Colombian Air Force gets seventh Huey II Kit
Bell Helicopter has delivered the seventh Huey II Kit to the Colombian Air Force (COLAF), it was announced on 30 March.
The delivery of the kit forms a part of an upgrade programme designed to revive the air force’s UH-1H fleet. The upgrade will lead to multiple configurations and increased overall mission capability.
The Bell Huey II modernisation programme is an OEM approved and supported Bell UH-1H performance upgrade. It combines commercial Bell 212 dynamic components and the Honeywell T53-L-703 engine, for an increase in hover performance in hot conditions. The Bell Huey II upgrade increases the maximum gross weight to 10,500lbs.
Along with the Bell Huey II kit installation, Bell Helicopter refurbishes the Bell UH-1H basic airframe to OEM standards, rewires and updates the avionics and provides a selection of mission specific kits and customisation.
Bob Poindexter, Huey II customer support and services program manager, Bell Helicopter, said: ‘The Huey II upgrade reduces direct maintenance costs, improves performance and enhances safety. With more than 270 aircraft built, the Huey II is the only OEM approved UH-1H upgrade currently available.
‘The programme began with an onsite full-time Bell Helicopter technical representative supporting the in-country upgrade programme for the initial Huey II conversion. Following the initial upgrade, COLAF has been completing all conversions. The programme overall allows for the increased fleet longevity and better cost oversight and forecasting.’
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