An experimental investigation into the incidence angle dependence on mean external heat transfer coefficient for a circular U-bend (180 degrees) in a cross flow of air was performed. All tests were performed on a U-bend with a curvature ratio (delta) of 0.296 covering a Reynolds number range of 1.2 x 10(4) to 2.7 x 10(4), while imposing a uniform wall temperature boundary condition. It was found that the U-bend had maximum external heat transfer rate when the external air flow velocity vector was nearly parallel to the bend plane (angle-of-incidence equals 0 degrees). As the angle-of-incidence increased, the external heat transfer coefficient for the U-bend decreased. As the angle-of-incidence approached 90 degrees, the external heat transfer coefficient for the U-bend asymtoped to the value for corresponding flow over a circular cylinder of the same outer diameter.