Non-Subscriber Extract
Bell rolls out first AH-1Z Super Cobra for USMC
Bell
rolls out first AH-1Z Super Cobra for USMC
Michael J Gething
The
US Marine Corps' (USMC) newest attack helicopter, the Bell Helicopter
Textron AH-1Z Super Cobra, was officially rolled-out on 20 November at
a ceremony at the company's Flight Research Center in Arlington, Texas.
It is scheduled to make its maiden flight before the end of this month.
Claimed by the US Naval Air Systems Command to be "the world's most
advanced attack helicopter", the AH-1Z is part of the USMC's H-1
Upgrade Program. This programme involves the remanufacture of 100 UH-1N
'Huey' transport helicopters to UH-1Y configuration and 180 AH-1W Super
Cobra attack helicopters to AH-1Z standard. This advanced configuration
features common engines and flight dynamic components.
The H-1 Upgrade Program will result in the USMC receiving 280 'new' aircraft
to operate beyond 2020. Both types will have "zero-time" airframes
remanufactured with the latest technology. Their speed, range, maneuverability
and lift capability will be "dramatically improved". The reduction
in maintenance manpower and training, ground handling, support equipment
and spare part support inventories is expected to contribute "billions
of dollars" of savings over the life of the programme.
Current advanced technology is expected to provide the H-1 fleet with
increased battlefield survivability and greater mission success with fewer
combat losses. In addition, USMC sources report the crashworthiness of
both the UH-1Y and the AH-1Z will be significantly enhanced.
Some of the upgrades include an enormous amount (in excess of 85%) of
commonality between the two aircraft. This includes the state-of-the-art
common 'glass' cockpit, the General Electric T700-GE-401 turboshaft engines,
a four-blade all-composite, hingeless, bearingless main rotor system and
tail rotor, identical drive trains, hydraulics and electrical distribution
systems.
By utilising these common systems, the cost of the logistics support process
for the both helicopters will be dramatically reduced and will allow for
vastly improved shipboard operability. Far less critical shipboard space
will be needed to store spare parts and support equipment to support the
two helicopters.
Litton Guidance and Controls is on the H-1 Team as the supplier of the
Integrated Avionics System (IAS) - the 'glass' cockpit. Litton will integrate
and provide equipment such as the colour multi-function displays, mission
and weapons computers, advanced communication and navigation equipment,
and all of the software that makes these units function with each other
automatically. This integrated system will take much of the workload from
the aircrew, allowing them to concentrate on flying the aircraft safely
and fighting the enemy.
Following the first flight of the AH-1Z (this month), the first UH-1Y
upgrade is scheduled to fly next year (2001). Deliveries of both types
to the USMC will begin in 2003.
 |
| The
first AH-1W upgraded to AH-1Z configuration is shown at its roll-out
ceremony last month. (Source: US Naval Air Systems Command) |
End of non-subscriber extract
