UH-1H / Black Widow Upgrade Program

BLACK WIDOW HELICOPTERS is pleased to present the UH-1H BLACK WIDOW, the next generation alternative replacement solution for the legendary Bell UH-1H.

With over 10 000 UH-1/Model 205 variants manufactured, the Huey is a difficult machine to replace. With its large cabin, impressive payload capability, relatively low cost of operation and acquisition, there can be no doubt the type remains an attractive solution to many rotary wing requirements. The Bell UH-1H Black Widow upgrade is probably one of the most significant and comprehensive upgrade programs available today to bring a new lease of life to the Bell UH-1 fleet.

It is our mission to enhance the elegantly simple engineering of these iconic airframes with next generation technologies that are both design and function forward.

Whether your mission is troop transport into high altitudes, medical evacuation in hot conditions or transport to and from remote bases, choose the Black Widow.

THE BLACK WIDOW™ UPGRADE

  • Huey Talon PT6C-67D Engine Upgrade STC. Decreases operating costs by 30%
  • Black Widow Glass Cockpit STC & Engine Monitoring System
  • Bell 212 Dynamic Components
  • Tailboom Monitoring System STC & Global Spar Upgrade
  • Tailboom BLR Fast Fin Kit Upgrade

  • Van Horn Composite Tailrotor Blades
  • 90 Gal Aux Fuel Tanks to increase to 5 hour endurance
  • Wire Strike Kit
  • Fully USFS Carded
  • Comprehensive selection of mission specific kits and customization.

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The Engine

The HUEY TALON utilizes a completely new Pratt & Whitney PT6C-67D series engine. This engine is utilized in many other aircraft and has a proven history of exceptional reliability, fuel economy, and low maintenance requirements.

GLASS COCKPIT

The Black Widow Glass Cockpit provides significant advantages upgrades in the cockpit and increases safety. The Black Widow STC replaces a lot of the legacy instrumentation and provides a fully-integrated cockpit.

  • Full EFIS Two 10-inch Integrated Cockpit Displays
  • Dual Aspen air data computers
  • Dual crossbow attitude and heading gyro systems with remote magnetometers
  • Large screen, ultra-bright LCD display (easy to read even in direct sunlight)
  • Powerful computer processor capable of updating all flight dynamics, engine performance, navigation information and communication data in real-time
  • Dedicated Engine Management System
  • Full synthetic vision with Moving map navigation, terrain and weather
  • Night Vision Goggles (NVG) compatible

Lower Maintenance Costs

Compared to the standard Bell UH-1, the Black Widow decreases your direct maintenance costs in excess of 29% while increasing your operational readiness rates. The utilization of Bell 212 components enhances parts availability through Bell Helicopter’s Global Support Network.

Compared to the Bell Huey, service life improvement for most components (main rotor mast, hub assembly, engine transmission, gearboxes, rotor blades, etc.) is improved by more than 250%.

Black Widow Modifications

MAJOR COMPONENTS MODERNIZED

  • 212 Drive Train & Transmission
  • 212 Tail-Boom & Sync Elevator
  • PT6C-67D
  • Airframe Reinforcements
  • Optional 212 Pointed Nose

MODERNIZED ELECTRONICS

  • Custom Easy to Read Modern Wiring Diagrams
  • Detailed Pictures & Labeling For Easy Troubleshooting & Understanding
  • New Custom Wiring is Made
  • New Centralized Locations Created
  • Clean Wire Installation Allows for Easy Future Maintenance, Upgrade, and Troubleshooting.
  • Custom Glass Cockpit & Instrument Panel To Adapt to New Gauges & Avionics
  • New Modern Radio Panels

MODERNIZED EQUIPMENT

  • Updated Bright LED Lights
  • Loud, Form Fitting Speakers
  • HUEY TALON PT6 Power

AIRFRAME FEATURES

  • Aircraft is Completely Disassembled
  • All Paint is Stripped to Bare Aluminum
  • All Aluminum is Inspected, Repaired, Modified, Acid Etched, & Alodined

AIRFRAME MODIFICATIONS

  • Optional External Hoist Attachment Mount Installation
  • Forward Cabin Reinforcements
  • Belly Strap Reinforcements
  • 212 Lift Beam Increasing Max Gross Weight
  • Inspection Panels are Reinforced Becoming Structural Panels
  • Lift Beam Doubler Installed for Added Structural Integrity
  • Lower Aluminum Beams are Replaced With Superior Steel Beams
  • Floor Reinforcements
  • Reinforced T-Caps
  • Reinforcements Below The Engine Deck
  • Tail Boom Upgrade and Attachment Points are Strengthened To support Superior Tail Rotor Authority
  • Large High Strength Bolts are then able to Attach the Tailboom Securely
  • Tail Rotor Control Cables are Upgraded to Push Pull Rods
  • High Volume Oil Cooler / Blower Stay Cool When Operations Get Hot!
  • Optional 212 Nose Offers More Space for Advanced Avionics and Favorable C.G.
  • The Airframe is Painted With Epoxy Primer For Maximum Protection
  • Paint is then Applied

Why The Huey Talon in the  Black Widow?

The Black Widow modification modernizes the drivetrain and increases the capability of the UH-1H.

The TALON PT6 conversion upgrades the core of the aircraft and completes the modernization of the Black Widow Upgrade. The TALON is a stand-alone modification or can be accomplished in conjunction with a Service Life Extension Program (SLEP).

The Digital PT6C-67D-1 engine in the TALON upgrade allows for a natural integration with a Digital Cockpit installation. There are many benefits in retaining and modernizing the existing Huey fleet.

The Black Widow is a cost-effective solution and fills an essential operational niche. With the addition of the PT6C-67D-1 TALON upgrade, the Black Widow sees an increased performance with a reduced maintenance and operational cost compared to the standard Huey.

The Black Widow is a focused maintenance and modernization program to upgrade existing Huey’s to like-new equivalent at a fraction of the cost and will be a valuable asset for many years to come.

Performance Benefits

The following are quotes from Pratt & Whitney in 2018.

“The PT6C-67D engine offers a step change in performance that includes a 20 per cent increase in take-off power, a 25 per cent increase in maximum continuous power, a 25 per cent increase in payload range and a 25 per cent reduction in fuel consumption.”

“The advanced factory-new engine is equipped with an Electronic Engine Control (EEC) for precise and fast rotor governing with a hydro-mechanical back-up feature that provides for safe engine control and ease of helicopter operation. It also records and downloads engine performance, life usage and exceedances metrics from the engine’s Data Control Unit.”

“Another major advantage of the PT6C-67D engine is that it offers an approximate 35 per cent reduction in direct maintenance costs due to its reliability and readily available commercial support.”

Less Scheduled Maintenance

Maintenance T53-L-13B T53-L-703 PT6C-67D
EEC No No Yes
Oil Change (hours) 900 hours 900 hours N/A
Oil Analysis (hours) 25 hours** 25 hours** N/A
Vibration Test (at installation) Yes Yes No
TBO 2,400 hours 3,000 hours*** 4,000 hours
Scheduled Hot End Inspection 1,200 hours 1,200 hours 2,000 hours
Line Maintenance Interval 150 hours 150 hours 600 hours/ 1 Year
Lowest Limited Life Components 4,600 Cycles 6,000 Cycles 10,000 Cycles
Life Limited Parts 15 17 9
Engine Warranty No Warranty No Warranty 4 Years / 1,500
EEC
T53-L-13B: No
T53-L-703: No
PT6C-67D: Yes
Oil Change (hours)
T53-L-13B: 900 hours
T53-L-703: 900 hours
PT6C-67D: N/A
Oil Analysis (hours)
T53-L-13B: 25 hours**
T53-L-703: 25 hours**
PT6C-67D: N/A
Vibration Test (at installation)
T53-L-13B: Yes
T53-L-703: Yes
PT6C-67D: No
TBO
T53-L-13B: 2,400 hours
T53-L-703: 3,000 hours***
PT6C-67D: 4,000 hours
Scheduled Hot End Inspection
T53-L-13B: 1,200 hours
T53-L-703: 1,200 hours
PT6C-67D: 2,000 hours
Line Maintenance Interval
T53-L-13B: 150 hours
T53-L-703: 150 hours
PT6C-67D: 600 hours / 1 Year
Lowest Limited Life Components
T53-L-13B: 4,600 Cycles
T53-L-703: 6,000 Cycles
PT6C-67D: 10,000 Cycles
Life Limited Parts
T53-L-13B: 15
T53-L-703: 17
PT6C-67D: 9
Engine Warranty
T53-L-13B: No Warranty
T53-L-703: No Warranty
PT6C-67D: 4 Years / 1,500

Inspection Requirements

Inspection Requirement T53 Inspection Int. PT6C-67D Inspection Int.
Engine Air-bleed strainer service 150 hours 600 hours
Starter Generator 150 hours On Condition
Fuel Control Inlet Strainer 150 hours 600 hours
Fuel Control Servo Strainer and replace filter 150 hours N/A
Quick Disconnect Fuel Lines 150 hours N/A
Quick Disconnect Oil Lines 150 hours N/A
Engine Oil Filter 150 hours 600 hours / 1 year
Engine mnt Rod Ends for axial and radial play 300 hours 600 hours
Engine Pillow Block Mounts 300 hours N/A
Breakaway Valves at ODDS lubrication filter 300 hours N/A
Power Turbine gov cont tube, levers, lube and attachment for wear, security and corrosion 150 hours N/A
Droop Compensator for attachement, wear and corrosion 150 hours N/A
Linear Actuator for security, connections, wea r and operation 150 hours N/A
Hot End Inspection 1200 hours 2000 hrs
Oil Change, Cooler flush (without ODDS) 900 hours N/A
Fire Detection System 12 months 12 months
Engine Air-bleed strainer service
T53 Inspection Int.: 150 hours
PT6C-67D Inspection Int.: 600 hours
Starter Generator
T53 Inspection Int.: 150 hours
PT6C-67D Inspection Int.: On Condition
Fuel Control Inlet Strainer
T53 Inspection Int.: 150 hours
PT6C-67D Inspection Int.: 600 hours
Fuel Control Servo Strainer and replace filter
T53 Inspection Int.: 150 hours
PT6C-67D Inspection Int.: N/A
Quick Disconnect Fuel Lines
T53 Inspection Int.: 150 hours
PT6C-67D Inspection Int.: N/A
Quick Disconnect Oil Lines
T53 Inspection Int.: 150 hours
PT6C-67D Inspection Int.: N/A
Engine Oil Filter
T53 Inspection Int.: 150 hours
PT6C-67D Inspection Int.: 600 hours / 1 year
Engine mnt Rod Ends for axial and radial play
T53 Inspection Int.: 300 hours
PT6C-67D Inspection Int.: 600 hours
Engine Pillow Block Mounts
T53 Inspection Int.: 300 hours
PT6C-67D Inspection Int.: N/A
Breakaway Valves at ODDS lubrication filter
T53 Inspection Int.: 300 hours
PT6C-67D Inspection Int.: N/A
Power Turbine gov cont tube, levers, lube and attachment for wear, security and corrosion
T53 Inspection Int.: 150 hours
PT6C-67D Inspection Int.: N/A
Droop Compensator for attachement, wear and corrosion
T53 Inspection Int.: 150 hours
PT6C-67D Inspection Int.: N/A
Linear Actuator for security, connections, wea r and operation
T53 Inspection Int.: 150 hours
PT6C-67D Inspection Int.: N/A
Hot End Inspection
T53 Inspection Int.: 1200 hours
PT6C-67D Inspection Int.: 2000 hrs
Oil Change, Cooler flush (without ODDS)
T53 Inspection Int.: 900 hours
PT6C-67D Inspection Int.: N/A
Fire Detection System
T53 Inspection Int.: 12 months
PT6C-67D Inspection Int.: 12 months

Fuel Cost Comparison

Fuel Consumption T53-13B T53-703 PT6C-67D
Fuel Consumption Rate / Hour 88 Gal* 90 Gal* 60 Gal**
Consumption Cost/ Hour. Gal = $4.00 $352.00 $360.00 $240.00
Fuel PT6 Fuel Cost Savings per Hour $112.00 $120.00 Base
Annual Fuel Cost @ 600 hr $211,200.00 $216,600.00 $144,000.00
Annual Fuel Cost Savings @ 600 hr $67,200.00 $72,600.00 Base
Fuel Consumption Rate / Hour
T53-13B: 88 Gal*
T53-703: 90 Gal*
PT6C-67D: 60 Gal**
Consumption Cost/ Hour. Gal = $4.00
T53-13B: $352.00
T53-703: $360.00
PT6C-67D: $240.00
Fuel PT6 Fuel Cost Savings per Hour
T53-13B: $112.00
T53-703: $120.00
PT6C-67D: Base
Annual Fuel Cost @ 600 hr
T53-13B: $211,200.00
T53-703: $216,600.00
PT6C-67D: $144,000.00
Annual Fuel Cost Savings @ 600 hr
T53-13B: $67,200.00
T53-703: $72,600.00
PT6C-67D: Base

Based on US Forestry Chart*
Based on Current Flight Test Data**

Maintenance Cost Comparisons

Maintenance Costs T53-13B T53-703 PT6C-67D
Direct Maintenance Cost per Hour $271.00 $286.67* $202.50*
PT6 Cost Savings per Hour $68.50 $00,84. Base
Annual Maintenance Cost** $96,258 $72,858 $52,278
PT6 Annual Cost Savings** $43,980 $20,580 Base
Direct Maintenance Cost per Hour
T53-13B: $271.00
T53-703: $286.67*
PT6C-67D: $202.50*
PT6 Cost Savings per Hour
T53-13B: $68.50
T53-703: $00,84.
PT6C-67D: Base
Annual Maintenance Cost**
T53-13B: $96,258
T53-703: $72,858
PT6C-67D: $52,278
PT6 Annual Cost Savings**
T53-13B: $43,980
T53-703: $20,580
PT6C-67D: Base

Conklin & de Decker 2019 Data*
Based on 600 hr Annual Flight Program**

212 Drive System

  • Maintenance cost reduced.
  • 42% Less expensive to operate
  • Maintenance man hours reduced from 7 hours to (2-3) hours per flight hour.
  • Perform no overhauls for 5 years.
  • Use 80% of the tools you currently have.

Aux Fuel Tanks

  • Installation 2 tanks
  • Cockpit controlled fuel transfer system
  • Crashworthy IAW MIL-DTL-27422
  • Self-sealing consistent with MIL-DTL-27422 standards
  • Fuel transfer pump controlled from cockpit
  • Over-the-wing gravity refuel
  • Dimensions 31 x 26 x 28.3 in.
  • Estimated tank weight with restraint -121 lbs

212 Rotor System & Transmission

BLR Fastfin & Strakes

Use Existing Tools & Spare Parts

Black Widow does not require a type rating

The Black Widow’s gross weight is under 12,500lbs eliminating a need for type rating.