The US Marine Corps' remanufactured Bell UH-1Yutility helicopter has started a programme of 40 flight tests intended to clear the helicopter's carriage and use of unguided rockets, machine gun pods and self-protection systems. Conducted over a US Army test facility in Virginia on 17 May, the first demonstration involved a prototype aircraft firing 2.75in rockets.
Around 13,000 rounds of ammunition and 400 unguided rockets will be deployed by the UH-1Yduring the weapons-testing programme, which is scheduled to conclude before the aircraft and the accompanying upgraded Bell AH-1Z Super Cobra attack helicopter enter operational evaluation early next year. This process will also clear the new-generation Huey to operate with countermeasures equipment including chaff, flares and decoys.
The USMC will receive a total of 100 upgraded UH-1Ys and 180 AH-1Zs by 2014 under current acquisition planning.
Source: Flight International