The Colombian Air Force (COLAF) accepted the seventh Bell Helicopter Textron [TXT] Huey II Kit as part of an upgrade program to revitalize the country’s UH-1H Huey helicopter fleet, the company said March 30.
The upgrade allows for multiple configurations and increased overall mission capabilities, the company said.
“The Huey II upgrade reduces direct maintenance costs (DMC), improves performance and enhances safety,” Bob Poindexter, Huey II customer support and services program manager for Bell, said in a statement.
The Huey II is also the only original equipment manufacturer (OEM)-approved UH-1H available.
Bell highlighted the upgrade program has helped increase the capabilities of COLAF maintenance personnel. During the upgrade process COLAF personnel developed a broader understanding of the Huey II structural and maintenance differences from the UH-1H due to their ability to work directly with the company’s onsite support during the initial conversion process, the company said.
“The program began with an onsite full-time Bell Helicopter technical representative supporting the in-country upgrade program for the initial Huey II conversion. Following the initial upgrade, COLAF has been completing all conversions. The program overall allows for the increased fleet longevity and better cost oversight and forecasting,” Poindexter added.
The Huey II upgrade increases the rotorcraft’s max gross weight to 10,500 pounds, lowers operational costs, refurbishes the basic airframe, provides a complete rewire, updates the avionics, and offers a selection of mission-specific kits and customization.