I Missed the B-17 Again

[dogmush]

Speaking of Hueys, I got gobsmacked yesterday reading an article. The Marine UH-1Y Venom has four (4!!!) main rotor blades. When did that happen?!?!

https://www.bellflight.com/products/bell-uh-1y

https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/your-marine-corps/2021/08/09/marine-helicopters-flex-on-1200-mile-maritime-trip/

bob

They went away from the semi-rigid two blade rotor to the hingeless, composite 4 blade rotor as pert of the upgrade program to the Huey and the Cobra in the 90's.  I've ridden on one of the Venoms, and while neat, the 60 is a mush nicer chopper to fly in.  I like Blackhawk rides.

For comparison on the performance changes, the UH-1B had 960 HP, and the Venom has 3600hp.