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2024-05-03
Bell to Modernise AH-1Z Helicopters with SIEPU Upgrade
Bell Textron, a Textron company, has secured a contract with the U.S. Marine Corps to deliver the Structural Improvement Electrical Power Upgrade (SIEPU) for the AH-1Z attack helicopter.
The upgrade enhances the aircraft’s mission capabilities, aircrew safety, and interoperability by augmenting its electrical power capacity and enabling the integration of additional cabin features.
SIEPU signifies a new chapter for domestic H-1 helicopters, following the completion of the Marine Corps’ previous programme in November 2022.
Mike Deslatte, Bell H-1 senior vice president and programme director, explained: “The Bell AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom provide the backbone of attack and utility aviation support in the various battlespaces in which they are used, so SIEPU comes at an important time for the future strategic implementation of this platform.
SIEPU will be beneficial for today’s operations, and also sets the H-1 up to support future operational needs, some that may not even be conceived of yet.”
SIEPU will be beneficial for today’s operations, and also sets the H-1 up to support future operational needs, some that may not even be conceived of yet.”
Marine Helicopter Duo
Crafted specifically for the U.S. Marine Corps to endure the most rigorous maritime settings and combat zones, the Bell UH-1Y and AH-1Z helicopters blend speed, resilience, and accuracy to safeguard pilots and soldiers across diverse climates and operational terrains.
The H-1 programme revolutionises cost-effective military aviation, delivering not only a reliable solution but also an economical one. Engineered with inherent durability and an unparalleled 85 per cent commonality, the two helicopters present cost-efficient programme and life cycle expenses, reducing logistical burdens.
Vigilant Combat Guardian
With anti-armour and air-to-air capability, the Bell AH-1Z engages and defeats the widest array of threats, at standoff ranges that defy imagination.
Crafted specifically to meet the rigorous performance and readiness standards of the USMC, the helicopter features the Optimised TopOwl, the most advanced Helmet Mounted Sight and Display system on the market.
This system not only provides vital mission data but also alleviates cockpit workload.
With integrated weapons, avionics, and communications systems, along with front and rear “glass” cockpits that are virtually identical, the AH-1Z stands as a pinnacle of advanced aircraft weaponry and survivability equipment globally.
Saltwater-Ready Sentry
AH-1Z is built to simplify maintenance, training, and supply efforts. It is the world’s only marinised attack helicopter, engineered and manufactured to withstand the harsh salt water environment and unique requirements that come with shipboard operations.
The Advanced Electronic Warfare Self Protection (EWSP) suite and ballistically hardened components provide protection against a wide array of modern threat weapons. Energy-attenuating seats and airframe further enhance safety measures.
Delivering matchless multi-mission flexibility, air and ground threats are destroyed while employing both precision guided weapons and unguided munitions with lethal accuracy.
Oceanic Mission Masters
The UH-1Y stands as a marinised utility helicopter, meticulously crafted to endure challenging saltwater environments and meet the distinctive demands of shipboard operations.
On the other hand, the AH-1Z boasts a Target Sight System renowned for its superior range and precision, setting a global standard among helicopter sights.
The UH-1Y excels in engaging threats, facilitating personnel transport, and operating seamlessly in rugged conditions, earning its reputation as the ultimate tactical utility helicopter.
Through the Structural Improvement Electrical Power Upgrade, the H-1 helicopters are poised to elevate their combat prowess by integrating cutting-edge weapons systems with advanced capabilities.
This includes kinetic long-range munitions and air-launched effects, along with innovative non-kinetic functionalities.
These upgrades not only extend the helicopters’ reach and range but also enhance their standoff distance, providing a significant tactical advantage on the battlefield.
These upgrades not only extend the helicopters’ reach and range but also enhance their standoff distance, providing a significant tactical advantage on the battlefield.
While the H-1s have demonstrated their capability to counter enemy unmanned aerial systems, SIEPU will allow enough on- board power capacity for future weapons that are yet to be implemented.
“We are confident that SIEPU will help the Marine Corps expand mission essential tasks with more mission flexibility,” stated Danielle Markham, SIEPU programme manager. “The important thing is to make sure the H-1 is in a position to take advantage of those opportunities as they become available.”
Before reaching the Bell Amarillo Assembly Center, the AH-1Z and UH-1Y underwent datalink capabilities testing with Marine Corps modifications at Camp Pendleton and testing with VMX-1 in Yuma.
Bell says it is committed to sustaining support for the helicopter duo until the 2040s, in accordance with the Marine Corps Aviation Plan.
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