Boeing Vertol YUH-61

The Boeing Vertol YUH-61 (company designation Model 179) was a twin turbine engined, medium lift, military assault/utility helicopter.

The YUH-61 was the runner-up in the United States Army Utility Tactical Transport Aircraft System (UTTAS) competition in the early 1970s to replace the Bell UH-1 Iroquois helicopter.

At the end of the fly off program, Sikorsky Aircraft was awarded a contract to develop and build its UH-60A entry.

Variants

Model 237

Naval version of the YUH-61 for the USN’s LAMPS II competition

(Ship-based multi-purpose helicopter)

This lost out to Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk.

Model 179

Civilian 14–20 passenger utility helicopter later cancelled.

Specifications

Crew

Minimum 2 pilots

Capacity

14–20 passengers

Length

60 ft 8.5 in (18.504 m)

Height

15 ft 6 in (4.72 m)

Empty weight

9,750 lb (4,423 kg)

Max take-off weight

17,700 lb (8,029 kg)

Powerplant

2 × General Electric T700 turbo shaft engines,

1,536 hp (1,145 kW) each

Main rotor diameter

49 ft (15 m)

Main rotor area

1,885 sq ft (175.1 m2)

Performance

Maximum speed

155 kn (178 mph, 286 km/h)

Combat range

320 nmi (370 mi, 600 km)