Bell’s current H-1 fleet of AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters and UH-1Y Venom utility helicopters have reached a major flight milestone by surpassing the 500,000-flight-hour mark, the company announced on 28 June 2023.
Nearly 400 AH-1Zs and UH-1Ys, built by Bell and operated by the US Marine Corps (USMC) and their allies, combined to achieve the milestone.
“The H-1 continues to be the premier example of a family of aircraft that can do more with less and deliver unmatched interoperability and expeditionary agility,” Mike Deslatte, Bell H-1 vice president and program director, was quoted as saying in a company press release. “We are thrilled to reach this tremendous milestone and excited for the future of both the Viper and the Venom as they continue to grow in number and capability around the world.”
The H-1 Viper and Venom, which share many common components, “provide tremendous versatility to the fleet. Both variants demonstrated integration with advanced weapons and datalink capabilities”, Bell noted in its press release.
“We are proud that the first 500,000 flight hours of the UH-1Y and AH-1Z included constant deployments to austere deserts, numerous types of naval vessels, and frigid cold environments in support of US and allied service members on the ground and at sea,” said Nate Green, Bell H-1 programme manager. “With the Viper and Venom sharing 85% commonality of parts, a major advantage of this programme is that a single readiness improvement or capability upgrade can often support both aircraft.”
Bell supports the future of the H-1 fleet through its work on the Marine Corps Structural Improvement Electrical Power Upgrade (SIEPU) programme. Structural and electrical modifications optimise the aircraft to improve mission capabilities, aircrew safety, and interoperability. Bell is currently working to increase the electrical power capacity on the platform, which will allow the airframe to support the integration of additional capabilities for years to come.
“This milestone highlights the crucial missions our customers have accomplished with the H-1 during this time. Congratulations to the US Marine Corps and their allies on this tremendous milestone. Bell is proud to be your partner on this platform,” added Deslatte.
Bell, a Textron subsidiary, provides diverse and comprehensive services to H-1 squadrons, including parts, maintenance, training, onsite field representatives, and data analytics, supporting worldwide operations.
Peter Felstead
