Bell ARH

Hey Gdad!

That is Bell's entry for the ARH, which is supposed to replace the 58D. Bell is entering what is basically an armed 407 with some extra go. They have put together a demonstrator but it really is a 407 with vismods hanging off of it. Boeing is entering either the Loach (AH-6) or something based on the MD600 airframe (not sure which but I am leaning toward the Loach). Rotor&Wing has had some decent coverage. I can't find a web address for them right now, but I will check the mag tomorrow and pass it on.

They are also looking for a Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) to replace the Huey. They brought an EC145 to demonstrate to our RAiD detatchment a couple of weeks ago. WHAT A HELO!! I didn't get a ride but I could tell that it would be real easy when it came time to bend some wrenches.

Mac

Hey Mac,
I heard the EC145 was at Dobbins a few days ago show boating. I think the guard would have a hard time supporting the maintenance on those things and the cost of that foreign bird is pricey. They cost close to what you beloved UH-60 costs. That to me is not an alternative. I don’t believe it can even hold as many patients as the Huey can. I think the Bell 210 (Huey II) will be the better choice, but we will see. They really need to go with the Bell 412. Bell will see what the other companies put foward for the fly off before the submit their final example.

Oh, one more thing. The RAID bird and the Huey have to different missions. The Army will not ba able to replace their 2 helos with one effectively. They will end up going with the 407(or the MD helo) for Raid too, you watch.

Thanks for the info, any pictures or links you guys have would be appreciated

found a better picture

I personally like the MH/AH-6. I think it's a better helo for the job and it's probably more manuverable than the Bell design.

Actually the MH-6M is a better gun platform but because of no hydraulics, it takes 90lbs of pressure on the stick to pull out of a dive, whereas the OH58E? has hydraulics. I was at Rucker when the M model was displayed and talking with my old friend who was one of the pilots, the MH-6M has issues with forward speed, autorotations, maneuverability, etc, etc. This was General Cody pushing Task Force to adopt a bird that has too much hanging off of it and is now facing the power issues the Kiowa Warrior community has been dealing with forever. Sounds like the M is a step back . I posted some pictures of the M and it just looks heavy and underpowered.

You watch, it will be the MH-6M (or whatever) and the Bell 210.

It seems to me that they replacements will use the same basic airfrmaes that have been around since the 50's and 60's but with new technology inside

QUOTE: Originally posted by grandadjohn It seems to me that they replacements will use the same basic airfrmaes that have been around since the 50's and 60's but with new technology inside

Yup, not bad ideas either. Taking a hint from the USMC AH-1Z and UH-1Y. It is much cheaper in the long run to use a proven design as well, lees costs in R&D and you can also rebuild older airframes as well. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Roger that, Gino and less time to develop also

That is really what they are after with these airframes, especially the ARH. I think that the H-6 has the edge here because it is already a proven military platform.

The LUH is a little bit of a different story. One quality that would be a BIG plus for this airframe is civilian commonality. The Army appears to be very interested in a helo that is FAA certified and has value in the civilian sector in the long term. Many people give the Huey family the edge, but the 145 is a proven, successful, cost effective airframe that is at the very beginning of its life. They don't cost nearly as much as my pride and joy either. Now that the RAiD is becoming an MTOE unit and gaining more of the homeland defense mission, the most logical choice for them is a 412 or 145 and the 145 has greater flexibility to meet the needs of the RAiD mission and light to medium lift for home defense.

Mac

Didn't the Army have this, or a similar plan/program 20 years ago? One side being the LUH and the other being the LHX (resulting in the RAH-66)

Now I understand that the ARH is ro replace the OH-58 (and in a weird roundabout sort of way - the RAH-66), but is the LUH program intended to find a Black Hawk replacement?

p.s. - what's RAiD?

The thing is that the LUH has to be more the what the RIAD will use it for. The Army is not going to buy something that holds less pax than what they aready have (huey) for its medevacs and light to medium lift. I think the 145 can only carry one or two litters for patients and what about aircrew? The requirement is going to be more than what the 145 can offer. The RAID mission is not it's only requirment to fill. If the RAID mission was the only requirment, it would be a fine choice. Plus the huey II is on the way of get its civi FAA certifaction for the Air Force hueys at rucker. As much as I love they huey and Huey II, I think the logical choice is the 412. Oh, and we need to have something made in the US or North America (that is my opinion).

The Australian Army is currently getting hold of the Eurocopter Tiger ARH. Looks like a great piece of kit too! I'm looking at entering the Army as a helo pilot next year, so maybe I'll be there one day! Here's hoping!
Cheers,
John

I just read online today that the Bell contender has won the contract.

Woo Hoo!!! Hueys in the Army once more!!!
Now if that isn't just too perfect!

Long live the HUEY

Uh oh... I think I need to clarify - when I said Bell won the contract, I was referring to the ARH competition and their 407 variant. I haven't heard or read anything about the LUH status.

Sorry for the misunderstanding

No problem

Awwww.......

That sucks! I hope the Bell ARH is the better choice, I certainly didn't think it would be. Keepin my fingers crossed for the Huey II!

Not bad for a design that started out in the 1960 LOH competition(H-4 that became the OH-58)
Now for the HUEY II, first flight for the HUEY was Oct, 1956

hope, hope ,hope

Yep, the UH-1 v 2.0!

HUEYS FOREVER!!!!!!!! HOPE HOPE HOPE!!!

UH-1V_CE
Has one former chief to another, I agree with you