Marines' Huey, Cobra Upgrades to Begin in 2003

The upgrading program for the U.S. Marine Corps' AH-1 and UH-1 helicopters is to begin in 2003, with initial conversion of 19 aircraft per year, rising to 36 aircraft. The USMC will upgrade its UH-1N assault helo to UH-1Y configuration, and the AH-1W to AH-1Z status. The first upgraded AH-1Z Cobra is already flying. The first UH-1Y conversion has been completed and is to fly by November.

According to program manager Capt. Tom Curtis, the upgraded helicopters will dramatically enhance the combat capabilities of USMC's Aviation units. Recent combat lessons from Kosovo underlined the need for the capabilities the upgrades offer.

"These upgrades will triple the range and payload capabilities of current AH-1Ws. They also bring the UH-1's capabilities in line with the range and performance of our AH-1s, therefore establishing a more potent combat package," said Curtis.

The AH-1Z and UH-1Y upgrades will create 85% commonality between the two airframes, resulting in a dramatic reduction of logistics and support. Helicopter squadrons will need only 2.3 C-141 or 1.6 C-17 loads to deploy, compared to 6 and 4.3 respectively for current models.

The most significant improvement for the AH-1Z is a new targeting system, fully integrated into the helicopter's fire control system. Based on a third-generation FLIR, large aperture optics, and low-light color TV, the five-axis stabilized system provides clear pictures in all lighting conditions. The integrated eye-safe laser rangefinder and optional laser spot tracker permits efficient operation and clear target recognition in all terrains and weather conditions, especially in urban areas.

Both helicopters will employ a new glass cockpit and helmet-mounted display and sight, with full day/night capability. The new helmet provides night vision based on LLTV images projected onto the visor. By the use of real-time image processing, this technology eliminates the blooming effect of night vision goggles, enabling the pilot to see details in light-saturated areas or in shade. The helmet also employs a line-of-sight tracking system, which will be used to slave weapons such as a gun or AAMs, for faster response.

Longbow International has teamed with Bell Helicopter Textron to develop the Cobra Radar System for the AH-1Z. Using this radar, AH-1Zs will be able to sweep the battle zone with a swift scan, automatically spotting and recognizing targets such as tanks, trucks, rotating radars and ground-to-air missile installation. The Longbow system is already integrated in the AH-64D Apache and RAH-66 Comanche helicopters.

Bell forecasts an increasing demand for the AH-1Z, as more air arms look to modernize their existing AH-1s. The contract with Turkey is in advanced negotiations, and Bell has been informed that despite Turkish financial difficulties, funding is secure for the entire Lot 1 production of 50 helicopters.

Bell is also promoting the AH-1Z in Israel, where the release of Longbow technology is already approved for the AH-64. The AH-1Z is competing for sales of 40 helicopters in Australia, and a pending selection by Korea and Japan. Decisions on all planned procurements are expected this year.

By Tamir Eshel