The Czech Republic’s Chief of Defence, Gen. Aleš Opata, visited Bell’s Amarillo Assembly Centre with delegates to observe the Czech Republic’s H-1 aircraft production line, Bell writes in a press release. During the visit, Gen. Opata signed the beams of the first AH-1Z and UH-1Y aircraft earmarked for delivery to the Czech Republic. According to Bell, production continues on schedule with all twelve aircraft expected to be complete in 2023.
The Bell AH-1Z and UH-1Y offer advanced capabilities for defence missions and decrease the maintenance and operational footprint due to their 85 per cent commonality, Bell emphasises. Bell is producing AH-1Zs for the US Marine Corps and expects to complete deliveries this year, followed by production for international operators. The company recently delivered the first of four AH-1Z helicopters to the Bahrain Defence Force and expects the first international delivery of the AH-1Z this year.
JH
