Sling Load Performance Capability of the UH-1H Helicopter, Analytical Study.

The purpose of this study was to define the sling load performance capability of the UH-1H while carrying a 3000- to 4000-pound marginal terrain vehicle simulating Vietnam-type and other specified conditions. The UH-1H sling load capability is presently determined by directional control limitations for most conditions. The maximum sling load that can be carried under all practical ambient conditions is 200 pounds. The load capability is decreased if the UH-1H is armed with the XM23 machine guns and door gunners are carried. The sling load capability of the UH-1H could be increased approximately 1000 pounds if the lightened configuration were used or if the UH-1H were qualified to operate at the limits of its commercial equivalent. If adequate directional control were provided, safe operation at maximum power andor maximum allowable gross weight would be realized. Flight tests should be conducted to determine the handling qualities and performance of the UH-1H with an actual marginal terrain vehicle as a sling load.