Bell CH-135 “Twin Huey”
- Period: 1970-1979
- Uses: Utility
- First Flight: October 20, 1956 (XH-40)
- Display Status: On the Museum Floor.
The aircraft nomenclature system introduced by the U.S. Army during the 1950s included the letters HU, which stood for “helicopter utility”. From this, the famous but unofficial nickname “Huey” was derived for the Bell UH-1 Iroquois as the Twin Huey. An American design, it was developed to Canadian specifications and utilized Canadian-built turbine engines. Entering armed forces service in 1971, it has subsequently been purchased by military and civilian operators worldwide. Production was transferred to Bell Textron Canada Ltd in 1988 and over 900 of the type have been delivered as major exports.
The twin-engine installation is coupled to a combining gearbox and single output shaft that drives a semi-rigid rotor, endowing the helicopter with increased reliability and safety. Used for troop and cargo transport, reconnaissance, medical evacuation and search and rescue work, the Twin Huey was replaced in 1996-97 by the newer Bell CH-146 Griffon helicopter.
Museum Example
- Registration #: 135114
- Manufacturer: Bell Aircraft Corporation, United States
- Manufacture Date: 1971
- Construction #: Unknown
- Aquisition Date: 1998
- Provenance: Transfer from Canadian Forces
One of fifty Twin Hueys operated by the Canadian Armed Forces, the Museum’s aircraft accumulated one of the highest totals of hours flown. Serving throughout Canada since 1971, its markings have included the yellow and red colours of Search and Rescue, applied in 1976 for operations in Goose Bay, Newfoundland. Following storage, it was transferred to the Museum in 1998.
Specifications
- Rotor diameter:
- 14.7 m (48 ft 2 1/2 in )
- Length:
- 12.9 m (42 ft 4 in)
- Height:
- 4.5 m (14 ft 10 in)
- Weight, Empty:
- 2,720 kg (5,997 lb)
- Weight, Gross:
- 5,080 kg (11,200 lb)
- Cruising Speed:
- 185 km/h (115 mph)
- Max Speed:
- 201 km/h (125 mph)
- Rate of Climb:
- 400 m (1,320 ft) /min
- Service Ceiling:
- 4,570 m (15,000 ft)
- Range:
- 420 km (260 miles)
- Power Plant:
- 1,290 hp Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6T-3 Twin Pac turbine
