Sat, Dec 11, 2010
USMC Will Acquire A Fleet Of 189 Of The Attack Helicopter
The U.S. Marine Corps' newest attack helicopter, the AH-1Z
Cobra, was approved for full rate production Nov. 28. The H-1
program office received official word on the Milestone III approval
decision from Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition,
Technology & Logistics Dr. Ashton B. Carter through an
acquisition decision memorandum.
AH-1Z Cobra File Photo
"The AH-1Z is a magnificent machine and I am thrilled that the
Zulu has now been authorized for full rate production," said John L
Garrison, president Bell Helicopter. "The partnership between Bell
Helicopter and the Navy-Marine Corp team demonstrates that we are
both fully committed to providing the best for our
warfighters."
After completing operational testing this summer, the AH-1Z was
determined to be operationally effective and suitable, a finding
that is a prerequisite to the full rate production decision.
"Getting the Zulu into full rate production is very important
for the Marines and for our Nation," said Rear Adm. Steve Eastburg,
Program Executive Officer for Air, Assault and Special Mission
Programs. "Both the UH-1Y and AH-1Z deliver superb combat
effectiveness to the Marine warfighter. We continue to build in
production cost efficiencies to ensure that the taxpayer is getting
the most for every dollar spent."
The Marine Corps is replacing the two-bladed AH-1W with the
AH-1Z, which features a new, four-bladed composite rotor system,
performance-matched transmission, four-bladed tail rotor, upgraded
landing gear and a fully integrated glass cockpit. A total of 189
new and remanufactured AH-1Z helicopters are anticipated, with
deliveries expected to be complete by the end of 2019.
AH-1Z Cobra Test Flight
The AH-1Z Cobra helicopters are part of the U.S. Marine Corps
H-1 Upgrade Program. The program's goal is to replace AH-1W
helicopters with new and remanufactured AH-1Zs which provide
significantly greater performance, supportability and growth
potential over their predecessors. The H-1 Upgrade Program offers
84 percent commonality of parts between the AH-1Z and UH-1Y utility
helicopters. This commonality reduces lifecycle and training costs
and decreases the expeditionary logistics footprint for both
aircraft.
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