Mission

The UH-1Y supports the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Commander by providing offensive air support, utility support, armed escort and airborne supporting arms coordination, day or night under all weather conditions during expeditionary, joint or combined operations.

Description

The UH-1Y Venom replaced the UH-1N Huey and includes the latest in technology and production techniques to continue the legacy of the venerable and battle-proven H-1 helicopter design. The UH-1Y is the most significant upgrade ever made to the venerable and battle-proven H-1 helicopter. At the heart of the upgrade is a new four-bladed, all-composite rotor system. Upgraded engines and transmissions, integrated digital cockpit featuring multifunction flat panel displays, increased payload capabilities, and crash-worthy seating for all crew. The UH-1Y Venom platform also provides significantly increased load carrying ability, greater range and survivability, and has a smaller logistics footprint.

Additionally, the AH-1Z and UH-1Y share 85 percent parts commonality, designed to significantly reduce life-cycle costs and the aircraft’s logistical footprint, while increasing the maintainability and deployability.

Specifications

Primary Function: Utility helicopter
Contractor: Bell Helicopter Company
Date Deployed: Initial operating capability 2008
Propulsion: Two General Electric T-700-GE-401C Turboshaft engines, 1,800 shp (1,340 kW) each
Length: 58 feet, 4 inches (17.78 meters)
Height: 14 feet, 7 inches (4.5 meters)
Rotor Diameter: 48 feet, 10 inches (14.88 meters)
Weight: Empty: 11,840 pounds (5,370 kg); Maximum Takeoff Weight: 18,500 pounds (8,390 kg)
Crew: Twelve; pilot and co-pilot, one crew chief, one gunner and eight combat-equipped Marines  

Program Status

ACAT: ACAT IC Program
Acquisition Phase: In Sustainment
Inventory: 160 
Initial Operational Capabilities (IOC) date: August 2008
Full Operational Capabilities (FOC) date: 2016

Updated: March 2026