To make this website work, we log user data. By using Shephard's online services, you agree to our Privacy Policy, including cookie policy.

×
Open menu Search

AH-1Z helicopters found operationally effective and suitable

30th September 2010 - 10:31 GMT | by The Shephard News Team

RSS

The US Marine Corps' newest attack helicopter, the AH-1Z Cobra has successfully completed its Operational Evaluation (OPEVAL).

On Sept. 24, NAVAIR's H-1 Upgrades program office received official notification from the Navy's Commander Operational Test and Evaluation Force that its AH-1Z helicopters were found to be "operationally effective and suitable" and were been recommended for fleet introduction.

"This marks a significant milestone for the program," said Col. Harry Hewson, program manager for US Marine light and attack helicopters. "The AH-1Z has come a long way through development and it has finally proven itself as a lethal and reliable attack helicopter. The Marines in the fleet are very eager to get their hands on the Zulu and get it into the fight."

A total of 189 new and remanufactured AH-1Z helicopters are anticipated, with deliveries expected to be complete by the end of 2021.

The AH-1Z Cobra helicopters are part of the US 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 evaluation report noted that the AH-1Z fire control and additional weapons delivery modes allowed for improved weapons delivery accuracy, reduced pilot workload, and enhanced employment flexibility compared with the AH-1W.

The H-1 Upgrade Program offers 84 percent "identically" of parts shared between the AH-1Z and UH-1Y helicopters. This commonality reduces lifecycle and training costs and decreases the logistics footprint for both aircraft.

Source: NAVAIR

Follow Shephard News on Twitter

The Shephard News Team

Author

The Shephard News Team


As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to Premium News and Defence Insight …

Read full bio

Share to

Linkedin