AH-1Z
A four bladed version of the AH-1W, designated the AH-1Z, is also under development; the addition of the extra blades dramatically improves the performance envelope of the AH-1W. Currently, the AH-1W is being retrofitted with a Kollsman-manufactured Night Targeting System (NTS). The aircraft is also undergoing a cockpit reconfiguration to allow for easier copilot/gunner access to the NTS. The upgrade of the AH-1W, including the new cockpit, is referred to as the Four Bladed AH-1W (4BW) and the upgrade of the UH-1N drive train is referred to as the Four Bladed UH-1N (4BN). Collectively, the 4BN/4BW effort constitutes the USMC H-1 Upgrades Program.
The Marine Corps plans to upgrade 180 of the AH-1W gunships to the new AH-1Z standard. The first flight was conducted in December 2000, to be followed by low-rate initial production beginning in February 2002, with deliveries running from 2004 through 2013.
In July 1998, Bell Helicopter competitively selected Lockheed Martin for development of the AH-1Z Target Sight System (TSS). The TSS provides advanced third generation thermal image processing, eye-safe laser range finding, target designation, and full fire control integration. In August 1998, four AH-1Ws were delivered to Bell Helicopter for conversion into AH-1Z test aircraft. In September 1998, engineers completed a highly successful critical design review of the airframe, which featured a state-of-the-art, computer generated electronic mock-up to convey design details. The design review paved the way for manufacturing development. Also in 1998, the program delivered seven AH-1Ws to the Marine Corps, bringing the current aircraft inventory to 201. Additionally, several other improvements for the AH-1W (night targeting system and communications/navigation) continued.
This program combines upgrades of two USMC H-1 aircraft: the AH-1W Cobra attack helicopter and the UH-1N light utility helicopter. The common element of the two will be identical twin engines and drive trains, including a new four-bladed rotor previously developed but not fielded. In addition, the AH-1 attack helicopter will gain a new integrated cockpit and night targeting system. The upgrade will extend the life of the H-1 two models well into the 21st century. The AH-1 will contribute to precision engagement and full-dimensional protection; the UH-1 will provide support to focused logistics.
Bearingless, composite main rotor systems were successfully tested at BHTI in the early 1980's and are now standard on the Bell 430 helicopter. Based on the performance of this remarkable rotor system, the USMC decided to incorporate it in their new AH-1Z helicopter. This unique rotor system provides unprecedented agility, substantially increased speed, a smoother ride, a more stable weapons platform, and excellent reliability. It will also reduce crew fatigue and enhance combat mission effectiveness.
A Sikorsky Bearingless Main Rotor (SBMR) was successfully tested in the 40- by 80-Foot Wind Tunnel test section of the NASA Ames National Full-Scale Aerodynamics Complex (NFAC). This five-bladed 44-foot diameter demonstrator rotor system was designed using existing S-76 composite main rotor blades and a new five-bladed hub, employing design features similar to the rotor proposed for the RAH-66 Comanche. The rotor was first tested on the Sikorsky Main Rotor Whirl Stand, concluding in August 1991. A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was then signed to perform a wind tunnel test at Ames. Under the MOA, Sikorsky performed additional qualification testing and analysis to support the test program. NASA provided technical support during the pre-test effort and then tested the rotor system for a 14-week period during the summer of 1992.
Under the 4BW/4BN fully integrated cockpits will be phased into the development after initial work on the drive system is underway. Initial work will consist of simultaneous design efforts for the 4BW and 4BN. Major modifications include: a new rotor system with semi-automatic bladefold of the new composite rotor system, a new performance matched transmission, a new 4-bladed tail rotor and drive system, a more effective stabilizer, upgraded landing gear, tail pylon structural modifications and common cockpits.
This remanufacture will add 10,000 flight hours to 4BW/4BN airframes. The 4BW will increase aircraft maneuverability, speed, and payload (ordnance) capability. The fully integrated cockpits will reduce operator workload and improve situational awareness, thus increasing safety. It will provide growth potential for future weapon systems and avionics, which would increase mission effectiveness and survivability. As discrete systems have previously been added to both aircraft, pilot workload has progressively worsened. The cockpits will include integration of on-board mission planning, communications, digital fire control, self navigation, night targeting, and weapons systems in nearly identical crew stations reducing training requirements. The 4BN effort will incorporate the 4BW rotor system into the UH-1N aircraft, as well as a fully integrated cockpit common with the 4BW, maximizing commonality between the two aircraft and providing needed improvements in crew and passenger survivability, payload, power available, endurance, range, airspeed, maneuverability and supportability.
The 4BN/4BW program was instituted in the summer of 1996 by combining several lesser upgrades planned but not executed by the Marine Corps. Prior to entry into EMD in September, 1996, DOT&E approved the program's alternative LFT&E plan and USD(A&T) approved a waiver from full-up, system-level LFT&E. The AH-1W will be tested full-up, system-level; the UH-1N received a waiver from full-up, system-level testing. The H-1 Upgrade ORDs require that both helicopters be tolerant to impacts by 12.7mm rounds and have crashworthy enhancements. Additionally, the drive components of the AH-1W should be tolerant to 23mm rounds.
The H-1 Upgrade has the most comprehensive and realistic aircraft LFT&E program approved to date. The program will include full-up, system-level testing of an AH-1W and testing of all but the tail (which is common to both aircraft) of the UH-1N. It will explore in detail various potential kill mechanisms related to the expected threat. The LFT&E program is integrated fully into the systems engineering effort and should yield a reasonable opportunity to incorporate improvements if deficiencies are found.
Accoridng to DOT&E, the AH-1Z attack helicopter demonstrated a doubling in payload and a 20 percent increase in range and endurance over the AH-1W aircraft during 2003 testing. The digital cockpit enhanced pilot situational awareness and reduced workload in some areas. However, poor targeting performance of the newly installed Targeting Sight System (TSS) degraded mission effectiveness and increased pilot workload. Problems with TSS stability, focusing, target loss during field-of-view changes, and anomalous TSS behavior must be resolved before this aircraft can be considered operationally effective.
KingCobra
Turkish Government officials announced on July 21, 2000 that the Bell Helicopter Textron KingCobra had been selected as the winner to fulfill its attack helicopter requirements. Bell will now enter into negotiations as to specifics of the program and applicable agreements. The KingCobra is the Turkish variant of the AH-1Z being developed for the U.S. Marine Corps. Along with wheeled gear, the KingCobra incorporates significant mission equipment to be provided by Turkish defense industries.
The newest version of the Cobra Attack Helicopter is equipped with state- of-the-art avionics, power train and weapons systems. This combination of modern technology and Bell Helicopter reliability and ruggedness makes this third generation Cobra the most cost effective and modern attack helicopter available in the world today.
The initial requirement calls for 50 aircraft at a cost of approximately $1.5 billion (U.S.) with a possible build-up to 145 aircraft. Bell Helicopter Textron will be the primary sub-contractor on the program with Tusas Aerospace Industries Inc. of Ankara acting as prime contractor. Additionally, there will be numerous other sub-contractors that will provide the armament, avionics and engines.
On June 2, 2000 Turkish Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said that Turkey had postponed a decision on a massive $4.5 billion tender to build 145 strike helicopters.
Prior to Executive Committee's decision dated May 2004, Tusas Uzay ve Havacilik San. A.S. was selected as prime contractor. In order to determine foreign company, proposals from Agusta (Italy), Bell (USA), Boeing (USA), Eurocopter (France) and Kamov (Russian Federation) were received. Contract negotiations with two companies in the short list - Bell and Kamov - were executed. The last status of the project was discussed at the Executive Committee's meeting dated May 14, 2004 and it is evaluated that the proposals of subject firms do not meet the expectations related to price, delivery schedule, contracts terms and conditions for technical & administrative issues. Basing on this, current bid has been cancelled and it's decided to accept a new bid for a new project model. SSM has begun to make preparations on the new project model which aims also to meet requirements in a shorter period and to use in-country capabilities and use its best effort to publish Request for Proposal (RFP) as soon as possible.
