Description

The United States Marine Corps (USMC) replaced the two-bladed AH-1W Super Cobra with the AH-1Z Viper, which features a four-bladed composite rotor system, new engine and 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.

The UH-1Y Venom replaced the UH-1N Huey and includes the latest in technology and production techniques to continue the legacy of the venerable and battle-proven H-1 helicopter design. The UH-1Y includes an all-composite rotor system, new engines and transmission, integrated digital cockpit featuring multifunction flat panel displays, increased payload capabilities, and crash-worthy seating for all crew and passengers. The UH-1Y Venom platform also provides significantly increased load carrying ability, greater range and survivability, and has a smaller logistics footprint.

Additionally, the AH-1Z and UH-1Y share 85 percent parts commonality, designed to significantly reduce life-cycle costs and the aircraft’s logistical footprint, while increasing the maintainability and deployability.

Mission

The AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter provides rotary wing close air support, anti-armor, anti-air, armed escort, armed/visual reconnaissance and fire support coordination capabilities under day/night and adverse weather conditions for the USMC.

The UH-1Y Venom multi-role utility helicopter is equipped with a wide range of weapons and mission support configurations to also perform close air support missions, along with combat assault support, search and rescue/causality evacuation, armed escort/reconnaissance, command and control, and special operation support. UH-1Y Venom is the USMC’s premier utility platform.

Background

Since 1956, more than 16,000 aircraft have been produced as part of the H-1 family of helicopters, popularly known as the Huey and Cobra. Originating from a 1955 U.S. Army contract for a medical evacuation helicopter, the first Navy/Marine Corps Iroquois variant, the UH-1E, was first procured in 1964.

In 1996, the USMC launched the H-1 Upgrades program. The UH-1Y Venom replaced UH-1Ns and the AH-1Z Viper replaced the AH-1W.

Full rate production for the UH-1Y started in 2008, with U.S. domestic production of the variant ending in 2020. The AH-1Z reached full rate production in 2010, with US domestic production concluding in 2022. The AH-1Z and UH-1Y are fielded in Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadrons, or HMLAs. Detachments from the HMLAs are globally deployed as part of Marine Expeditionary Units, supporting ship-based amphibious exercises and operations.

Current international AH-1Z and UH-1Y partners include Bahrain (AH-1Z) and the Czech Republic (mixed fleet of AH-1Z and UH-1Y).