AH-1Z
IOC: 2011
AH-1Z King Cobra
Also Known As
AH-1Z Super Cobra
Origin
United States of America
Contractor/s
Bell Helicopter
Derived from:
AH-1W Super Cobra
Air-to-Air Missiles:
AIM-9M Sidewinder (2)
Guided Missiles:
AGM-114A Hellfire (16)
AGM-114B Hellfire (16)
AGM-114C Hellfire (16)
AGM-114F Hellfire (16)
AGM-114K Hellfire II (16)
Power plant:
T700-GE-401C (2)
Sensors & Communications:
AN/AAR-47
AN/APR-39
AN/ARC-210
Hawkeye XR
TopOwl
Guns & Missile Launchers:
M299 (4)
Protection Systems:
AN/ALE-47
AN/ALQ-136
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Description:
The AH-1Z is the last derivative of proven AH-1W Super Cobra attack helicopter being developed under the USMC $4.5 billion H-1 program. It features a four-bladed main rotor powered by two T700-GE-401C engines. Under the H-1 upgrade program up to 180 existing USMC's AH-1Ws will be re-manufactured to the AH-1Z configuration. Aircraft modified under the H-1 program will remain in service with the USMC beyond 2025.
The H-1 upgrade will reduce 70% maintenance costs saving around $2 billion while providing a more survivable, maneuverable, and supportability helicopter using the most modern technologies available. The UH-1Y and the AH-1Z aircraft to be modified under the H-1 program will share 84% of component parts.
The AH-1Z features higher g loads, maneuverability, flexibility, survivability, full digital glass cockpit, TopOwl helmet mounted displays, advanced electronic warfare protection suite, and a crashworthy fuel system to reduce risk of fire over current AH-1Ws.
The AH-1Z weapon system comprises a 20mm main gun, up to 16 AGM-114A/B/C/F/K Hellfire anti-armor missiles, 2 AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, and rocket launchers. The Hawkeye XR target sight system (TSS) permits to utilize the Hellfire missile at maximum missile's reach during day/night and adverse weather conditions.
The AH-1Z will be able to operate from both land and sea platforms. The T700-GE-701C engine is being offered as an alternative powerplant for AH-1Z international customers.
As of 2004, US Marine Corps reports suggest that the AH-1Z helicopter will complete its integrated testing in April 2005, the full rate production will start in February 2006, and the initial operational capability will be achieved in June 2009. These delays are the result of Marine Corps aim to change procurement profile to expedite replacement of the aging UH-1 fleet.
On April 4, 2005, Bell Helicopter Textron was awarded a $104 million contract to exercise an option for low rate initial production (LRIP) Lot II procurement of 3 AH-1Zs and 4 UH-1Ys in fiscal year 2005 under the H-1 program. The work was expected to be complete by December 2007.
Bell Helicopter rolled out its first production AH-1Z and UH-1Y helicopters September 27, 2006, at Amarillo plant, Texas. The US Marine Corps H-1 program calls for 280 upgraded attack helicopters and utility helicopters.
Specifications
Accommodation: Crew 2
Guns: Main Gun Caliber 20 mm
Weights: Max Weight 8,409 kg (18,538 lb), Min Weight 5,591 kg (12,326 lb)
Performance: Ceiling 6,100 m (20,013 ft), Cruise Speed 69 mps (248 kph), Endurance 3 hours 18 min, Max Range 420 km (227 nm), Top Speed 114 mps (410 kph)
Other: Main Rotor Blades 4, Number of Engines 2
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United States of America / 180 