Tue, Oct 25, 2005
They Might Look Familiar, But...
The US Marine Corps has accepted delivery of the first
much-modified AH-1Z Cobra and UH-1Y helicopters to enter the Naval
Air Systems Command fleet. The two Bell aircraft are part of the
Marine's H-1 Upgrade Program, and will now be transferred to Naval
Air Station Patuxent River, MD, to begin Operation Evaluation
(OPEVAL) testing and training.
Under the H-1 Program, the US Marine Corps' 180 existing AH-1W
SuperCobras are essentially manufactured and transformed into the
AH-1Z, while the UH-1Y are completely new aircraft that will phase
out existing UH-1N helicopters as the "Y" models are delivered.
Both aircraft share common components, as well as similar flight
dynamics. The H-1 upgrades include an 84% commonality between the
two aircraft including engines (GE-T700 engines), four-blade
all-composite, hingeless, bearingless main rotor system and tail
rotor, identical drive trains, hydraulics and electrical
distribution systems.
By using common systems the cost of the logistics support
process for the two helicopters will be dramatically reduced and
will allow for vastly improved shipboard operability, according to
a Bell Helicopter press release. By utilizing the same parts, less
critical shipboard space will be needed to store spare parts and
support equipment to support the two helicopters comprising the H-1
Program.
The shared componentry and operating costs are also expected to
save billions of dollars over the life of the program. Increased
speed, range, maneuverability and lifting ability of both
helicopters were also goals of the H-1 effort.
Under the H-1 Program, 180 essentially new Cobras and 100
totally new UH-1Y copters will be available to the Marines. All
aircraft will be considered "zero-time" airframes and will
incorporate the latest technology, allowing the helicopters to
operate beyond 2020.
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