Bell UH-1N Iroquois
Bell Helicopter · Canada/USA · first flew 1969 · helicopter
The UH-1N Twin Huey is the twin-engine member of the Iroquois family, powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada's PT6T-3 Twin Pac. The wider, taller engine cowling housing two engines is the definitive visual feature separating it from all single-engine Hueys.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turboshaft, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 17.46 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Twin-engine cowling — two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6T-3 turboshafts in a side-by-side arrangement give a wider, taller engine housing than single-engine Hueys
- No pronounced single engine exhaust stack; instead a broader, flatter cowling top
- USAF and USMC colour schemes most common — white-and-blue VIP transport or olive drab utility
The twin-engine installation with its noticeably wider, flatter rooftop cowling is the immediate identifier against any single-engine Huey. From the side, the engine bay is visibly broader and there is no prominent single exhaust stack. From above or head-on, the cowling width is disproportionate to the rotor mast relative to a UH-1H.
Specifications
- The Bell UH-1N Iroquois has a length of 17.46 m (57 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 14.69 m (48 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 230 km/h (143 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Developed from the Canadian Armed Forces' CUH-1N requirement; the PT6T Twin Pac joined two PT6 cores on a common gearbox. Adopted by USAF, USMC, and US Navy for VIP transport, SAR, and utility roles. Still in USAF service in 2020s, scheduled for replacement by the Bell-Boeing V-280.
Variants
The Canadian CH-135 is the CAF designation. The commercial Model 212 is the civil equivalent. The Bell 412 is a four-blade derivative of the 212.
Where you'll see it
USAF, USMC, US Navy from 1970; Canada, Italy, and many others. Still flying with USAF 1st Helicopter Squadron at Andrews for VIP transport and with USMC for Antarctic support.
Related aircraft
- Bell 212 Twin Huey
- Bell 205A-1
- Bell OH-58 Kiowa
- Bell UH-1H Iroquois
- Aérospatiale SA 315B Lama
- HAL Cheetah
- Mi-24A (Hind-A)
- Mil Mi-14
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