The story
The UH-1Y keeps the Huey's outline and changes almost everything under it: a four-blade composite rotor, two General Electric T700 engines and new avionics. It was planned as a rebuild of old UH-1Ns, but the Marines switched to new-build aircraft in 2005. First flown in December 2001, it deployed for the first time in January 2009 and replaced the last UH-1Ns in 2014. The 160th and final Marine Venom was delivered in 2018, and the Czech Air Force received its first in 2023.
The Venom and the AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter share over 84 percent of their components, including the engines, rotor system and tail boom, and Marine light attack squadrons fly the two side by side.
Quick answers
How do you identify a UH-1Y Venom?
Classic Huey shape with a four-blade rotor (the older UH-1N has two), two engine exhausts on top, skids and a sensor ball under the nose. Often flies in a pair with an AH-1Z Viper.
What does a UH-1Y Venom sound like?
Smoother than an old Huey: the four-blade rotor trades the famous two-blade whop for a quicker, softer beat.
How fast is the UH-1Y Venom?
Top speed is 164 kts.
How many people does the UH-1Y Venom carry?
Typical configuration: Two pilots, plus up to ten passengers or six litters.
How far can the UH-1Y Venom fly?
Range is about 130 nmi combat range with a 2,182 lb payload.
How big is the UH-1Y Venom?
It is 58 ft 4 in long and 48 ft 10 in across the rotor.
When did the UH-1Y Venom first fly?
Its first flight was in 2001.
How many UH-1Y Venoms have been built?
160 for the US Marine Corps, plus Czech aircraft built.
How rare is a UH-1Y Venom in Bogey?
RARE. A good day. Most spotters go weeks between sightings of something this rare. Your first UH-1Y Venom catch is worth 250 points.
