Rajan Wilcox
The Bell UH-1 Iroquois, nicknamed Huey, is a utility military helicopter designed and produced by the American aerospace company Bell Helicopter. The Huey's standard fuel system consists of five interconnected fuel tanks, three of which are mounted behind the transmission. The Huey's fuel gauge is adjustable, with an adjustment for the low end and one for the high end. The Huey can use different types of fuel, including Jet A-1, AvGas, and diesel, depending on the type of engine it has.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of fuel tanks | 5 |
| Fuel capacity | 215 gallons or 833.8 litres |
| Fuel type | Avgas (aviation gasoline), diesel, Jet-A, Jet A-1 |
| Fuel consumption | 600 pounds per hour or 15-17 gallons per hour |
| Fuel gauge | Adjustable |
| Fuel shutoff | Manual |
| Fuel vent system | 1-inch line exiting the aircraft |
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What You'll Learn
The Huey's standard fuel system
The Bell UH-1 Iroquois, nicknamed "Huey", is a utility military helicopter designed and produced by the American aerospace company Bell Helicopter. The standard Huey fuel gauge is adjustable and consists of a capacitance system that measures the level and density of the fuel. The gauge has two adjustments: one for the low end and one for the high end. The low end is adjusted to zero when all drainable fuel has been removed with the aircraft on level ground. This is critical because it lets the pilot know when the aircraft is running out of fuel. The input for the low end comes from two quantity probes in the lower right-hand cell, one in front and one behind the baffle. The upper end of the gauge gets its input from the one probe in the centre aft cell. The probe in the centre cell eliminates the problem of the aircraft not being level from left to right.
The Huey's fuel system is not a simple one. It is a closed circuit system, where the cap is opened and an adaptor is connected to the inlet to connect to the closed circuit fuelling hose. When filling the aircraft, a float mechanism in the aircraft side will shut off the flow when it is full. The cells vent above the cone and there is a ball that sits in the bottom of the cone. If the aircraft ends up on its side, the ball will run up the side of the cone and plug the vent, stopping fuel from flowing out. The two lower cells are vented by vent fittings, and there are also breakaway fittings located on each cell. From this point, the vent goes through the sidewall of the hell hole, just behind the forward transmission wall, where a flex line is connected. This flex line is then connected to a solid line which goes up the sidewall and then over to the centre of the back wall, where it connects to the vent from the other lower cell, then up over the top of the back wall, across the deck, and under the tail rotor drive shaft to the vent manifold.
The fuel filler port is located on the upper right cell. From the fuel filler port, the fuel goes through the ejector pump to behind the baffle to the boost pump. The hose from the ejector to the baffle is tightened to the ejector pump output and clamped, and the hose must be angled up if it has droop in the line, otherwise, it may dump fuel back into the front of the cell. The other half of the boost pump output goes to the engine out through the plate on the aft of each of the lower cells. From there, the hoses connect to hoses that go up the aft wall and connect to hoses that run across the deck, under the tail rotor drive shaft, to the manifold/shutoff. Over time, these hoses will stretch and push the two hoses they are connected to coming up the aft wall forward.
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Huey fuel gauge adjustment
The Bell UH-1 Iroquois, nicknamed "Huey", is a utility military helicopter designed and produced by the American aerospace company Bell Helicopter. The Huey's fuel gauge is adjustable and features a low-end and high-end adjustment. The low-end adjustment is the most critical as it indicates when the aircraft is running out of fuel. This adjustment is made when all drainable fuel has been removed with the aircraft on level ground, and the gauge low end is adjusted to zero. The low-end input is provided by two quantity probes in the lower right-hand cell, one in front and one behind the baffle. These probes are attached to the inside wall of the cell with hose clamps, and it is important to use the proper clamps as specified in the Parts Manual.
The high-end adjustment receives input from a probe in the centre aft cell. The fuel gauge readings can be affected by temperature, with higher readings on cold days and lower readings on hot days due to fuel contraction and expansion. Therefore, caution is advised when fuelling the aircraft in cold temperatures as opening the cap in the afternoon can lead to fuel spillage.
Additionally, the fuel quantity system should be properly calibrated to ensure accurate readings. The system measures both the level and density of the fuel. When fuelling the Huey, it is important to ensure that the aircraft is level in all directions and filled to the lip of the opening. The fuel gauge markings represent the remaining flight time, with each mark roughly equating to 10 minutes. For instance, a reading of 2 would indicate approximately 20 minutes of remaining flight time.
To further adjust the fuel gauge, one can follow these steps:
- Connect a 10 VDC source to the tab, and ground it to the centre bolt.
- Adjust the calibration until the gauge needle aligns with the full or empty mark.
- Repeat the procedure for the opposite end of the gauge range.
- Cross-reference the calibration across the entire range of resistance values using the provided table.
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Huey fuel vent system
The Bell UH-1 Iroquois, also known as the Huey, is a utility military helicopter designed and produced by the American aerospace company Bell Helicopter. The Huey's fuel vent system is a crucial component of its fuel system, ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the aircraft.
The Huey's fuel system consists of five interconnected self-sealing rubber fuel cells, with a total usable fuel capacity of 1,333 litres. Three main fuel cells are installed behind the cabin bulkhead, while two feed cells are located under the cabin floor. The fuel cells are vented to prevent fuel vapours from building up and to allow for proper airflow during fueling and flight.
The vent system of the Huey begins with the vent fittings on each fuel cell. These vent fittings are connected to flex lines, which run through the sidewall of the hell hole and then connect to solid lines. The solid lines run up the sidewall and over to the centre of the back wall, where they connect to the vents from the other fuel cells. From there, the vents run up and over the top of the back wall, across the deck, and under the tail rotor drive shaft to the vent manifold. This intricate vent system ensures that fuel vapours are safely directed away from the fuel cells and the aircraft.
Additionally, the Huey's fuel vent system includes a siphon breaker valve, which is located in the centre cell. This valve is designed to prevent the fuel from siphoning out of the cells in the event of a crash or sudden manoeuvre. The vent system also incorporates breakaway fittings, which are designed to detach in the event of an impact, further enhancing the safety of the fuel system. The system also includes a float mechanism that shuts off the fuel flow when the aircraft is full, preventing overfilling and reducing the risk of fuel spillage.
Overall, the Huey's fuel vent system is a complex and carefully designed component of the aircraft, ensuring the safe and efficient fuelling and operation of the helicopter.
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Huey fuel tanks
The Bell UH-1 Iroquois, also known as the Huey, is a utility helicopter designed for military use. The Huey's standard fuel system consists of five interconnected fuel tanks, three of which are mounted behind the transmission. The Huey's fuel system is adjustable, with separate adjustments for the low and high ends. The low end is adjusted when all drainable fuel has been removed with the aircraft on level ground. This is critical as it lets the pilot know when they are running out of fuel. The adjustment is based on input from two quantity probes in the lower right-hand cell, one in front and one behind the baffle. The upper end of the gauge gets its input from the one probe in the center aft cell.
The Huey's fuel system also includes a flapper valve, which allows fuel to flow in both directions when the tank is full. However, when the fuel level is low, the flapper valve must be closed to prevent fuel from flowing forward. Over time, the baffle may become misshapen, and the flapper may need to be replaced or shimmed. The Huey's fuel cells are vented above the cone, with a ball that sits in the bottom of the cone to prevent fuel from flowing out of the vent if the aircraft ends up on its side. The two lower cells are vented by vent fittings, and there are also breakaway fittings located on each cell. The vent goes through the sidewall of the hell hole and is connected to a flex line, which is then connected to a solid line that runs up the sidewall and over to the center of the back wall.
The Huey's fuel system also includes an ejector pump and a boost pump. The ejector pump delivers fuel from behind the baffle to the boost pump. The hose from the ejector to the baffle must be tightened and angled up to prevent fuel from dumping back into the front of the cell. The output of the boost pump goes to the engine through a plate on the aft of each of the lower cells. Hoses connect these plates to other hoses that run up the aft wall and across the deck, under the tail rotor drive shaft, to the manifold/shutoff. Over time, these hoses may stretch and push against the vertical hoses coming up the aft wall.
Auxiliary fuel tanks can be attached to one or both DAS mounts on the Huey, increasing the total fuel capacity to 2,021 liters. The Huey's fuel system also includes an engine fuel pump (fuel control) that can pull fuel from the cells when the aircraft is below 4,000 feet above sea level. At higher altitudes, atmospheric pressure is not sufficient to pull fuel from the tanks. The Huey's fuel system requires careful maintenance and monitoring to ensure safe and efficient operation.
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Huey fuel consumption
The Bell UH-1 Iroquois, nicknamed "Huey", is a utility military helicopter designed and produced by the American aerospace company Bell Helicopter. Huey helicopters are equipped with a standard fuel system consisting of five interconnected fuel tanks, three of which are mounted behind the transmission. The Huey's fuel consumption depends on several factors, including the engine type, the aircraft's weight, and its flight mode.
In 1964, the Huey used either JP-4 or JP-5 fuel, with the type determined by the specific engine model. When fitted with the T53-L-5 or T53-L9 engine, the Huey burned JP-4 fuel. With the T53-L11 engine, it could use either JP-4 or JP-5, with the latter being primarily used for Navy operations. The Huey's engine options reflect the military's need for adaptability, as the T53-L11's multi-fuel capability offered greater flexibility in various operational contexts.
The Huey's fuel system is designed to deliver fuel efficiently, ensuring a stable supply during flight. The fuel tanks are strategically positioned, with the largest tank, known as the center cell, located between the inboard walls of the two side cells. The right and left cells are the smallest and reside under the engine oil tank and main fuel filter, respectively. The Huey's fuel gauge is adjustable, with critical low and high-end adjustments. Proper adjustment of the low end is essential to accurately monitor fuel levels and prevent unexpected fuel depletion.
Additionally, the Huey's fuel system incorporates a boost pump and an ejector pump. The boost pump outputs fuel through hoses connected to the aft wall, ultimately reaching the manifold/main fuel shutoff. Over time, the stretching of hoses can lead to contact with the transmission sump case, requiring careful maintenance. The ejector pump, when tightened and angled upwards, ensures fuel is directed to the boost pump, preventing it from dumping back into the front of the cell.
While specific fuel consumption rates for the Huey are not readily available, it is important to note that military helicopters, due to their size and powerful engines, tend to burn a significant amount of fuel. The Huey's fuel consumption would be influenced by its operational requirements, such as the need to carry heavy loads or perform rapid manoeuvres.
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Frequently asked questions
The Huey, or Bell UH-1 Iroquois, has a standard fuel system that consists of five interconnected fuel tanks.
The Huey uses Jet A-1 fuel, which is similar to paraffin or diesel and is used by gas turbine-powered aircraft. Some Hueys variants with piston engines use AvGas or diesel.
The Huey's fuel consumption depends on various conditions, but it typically burns between 15 and 17 gallons per hour. It has a fuel capacity of 215 gallons and a range of 285 miles, which can be extended to 680 miles with auxiliary tanks.
The standard Huey gauge has adjustments for both the low and high ends. The low end should be adjusted to zero when all drainable fuel has been removed with the aircraft on level ground. The high end of the gauge gets its input from a probe in the center aft cell.
