Upgrade Program Completed Ahead Of Schedule
The U.S. Marine Corps' newest attack helicopter, the AH-1Z
Cobra, achieved Initial Operating Capability ahead of schedule in
February.
AH-1Z Cobra File Photo
"The AH-1Z is a magnificent machine and I am thrilled that the
Zulu has now been designated ready for combat." said John L
Garrison, president Bell Helicopter, on Monday. "The partnership
between Bell Helicopter and the Navy-Marine Corp team demonstrates
that we are both fully committed to providing world class equipment
for our warfighters."
The U.S. 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, two
additional wing stores stations on larger stub wings, upgraded
landing gear and a fully integrated glass cockpit. The AH-1Z will
see a 120% increase mission radius with attack payload over the
AH-1W.
As part of the H-1 Upgrade Program, the AH-1Z replaces the
currently fielded AH-1W. The AH-1Z will serve a primary role in
assault support, offensive air support and air reconnaissance. The
Zulu will play a supporting role in anti-air warfare, electronic
warfare, and control of aircraft and missiles. "Getting the AH-1Z
to IOC has been a huge achievement for the entire team," said Col.
Harry Hewson, program manager for U.S. Marine Corps Light and
Attack Helicopters. "Now we get to put the Zulu in the hands of the
Marines and prove that it is indeed the most capable marinized
attack helicopter in the world."
The H-1 Upgrade Program offers 84 percent commonality of major
component 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.
The new Zulus feature 10,000 flight-hour airframes, a new
four-bladed rotor system with semi-automatic blade fold of the new
composite rotor blades, new performance matched transmissions, a
new four-bladed tail rotor and drive system, upgraded landing gear,
and pylon structural modifications. This will help the new Zulu to
achieve a 39% increase in HOGE useful load over its
predecessor. The Zulu also incorporates modernized, fully
integrated cockpits/avionics that will reduce operator work load
while improving situational awareness while being able to carry 32%
more fuel.
The AH-1Z is equipped with two General Electric T700-GE-401
series engines and greatly increased lift capability and stores
capacity, giving it a significantly greater ordnance payload for
future growth potential. The primary weapon system is the Hellfire
missile. It is fully shipboard compatible, and capable of operating
from prepared or unprepared landing sites, day or night.
"The expeditionary agility that the Yankee/Zulu package brings
to the Marine Air/Ground Task Force is exactly what the Marine
Corps needs as we continue to fight two wars and conduct numerous
other engagements in every clime and place," Hewson said. "I am
proud to be a part of the team that is making that happen."