Fuji UH-1B Hiyodori

[Miki_Hoshii 2,449]

Hello everyone! Today I would like to present to you the Fuji UH-1B Hiyodori operated by the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force!  A direct license buit copy of the UH-1B Iroquois.

 

 

 

History:

The JGSDF quickly realized the potential of combat maneuvers between helicopters and ground forces, to be able to supply, and provide fire support quickly and effectively while also transporting infantry into battle. In 1959 the Bell UH-1 entered service with the US Army, this vehicle proved to fit the needs of a true medium sized general purpose helicopter to replace their aging H-19C's. Fuji would soon be able to obtain the license to the UH-1B originally receiving the designation HU-1B. With manufacturing in Japan approved, the production of the UH-1B started immediately. Officially in JGSDF receiving the formal name of "Hiyodori" or Bulbul in English, after a type of medium sized songbird. Production commenced in 1962 and ran until 1972 for a total of 90 UH-1B's produced. The Fuji UH-1B was a exact copy of the Bell UH-1B and was powered by the licensed produced Kawasaki T53-K-5 producing 960 SHP. As weapon trials of the H-13H began with various armament, it was realized a larger more powerful helicopter was needed for a more practical air support role. By 1967 plans were underway to fit the UH-1B with 70mm unguided rockets, and in 1978 UH-1B's were spotted at the "Total thermal power" exercise in Japan carrying rocket pods. The UH-1B would later be complemented by the much improved UH-1H, and later replaced by the UH-1J. However neither the UH-1H or UH-1J have been armed or have planned to be armed with offensive weapon capabilities. The UH-1B would officially be retired in 1992, marking a quarter of a century's worth of service.

 

Spoiler

 

-Aviation Information, March 1967 issue

 

"As for the H-13, research is planned to be carried out with a policy to install 2.75-inch rocket's this year, we are also planning to continue to put these on the HU-1 (UH-1) medium-sized helicopter as well. Since armed helicopters can take off and land from anywhere, they can act with ground troops at any time and support them closely and promptly with various equipment according to the purpose. Even in the bad weather, in which fixed wing aircraft can not fly or attack, the helicopter can attack and fly swiftly even in places such as valleys. In addition, it has characteristics such as hovering or the ability to make various attacks using three-dimensional mobility, and in operation it is used as aerial cavalry, in addition to reconnaissance, alert and battle, medical evac, and close air support with rockets or missiles as the weapons of choice, it is said that it is possible to do effective joint operation with a high speed ground unit. In response to these demands, countries such as France, West Germany, the Soviet Union, and the United States have also started experimenting in helicopter weaponry and tactics. In particular, the United States is not only merely arming their helicopters, but also experimenting with fast and heavily armed helicopters. The JGSDF also wants a high-speed heavily armed helicopter in support of ground troops as a future direction, research is proceeding as a problem after the 4th defense plan."

 

Translation by @*tester188 

Proofread by @Miki_Hoshii

 

 

 

 

In-Game:

The UH-1B would be the earlier helicopters in War Thunder, potentially bridging the gap between the H-13H and later AH-1S Cobra's. It could also potentially serve as the starting helicopter for Japan, with the only known armament in JGSDF usage being unguided 70mm rockets in 19 tube pods. Either way the addition of this helicopter is high, due to the 3D model and flight model already being present in War Thunder as a US Army UH-1B.

 

 

Specifications:

 

General characteristics:

 

Crew: Two

Length: 53 ft (16.15 m)

Rotor diametre: 44 ft (13.41 m)

Height: 12 ft 5 in (3.77 m)

Empty weight: 4,513 lb (2,047 kg)

Max. takeoff weight: 2,449 lb (3,856 kg)

Powerplant: 1 ×  Kawasaki T53-K-5, 960 shp

Rotor system: 2 x primary blades, 2 x tail blades

Fuselage length: 39 ft 8 in (12.08 m)

Stub wingspan: N/A

 

Performance:

 

Never exceed speed: N/A

Maximum speed: 147 mph (236 km/h)

Range: 260 mi (418 km)

Service ceiling: 16,896 ft (5,150 m)

Rate of climb: 2,658 ft/min (13.5 m/s)

 

Armament:

 

38x 70mm Hydra 70 rockets

 

Special thanks to @aizenns

 

 

Sources:

Spoiler

https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/陸上自衛隊の装備品一覧#回転翼航空機（ヘリコプター）

https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/UH-1_(航空機)

Aviation Information, March 1967 issue

Magazine "PANZER" No. 40, Sunday Art company, November 1978, page 48

Edited June 13, 2019 by Miki_Hoshii

[leroyonly 4,311]

Open for discussion. 

[Wiggly_Armed_Man 2,383]

Despite its lackluster armament, it might have to be added to the game to fill up the Japanese helicopter tree. +1

[Milocat 4,854]

I think this would be okay as the starting helicopter for the Japanese tree, or a low one at least.

[NorthLinebacker 482]

Works as a starting helicopter at the very least. +1

Edited April 5, 2019 by NorthLinebacker

[aizenns 3,591]

On 12/31/2018 at 2:09 PM, Miki_Hoshii said:

It could also potentially serve as the starting helicopter for Japan, with the only known armament in JGSDF being unguided 70mm rockets. Either way the addition of this helicopter is high, due to the 3D model and flight model already being present in War Thunder as a US Army UH-1B.

I find the photo of UH-1B with 70 mm rocket !!!

 

Source

Mainichi Shimbum newspapers[毎日新聞社] (1982) "War Potential of Japan: current state of Japan-Self Defense Force and 30 years history of them [日本の戦力　自衛隊の現況と30年の歩み", Separate Volume of Showa History of 100 million people [別冊1億人の昭和史], page 75

Quote

HU-1B that fire 70 mm rockets. Half of this helicopter that belong to JGSDF Northern Army equip anti-ground weapons.

 

Edited April 10, 2019 by aizenns

[Miki_Hoshii 2,449]

7 hours ago, aizenns said:

I find the photo of UH-1B with 70 mm rocket !!!

 

Source

Mainichi Shimbum newspapers[毎日新聞社] (1982) "War Potential of Japan: current state of Japan-Self Defense Force and 30 years history of them [日本の戦力　自衛隊の現況と30年の歩み", Separate Volume of Showa History of 100 million people [別冊1億人の昭和史], page 75

 

Thank you so much aizenns! That indeed confirms the 38x Hydra 70 loadout that I was speculating!  Ill make adjustments to the suggestion!

[CokeSpray 7,274]

Suggestion passed to the developers for consideration.

[leroyonly 4,311]

As the UH-1B Hiyodori has been added as per update 1.99 Starfighters,

 

Moved to Implemented Suggestions.