ............................................................................ 26 Weapons/Payload Configurations ............................................... 27UH-1Y in Operation Enduring Freedom ............................................ 28UH-1Y Combat Snapshot ............................................................... 29Amphibious Operations .................................................................. 30Maritime Mission Snapshot ........................................................... 31HMLA Operations ......................................................................... 32Logistical Supportability ................................................................. 33Future Capabilities ........................................................................ 34Top Tier Suppliers ......................................................................... 35U.S. Suppliers .............................................................................. 36

As envisioned by the 82nd Congress, the Marine Corps is America’sExpeditionary Force in Readiness, “a ready force, highly mobile, always at a high state of combat readiness…in a position to hold a full-scale aggression at bay while the American Nation mobilizes its vast defense machinery.” These words have been the guiding principleby which America’s Marines have organized, trained, equipped and

fought for nearly 60 years. As the Marine Corps commemorates a century of aviation excellence in 2012, with the last decade in continuous combat, we must modernize our forces to meet the uncertain challenges ahead. We remain true to the term “expeditionary”as the foundation for how we prepare and to describe the environments in which we are ready to operate.

History has shown that crises usually come with little or no warning; stemming from thesame conditions of uncertainty, complexity and chaos we observe across the world today. In the unstable regions of the world, where today we see conflict, social unrest and violent extremism combined with natural disasters, the global competition for resources and the proliferation of advance weaponry, crises will erupt prompting some form of U.S. response ranging from humanitarian aid and disaster relief to stability operations and, possibly, majorcombat. The Marine Corps is the crisis response force of choice for this emerging security environment. Partnered with the U.S. Navy in a state of persistent forward presence aboardamphibious warships, we are capable of conducting any manner of expeditionary operations. In the wake of prolonged combat operations, we remain dedicated to our modernization efforts,especially in our aviation equipment. The H-1 program is an integral part of these aviation upgrades. The introduction of the AH-1Z and the UH-1Y provides the Marine Corps with the most advanced attack and utility helicopters in the world. They represent the most effective and efficient means of accomplishing a wide array of missions, in any location and are a force multiplier for the ground force commander. These new aircraft are a fiscally responsible solution, reducing total ownership costs with significantly greater commonality among replaceable parts than their predecessors. This enhanced commonality eliminates duplicative training and logistics support requirements, while increasing our capability to operate and maintain these aircraft in expeditionary environments. As we look toward the second century of Marine Aviation, we are confident the H-1 program represents an affordable and necessary capability upgrade for the MAGTF.

A MESSAGE FROM THE COMMANDANTOF THE MARINE CORPS

Table of Contents 1.A Message from the Commandant of the Marine Corps

Executive Summary The H-1 Program, comprised of the AH-1Z “Viper” and UH-1Y “Venom,” extends the proven Cobra and Huey series of aircraft with fully inte-grated, high-performance, state-of-the-art platforms. Speed, range and payload have been increased significantly, while supportability demands, training timelines and total ownership costs have been reduced.

Separately, the AH-1Z and UH-1Y are the most capable attack and utilityhelicopters around the globe. When combined, they represent the mosteffective and efficient means of accomplishing a wide array of missions, anywhere in the world.

The United States Marine Corps’ procurement objective is160 UH-1Ys and 189 AH-1Zs for a total of 349 aircraft.The AH-1Z and the UH-1Y have been extensively testedand are in full rate production. Through 01 April 2012,Bell Helicopter had delivered a total of 81 AH-1Zs andUH-1Ys to the Marine Corps.

Program Overview With the United States heavily engaged in Overseas Contingency Operations,the Marine Corps deployed these new attack and utility helicoptersimmediately after each achieved Initial Operational Capability and well before their established Material Support Date. Since their initial deploy-ments, the UH-1Y in January 2009 and the AH-1Z in November 2011, both aircraft have demonstrated high reliability during austere, distributed combat operations.

Simply referred to as the “Yankee” and “Zulu” by the pilots who fly them and the mechanics who maintain them, these aircraft have earned areputation as some of the most combat-effective and survivable aircraft on the modern battlefield.

2. Executive Summary 3.Program Overview

85 Percent Commonality ofMaintenance-significant Components Results in reduced support requirements, training, logistics “footprint” and Total Ownership Cost

• IntegratedDigitalCockpit• 100percentidenticalsoftwareconfigurationwithanupgradable common software interface and mission planning system• Active&PassiveCountermeasures• OptimizedTopOwl Helmet Mounted System Display (HMSD)• AdvancedMemoryUnit(AMU)withCommonMissionLoading/ Maintenance Data Extraction• CommonDriveTrain – Composite Rotor System – Main Transmission – Intermediate and Tail Rotor Gearbox• RedundantHydraulicSystems• ElectricalSystem• 4-BladedPusherTailRotor• 4-BladedCompositeMainRotor• FireExtinguishingSystem• FlightControlServos• OilCoolingSystem• T700-401CEngines• IRSuppressors• Battery&AuxiliaryPowerUnit

Design Philosophy

The lineage of the Zulu and Yankee are visually obvious, but under their skins, they enjoy a dramatic departure from their ancestors. With afocus on maximizing performance while reducing supportability demands and Total Ownership Costs, these aircraft provide improved speed, maneuverability, range, firepower and payload while leveraging 85 percent “commonality” of maintenance-significant replaceablecomponents.

The maximum gross weight of each aircraft has increased to 18,500 pounds with Hover Out of Ground Effect (HOGE) useful loads increasing by 1,572 pounds for the AH-1 and 2,398 pounds for the UH-1. Thisuseful load increase translates to fuel and ordnance options that more than double the combat radius of the AH-1W, while providing a payload and combat radius option that was not executable by the UH-1N.

Both of these aircraft are “marinized” to prevent corrosion and easeoperations in high-moisture environments. However, the benefits ofmarinization are not limited to maritime operations, as corrosion resistanttreatments, blade fold, enhanced rotor brakes, and minimized electro-magnetic environmental effects (E3) benefit maintenance and reliability in all weather environments.

5.85 Percent Commonality UH-1Y/AH-1Z4. Design Philosophy

The AH-1Z and UH-1Y Integrated Avionics System (IAS) interfaces the helicopters’ glass cockpits and provides the capability for the helicopter to communicate, navigate, process and present data, manage crew station systems, detect and counter threats, acquire and track targets, employ guided and unguided munitions, provide various sensor inputdata with other aircraft systems and equipment. The IAS utilizes twosynchronized mission computers with an open, modular architecture thatallows for easy system upgrades and is aligned with Edition 1.0 of the Future Airborne Capability Environment (FACE) Technical Standard. The IAS also improves the aircrew’s situational awareness and weapons accuracy by providing critical mission data on four multi-function displays.

Both aircraft feature a full-function avionics system for cockpit display, navigation, flight management, aircraft systems, communications,sensor management and weapons delivery consisting of:

Two (2) Synchronized Mission Computers Provides dual redundant processing and control Four (4) Multifunction Displays (MFD) Each is independent and provides aircrew and maintenance personnel the ability to display real time data Two (2) Dual Function Displays Additional devices for displaying data input and backup flight data Two (2) Keyboard Units Provides crew ability to manage input in real-time Two (2) Station Control Units (SCU), Two (2) Outboard Stores Station Electronics (SSE) Provides interface to weapons on the AH-1Z Two (2) ARC-210 Radios for AH-1Z and Three (3) for the UH-1Y,&(1)APX123 Provides external radio and IFF communications EW Suite Provides situational awareness of and protection from threats to the aircraft (Radio Frequency (RF) and Infra-Red (IR) threat warning) Forward looking Infra-Red/TV system ProvidesElectro-Optical(EO)&IRtargetingandsituational awareness (SA) of what is happening on the ground Two (2) Helmet Mounted Sight Display (HMSD) Provides flight/weapons/EW threat SA to the crew during flight, allowing the aircrew to keep heads out of the cockpit

Cockpit and Avionics

Cockpit andIntegratedSystems

6. Cockpit and Integrated Systems 7.Cockpit and Integrated Systems

Optimized TopOwl

Optimized TopOwl (OTO) is the combat-proven Helmet Mounted Sight and Display on both AH-1Z and UH-1Y. OTO is the combination of a modular, protective helmet with day and night avionics to present a “head-up display” of visual aids and intensified night images to the pilot. OTO significantly reduces pilot workload and affords more attention to the situationalenvironment by presenting:• Conformaldisplaythatsuperimposesflightsymbologyontothenatural landscape• Integratedaimingandacquisitionsymbologythatallowsweapon system employment without taking “eyes off” the target environment • Supplementalhoversymbologytoaidthepilotinreducedvisibility approach and landing conditions

The OTO Helmet utilizes a customized fitting system to provide a very high level of comfort. Coupled with a high precision head tracking system, the helmet affords aircrew ease of target identification, engagement and hand off.

Hands on Collective and Stick

Switches located on the collective and cyclic allow the pilot to cycle throughMulti-function Displays; manipulate Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS) inputs; select, tune and transmit from the communications suite; and select and employ aircraft weapon systems and countermeasures without removing hands from the controls. Switches are shaped differently to aid identification by tactile sense.

The layout and functionality of crewmember stations is identical, withthe exception of the rotor brake and access to some circuit breakers, minimizing training and allowing the aircraft to be flown and fought from either crew station.

8. Hands on Collective and Stick 9.Optimized TopOwl

SurvivabilityThe AH-1Z and UH-1Y were designed with survivability in mind, knowingthe two aircraft would regularly be tasked with conducting Close Air Support (CAS), Armed Reconnaissance, Forward Air Control (Airborne), escort and insert/extract missions. A number of enhancements on these aircraft include:• Ballisticallytolerantcompositerotorhubsandbladescapableof withstanding 23mm munitions• Largediametercontroltubesforsurvivabilityagainstsmallarms• Landinggearratedfor12feetperseconddescent• OnBoardInertGasGeneratingSystem(OBIGGS)forfueltankullage• Engineinfrared(IR)suppressorsandIRreflectivepaint• Pilot,aircrewandpassengercrashattenuatingseats

The aircraft are also outfitted with a robust, combat-tested suite of threat detection and countermeasure equipment:• AN/APR-39B(V)2RadarWarningSystem• AN/AAR-47Missile/LaserWarningSystem• AN/ALE-47CountermeasureDispensingSet

Combat often requires flight operations in close proximity to enemy forces,especially during execution of CAS, escort, insert/extract and emergency resupply missions. USMC UH-1Ys in Afghanistan have sustained hits on several occasions, but completedtheir missions and returned safelyto base.

10. Survivability 11.Transportability

TransportabilitySimple, rugged and easily operated, the foldable rotor blade system reducesthe physical footprint of the aircraft to allow for worldwide transport onshipping or in strategic lift aircraft. The compact size also enables high-density hangaring for sheltering in severe weather or operations from austere expeditionary bases, where space can be at a premium.

AH-1Z

13.AH-1Z General Characteristics

AH-1ZThe AH-1Z is a fully integrated attack helicopter capable of carrying a widevariety of munitions across six dedicated weapons stations. The Zulu has one of the best 3rd Generation Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR)sensors on the battlefield, the Target Sight System (TSS), providing long-range target detection and identification with extremely high-level targeting accuracy. When compared to the predominately fielded 2nd generation Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) on other attack helicopters, theadvanced third generation TSS outperforms their detection, recognition andidentification capabilities by considerable margin. Comparative performanceis shown in the chart below.

The Optimized TopOwl Helmet Mounted Sight and Display provides aircraftperformance and navigation information and is fully integrated with every weapon system on the aircraft. This “heads-up, heads-out” capabilitysignificantly increases pilot situational awareness and enables rapid targethandoff and engagement.

The Zulu carries a wide range and large quantity of munitions, to include Hellfire and Sidewinder missiles, 2.75” rockets, 20mm cannon and 120 countermeasure expendables. No other attack helicopter can carry the same load of air-to-ground and air-to-air weapons to address any threat or contingency.

12. AH-1Z

AH-1Z General CharacteristicsPerformance Max speed, KIAS 200Cruise speed, KTAS 139Sideward/Rearward flight, KIAS 45Max autorotation speed, KIAS 120Combat radius*, nm 131 nmManeuverability -0.5 to +2.5 g

Weight and FuelMax Gross Weight, pounds 18,500Max useful load, pounds 5,764Fuel Capacity, gallons 412.5

EnginesModel T700-GE-401COutput, uninstalled, each engine 1800 shp

CrewPilots 2

*Aircraft configured with attack payload of (8) Hellfire missiles, (14) 2.75” HE rockets, (650) rounds 20mm, and (120) chaff and flare cartridges conducting mission profile, which includes 30 minutes of on station time and a 20 minute fuel reserve.

3rd Gen FLIR (TSS)

2nd Gen FLIR

Recognition

Identification

Detection

COMPOSITE MAIN &TAIL ROTOR BLADES

AH-1Z Major SystemsCOMPOSITE BEARINGLESS MAIN ROTOR HUB

2625 SHP TRANSMISSION

FULLY INTEGRATED COCKPIT& FIRE CONTROL SYSTEM

3RD GEN TARGETSIGHT SYSTEM

20mm TURRETED GUN & LINKLESS FEED

INTEGRATED IR AND RF SURVIVABILITY

• UHF, VHF COMM• SINCGARS & HAVEQUICK• MODE 4,5,S IFF• CDL VIDEO LINK*• SAASM*• UHF DAMA SATCOM*

T700-401C ENGINES(WITH IR SUPPRESSION)

EMBEDDED GPS/INS

INTEGRATED HEALTH USAGE& DIAGNOSTICS

4 UNIVERSAL WING STATIONS• AGM-114 HELLFIRE• 2.75” FFAR/APKWS

2 AIM-9 STATIONS*INTREPID TIGER

• DUAL HYDRAULICS • DUAL TANDEM ACTUATORS • 4 DC POWER SOURCES • BALLISTICALLY TOLERANT DESIGN • SELF-SEALING FUEL SYSTEM

APU

*Future planned capability

14. AH-1Z Major Systems 15.AH-1Z Major Systems

AH-1Z ‘Viper’ MissionsThe Marine Corps’ premier attack helicopter is tasked with conducting the following missions:

• OffensiveAnti-AirWarfare• AirInterdiction

• ActiveAirDefense• StrikeCoordinationandReconnaissance• ArmedReconnaissance• CloseAirSupport• DeepAirSupport• ForwardAirControl(Airborne)• TacticalRecoveryofAircraftandPersonnel• AerialEscort• AviationOperationsfromExpeditionaryShore-BasedSites• AviationOperationsfromSea-BasedSites

16. AH-1Z ‘Viper’ Missions

Mission Profiles

AH-1Z Combat Radius and RangeThe AH-1Z was designed to carry more ordnance, carry it further, carry it faster and deliver it more effectively in the objective area.

On a typical Close Air Support (CAS) mission profile, which serves to provide effective and timely fires on targets in close proximity to friendlyforces, the AH-1Z carries a load of (8) Hellfire missiles, (14) High Explosive(HE) rockets, (650) rounds of 20mm ammunition and (120) cartridges of chaff and flare expendables to an objective area 131 nautical milesaway; spends 30 minutes in the objective area to prosecute targets; then returns to its point of origin and still has 20 minutes of fuel remaining.

17.Mission Profiles

Missions inside box are common to both AH-1Z and UH-1Y.

Target Sight SystemTarget Sight System (TSS) is the multi-sensor electro-optical/infrared(EO/IR) fire control system (AN/AAQ-30) for the AH-1Z. It has a large-aperture midwave forward-looking infrared (FLIR) sensor, color TV, laser designator/rangefinder (with eyesafe mode) and an on-gimbal inertial measurement unit integrated into a highly stabilized turret mounted to the nose of the aircraft. The TSS provides the capability to identify and laser-designate targets at maximum weapon range, significantly enhancing platform survivability and lethality. The sensor includes:

• High magnification, continuous zoom, color TV with field-of-view matched to the FLIR• State-of-the-art 640 x 512 InSb, low-noise-equivalent delta temperature, high-modulation transfer function detector with a high-reliability cooler• Versatile modular architecture for future growth

18. Target Sight System

Weapons/Payload ConfigurationsThe AH-1Z is reconfigurable to support a wide variety of tasks with the following armament and mission kits:

• AIM-9Sidewinderair-to-airmissiles• AGM-114Hellfireair-to-groundmissiles• Mk-662.75”rockets• M-19720mmcannon• LUU-2illuminationflares• 77-gallonauxiliaryfueltanks• TacticalAircrewCombatTrainingSystem(TACTS)pod

USMC has plans to also incorporate:• AdvancedPrecisionKillWeaponsSystem(APKWS)• JointAirtoGroundMissile(JAGM)• Intrepid Tiger

19.Weapons/Payload Configurations

UH-1YThe UH-1Y is the world’s most versatile and capable utility helicopter, teaming a new drivetrain and engines with state-of-the-art mission systems.

The UH-1Y’s integrated glass cockpit is optimized for crew coordinationand situational awareness during high-tempo combat operations and the Optimized TopOwl Helmet Mounted Sight and Display provides pilots with all essential aircraft performance, navigation and weapons informationfor mission accomplishment.

All UH-1Ys are outfitted with the 3rd generation BRITE Star Block II FLIR and color television camera to provide robust navigation and long-range targeting capabilities. The sensor is outfitted with a laser designator/rangefinder and integrated infrared pointer to take full advantage of its 2.75” rockets or a selection of 7.62 and .50 caliber guns.

Combat-tested in the world’s harshest climates, the UH-1Y performs a wide array of missions without compromise.

UH-1Y

20. UH-1Y 21.UH-1Y General Characteristics

*Aircraft configured with GAU-16 and M240 weapon systems with (500) rounds each, (8) combat loaded troops, and (4) aircrewconducting mission profile, which includes 5 minute, mid-mission HOGE for fastrope operations, 10 minutes in objective area and10 percent fuel reserve.

UH-1Y General CharacteristicsPerformance Max speed, KIAS 170Cruise speed, KTAS 147Sideward/Rearward flight, KIAS 45Max autorotation speed, KIAS 120Combat radius*, nm 119 nmManeuverability -0.5 to +2.3 g

Weight and FuelMax Gross Weight, pounds 18,500Fuel Capacity, gallons 388

EnginesModel T700-GE-401COutput, uninstalled, each engine 1800 shp

CrewPilots 2Crew/Passenger seats 2/8

UH-1Y Major SystemsCOMPOSITE MAIN &TAIL ROTOR BLADES

COMPOSITE BEARINGLESS MAIN ROTOR HUB

FULLY INTEGRATED COCKPIT& FIRE CONTROL SYSTEM

DIGITAL AFCS WITH 4 AXIS STABILIZATION

3RD GEN FLIRINTEGRATED IRPOINTER AND LASER DESIGNATOR

INTEGRATED IR AND RF SURVIVABILITY

*Future planned capability

• UHF, VHF COMM• SINCGARS & HAVEQUICK• MODE 4,5,S IFF• UHF DAMA SATCOM• CDL VIDEO LINK*• SAASM*

T700-401C ENGINES(WITH IR SUPPRESSION)

EMBEDDED GPS/INS

INTEGRATED HEALTHUSAGE & DIAGNOSTICS

2 DOOR GUNNER MOUNTS CAPABLE OF ANY COMBINATION OF:7.62mm GATLIN GUNM240 7.62mm12.7mm MACHINE GUN2.75” FFAR/APKWS

• DUAL HYDRAULICS • DUAL TANDEM ACTUATORS • 4 DC POWER SOURCES • BALLISTICALLY TOLERANT DESIGN • SELF-SEALING FUEL SYSTEM

2625 SHP TRANSMISSION

22. UH-1Y Major Systems 23.UH-1Y Major Systems

As the Marine Corps’ premier utility helicopter, the UH-1Y is tasked with conducting the following missions:• Combat Assault Transport• AirDelivery• AirborneCommandandControl• HelicopterInsertandExtract/Fastrope• TacticalAirControl(Airborne)

Missions inside box are common to both AH-1Z and UH-1Y.

UH-1Y ‘Venom’ Missions

• ActiveAirDefense• StrikeCoordinationandReconnaissance• ArmedReconnaissance• CloseAirSupport• DeepAirSupport• ForwardAirControl(Airborne)• TacticalRecoveryofAircraftandPersonnel• AerialEscort• AviationOperationsfromExpeditionaryShore-BasedSites• AviationOperationsfromSea-BasedSites

24. UH-1Y ‘Venom’ Missions

Mission Profiles

UH-1Y Combat Radius and RangeLike the AH-1Z, the UH-1Y was designed to carry more, both further and faster, and be more effective in the objective area than any other utility helicopter. A superlative platform to conduct special operator insert/extract missions, the UH-1Y can carry a full load of (8) combat loaded troops with door guns, fast ropes, and a full complement of (120) expendables out to an objective area 119 nautical miles away; support those troops by fire for another 20 minutes; then return toits point of origin with 20 minutes of fuel reserve.

25.Mission Profiles

The UH-1Y’s BRITE Star II employsa 5 Fields of View (FOV), midwave, forward looking infrared (FLIR) sen-sor and a 3-FOV, high-definition, 3-chip, color and monochrome Charged Coupled Device (CCD) camera to optimize mission performance. Its ability to fuse the Infraredand CCD images affords detection, recognition and identification atgreater distances, enabling aircrews to find, fix and engage targets beyond the range of threat systems in day and night conditions. The system includes a high reliability, diode pump laser designator/range-finder (eye-safe) compatible with all US and NATO laser guided munitions. Target and location marking with the bore-sighted infrared laser pointer increases situational awareness and significantly reduces “kill chain” time.

BRITE Star II

26. BRITE Star II

The UH-1Y is reconfigurable to support a wide variety of tasks with the following armament and mission kits:

• GAU-21CommonDefenseWeaponSystem(.50cal)• GAU-17mini-gun(7.62mm)• M240gun(7.62mm)• MK-2.75”rockets*• TacticalAircrewCombatTrainingSystem(TACTS)pod• 77-gallonfueltank• Fastropegantries• Externalcargohook

*APKWS successfully completed Operational Testing and is deployedto Operation Enduring Freedom for use in the UH-1Y, providing the Yankee with a PGM capability which further expands its influence and flexibility.

Weapons/Payload Configurations

27.Weapons/Payload Configurations

UH-1Y Combat SnapshotMarine and Afghani forces were engaged in an extensive firefight with ammunition running critically low. As the fight intensified, two UH-1Ysreceived the call for an emergency ammunition re-supply. The aircraft were configured for Close Air Support and were outfitted with a full complement of 2.75 inch rockets, a .50 caliber machine gun and a 7.62 Gatling gun. The aircrews had loaded the aircraft cabins with several thousand pounds of ammunition and launched in the heat of the Afghanistansummer. With temperatures exceeding 115ºF and the Density Altitude exceeding 7,000 ft., the aircraft touched down in the landing zone in the midst of a firefight. Though Marine and Afghani forces provided heavysuppression to cover the Yankee’s arrival, local Taliban surged to engage the aircraft on deck.

In less than one minute all ammunition was offloaded from the Yankees and the aircraft departed their landing zones, engaging the enemy and providing additional suppressive fires on egress. During the post flight inspections, 10 bullet holes were identified between the two aircraft, penetrating rotor blades, fuel cells and avionics compartments. Neither pilots nor aircrews detected any performance degradation during the remainder of the flight.

The UH-1Y has demonstrated significant increases in speed, range,payload, survivability and multi-role capabilities, and is providing economy of force solutions to Ground Force Commanders on a daily basis.

UH-1Y in Operation EnduringFreedom

In November 2009, the Marine Corps was heavily engaged in two conflictsand the ability of its legacy UH-1Ns to conduct operations at high altitudes and/or gross weights severely restricted aircrew and ground commander options. As a result, the Marine Corps accelerated introductionof the UH-1Y into Afghanistan, sending a full squadron of “Yankees” forwarddespite having just achieved Initial Operational Capability (IOC), and a fullyear before its planned Material Support Date (MSD). The UH-1Y has been engaged in sustained, high-tempo combat operations since its arrival.While roughly 60 percent of its mission tasking involves Close Air Support,Casualty Evacuation (CASEVAC) and Assault Support Escort, the UH-1Y’sincreased payload and inherent weapons capabilities have afforded Ground Commanders a multitude of options previously unavailable, withtactics, techniques and procedures being continually refined. To date, UH-1Ys have accrued over 12,000 combat flight hours, carrying more than 7,000 passengers and 81,000 pounds of cargo, while maintaining an 83 percent readiness rate.

29.UH-1Y Combat Snapshot28. UH-1Y in Operation Enduring Freedom

Amphibious OperationsWhen considered individually, the AH-1Z and UH-1Y are arguably the best attack and utility helicopters in the world. When operated together, the benefits increase exponentially. Recent deployments have demon-strated that the increased speed, range and payload capabilities of both aircraft significantly extend the reach and influence of Marine Expeditionary Units (MEU).

31.Maritime Mission Snapshot

Maritime Mission SnapshotIn 2009, the UH-1Y saw its first operational deployment with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit. The Yankee made an immediate impact.

The MEU was assigned to conduct antipiracy operations off the coast of Somalia with Combined Task Force 151. With a section of aircraft constantly on alert status, the Yankee often flew in mixed sections with the AH-1W. It was directly involved in the capture of seven pirates and played a key role in the high-profile rescue of Captain Richard Phillips ofthe Maersk Alabama. The UH-1Y’s increased power and performance mitigated risk to the aircrew while flying long-distance missions over openwater. Faster speeds and longer legs also meant the aircraft could more rapidly respond to vessels under duress from pirate activities and made it the platform of choice for snipers, assault team inserts and airborne command and control. The Yankee’s improved performance and increased payload also allowed aircrews to provide “simultaneous” capabilities to the ground commander by eliminating the need for time-consuming mission reconfigurations.

30. Amphibious Operations

Logistical SupportabilityGreat strides have been made in logistical requirements for the UH-1Y and AH-1Z, improvements that enhance an already exceptional operationalcapability. Deployed well before its established Material Support Date (MSD), the UH-1Y has flown in the full range of operations as part ofMarine Expeditionary Units and in Operation Enduring Freedom. A testamentto the innovative engineering designs and 85 percent commonality ofcomponents, both the AH-1Z and the UH-1Y continue to exceed readinessgoals despite the decision to deploy the aircraft earlier than the MSD. In comparison to earlier H-1 variants, the UH-1Y and AH-1Z deploy with a significantly smaller logistical footprint, sustaining operations in austere environments that had previously been unsupportable.

Parts commonality has also streamlined the training programs for main-tenance personnel, decreasing the time it takes to train and certifytechnicians on both aircraft. Continued partnership between theMarine Corps, logistics agencies and industry consistently improves the appropriate sizing of inventories, expediency in logistical pipelines and initiatives for reliability and sustainability. With the UH-1Y and AH-1Z, the pilots, aircrew and maintenance personnel take advantage of high readiness percentages,enhanced maintainability and an expeditionary logistical footprint to continue the proud tradition of H-1 attack andutility helicopters into the future.

32. HMLA Operations 33.Logistical Supportability

HMLA Operations

Since the 1980s, the USMC has structured its Marine Light AttackHelicopter (HMLA) squadrons to include both AH-1s and UH-1s. The operational advantages of flying “mixed” sections of AH and UH aircraft were revalidated during the Marine Corps’ extensive involvement inOperation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Mixed sectionsprovide extra sets of eyes, quick and accurate threat suppression,additional offensive “punch,” and imbedded Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel (TRAP), Casualty Evacuation (CASEVAC), insert/extract and “self escort” capabilities on every sortie.

With multiple mission configurations and the ability to adapt aircraft mix and flight composition, Ground Force Commanders are afforded scalable options to meet mission challenges across the entire spectrum of utility and attack operations.

Top Tier Suppliers

Bell Helicopter Prime Contractor

General Electric Aviation Engines, IR suppressor, blade fold actuator, rotor brake control

L3 Communications UH-1Y cabin

KAMAN Aerospace AH-1Z cabin

Northrop Grumman Corp Integrated Avionics Suite (IAS), mission computers

Lockheed Martin, Orlando AH-1Z Target Sight System (TSS)

Thales, Inc Optimized TopOwl HMSD

FLIR Systems UH-1Y BRITE Star NTIS

Avionic Instruments Inverters

Amfuel (Zodiac) Fuel cells

Woodward HTR Actuators

Composite Solutions Composite panels

Texstar (Hampson Aerospace) Composite parts

Times Microwave Systems Wiring cables

Triumph Fabrication Landing gear

Lord Corp Fraham Assemblies, elastomerics

Harris Corp HUMS

SKF Bearings, elastomerics

Projects Unlimited FCC, AWIRT, CWIRT

Donlee Precision Rotor masts

Honeywell Mechanical Starter, fan, valves

Goodrich DSSD Bellmouths

BAE System Controls Fuel probes / computer

Ceradyne Armor assemblies

AIDC Tail Booms

Supplier System

AH-1Z & UH-1Y Top Tier Suppliers

34. Future Capabilities 35.Top Tier Suppliers

Future CapabilitiesThe Marine Corps’ “road map” for continually upgrading the effectiveness, survivability and safety of the AH-1Z and UH-1Y is enabled by their 100percent common architecture and software loads. This commonalityeases the development, test and fielding of systems for both aircraft at significantly reduced cost. Some of the capability enhancements planned for the Yankee and Zulu include: • Digitally Aided Close Air Support (DaCAS) – DaCAS enables the digital exchange of Close Air Support mission information to increase aircrew situational awareness and accelerate the kill chain.

• Common Data Link (CDL) – The Yankee and Zulu will be outfitted with the ability to send and receive Full Motion Video with associated metadata to and from UAS and ground-based systems to validate targeting accuracy, maintain positive identification, reduce potential for collateral damage and decrease risk of fratricide.

• Joint Battle Command – Platform (JBC-P) – JBC-P is the next iteration of Blue Force Tracker (BFT), providing secure Common Operational Picture and over-the-horizon data link capability to aircrews operating throughout the battlespace.

• Joint Allied Threat Awareness System (JATAS) – JATAS extends infrared and laser threat detection and adds Hostile Fire Indicator capability for AH-1Z and UH-1Y aircraft.

36. U.S. Suppliers 37.U.S. Suppliers

Kaman Industrial Technologies

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H-1 PROGRAMAH-1Z AND UH-1Y

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