Bell AH-1Z Viper

History of the Bell AH-1Z Viper

The AH-1Z "Viper" is the latest and most powerful form of the Vietnam War-era AH-1 Cobra helicopter, which debuted in the late 1960s. During the development of the single-engine AH-1 for the U.S. Army, the U.S. Marine Corps USMC expressed interest in a twin-engine arrangement of the attack platform identical to the AH-1J "SeaCobra" derivative introduced in 1971.

The series eventually spawned An entire line of twin assault platforms emerged, all related to the original AH-1, with over 1,270 production SeaCobras and associated SuperCobras.

The Viper form factor represents an extension of the USMC AH-1W SuperCobra family, with the aim of maintaining the product as a viable battlefield component for decades to come. The AH-1Z includes a four-bladed composite main rotor and four-bladed tail rotor assembly (bearingless) powered by two General Electric T700 series turboshaft engines. This improves performance over previous Cobra iterations, and the extra horsepower makes for a heavier job weight.

Many of its airborne systems have been updated and some brand new equipment installed to improve battlefield survivability and situational awareness. The cockpit is now controlled by two Rockwell Collins LCD monitors, allowing the helicopter to be controlled from either seat. All relevant task parameters are displayed on the color display. 3D digital maps can improve navigation.

A key addition to the Cobra family is the use of a Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) manufactured by BAe Systems (called "Strikers"). The helmet is also used to present mission parameters, flight data, etc., and interface with the airborne weapon system for target guidance.

Wing basins have been expanded to provide state-of-the-art support for supported USN/USMC weapons, including guidance and fine-tuned weapons.

The first flight of the AH-1W took place on December 8, 2000, and three prototypes were evaluated by 2003. The USMC marked approximately 180 AH-1Ws for conversion to the newer AH-1Z standard, with the first production models arriving in 2005. About 28 prototypes have been delivered to date (2014), with the final airframe expected to be delivered by 2019.

In 2008, production was adjusted and the final 40 helicopters were added as "new build" models (rather than conversions of existing airframes), and an order from the USMC was received in September of that year, bringing its total procurement to 189.

When complete, the AH-1Z features 2 General Electric T700-GE-401C turboshaft engines, each producing 1,800 shaft horsepower. Performance figures include a top speed of 255 mph, a range of up to 425 miles, a service ceiling in excess of 20,000 feet and a rate of climb of 2,800 feet per minute.

This helicopter continues the stylish shape created by the original AH-1 Cobra during the Vietnam War years. The cockpit with tandem seats accommodates the pilot in the rear and the weapons officer in the front. The tail rotor assembly is port, not starboard on the original Cobra and successor Super Cobras. Like the original, the chassis has a fixed skid mount.

Wing basins have 3 hardpoints each (6 in total) and can carry AGM-114 Hellfire anti-tank missiles, AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, and 2.75" Hydra-70 missile pods in a seven-pack. or 19 shots. Standard armament remains the triple-barreled 20mm M197 Gatling gun in the A/A49E powered chin turret.

Lockheed Martin/Northrop Grumman AN/APG78 "Longbow" radar system to assist fire control.

The AH-1Z Viper was officially launched in 2010. For a short time, the helicopter was seen by the South Korean government as the next standard attack helicopter, and it wasn't until 2013 that the decision was made to use the AH-64E Apache.

Specification

Basic

Production

Roles

Dimensions

Weight

Performance

Performance

Armor

Changes