The UH-1 Plank weapon system produced by General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems has been designed and produced for the Bell UH-1, Huey II, 212 and 412 aircraft. It utilizes a unique modular concept to quickly configure aircraft for armed or unarmed missions. The UH-1 Plank is easily installed and removed with eight quick-release pins. The weapon system can be configured using an array of weapons, but its primary weapon system configuration includes two pintle-mounted GAU-19/A 12.7mm Gatling guns produced by General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems.
The UH-1 Plank extends across the aft cargo compartment, providing mounting points for the weapons and ammunition cans. The configuration allows the weapons to be stowed with the aircraft doors closed. Other components are located on a separate pallet to maximize space within the crew compartment. The UH-1 Plank is easily installed and removed with eight quick-release pins.
The Bell UH-1, Huey II, 212 and 412 helicopters are ideally suited to carry and effectively employ a variety of weapon systems with the use of the plank. The modularity of the plank weapon system provides the user maximum mission flexibility. External store stations provide hard points for fixed-forward guns and 2.75-inch (70mm) rockets. It utilizes a unique modular concept to quickly configure aircraft for armed or unarmed missions.
UH-1 Plank Technical Specifications
- Gun with mounts 220.8 pounds (100.36 kg)/ 441.6 pounds (200.72 kg)
- Can and chute 70 pounds (25.86 kg)/140 pounds (51.28 kg)
- Electronics and cables 176.4 pounds (80.17 kg)/ 352.8 pounds (160.34 kg)
- Armament Hardware Total 787.2 pounds (357.82 kg)
- UH-1 Plan w/Installation kits 200.0 pounds (90.91 kg)
- Ammunition (1,600 rounds) 496.0 pounds (225.45 kg)
- System Total 1,483.2 pounds (674.18 kg)