Bell UH-1Y Venom

The modernized utility helicopter built to replace aging Huey fleets.

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A UH-1Y takes off from the deck of USS San Diego – © Lance Cpl. Jeremy Laboy

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Overview

Bell United States ICAO: UH1Y 2008–Present Active $45 million

The Bell UH-1Y Venom is an upgraded utility helicopter developed for the U.S. Marine Corps. Entering service in the late 2000s, it incorporates modern avionics and increased power. The aircraft evolved from the long-serving UH-1 series.

Live Fleet Activity (UH1Y)

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Specifications

Units
Engine
2 × General Electric T700-GE-401C
Engine type
Turboshaft
Power
2 × 1,800 shp · 1,342 kW
Avionics
FLIR Systems Inc. BRITE Star NTIS
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
10
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
3 ft 11 in  ·  1.20 m
Cabin length
7 ft 7 in  ·  2.30 m
Exterior length
58 ft 4 in  ·  17.78 m
Tail height
14 ft 9 in  ·  4.50 m
Fuselage diameter
8 ft 6 in  ·  2.59 m
Wing span
48 ft 10 in  ·  14.88 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
18,500 lb  ·  8,400 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
6,650 lb  ·  3,000 kg
Fuel capacity
390 gal · 1,500 L · 1,200 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
170 kt  ·  196 mph  ·  315 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
—
Range
325 nm  ·  370 mi  ·  600 km
Fuel burn
0.28 nm/gal  ·  0.14 km/L
Ceiling
20,000 ft  ·  6,100 m
Rate of climb
2,520 ft/min  ·  13 m/s
Takeoff distance
—
Landing distance
—
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A UH-1Y takes off from the deck of USS San Diego

Live fleet activity details

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All Active Aircraft Types
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Operational Context

Bell UH-1Y Venom — twin-engine military utility helicopter

The UH-1Y first flew in 2001 and entered service in 2008. It was developed as part of a modernization program to replace older UH-1 variants. The helicopter features a four-blade main rotor and upgraded composite components for improved performance.

Powered by two General Electric T700 turboshaft engines producing approximately 1,800 shaft horsepower each, the UH-1Y cruises at around 150 knots (278 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight exceeds 18,000 pounds (8,165 kg). The cabin accommodates troops, cargo, or mission equipment.

The Venom serves in troop transport, medical evacuation, and close support roles. Commonality with the AH-1Z Viper simplifies logistics. The aircraft continues the Huey lineage into the modern era.