Ready to Defend, Prepared to Engage

BELL AH-1Z VIPER

A military helicopter flying over a desert landscape with mountains in the background.

The AH-1Z and the UH-1Y provides the Marine Corps with the most advanced attack and utility helicopters in the world. They represent the most effective and efficient means of accomplishing a wide array of missions in any location and are a force multiplier for the ground force commander.

Gen. (Ret.) James F. Amos
USMC, served as the 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps

Missions

The AH-1Z is armed with the AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missile and is capable of engaging both rotary- and fixed-wing targets.

Photo: U.S. Marine Corps photo by Colton K. Garrett
The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

The AH-1Z fields a wide range of air-to-ground weapons to destroy enemy threats along while providing unparalleled situational awareness.
This allows the AH-1Z to provide fire support where and when it's
needed most.

The Bell AH-1Z supports armed escort of ground vehicles, assault helicopters and ships.

Photo: U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Alex Kouns
The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

This aircraft has the capability to control indirect fire and other aircraft
fires in proximity to friendly troops.

Helicopter cockpit with control panels and two beige seats, set against a green field backdrop.

Military training programs are nothing new to Bell. Since training the first Army pilots in 1946, Bell has played a significant role in promoting safety and mission success. Our well-structured programs and training aircraft have helped aviators develop critical skills and enhance unit capabilities with innovative technology.

Fit the equipment you need with a generous layout, flat floor and removable seats. Make mission preparedness easier with seamless cabin customization.

Get heightened situational and terrain awareness for your flight crew with the 505's glass cockpit and large windows, all at a competitive rate.

Features

Amphibious Capability

The Bell AH-1Z will enable the Republic of Korea Marine Corps to operate from land bases or amphibious assault ships and execute the mission in any environment across the full spectrum of military operations. The aircraft is highly effective in both the counter-armor and anti-personnel roles and will offer unparalleled flexibility to support the Corps’ scheme of maneuver.

Marinization

Built using corrosion-resistant materials, the AH-1Z is fully marinized to prevent corrosion of critical components, including the drivetrain, airframe structure and avionics. The aircraft’s design resists intrusion from sea water, salt, sand and dust and enables more aircraft to be ready for combat missions while operating for prolonged periods in littoral areas.

Operational Advantage

The Bell AH-1Z is the only helicopter equipped with the AIM-9 Sidewinder – the world’s premier infrared air-to-air intercept missile, used worldwide by the U.S. and its allies. Its Targeting Sight System (TSS) allows for day and night operation and is the most advanced targeting system in use in U.S. attack helicopters. Finally, the aircraft can be equipped with the Joint Air to Ground Missile (JAGM), a multi-sensor and guided munition to target land and sea enemies.

Interoperability

Both the Bell AH-1Z and USMC F-35B Lightning have demonstrated the ability to pair their advanced capabilities in land and sea operations with Marine Expeditionary Units in the Pacific. With Link 16 providing the cutting-edge digital interoperability, the AH-1Z will support other military weapons systems in air-to-air missions or aid ground forces in the maritime environment.

High Readiness at a Lower Cost

This premier attack aircraft offers up to 30% lower acquisition and life cycle costs than any other marinized attack helicopter offering. With a reduced logistics footprint, the Bell AH-1Z delivers an economical and efficient solution for military forces.

A military helicopter flying over a mountainous landscape with visible weaponry.
A military helicopter flying over a mountainous landscape with visible weaponry.

Discover more

Explore the H-1 aircraft and discover their many mission-ready capabilities.

Bell

AH-1Z

Engineered for the Extreme
Atack
Aerial Escort
Reconnaissance
2+0
200
310
Bell

UH-1Y

Ultimate in utility
Utility
Atack
Special Ops
Aerial Escort
4+8
170
325