Order of 12 Set for 2022 Delivery

Bell has completed the first of 12 Bahraini AH-1Z Vipers, the most recent iteration of their classic Super Cobra attack helicopter. Through the Foreign Military Sales program, the Royal Bahraini Air Force will receive their newest additions in 2022, when they are delivered through the Defense Contract Management Agency.  

The sale is one of a few slated for production in the near future, for the U.S. Marine Corps and the Czech Republic. Buyers will receive planned capability improvements throughout its service life, to maintain their performance edge in a world escalating peer competition. The -1Z model improves on decades of the classic AH-1 family, first introduced in -1J guise in 1971. 

The -1Z brings a four-blade, bearingless, composite main rotor system that reduces parts count by 75% and increases ballistic resistance over older systems. Expanded wings can equip air-to-air AIM-9 missiles on wing-tip stations for peace-of-mind against aerial combatants (and bragging rights in case of an air-to-air helo victory). Newer, integrated avionics, automated flight capability, and new FLIR targeting systems combine with a helmet-mounted visual display for potent all-weather targeting and operation.

Improvements in marinization result in greater reliability and long-term maintenance when stationed in maritime environments, on top of the consideral parts commonality with legacy AH-1 parts already in inventory.  

“This is an extraordinary achievement by the H-1 Program and brings the Royal Bahraini Air Force a step closer to fielding the advanced capabilities of the AH-1Z,” said Mike Deslatte, Bell H-1 program director. “The men and women of Team Viper, a group of premier suppliers, have done an exceptional job of delivering to the U.S. Government, on time and on contract. The Viper will provide significant benefits to the Bahrain Defence Force as they modernize their fleet of attack helicopters,” said Deslatte. “Having a proven state-of-the-art platform will help contribute to the security of Bahrain while improving interoperability with U.S. forces.” 

FMI: www.bellflight.com