280 Attack, Utility Helos To Replace Aging USMC Fleet

Aero-News has learned Bell Helicopter delivered the first production AH-1Z attack and UH-1Y utility helicopters Wednesday to the US Department of Defense. The H-1 upgrade program calls for a total of 280 upgraded attack helicopters and utility helicopters to be delivered to the United States Marine Corps, providing much-needed modernization for the Corps' aging fleet.

Among the many dignitaries attending the ceremony was Dr. Delores Etter, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition, who said, "Today's rollout marks another milestone for this program as we begin to arm our service personnel with sorely needed modern equipment that will substantially increase their combat effectiveness."

"Bell Helicopter is pleased to be able to provide critical resources to our warfighters that will provide enhanced capabilities while reducing operational costs in the field," said Bell CEO Michael Redenbaugh.

The rollout of these first two production helicopters marks the beginning of several years of equipping both test and evaluation and operational squadrons with H-1 aircraft.

Bell states the H-1 program creates a completely modernized attack and utility helicopter that have considerable design commonality to reduce operating costs. The AH-1Z and UH-1Y share common tail boom, engines, rotor system, drive train, avionics architecture, software, controls and displays for over 84 percent identical components.

This should drive down maintenance, says Bell, while improving reliability for a cost savings of over $3B over the 30 year program.

FMI: www.bellhelicopter.com, www.marines.mil