Tue, Oct 05, 2010
OPEVAL Program Completed In September
The U.S. Marine Corps' newest attack helicopter, the AH-1Z
Cobra, has successfully completed Operational Evaluation
(OPEVAL). On September 24, the Navy's Aviation program office
(NAVAIR) for H-1 Upgrades 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 recommended for fleet introduction.
AH-1Z Cobra File Photo
"The AH-1Z is a remarkable aircraft that is only made stronger
by the Marine aviators that fly them," John Garrison, president of
Bell Helicopter, said Monday. "We are excited that our warfighters
will receive the full benefit of this awesome machine."
The Marine Corps is replacing the two-bladed AH-1W with the
AH-1Z, which features a new, four-bladed composite rotor system,
performance-matched transmission, four-bladed tail rotor, upgraded
landing gear and a fully integrated glass cockpit. A total of 189
new and remanufactured AH-1Z helicopters are anticipated, with
deliveries expected to be complete by the end of 2019.
AH-1Z Cobra File Photo
The AH-1Z Cobra helicopters are part of the U.S. 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 H-1 Upgrade Program offers
84 percent commonality of parts between the AH-1Z and UH-1Y utility
helicopters. This commonality reduces lifecycle and training costs
and decreases the expeditionary logistics footprint for both
aircraft.
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