USMC AH-1Z Viper

Description

USMC AH-1Z Viper 

The Bell AH-1 SuperCobra is a twin-engined attack helicopter that was developed on behalf of and primarily operated by the US Marine Corps (USMC). The twin Cobra family, itself part of the larger Huey family, includes the AH-1J SeaCobra, the AH-1T Improved SeaCobra, and the AH-1W SuperCobra.

The AH-1 Cobra helicopter (Bell 209) is an attack helicopter in the classic layout, using many components of its “big brother” UH-1 Huey.

The first flight of the AH-1 prototype took place on September 7, 1965 and the helicopter entered mass production in the same year. During the Vietnam War, 1,126 machines of the G model were produced, of which 279 were lost in combat. Due to the very high reliability of the structure, small side profile and good performance, the helicopter remains in service to this day in the US Marine Corps.

The AH-1 allowed the US Army to fully implement the theoretical assumption of airmobile infantry (“air cavalry”) through the fire support of landing infantry units. Today, the AH-1 Cobra is primarily used against an armoured echelon. From 1965, several versions of this successful helicopter were created, including: AH-1G (basic version), AH-1J (two-engine version), AH-1Q (version armed with TOW missiles).

The latest and possible final variant to date is the Bell AH-1Z Viper, when contrasted against its predecessor, it incorporates various improvements and advances, including new rotor technology, upgraded military avionics, updated weapons systems, and electro-optical sensors in an integrated weapons platform. Amongst other advantages provided by these changes, it has improved survivability and can locate targets at longer ranges and also attack them using precision weapons. The airframe was extensively redesigned to maximise crashworthiness; measures include energy-absorbing landing gear, fuel vapour inerting systems, self sealing fuel tanks, energy-attenuating crashworthy seating, and a mass retention design approach applied to many major components. Active systems include countermeasure dispensers, radar warning, incoming/on-way missile warning, on-fuselage laser spot warning systems, and the Hover Infrared Suppression System (HIRSS) to protect the engine exhausts.

Our 1/30 scale version  of the Viper is limited to 2 in number and is priced at $1200 plus postage. Aviation Club members can buy it today for $1100 plus $100 postage, insert your ‘discount’ code at checkout and get another 10% off the final price. Any problems with this, just email us and we will process manually for you.  

The figures and accessories are shown for scale comparison purposes only and are not included.