FMS Order for 12 Expected to Manufacture Late-Model Cobra and Hueys Through 2023

Bell has officially begun production on the first of the AH-1Z Viper helicopters bound for the Czech Republic at their Texas assembly center. The Viper is a part of an FMS deal for the country that will also see delivery of another H-1 Program aircraft, the UH-1Y. 

The deal was worth an estimated $272 million for Bell to build a series of 4 AH-1Z Viper attack and 8 UH-1Y "Venom" utility helicopters (or more colloquially, "Super Huey" - despite the efforts of Textron marketers, "venom" hasn't taken hold as a popular nickname for the legendary helicopter's newest version). The deal was able to keep the Fort Worth and Amarillo locations busy through November of 2023. The duo was a good choice for a relatively small purchase, since both models actually have around 85% parts commonality between them, saving costs and retaining a significant level of training overlap in maintainers. Along with the aircraft, Bell will build a flight training device for the Czechs, helpful in building fundamental piloting skills before taking to the skies in aircraft that would prove difficult to replace. 

Bell says it's production line is busy producing additional AH-1Zs for the U.S. Marine Corps and the Kingdom of Bahrain, and is currently expected to produce 217 Vipers and 168 Hueys of the latest, most modern specification. The fact that both models of helicopter have eventually cycled through nearly every letter of the alphabet to rest on "zulu" and "yankee" is a testament to the fundamental quality of the original base design inherent to the Huey family, and the ultimate success of the H-1 program. The program is the basis of the large amount of commonality between the two aircraft, being launched in 1996 in an effort to streamline maintenance and reduce costs. The AH-1Z and UH-1Y share common tailbooms, engines, rotor systems, drivetrains, avionics architecture, software, controls, and displays - all thanks to the program's efforts at parts reduction and simplification. 

“Bell understands what it means to execute a successful international program,” said Mike Deslatte, vice president and H-1 program director for Bell. “We understand the importance of providing the unmatched capability of the H-1 aircraft to our customers. Bell remains focused on producing exceptional combat aircraft and providing modern capabilities for the Czech Air Force as a partner in the H-1 program, along with the U.S. Government.”

FMI: www.bellflight.com