Viper deliveries continue in Hawaii
The Marine Corps Air Station at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, received three new upgraded AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters on 19 December.
To be operated by the Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367, the new helicopters will allow the squadron and Marine Corps Base Hawaii to continue to further project power and reach in the Asia-Pacific region.
The Bell Helicopter AH-1Z aircraft is an updated version of the AH-1W with greater fuel capacity, ordnance capabilities, and situational awareness. The aircraft can carry and deploy 16 Hellfire missiles, effectively doubling the capacity of its predecessor, and has updated avionics systems and sensors.
Sgt Jeremy Ortega, avionics technician with the squadron, said: ‘The new Zulus incorporate systems from the AH-1W and the UH-1Y and essentially combine them. The upgraded turret sight systems create much more in-depth images, which allow pilots to pinpoint targets better and get more descriptive, accurate pictures.
‘Times are changing and things are evolving. It’s time for the AH-1W’s to go to bed. And, the AH-1Z’s are the perfect candidate to replace them.’
More from Defence Helicopter
-
![Germany to send WS-61 Westland Sea King helicopters to Ukraine]()
Germany to send WS-61 Westland Sea King helicopters to Ukraine
Germany has committed to sending Ukraine six of its 21 retiring WS-61 Westland Sea King multirole, amphibious helicopters.
-
![Boeing secures $271 million to advance modernisation of US Special Operations' MH-47G Chinook]()
Boeing secures $271 million to advance modernisation of US Special Operations' MH-47G Chinook
Boeing has clinched a major contract modification to further its backing of the US Special Operations Command’s MH-47G Chinook aircraft modernisation effort.
-
![Dubai Airshow 2023: South Korean homegrown helicopters make international debut]()
Dubai Airshow 2023: South Korean homegrown helicopters make international debut
Two KAI helicopters, the KUH-1E utility helicopter and the Light Attack Helicopter (LAH), have taken centre stage at the Dubai Airshow 2023.
-
![Italian Navy receives final NH90 helicopter]()
Italian Navy receives final NH90 helicopter
The Italian Navy now boasts a fleet of 56 NH90 helicopters comprising 46 SH-90As and 10 MH-90As.
-
![Argentina seeks AW109 and CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters]()
Argentina seeks AW109 and CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters
The Argentinian Air Force (FAA) and the Argentinian Naval Aviation Command (COAN) are looking for options to upgrade their helicopter fleets.
-
![DSEI 2023: Lockheed to produce about 40% of Black Hawks on UK soil if it wins NMH contest]()
DSEI 2023: Lockheed to produce about 40% of Black Hawks on UK soil if it wins NMH contest
Lockheed Martin promises a boost to the British job market and export opportunities, while strengthening ties with Poland and positioning the UK for a future in rotorcraft technology in the event of a New Medium Helicopter competition triumph.
