HH-1H Iroquois

Mission

The HH-1H is a light-lift Air Force helicopter used for distinguished visitor transport, and support of missile sites and ranges.

Features

The pilot and co-pilot sit side-by-side and, depending on the mission, a flight engineer can be added to the crew.

Entrance to the passenger cargo area is through two sliding doors, one on each side of the aircraft. The sliding doors permit over-sized items to be loaded across the cabin. The HH-1H can accommodate up to 12 passengers, but that number and its cargo capacity is controlled by the amount of fuel necessary for the mission. For medical evacuation and ambulance service, litter racks are installed in the cab to serve six patients and one medical attendant.

Background

The HH-1H, originally designed for local air base rescue, was delivered to the Air Force in the early 1970s. It is the single-engine version of the Huey helicopters first flown in 1956, then modified into more than 15 different models over the last 30 years.

General Characteristics

Primary Function: Support of missile sites and launch ranges.
Builder: Bell Helicopter Co.
Power Plant: One Lycoming T-53-L-13B turboshaft engine.
Propulsion: 1,400 shaft horsepower
Length: 57 feet, 1 inch (17.30 meters)
Width: 9 feet, 5 inches (2.87 meters)
Height: 13 feet (3.96 meters)
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 9,500 pounds (4,275 kilograms)
Diameter of Main Rotor: 48 feet, 4 inches (14.64 meters)
Diameter of Tail Rotor: 8 feet, 6 inches (2.58 meters)
Range: 345-plus miles (300-plus nautical miles)
Ceiling: 15,000 feet (4,546 meters)
Speed: 133 mph (116 knots per hour)
Load Options: 12 passengers or six litters and one medical attendant
Crew: Two to three; pilot and co-pilot, and depending on the mission, a flight engineer
Date Deployed: Early 1970s
Unit cost: $1.9 million
Inventory: Active force, 25; ANG, 0; Reserve, 0