New Chinook engine offers advantages for future operations (Studio)
A new engine for the CH-47 Chinook will significantly increase the capabilities of the helicopter, allowing it to meet future operational needs head on.
Bahrain Viper programme passes milestone
Commodore Admiral Jasim Al Jowder visited the Bell Amarillo assembly centre on 31 March 2021 and signed the frame of the first production AH-1Z Viper for Bahrain. (Photo: Bell)
Production is underway in the US of 12 AH-1Z helicopters for Bahrain.
Bell Textron has begun production of AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters for Bahrain.
The company expects deliveries to begin in late 2021, it noted in a 12 April statement.
Bell is manufacturing 12 Lot 16 production helicopters for Bahrain under a $912 million FMS contract announced in November 2018. In February 2019, the US DoD announced a $240 million modification contract.
A Bahraini delegation toured the Bell factory in Amarillo on 31 March to inspect the production line.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, the new Viper helicopters will supplement a fleet of Royal Bahrain Air Force AH-1 Cobras (AH-1Es, AH-1Fs and TAH-1P trainer helicopters).
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