Mission

The roles for the U.S. Marine Corps:

Close Air Support
Armed Escort/Reconnaissance
Anti-Armor Operations
Control of Supporting Arms
Anti-Air Warfare

Description

The United States Marine Corps (USMC) replaced the two-bladed AH-1W Super Cobra with the AH-1Z Viper, which features a new, four-bladed composite rotor system, performance-matched transmission, four-bladed tail rotor, upgraded landing gear and a fully integrated glass cockpit. The AH-1Z is equipped with an integrated advanced fire control system and the capacity to support multiple weapons configurations.

Specifications

Fuselage Length: 44 feet, 10 inches
Overall Length: 58 feet, 3 inches
Height: 14 feet, 4 inches
Weight: 12,300 lbs (empty), 18,500 lbs (max gross)
Power Plant: 2 General Electric T700-GE-401C turboshaft engines
Weapons Stations: 6 Wing Stores (4 Universal, 16 PGM’s)
Crew: Two; pilot, co-pilot/gunner
Contractor: Bell Helicopter Company

Program Status

ACAT: ACAT IC Program
Acquisition Phase: In Production
Projected Inventory: 189
Initial Operational Capabilities (IOC) date: Feb 2011
Full Operational Capabilities (FOC) date: 2020

Updated May 2023