Bell UH-1N Iroquois

Manufacturer: Bell Helicopter

The Bell UH-1N Iroquois is a light-lift utility helicopter used to support various missions. The primary missions include: airlift of emergency security forces, security and surveillance of off-base nuclear weapons convoys, and distinguished visitor airlift. Other uses include: disaster response operations, search and rescue, medical evacuation, airborne cable inspections, support to aircrew survival school, aerial testing, routine missile site support and transport.

The UH-1N is capable of flight in instrument and nighttime conditions. The crew complement is normally three (pilot, co-pilot and flight engineer), but may be flown with fewer crewmembers depending on weather and mission requirements. When configured for passengers, the Bell UH-1N Iroquois can seat up to 13 people, but actual passenger loads are dependent on fuel loads and atmospheric conditions (may be less). The medical evacuation configuration can accommodate up to six litters. Without seats or litters, the cabin can carry bulky, oversized cargo. Access to the cabin is through two full-sized sliding doors.

The Bell UH-1N Iroquois entered the Air Force inventory in 1970 to provide search and rescue capabilities. The missions expanded to include missile security, distinguished visitor, survival school and test support. HH-1H's and UH-1F's supporting missile wings were eventually replaced by the UH-1N due to the greater safety and capability offered by the twin engine.

Manufactured by Bell Helicopter/Textron Inc., the UH-1N is the military version of the Bell 212, one of the numerous variants of the original "Huey" first designed and flown in 1956.

The helicopter is assigned worldwide. Within Air Force Global Strike Command, UH-1N's are located at the 90th Missile Wing, F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo., the 341st Missile Wing, Malmstrom AFB, Mont., and the 91st Missile Wing, Minot AFB, N.D.

Other units include: 1st Helicopter Squadron, Andrews AFB, Md.; 36th Rescue Flight, Fairchild AFB, Wash.; 459th Airlift Squadron, Yokota AB, Japan; 40th Flight Test Squadron, Eglin AFB, Fla., 6th Special Operations Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Fla.; and 512th Rescue Squadron, Kirtland AFB, N.M.