From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia H-1 upgrade program
H-1 upgrade program
H-1 upgrade program by signing a contract with Bell for
upgrading 180 AH-1Ws into AH-1Zs and upgrading 100
UH-1Ns into UH-1Ys.[2][3] While the original contract
called for upgrading existing airframes, it was later mod-
ified in 2008 to manufacture completely new air-
craft.[2][4][5] The program also includes aircraft simula-
tors.[6] Richard Aboulafia, an analyst at the Teal Group,
suggests that the motivation to upgrade the H-1s instead
of buying new Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk and Boeing
AH-64 Apache helicopters was to avoid risk to the Bell-
Boeing V-22 Osprey program.[7]
The AH-1Z first flew on 8 December 2000.[8] Three
prototype aircraft were delivered to NAVAIR’s Naval Air
Station Patuxent River in July 2002 for the flight test
AH-1Z (left) and UH-1Y (right) phase of the program. Low-rate initial production fol-
lowed beginning in October 2003,[2][9] with deliveries to
The H-1 upgrade program refers to the United States run through 2018,[10] however, full-rate production was
Marine Corps’s program to develop the AH-1Z Viper and delayed until 2005.[1]
UH-1Y Venom to replace its aging fleets of AH-1W Su- The AH-1Z completed sea-trial flight testing in May
perCobras and UH-1N Twin Hueys. The former is a twin- 2005.[11] On 15 October 2005, the USMC, through the
engine attack helicopter, while the latter is a medium- Naval Air Systems Command, accepted delivery of the
sized utility helicopter, also twin-engined. The contract first AH-1Z production helicopter to enter the fleet.[12]
was awarded to Bell Helicopter, the original designer and During the first quarter of 2006, the first production
manufacturer of both helicopters, to design these new model UH-1Y completed its first flight, and the aircraft
airframes as modernized attack and utility helicopters were transferred to the Operational Test Unit at the NAS
with considerable design commonality to reduce operat- Patuxent River to began operational evaluation
ing costs. (OPEVAL) testing.[13] In February 2008, Bell received a
contract for the last 40 AH-1Zs to be built as new air-
frames instead of the previously planned rebuild of
Development AH-1Ws.[5] Also that same month, the AH-1Z and UH-1Y
began the second and final portion of OPEVAL testing.[14]
Bell delivered three upgraded H-1s to the Marine
Corps in February 2008.[15] In September 2008, the
NAVAIR proposed adding 46 additional AH-1Zs bringing
the total number ordered to 226. The additional aircraft
will appear on the 2010 fiscal budget request.[16] The final
number of UH-1Y acquisitions was also set at 123.[17] Full-
rate production was approved in late 2008.[18]
On September 30, 2008, Bell received a contract for
Lot 5 H-1 aircraft. These 15 aircraft in Lot 5 include 11
UH-1Ys and four AH-1Zs, bringing the total contacted
amount to 49 upgraded H-1 aircraft for the Marine Corps:
37 UH-1Ys and 12 AH-1Zs. At that time, the company had
delivered 20 upgraded H-1 helicopters: 14 UH-1Ys and six
AH-1Z on the tarmac AH-1Zs.[19][20] On March 27, 2009, the Navy Department
ordered 16 Lot 6 H-1 helicopters. The 16 aircraft in Lot
In August 1995, the Secretary of the Navy authorized the 6 include five AH-1Zs and 11 UH-1Ys, bringing the to-
Marine Corps to upgrade its utility and attack helicopters tal contract to produce a total of 65 upgraded H-1 air-
as a bridge until the Joint Replacement Aircraft was avail- craft: 17 AH-1Zs and 48 UH-1Ys. At the time, Bell had de-
able in 2020.[1] In 1996, the Marine Corps launched the
1
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia H-1 upgrade program
livered 23 upgraded H-1 helicopters: six AH-1Zs and 17 mission (rated for 2,350 hp (1,750 kW)) and skid landing
UH-1Ys.[21][22] gear.[27][30]
In May 2009, several helicopters were grounded after The existing two-bladed semi-rigid, teetering rotor
a manufacturer’s defect was detected in the gearbox.[17] system is being replaced with a four-bladed, hingeless,
The aircraft deployed with the 13th Marine Expedi- bearingless composite rotor system.[7] The improvement
tionary Unit were not affected. in flight characteristics provided by the four-bladed con-
In September 2009, the UH-1Y entered full rate pro- figuration has led to increases in flight envelope, maxi-
duction, with the Marine Corps expected to receive 21 mum speed, vertical rate-of-climb, payload and reduced
aircraft by the end of the year.[18] The AH-1Z reached ini- rotor vibration.[31] The rotor system has 75% fewer parts
tial operational capability in September 2010,[23] and was than that of four-bladed articulated systems, and the im-
approved to begin full-rate production on 10 December proved yokes allow for weight saving with the elimina-
2010.[24][25] The AH-1Z is expected to cost approximately tion of all bearings, hinges, and vibration absorbers in
US$27 million each.[7] the rotor hub.[7] The blades are made of carbon fiber-
Program manager Colonel Harry Hewson expressed based composites, which have an increased ballistic sur-
interest in exporting the upgraded aircraft via Foreign vivability, and there is a semiautomatic folding system
Military Sales at the 2010 Farnborough Airshow.[26] for stowage aboard Amphibious assault ships.[28] Both
helicopters will receive an upgraded, four blade tail rotor
Upgrades and drive system.[27]
The new integrated avionics system (IAS) has been
developed by Northrop Grumman.[27] The system in-
cludes two mission computers, an automatic flight con-
trol system (reportedly "stops short of a fly-by-wire sys-
tem"[7]), and a glass cockpit; Bell suggests the system can
withstand 23 mm caliber fire.[7] Each crew station has
two 8-by-6 in (20-by-15 cm) multifunction liquid crystal
displays (LCD) and one 4.2-by-4.2 in (11-by-11 cm) dual
function LCD display. The communications suite com-
bines a US Navy RT-1824 integrated radio, UHF/VHF,
COMSEC, and modem in a single unit.[6] The navigation
suite includes an embedded GPS inertial navigation sys-
tem (EGI), a digital map system and a low-airspeed air da-
ta subsystem, which allows weapons delivery when hov-
UH-1Y landing on an amphibious assault ship ering.[31] The new cockpit systems will increase joint in-
teroperability, now able to transmit and receive date
The stated mission of the H-1 upgrade program is to "re- from ground and air systems from other branches.[1][27]
solve existing safety deficiencies, significantly improve
operational capabilities, and reduce life-cycle costs. Com- The Lockheed Martin target sight system (TSS) incor-
monality between aircraft will greatly enhance the main- porates a third-generation FLIR sensor.[27] The TSS pro-
tainability and deployability of the systems with the ca- vides target sighting in day, night or adverse weather
pability to support and operate both aircraft within the conditions. The system has various view modes and can
same squadron structure."[27] Reduced logistical burden, track with FLIR or by TV.[28] It is also used on the KC-130J
maintenance costs, and personnel requirements (all of Harvest HAWK.[32]
which increase the expeditionary capabilities of the air-
craft) are possible by the increased commonality of the The pilot and copilot are equipped with the Thales
two airframes,[7] as well as increased reliability of indi- "Top Owl" helmet-mounted sight and display sys-
vidual components.[1] tem.[29][30] The Top Owl has a 24-hour day/night capa-
bility and a binocular display with a 40° field of view. Its
Common visor projection provides forward looking infrared (FLIR)
The AH-1Z and UH-1Y share a common tail boom, en- or video imagery. However, the Corps has decided to aug-
gines, rotor system, drive train, avionics architecture, ment it with existing night vision devices.[7]
software, controls and displays for over 84% identical
components.[28][29] Both aircraft use twin General Elec- AH-1Z
tric T700-GE-401C turboshaft outputting 1,800 shp Its two redesigned wing stubs are longer, with each
(1,350 kW) each. Upgrades will also be made to the trans- adding a wing-tip station for a missile such as the AIM-9
Sidewinder. Each wing has two other stations for 2.75
2
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia H-1 upgrade program
References
[1] ^ H-1 Upgrade Program on GlobalSecurity.org
[2] ^ Donald, David. Modern Battlefield Warplanes.
AIRTime Publishing, 2004. ISBN 1-880588-76-5.
[3] Bishop, Chris. Huey Cobra Gunships. Osprey
Publishing, 2006. ISBN 1-84176-984-3.
[4] Milliman, John (2005-04-22). "UH-1Ys to be built
new starting in 06". Naval Air Systems Command.
United States Navy. http://www.news.navy.mil/
search/displaybbs.asp?bbs_id=1332&cat=5.
Retrieved 2008-12-06.
AH-1Z pilots aboard the USS Makin Island wear helmet-
[5] ^ Warwick, Graham. "Bell AH-1Z upgrade to switch
mounted displays
to new airframes", Flightglobal.com, 15 February
2008.
inches (70 mm) Hydra 70 rocket pods, or AGM-114 Hell-
[6] ^ USMC H-1 Upgrade Program, Advanced
fire quad missile launchers. The Longbow radar can also
Simulation Technology, Inc., September 2005
be mounted on a wing tip station.[2] It will be able to
[7] ^ "AH-1Z Viper enters production as substantially
cruise at approximately 135 to 140 knots (250 to 260 km/
new aircraft." FlightGlobal, 20 December 2010.
h) and sprint at 180 knots (330 km/h) before suffering the
[8] "AH-1Z completes first flight", Bell Helicopter, 7
limits of parasitic drag.[7]
December 2000.
The AH-1Z has survivability equipment including the
[9] Defense Dept. `Green Lights’ Bell’s H-1 Upgrade
Hover Infrared Suppression System (HIRSS) to cover en-
Program Business Wire, October 2003
gine exhausts, countermeasure dispensers, radar warn-
[10] "AH-1Z/UH-1Y complete developmental testing",
ing, missile warning, and laser warning systems.[28]
US Navy, 6 March 2006.
[11] "AH-1Z/UH-1Y complete first sea trials". US Navy,
UH-1Y 13 June 2005.
One of the most critical UH-1Y upgrades is in its power- [12] "Bell 449 SuperCobra and KingCobra", Jane’s
train. The UH-1N gradually became burdened with var- Information Group, 7 December 2005.
ious upgrades: avionics, radios, modern door guns, and [13] "AH-1Z/UH-1Y Start OPEVAL", US Navy, 6 May
safety upgrades; all increasing the UH-1N’s empty 2006.
weight. With a maximum speed of approximately 100 [14] Warwick, Graham. "US Marine Corps’ Bell AH-1Z
knots (190 km/h) and an inability to lift much more than and UH-1Y enter final test phase",
its own crew, fuel and ammunition, the UH-1N became Flightglobal.com, 20 February 2008.
limited in its utility. However, the UH-1Y has upgraded [15] "Bell H-1 upgrade program delivers two UH-1Y and
engines and transmission, 170% increased payload, and one AH-1Z in February". Bell Helicopter, 3 March
almost 50% greater range and maximum speed.[29][33] 2008.
The fuselage has been lengthened by 21 inches (53 cm) [16] Trimble, Stephen (2008-08-22). "US Navy proposes
just forward of the main door for more capacity.[29] more UH-1Ys, AH-1Zs despite test phase setback".
www.flightglogal.com.
See also http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/08/22/
315087/us-navy-proposes-more-uh-1ys-ah-1zs-
• Bell Huey despite-test-phase.html. Retrieved 2008-08-24.
• United States Marine Corps Aviation [17] ^ McCullough, Amy (May 5, 2009). "Damaged gear
• US Helicopter Armament Subsystems boxes ground some new Hueys". Marine Corps Times
Related development (Gannett Company). http://marinetimes.com/
• Bell 214 news/2009/05/marine_grounding_050309w/.
• Bell 412 Retrieved 2009-05-22.
• Bell AH-1 SuperCobra [18] ^ "Program Insider: H-1 Update". Rotor & Wing
• Bell UH-1N Twin Huey Magazine. September 1, 2009.
• Bell YAH-63 http://www.aviationtoday.com/rw/military/
Related lists attack/Program-Insider-H-1-Update_34824.html.
• List of attack aircraft [19] "Bell Helicopter Receives Contract for Additional
• List of helicopters H-1 Aircraft". Textron. October 10, 2008.
• List of active military aircraft of the United States http://phx.corporate-ir.net/
3
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia H-1 upgrade program
phoenix.zhtml?c=110047&p=irol- [26] Peniston, Bradley (August 2, 2010). "Corps seeks
newsArticle&ID=1208320&highlight=. international buyers for its new helos". Marine
[20] "Bell Helicopter Receives Contract for Lot 5 H-1 Corps Times. pp. 19.
Aircraft". deagel.com. September 30, 2008. [27] ^ H-1 Upgrade Program (UH-1Y/AH-1Z), U.S.
http://www.deagel.com/news/Bell-Helicopter- Marine Corps, 2007.
Receives-Contract-for- [28] ^ Bell AH-1Z Pocket Guide, Bell Helicopter,
Lot-5-H-1-Aircraft_n000005164.aspx. Retrieved 3 January 2008.
[21] "US Navy Orders More H-1 Aircraft from Bell [29] ^ Bell UH-1Y pocket guide, Bell Helicopter,
Helicopter". Textron. April 2, 2009. Retrieved 16 August 2008.
http://phx.corporate-ir.net/ [30] ^ Bell AH-1Z page, Bell Helicopter, Retrieved 3
phoenix.zhtml?c=110047&p=irol- January 2008.
newsArticle&ID=1273677&highlight=. [31] ^ AH-1W/AH-1Z Super Cobra Attack Helicopter,
[22] "US Navy Orders 16 Lot 6 UH-1Y Helicopters". USA, Airforce-Technology.com. Retrieved: 14
deagel.com. March 27, 2009. January 2008.
http://www.deagel.com/news/US-Navy- [32] "From Hueys to Harvest Hawk: Ordnance Marine
Orders-16-Lot-6-UH-1Y- arms aircraft in Afghanistan" by Cpl. Samantha H.
Helicopters_n000005896.aspx. Arrington, DVIDS. 19 May 2011
[23] Trimble, Stephen (30 September 2010). "USMC [33] Bell UH-1Y page, Bell Helicopter, Retrieved 3
declares AH-1Z Viper combat ready". Flight January 2008.
International. http://www.flightglobal.com/
articles/2010/09/30/348003/usmc-declares-ah-1z-
viper-combat-ready.html. Retrieved 1 October
External links
2010. • H-1 Upgrade Program (UH-1Y/AH-1Z), U.S. Marine
[24] "Bell Helicopter AH-1Z earns Navy approval for full Corps, 2007.
rate production". Shephard Group Limited. 10. • 2009 Aviation plan, U.S. Marine Corps, 2008
http://www.shephard.co.uk/news/rotorhub/bell- • PMA-276: USMC Light/Attack Helicopter Program
helicopter-ah-1z-earns-navy-approval-for-full- web site
rate-production/7907/. Retrieved 11 December • "First Production H-1 Helicopters Rollout", Bell
2010. Helicopter, 27 September 2006
[25] "Snakes and Rotors: The USMC’s H-1 Helicopter • "New H-1s reach 3,000 hrs, prep for OpEval", U.S.
Program". Defense Industry Daily. 30 December Marine Corps, 13 June 2005.
2010. http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/ • "US Navy proposes more UH-1Ys, AH-1Zs despite
snakes-rotors-usmc-h-1-helicopter- test phase setback", Flight International, 22 August
program-03541/. Retrieved 2 January 2011. 2008.
• Snakes and Rotors: The USMC’s H-1 Helicopter
Program, Defense Industry Daily, 16 June 2010
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