美 해병대, AH-1Z Cobra 초도작전/운용능력 (IOC) 부여

 

美 해병대가 기존 AH-1W Cobra 공격헬기 후속으로 도입하고 있는 AH-1Z Cobra 공격헬기에 대한 초도작전능력

(혹은 초도작전운용능력) 즉 IOC (Initial Operating Capability) 를 지난 2월 부여 했다는 소식 입니다.

 

최초 美 해병대는 226대의 AH-1Z 를 확보할 계획이었으나, 예산상의 압박과 공격헬기대대의 축소 계획에 따라

189대로 줄인바 있으며, 이중 131대는 기존 AH-1W 기체 개량을 (remanufacture) 통해, 나머지 58대는 신규 제작

을 통해 각각 확보할 예정 입니다. 한편 AH-1Z 의 도입이 최종 완료되고, FOC 획득년도는 2020년이라 합니다.

 

참고로 AH-1Z 에 대해서 美 해병대는 기존 AH-1 공격헬기들에 붙여왔던 Cobra 명칭을 계속 사용하는 가운데,

Viper 혹은 Zulu 라는 명칭도 사용하고 있습니다. 반면 UH-1Y 는 Yankee 라는 명칭을 붙이고 있습니다.

 

한편 AH-1Z 는 기존 AH-1W 에 장착된 GE T700-401 엔진의 출력을 1,800 shp 로 증강시킨 T700-401C 엔진 2개

를 장착하고, Lockheed Martin AN/AAQ-30 Targeting Pod 와 3세대 FLIR Sensor 를 결합시켜 주야간은 물론

어떠한 기상 조건에서도 작전 능력이 가능한 것으로 알려지고 있습니다.

 

또한 무장에 있어서는, 모든 종류 (파생형을 의미) 의 Hellfire Missile 의 운용이 가능하며, JAGM (Joint Air-to-

Ground Missile) 과 AIM-9 Sidewinder 공대공 미사일도 장착할 수 있습니다. 물론 2.75 inch Hydra rocket 및

3연장 20 mm gatling gun 도 장착하고 있습니다.

 

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Marines declare AH-1Z Cobra operational

 

 

NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND PATUXENT RIVER, Md. — The Marine Corps' newest attack helicopter, the AH-1Z Cobra, achieved Initial Operating Capability ahead of schedule in February.

 

"Getting the AH-1Z to IOC has been a huge achievement for the entire team," said Col. Harry Hewson, program manager for U.S. Marine Corps Light and Attack Helicopters. "Now we get to put the Zulu in the hands of the Marines and prove that it is indeed the most capable marinized attack helicopter in the world."

 

As part of the H-1 Upgrades Program, the AH-1Z replaces the currently fielded AH-1W. The AH-1Z will serve a primary role in assault support, offensive air support and air reconnaissance. Cobras will play a supporting role in anti-air warfare, electronic warfare, and control of aircraft and missiles.

 

The new Cobras feature 10,000 flight-hour airframes, a new four-bladed rotor system with semi-automatic blade fold of the new composite rotor blades, new performance matched transmissions, a new four-bladed tail rotor and drive system, upgraded landing gear, and pylon structural modifications. The Cobra also incorporates modernized, fully integrated cockpits/avionics that will reduce operator work load while improving situational awareness and safety.

 

The AH-1Z is equipped with two General Electric T700-GE-401 series engines and greatly increased lift capability and stores capacity, giving it a significantly greater ordnance payload for future growth potential. The primary weapon system is the Hellfire missile. It is fully shipboard compatible, and capable of operating from prepared or unprepared landing sites, day or night.

 

The Marine Corps will remanufacture 131 AH-1W helicopters into AH-1Z aircraft and build 58 new AH-1Zs. The projected inventory for the AH-1Z is 189 helicopters. Full operational capability, defined as when all AH-1Z maintenance and repair support, test equipment, and spares are in place to support active component force primary aircraft authorization, is expected to be achieved in 2020.

 

AH-1Z Cobras were first delivered in 2007 by prime contractor Bell Helicopter Textron Incorporated. The Department of Defense authorized the Cobra for full-rate production in November 2010. The first deployment of the AH-1Z is scheduled for later this year with a Marine Expeditionary Unit. This will be the first opportunity for the AH-1Z and UH-1Y to deploy together. The UH-1Y is already on its third rotation to Operation Enduring Freedom.

 

"The expeditionary agility that the Yankee/Zulu package brings to the Marine Air/Ground Task Force is exactly what the Marine Corps needs as we continue to fight two wars and conduct numerous other engagements in every clime and place," Hewson said. "I am proud to be a part of the team that is making that happen."

 

 

 ⓒ US NAVAIR

 

  ⓒ US NAVAIR

 

  ⓒ US NAVAIR

 

  ⓒ US NAVAIR

 

  ⓒ USMC

 

  ⓒ USMC