Boeing Vertol YUH-61
Boeing Rotorcraft Systems · United States · first flew 1974 · transport aircraft
The Boeing Vertol YUH-61 was a prototype utility tactical transport helicopter developed to compete in the US Army's UTTAS (Utility Tactical Transport Aircraft System) competition. It lost the contest to the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turboshaft, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 18.5 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
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Spot it by:
- UTTAS competition prototype
- Tandem-rotor twin-turboshaft utility helicopter
- Lost to Sikorsky UH-60 in US Army competition
A conventional single-main-rotor helicopter with a rear loading ramp, twin turboshaft engines above the fuselage, and retractable tricycle undercarriage — broadly similar in configuration to the UH-60.
Specifications
- The Boeing Vertol YUH-61 has a length of 18.5 m (61 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 14.63 m (48 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 286 km/h (178 mph).
- Typical crew: 2-3, plus up to 11 troops.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Boeing Vertol flew the YUH-61 in 1974 as part of the Army's effort to replace the UH-1 Huey. Both the YUH-61 and Sikorsky's YUH-60 were rigorously evaluated; in 1976 the Army selected the Sikorsky design, ending the Boeing Vertol program.
Variants
Three YUH-61 prototypes were built for the UTTAS evaluation; no production followed.
Where you'll see it
Never entered operational service; all examples were used solely for the UTTAS competitive evaluation.
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