The AH-1Z 'Viper' is the latest incarnation of a line of dedicated attack helicopters that began with the original single-engined AH-1 'HueyCobra' series back in the 1960s and a direct offshoot of the twin-engined AH-1 'SuperCobra' design. The Viper was specifically developed to satisfy a United States Marine Corps (USMC) requirement and continues in the role of anti-tank/Close-Air Support (CAS) for the service. The newer offering brings enhanced crew survivability, broadened weapons support, and improved interoperability. First flown in December of 2000 and formally introduced in September of 2010, the AH-1Z has seen 62 production vehicles delivered with operators in the United States, Bahrain, Pakistan and - most recently - the Czech Republic.
2 CREW
Speed
255 MPH
Ceiling
20,341 FEET
Range
426 MILES
Mission Roles
GROUND ATTACK
STRIKE
ANTI-ARMOR
CLOSE SUPPORT
RECON
TRAINING
Gallery
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Image from the U.S. DoD DVIDS imagery database; Public Release.
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Image from the U.S. DoD DVIDS imagery database; Public Release.
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Image from the U.S. DoD DVIDS imagery database; Public Release.
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Image from the U.S. DoD DVIDS imagery database; Public Release.
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Image from the U.S. DoD DVIDS imagery database; Public Release.
(List includes former, current, and potential operating nations)
AH-1Z: 2 x General Electric T700-GE-401C turboshaft engines developing 1,800 horsepower each driving a four-bladed main rotor and four-bladed tail rotor (facing port side).
(Showcased performance statistics pertain to the AH-1Z production model)
Length 58.40 feet (17.80 meters)
Width 47.57 feet (14.50 meters)
Height 14.34 feet (4.37 meters)
(Showcased measurements pertain to the AH-1Z production model)
Empty 12,346 lb (5,600 kg)
M.T.O.W. 18,519 lb (8,400 kg)
(Showcased weights pertain to the AH-1Z production model)
STANDARD:
1 x 20mm M186 three-barreled Gatling-style automatic cannon in powered chin turret (trainable function). This weapon is afforded 750 x 20mm projectiles.
OPTIONAL:
Weapons support across four underwing hardpoints (wingstubs), two underwing stations per wing member. Wingtip mounts also supported:
7-/19-shot 2.75" (70mm) Hydra 70 OR APKWS II ('Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System') series rocket pods (up to 76 unguided or 28 guided rockets total).
AGM-114 'Hellfire' Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs) held in quadruple launchers (up to sixteen missiles total).
2 x AIM-9 'Sidewinder' short-ranged, Air-to-Air Missiles (AAMs) on wingtip mounts (primarily for self-defense). Supported Types:
Automatic Cannon(s)
Air-to-Surface Missiles
Rockets / Rocket Pods
Additional Fuel
AH-1Z 'Viper' - Base Series Designation.
Related to the AH-1Z "Viper"
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Entries with similar traits, features, or shared history to the Bell Helicopter AH-1Z
"Viper"
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Automatic Cannon(s)
Air-to-Surface Missiles
Rockets / Rocket Pods
Additional Fuel
