Boeing Rotorcraft Systems
Boeing Vertol YUH-61
The Boeing Vertol YUH‑61, later redesignated the UH‑61, was developed in the early 1970s by Boeing Rotorcraft Systems as a direct competitor to the Sikorsky UH‑60 Black Hawk for the United States Army’s Light Tactical Helicopter (LTH) program. First flying in 1972, the YUH‑61 featured a three‑bladed main rotor and a distinctive “wildcat” silhouette, leveraging Boeing’s experience with the earlier CH‑47 Chinook and the H‑19 “Chickasaw.” Powered by twin General Electric T58‑GE‑400 turboshaft engines delivering approximately 1,400 shaft horsepower each, the aircraft offered a maximum speed of 160 knots, a service ceiling above 14,000 feet, and a payload capacity of roughly 6,000 pounds, allowing transport of eight troops or a range of weapons and logistical loads. Its modular airframe incorporated a spacious cabin, easy‑access rear doors, and a robust landing gear system suited for rugged environments. Although the Army ultimately selected the Black Hawk, the YUH‑61 demonstrated advanced avionics, a simplified maintenance philosophy, and superior performance metrics that influenced later Boeing rotorcraft designs, including the modern Apache‑derived platforms. The program’s legacy endures as a benchmark of innovative competition that helped shape modern tactical helicopter capabilities.
Classification
Production & History
- First Flight
- 1974
Design & Classification
- Country of Origin
- Manufacturer
- Boeing Rotorcraft Systems
- Military Designation
- YUH-61
- Wikidata ID
- Q1622066