USMC orders Venom and Vipers
Bell Helicopter has released details of a $461.1 million contract received in March to supply UH-1Y Venom utility helicopters and AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters for the US Marine Corps (USMC).
The company will supply 12 UH-1Y Venom helicopters under the contract, along with associated auxiliary fuel kits. The UH-1Y has been deployed by the USMC since 2009. The helicopter is used in a range of roles, including threat engagement, and the insertion and extraction of troops in theatre.
Sixteen AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters will also be supplied with associated auxiliary fuel kits. The anti-armour attack helicopter equipped with Target Sight System (TSS) allows crew to identify and track multiple targets outside the enemy’s ability to visually detect the Viper. The AH-1Z Viper has integrated air-to-air strike capability in addition to advanced air-to-ground anti-armour performance.
The helicopters are currently in production. The contract is part of the USMC’s H-1 Program of Record, which calls for the purchase of 189 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters and 160 UH-1Y Venom utility helicopters.
Lisa Atherton, executive vice president of military business, Bell Helicopter, said: ‘The UH-1Y utility and AH-1Z attack helicopters continue to perform for the USMC, delivering on our promise of technologically advanced aircraft the marines can rely on to accomplish their challenging missions.
‘The Venom and Viper are a powerful, comprehensive duo, designed and manufactured to reduce logistical requirements and environmentally hardened to perform for armed forces over land or sea.’
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