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|introduction = 2009
|introduction = 2009
|retired=
|retired=
|status= In production
|status= In development
|primary user = [[United States Marine Corps]]
|primary user = [[United States Marine Corps]]
|more users = <!--Limit TOTAL of THREE (3) 'more users' here. Please separate with <br/>. -->
|more users = <!--Limit TOTAL of THREE (3) 'more users' here. Please separate with <br/>. -->
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The AH-1Z completed sea-trial flight testing in May 2005.<ref>[http://pma276public.navair.navy.mil/pma276public/newsArticle.asp?itemID=37 "AH-1Z/UH-1Y complete first sea trials"], US Navy, 13 June 2005.</ref> On 15 October 2005, the USMC, through the Naval Air Systems Command, accepted delivery of the first AH-1Z production helicopter to enter the fleet.<ref>[http://www.janes.com/aerospace/military/news/jhms/jhms051207_1_n.shtml "Bell 449 SuperCobra and KingCobra"]. Jane's Information Group, 7 December 2005.</ref> The AH-1Z and UH-1Y completed their developmental testing in early 2006.<ref>Milliman, John. [http://www.navair.navy.mil/nawcwd/nawcwd/news/2006/2006-03_ah1z_testing.htm "AH-1Z/UH-1Y complete developmental testing"]. US Navy, 1 March 2006.</ref> During the first quarter of 2006 the aircraft were transferred to the Operational Test Unit at the NAS Patuxent River, where they began operational evaluation (OPEVAL) testing.<ref>[http://pao.navair.navy.mil/press_releases/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.view&Press_release_id=3485&site_id=17 "AH-1Z/UH-1Y Start OPEVAL"]. US Navy, 6 May 2006.</ref>
The AH-1Z completed sea-trial flight testing in May 2005.<ref>[http://pma276public.navair.navy.mil/pma276public/newsArticle.asp?itemID=37 "AH-1Z/UH-1Y complete first sea trials"], US Navy, 13 June 2005.</ref> On 15 October 2005, the USMC, through the Naval Air Systems Command, accepted delivery of the first AH-1Z production helicopter to enter the fleet.<ref>[http://www.janes.com/aerospace/military/news/jhms/jhms051207_1_n.shtml "Bell 449 SuperCobra and KingCobra"]. Jane's Information Group, 7 December 2005.</ref> The AH-1Z and UH-1Y completed their developmental testing in early 2006.<ref>Milliman, John. [http://www.navair.navy.mil/nawcwd/nawcwd/news/2006/2006-03_ah1z_testing.htm "AH-1Z/UH-1Y complete developmental testing"]. US Navy, 1 March 2006.</ref> During the first quarter of 2006 the aircraft were transferred to the Operational Test Unit at the NAS Patuxent River, where they began operational evaluation (OPEVAL) testing.<ref>[http://pao.navair.navy.mil/press_releases/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.view&Press_release_id=3485&site_id=17 "AH-1Z/UH-1Y Start OPEVAL"]. US Navy, 6 May 2006.</ref>


In February 2008, the AH-1Z and UH-1Y began the second and final portion of OPEVAL testing.<ref>Warwick, Graham. [http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/02/20/221714/pictures-us-marine-corps-bell-ah-1z-and-uh-1y-enter-final-test-phase.html "US Marine Corps' Bell AH-1Z and UH-1Y enter final test phase"]. Flightglobal.com, 20 February 2008.</ref> AH-1Z testing was stopped in 2008 due to issues with its targeting systems. The variant is still expected to enter operational service with the USMC in 2010.<ref>Trimble, Stephen. [http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/08/06/330700/bell-withdraws-ah-1z-from-indias-attack-helicopter-contest.html "Bell withdraws AH-1Z from India's attack helicopter contest"]. Flight International, 6 August 2009.</ref>
In February 2008, the AH-1Z and UH-1Y began the second and final portion of OPEVAL testing.<ref>Warwick, Graham. [http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/02/20/221714/pictures-us-marine-corps-bell-ah-1z-and-uh-1y-enter-final-test-phase.html "US Marine Corps' Bell AH-1Z and UH-1Y enter final test phase"]. Flightglobal.com, 20 February 2008.</ref> AH-1Z testing was stopped in 2008 due to issues with its targeting systems. The variant is still expected to enter operational service with the USMC in 2011.<ref>Trimble, Stephen. [http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/08/06/330700/bell-withdraws-ah-1z-from-indias-attack-helicopter-contest.html "Bell withdraws AH-1Z from India's attack helicopter contest"]. Flight International, 6 August 2009.</ref>


===Pakistan===
===Pakistan===
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==Operators==
==Operators==
;{{USA}}
;{{USA}}
* [[United States Marine Corps]] (225 on order)<ref>[http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=defense&id=news/NUNN012309.xml&headline=USMC%20Helos%20Breach%20Cost%20Overrun%20Law "USMC Helos Breach Cost Overrun Law"], aviationweek.com, 23 January 2009.</ref>
* [[United States Marine Corps]] (226 to be ordered)<ref>[http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=defense&id=news/NUNN012309.xml&headline=USMC%20Helos%20Breach%20Cost%20Overrun%20Law "USMC Helos Breach Cost Overrun Law"], aviationweek.com, 23 January 2009.</ref>


==Specifications==
==Specifications==

Revision as of 03:25, 29 March 2010

For an overview of the whole Huey family of aircraft see Bell Huey
AH-1Z Viper
An AH-1Z from HMLAT-303 at Camp Pendelton
Role Attack helicopter
National origin United States
Manufacturer Bell Helicopter
First flight 8 December 2000
Introduction 2009
Status In development
Primary user United States Marine Corps
Developed from AH-1 SuperCobra

The Bell AH-1Z Viper[1] (also called "SuperCobra") is a twin-engine attack helicopter based on the AH-1W SuperCobra, that was developed for the United States Marine Corps. The AH-1Z features a four-blade, bearingless, composite main rotor system, uprated transmission, and a new target sighting system.[2] The AH-1Z is part of the H-1 upgrade program. It is also called "Zulu Cobra" in reference to its variant letter.

Development

Aspects of the AH-1Z date back to the Bell 249 in 1979, which was basically an AH-1S equipped with the four-blade rotor system from the Bell 412. This helicopter demonstrated Bell's Cobra II design at the Farnborough Airshow in 1980. The Cobra II was to be equipped with Hellfire missiles, a new targeting system and improved engines. Later came the Cobra 2000 proposal which included General Electric T700 engines and a four-blade rotor. This design drew interest from the US Marine Corps, but funding was not available. In 1993, Bell proposed an AH-1W-based version for the UK's new attack helicopter program. The derivative design, named CobraVenom, featured a modern digital cockpit and could carry TOWs, Hellfire or Brimstone missiles. The CobraVenom design was altered in 1995 by changing to a four-blade rotor system. The design lost to the AH-64D later that year however.[3]

In 1996, the USMC launched the H-1 upgrade program by signing a contract with Bell Helicopter for upgrading 180 AH-1Ws into AH-1Zs and upgrading 100 UH-1Ns into UH-1Ys.[3][4] The H-1 program created completely modernized attack and utility helicopters with considerable design commonality to reduce operating costs. The AH-1Z and UH-1Y share a common tail boom, engines, rotor system, drive train, avionics architecture, software, controls and displays for over 84% identical components.[5]

Bell participated in a joint Bell-Government integrated test team during the engineering manufacturing development (EMD) phase of the H-1 program. The AH-1Z program progressed slowly from 1996 to 2003 largely as a research and development operation.[3] The existing two-bladed semi-rigid, teetering rotor system is being replaced with a four-bladed, hingeless, bearingless rotor system. The four-bladed configuration provides improvements in flight characteristics including increased flight envelope, maximum speed, vertical rate-of-climb, payload and reduced rotor vibration level.[6]

The AH-1Z first flew on 8 December 2000.[7] Bell delivered three prototype aircraft to Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) at Naval Air Station Patuxent River in July 2002, for the flight test phase of the program. Low-rate initial production began in October 2003,[3] with deliveries to run through 2018.[8] In February 2008, the United States Navy adjusted the contract, with the last 40 AH-1Zs to be built as new airframes instead of the previously planned rebuild of AH-1Ws.[9] Bell delivered an AH-1Z on 8 February 2008.[10] In September 2008, the Navy requested an additional 46 airframes for the Marine Corps, bringing the total number ordered to 226.[11]

Design

The AH-1Z incorporates new rotor technology with upgraded military avionics, weapons systems, and electro-optical sensors in an integrated weapons platform. It has improved survivability and can find targets at longer ranges and attack them with precision weapons.[5]

An AH-1Z at an air show displaying four-blade rotors and longer stub wings.

The AH-1Z's new bearingless, hingeless rotor system has 75% fewer parts than that of four-bladed articulated systems. The blades are made of composites, which have an increased ballistic survivability, and there is a semiautomatic folding system for stowage aboard Amphibious assault ships.[5] Its two redesigned wing stubs are longer, with each adding a wing-tip station for a missile such as the AIM-9 Sidewinder. Each wing has two other stations for 2.75-inch (70 mm) Hydra 70 rocket pods, or AGM-114 Hellfire quad missile launchers. The Longbow radar can also be mounted on a wing tip station.[3]

The Z-model's integrated avionics system (IAS) has been developed by Northrop Grumman. The system include two mission computers and an automatic flight control system. Each crew station has two 8x6-inch multifunction liquid crystal displays (LCD) and one 4.2x4.2-inch dual function LCD display. The communications suite combines a US Navy RT-1824 integrated radio, UHF/VHF, COMSEC and modem in a single unit. The navigation suite includes an embedded GPS inertial navigation system (EGI), a digital map system and a low-airspeed air data subsystem, which allows weapons delivery when hovering.[6]

The crew are equipped with the Thales "Top Owl" helmet-mounted sight and display system.[2] The Top Owl has a 24-hour day/night capability and a binocular display with a 40° field of view. Its visor projection provides forward looking infrared (FLIR) or video imagery. The AH-1Z has survivability equipment including the Hover Infared Suppression System (HIRSS) to cover engine exhausts, countermeasure dispensers, radar warning, incoming/on-way missile warning and on-fuselage laserspot warning systems.[5]

The Lockheed Martin target sight system (TSS) incorporates a third-generation FLIR sensor. The TSS provides target sighting in day, night or adverse weather conditions. The system has various view modes and can track with FLIR or by TV.[5]

Operational history

The AH-1Z completed sea-trial flight testing in May 2005.[12] On 15 October 2005, the USMC, through the Naval Air Systems Command, accepted delivery of the first AH-1Z production helicopter to enter the fleet.[13] The AH-1Z and UH-1Y completed their developmental testing in early 2006.[14] During the first quarter of 2006 the aircraft were transferred to the Operational Test Unit at the NAS Patuxent River, where they began operational evaluation (OPEVAL) testing.[15]

In February 2008, the AH-1Z and UH-1Y began the second and final portion of OPEVAL testing.[16] AH-1Z testing was stopped in 2008 due to issues with its targeting systems. The variant is still expected to enter operational service with the USMC in 2011.[17]

Pakistan

Pakistan currently has several AH-1F and AH-1S Cobras. Pakistan will likely seek to replace its current AH-1 Cobras with the AH-1Z when it becomes available for export, probably in 2015.[18]

Operators

 United States

Specifications

Data from Bell Specifications,[5] The International Directory of Military Aircraft, 2002-2003,[20] Modern Battlefield Warplanes[3]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 2: pilot, CPG (co-pilot/gunner)
  • Capacity: 6,661 lb (3,021 kg)Rotor systems: 4 blades on main rotor, 4 blades on tail rotor

Performance Armament

See also

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related lists

References

  1. ^ DoD 4120-15L, Model Designation of Military Aerospace Vehicles. US DoD, 2004.
  2. ^ a b Bell AH-1Z page, Bell Helicopter, Retrieved 3 January 2008.
  3. ^ a b c d e f Donald, David. Modern Battlefield Warplanes. AIRTime Publishing, 2004. ISBN 1-880588-76-5.
  4. ^ Bishop, Chris. Huey Cobra Gunships. Osprey Publishing, 2006. ISBN 1-84176-984-3.
  5. ^ a b c d e f Bell AH-1Z Pocket Guide, Bell Helicopter, Retrieved 3 January 2008.
  6. ^ a b AH-1W/AH-1Z Super Cobra Attack Helicopter, USA. Airforce-Technology.com. Retrieved: 14 January 2008.
  7. ^ "AH-1Z completes first flight". Bell Helicopter, 7 December 2000.
  8. ^ "AH-1Z/UH-1Y complete developmental testing". US Navy, 6 March 2006.
  9. ^ Warwick, Graham. "Bell AH-1Z upgrade to switch to new airframes". Flightglobal.com, 15 February 2008.
  10. ^ "Bell H-1 upgrade program delivers two UH-1Y and one AH-1Z in February". Bell Helicopter, 3 March 2008.
  11. ^ Trimble, Stephen (2008-08-22). "US Navy proposes more UH-1Ys, AH-1Zs despite test phase setback". flightglogal.com. Retrieved 2008-08-24.
  12. ^ "AH-1Z/UH-1Y complete first sea trials", US Navy, 13 June 2005.
  13. ^ "Bell 449 SuperCobra and KingCobra". Jane's Information Group, 7 December 2005.
  14. ^ Milliman, John. "AH-1Z/UH-1Y complete developmental testing". US Navy, 1 March 2006.
  15. ^ "AH-1Z/UH-1Y Start OPEVAL". US Navy, 6 May 2006.
  16. ^ Warwick, Graham. "US Marine Corps' Bell AH-1Z and UH-1Y enter final test phase". Flightglobal.com, 20 February 2008.
  17. ^ Trimble, Stephen. "Bell withdraws AH-1Z from India's attack helicopter contest". Flight International, 6 August 2009.
  18. ^ http://propublica.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/pakistan_contracts/121409_Pakistan_assistance_strategy%20reportFINAL.pdf
  19. ^ "USMC Helos Breach Cost Overrun Law", aviationweek.com, 23 January 2009.
  20. ^ Frawley, Gerard: The International Directory of Military Aircraft, page 37. Aerospace Publications Pty Ltd, 2002. ISBN 1-875671-55-2.
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