Flight International online news 11:30GMT: The US Marine Corps has moved a step closer to fielding its improved Bell AH-1Z Cobra attack and Bell UH-1Y utility helicopters, following the receipt of its first production example of each type.
Delivered to NAS Patuxent River, Maryland in mid-October, the platforms will enable the service to begin aircrew and maintainer training activities at the site in advance of operational evaluation of the H-1 airframes from the first quarter of 2006. A further two aircraft will also be delivered to the service before year-end to support this process.
Bell is to remanufacture 180 of the USMC’s current AH-1W Cobras to the enhanced AH-1Z configuration and build 100 new UH-1Ys for the service. The types feature over 80% commonality, including using the same General Electric T700 engines, four-blade rotors and drive trains. The Marine Corps expects to operate its improved H-1 fleet beyond 2020.
CRAIG HOYLE/LONDON
Source: Flight International