Bell restarts Venom production to meet Czech order
The first UH-1Y helicopter destined for the Czech Republic. (Photo: Bell Textron)
Commonality of parts with the AH-1Z has allowed Bell to maintain important component supply chains for UH-1Y manufacturing.
Bell Textron announced on 19 July that it has resumed UH-1Y Venom helicopter production to fulfil an FMS contract to produce and deliver eight UH-1Ys and four AH-1Z Viper helicopters for the Czech Republic.
Subcontractor Crestview Aerospace completed manufacturing the first of eight UH-1Y cabins at its Florida facility. The aircraft will complete final assembly at the Bell facility in Amarillo, Texas.
The company delivered the final UH-1Y for the USMC programme of record in April 2018, but it continued producing and delivering the AH-1Z under a production contract for 349 H-1 aircraft (160 Venoms and 189 Vipers).
The UH-1Y shares 85% commonality of parts with the AH-1Z, including the same engines, integrated mission system and four-bladed rotor. This commonality has enabled critical component supply chains to remain active during AH-1Z production for the USMC, Bell noted.
Bell anticipates USMC production of the AH-1Z until early 2022, followed by continued production for foreign military customers, including Bahrain, which ordered 12 helicopters. According to Shephard Defence Insight, these Vipers will supplement a fleet of Royal Bahrain Air Force AH-1 Cobras (AH-1Es, AH-1Fs and TAH-1P trainer helicopters).
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Havelsan launches new ISR UAV]()
Havelsan launches new ISR UAV
Bulut is a new uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) and is the first of a few “different versions” being worked on by the company, building on the launch and operation of its first UAV, Baha.
-
![How air forces are embracing augmented reality technology to maintain skillsets]()
How air forces are embracing augmented reality technology to maintain skillsets
Augmented reality (AR) systems are helping combat pilots and other air force personnel gain, maintain or improve their various skillsets.
-
![IDEX 2025: Embraer pushes counter-UAV capabilities for its Super Tucano]()
IDEX 2025: Embraer pushes counter-UAV capabilities for its Super Tucano
Embraer is looking to position its Super Tucano aircraft to Middle Eastern countries at IDEX to join current customers Lebanon and Afghanistan.
-
![IDEX 2025: China attacks the loitering munition market]()
IDEX 2025: China attacks the loitering munition market
At IDEX 2025, held in Abu Dhabi this week, an array of Chinese attack UAVs, primarily loitering munitions, have been on display.
-
![IDEX 2025: Heven Drones’ Raider UAS aims for 2026 delivery date]()
IDEX 2025: Heven Drones’ Raider UAS aims for 2026 delivery date
The modular twin-fuselage, hydrogen-powered uncrewed aerial system has just been unveiled, with the company conducting final flight tests and maturing the product later this year.
-
![Indian Air Force airlifter contract bidders push credentials at Aero India]()
Indian Air Force airlifter contract bidders push credentials at Aero India
The three main bidders aiming to replace India’s ageing An-32 and Il-76 transporter fleet were at Aero India to put their case, despite recent geopolitical pressures on the competition.
