NAVAIR

AH-1Z

Mission

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

Description

The Marine Corps’ is replacing the two-bladed AH-1W with the AH-1Z, 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 commonality gained between the AH-1Z and the UH-1Y (approximately 84 percent) is expected to significantly reduce life-cycle costs and the aircraft’s logistical footprint, while increasing the maintainability and deployability. Two AH-1Z aircraft completed Operational Evaluation Phase One in January 2007; an additional AH-1Z operational evaluation period is scheduled for 2010. IOC for the AH-1Z is projected to be fiscal year 2011.

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)
Speed: 200 knots (max), 142 knots

Program Status

ACAT: ACAT ID Program
Production Phase: In Production
Inventory: 7 (as of 21 Jan 2010)
Projected Inventory: 226
Projected Initial Operational Capabilities (IOC) date: 2011
Projected Full Operational Capabilities (FOC) date: 2021