1. USA-made Bell AH-1Z Viper
Produced by Bell Helicopter
Main Users: United States Marine Corps
The program cost was $6.758 billion* (FY2020) / $31 million* (unit cost).
The fabled SuperCobra served as the inspiration for this twin-engine attack helicopter. As part of the H-1 Program, which was a series of upgrades and replacements for older Marine aircraft, the Bell AH-1Z Viper was created for the Marines. The Viper’s composite rotor system consists of four blades. It also features upgraded transmissions and a new target sighting system.
USA-made Bell AH-1Z Viper ©Shutterstock/vviper-zero
Bell Huey is the parent company of the Viper. It goes under the moniker “Zulu Cobra.” Members of the Viper crew wear Thales Top Owl helmets. The sight/display system in the helmet is operational around the clock. With its binocular display, it can see anything, day or night. The visor of the Thales helmets is projected with FLIR.
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