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| Bell AH-1Z Viper |
The American Bell AH-1Z Viper is a third-generation descendant of the venerable Bell AH-1 Cobra, the predecessor of all modern attack helicopters. The US Marines Corps’ asset traces its lineage back to 1965. The latest model in the class-defining design, the Viper proves to be a competent and long-lasting platform.
The Bell AH-1Z Viper is a highly advanced attack helicopter used by the United States Marine Corps (USMC). It’s an upgraded version of the AH-1 Cobra and is renowned for its versatility, durability, and state-of-the-art technology. Here’s a breakdown of the key features and details:
Overview
- Manufacturer: Bell Helicopter Textron
- Role: Attack helicopter
- Introduced: 2010
- Users: Primarily the USMC, but available for export.
- Nicknamed: "Zulu Cobra" (based on its NATO phonetic designation, "Z").
Specifications
- Crew: 2
- Length: 12.28 m (40 ft 3 in)
- Height: 3.35 m (11 ft 0 in)
- Empty weight: 2,530 kg (5,578 lb)
- Max takeoff weight: 4,600 kg (10,141 lb)
- Powerplant: 2 × Rolls-Royce Gem 2-1004D (license-built by Piaggio) turboshaft engines, 664 kW (890 hp) each
- Main rotor diameter: 11.9 m (39 ft 1 in)
- Main rotor area: 111.2 m2 (1,197 sq ft) 5-bladed main rotor
performance overview
- Maximum speed: 278 km/h (173 mph, 150 kn)
- Cruise speed: 229 km/h (142 mph, 124 kn)
- Range: 510 km (320 mi, 280 nmi)
- Ferry range: 1,000 km (620 mi, 540 nmi)
- Service ceiling: 4,725 m (15,502 ft)
- Rate of climb: 10.2 m/s (2,010 ft/min)
weapon system
- Guns:
- 1× 20 mm (0.787 in) M197 three-barrel Gatling-type cannon (500 rounds) in a TM197B Light Turreted Gun System (only CBT version)
- 12.7 mm (.50 in) machine gun pod
- Rockets: 4 pods with
- 38× 81 mm (3.19 in) unguided rockets
- 76× 70 mm (2.75 in) unguided rockets
- Missiles:
- 8× AGM-114 Hellfire or BGM-71 TOW or Spike-ER anti-tank missiles
- 4-8× AIM-92 Stinger or Mistral anti-aircraft missiles
Bell AH-1Z Viper
Key Features
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Twin-Engine Design:
- Powered by two General Electric T700-GE-401C turboshaft engines.
- Delivers excellent performance in high-altitude and hot-weather conditions.
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Advanced Avionics:
- Equipped with the Thales TopOwl helmet-mounted display system, allowing pilots to aim weapons just by looking at a target.
- Glass cockpit with color multifunction displays for enhanced situational awareness.
- Fully integrated digital fire control systems.
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Weapon Systems:
- Main Gun: 20mm M197 three-barrel Gatling cannon, located under the nose.
- Missiles:
- AGM-114 Hellfire air-to-surface missiles.
- AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles.
- Rockets: Hydra 70 unguided rockets or APKWS (Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System) guided rockets.
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Sensor Systems:
- Target Sight System (TSS): Electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor turret for precision targeting.
- Night and all-weather targeting capabilities.
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Survivability:
- Redesigned rotor system with a four-blade composite main rotor, offering improved lift and reduced noise.
- Ballistic-tolerant components to enhance survivability in combat zones.
- Infrared suppression systems to reduce vulnerability to heat-seeking missiles.
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Performance:
- Maximum Speed: ~241 knots (278 mph or 447 km/h).
- Range: 370 nautical miles (~426 miles or 685 km) without external fuel tanks.
- Service Ceiling: ~20,000 feet.
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Multirole Capability:
- Capable of close air support, reconnaissance, anti-armor missions, and escort duties.
Notable Uses
- The AH-1Z is a critical component of the USMC's H-1 Upgrade Program, modernizing its fleet with advanced helicopters to support ground forces.
- Deployed in combat operations, humanitarian missions, and peacekeeping efforts.
- Designed to work seamlessly alongside the Bell UH-1Y Venom (utility helicopter), as they share approximately 85% of their components.
Export Potential
The Viper has been offered to allied nations, and a few, like Bahrain, have purchased it for their armed forces. 🚁
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