The Bell AH-1Z Viper (also called “SuperCobra”) is an American twin-engine attack helicopter based on the AH-1W SuperCobra, that was developed for the United States Marine Corps. The AH-1Z features a four-blade, bearingless, composite main rotor system, uprated transmission, and a new target sighting system.
General characteristics
- Crew: 2: pilot, CPG (co-pilot/gunner)
- Capacity: 6,661 lb (3,021 kg)
- Length: 58 ft 3 in (17.8 m)
- Rotor diameter: 48 ft (14.6 m)
- Height: 14 ft 4 in (4.37 m)
- Disc area: 1,808 ft² (168.0 m²)
- Empty weight: 12,300 lb (5,580 kg)
- Useful load: 5,764 lb (2,620 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 18,500 lb (8,390 kg)
- Powerplant: 2× General Electric T700-GE-401C turboshaft, 1,800 shp (1,340 kW) each
- Rotor systems: 4 blades on main rotor, 4 blades on tail rotor
Performance
- Never exceed speed: 222 knots (255 mph, 411 km/h)
- Maximum speed: 160 kn (184 mph, 296 km/h)
- Cruise speed: 134 kn (150 mph, 248 km/h)
- Range: 370 nmi (426 mi, 685 km)
- Combat radius: 110 nmi (127 mi, 204 km)
- Service ceiling 20,000+ ft (6,100+ m)
- Rate of climb: 2,790 ft/min (14.2 m/s)
Armament
- M197 3-barreled 20 mm “Gatling-style” cannon in the A/A49E-7 turret (750 rounds ammo capacity)
- 2.75 in (70 mm) Hydra 70 rockets – Mounted in LAU-68C/A (7 shot) or LAU-61D/A (19 shot) launchers
- AGM-114 Hellfire Missiles – Up to 8 missiles mounted in two 4-round M272 missile launchers, one on each outboard hardpoint
- AIM-9 Sidewinder Anti-Aircraft Missiles – 1 mounted on each wing tip station (total of 2)