Submitted by TEAM Public Affairs, Pax River

The first AH-1Z Super Cobra successfully completed restrained ground run tests on Oct. 16 at Bell Helicopter's experimental flight test facility in Arlington, Texas.

This extensive first test evaluated numerous areas on the helicopter to include rotor system stability, drive system stability, drive system endurance, engine and auxiliary power unit vibration levels, and hydraulic system performance. Zulu #1 was operated for 96 hours to 100 percent power and 115 percent engine and main rotor speed.

With this first test complete, the engines, main rotor components, drive system gearboxes and other components are being removed and inspected to assess if wear matches computer model predictions.

The AH-1Z Super Cobra will be officially rolled out in a ceremony on November 20 at Bell Helicopter's Plant 6 in Arlington, Texas.

The AH-1Z's first flight is scheduled for December 2000 at the Bell Helicopter, Textron Ft. Worth, Texas facility. Bell is the prime contractor for the re-manufacturing program that will revolutionize the existing inventory of Marine Corps AH-1Ws and UH-1Ns into 21st century designs.