Bell Shows New HueyCobra Displays That Distinguish AH-1Z 'Zulu' Variant

Bell Helicopter has come to Asian Aerospace with its usual variety of civil utility machines, plus a foretaste of the "Zulu" version of ubiquitous AH-1 HueyCobra U.S. Marine Corps combat helicopter. On the company's stand (A333) is the AH-1Z Cobra cockpit technology demonstrator showing instrumentation the newly developed version will use for actual combat missions.

Visitors are able to see how target displays from the helicopter's own sensors are combined with other data needed by the two-man crew of pilot and weapon operator. Company representatives are on hand to explain the modern displays and the AH-1Z's many capabilities to anyone not familiar with the Marine Corps' mission.

In fact, the Zulu is but one half-the "sharp" half-of a wider ranging program to upgrade the USMC light helicopter inventory at minimal cost and maximum efficiency. Much of the new propulsion and avionics technology being incorporated in existing AH-1Ws to bring them to the new standard is shared with the UH-1N utility helicopter, which thereby becomes the UH-1Y or "Yankee."

The UH-1 can be armed, but its main role is in carrying troops and support equipment close to the front line. Instead of the slim, tandem cockpits of AH-1 versions, it has a cabin capable of accommodating a dozen armed men or an equivalent amount of freight.

Prototypes of both new versions have flown and are reported to be progressing according to plan in their flight test program. Eventual deployment will see the venerable H-1 serving well into the 21st century.

By Paul Jackson