The AH-1Z Viper: US Marines Most Feared Helicopter Ever Built

Introduction

The video introduces the topic of attack helicopters and their use in military operations.

Attack Helicopters in Military Operations

• Militaries around the world saw helicopters as an ideal platform for weaponry due to their stability, ability to hover, move vertically, and travel at lower speeds.

• The first fully dedicated attack helicopter in the United States Arsenal was the AH1 Cobra.

• The AH1 Cobra was a single-engine helicopter developed by Bell that could achieve speeds of up to 220 miles per hour and provide extensive reconnaissance and ground support for combat troops fighting in Triple Canopy jungles.

Development of Attack Helicopters

This section discusses the development of attack helicopters over time.

Evolution of Attack Helicopters

• Over several decades, Bell decided to update the AH1 rather than merely replace it, leading to the development of the AH1C Viper.

• The newer Viper model boasts a different airframe with four rotor blades instead of two and improved composite materials used in construction.

• Most importantly, the Viper has a larger range and a 4,000-pound increase in max takeoff weight. It can carry a heavier payload of rockets air-to-ground air-to-air missiles.

Training for Attack Helicopter Crews

This section discusses training for U.S military's helicopter crews.

Importance of Training

• Every environment is different which is why training is so important to U.S military's helicopter crews.

• Crews run drills in high altitude cold weather areas like Colorado where they practice gunner exercises, low and high altitude maneuvering, and more.

• It's hoped that this training will ultimately add to crew versatility and allow them to better deal with challenging environments in the future.

The AH1Z Viper

This section discusses the Boeing AH-64 Apache.

The AH1Z Viper

• Bell's redesign heavily focused on increasing the aircraft's missile capacity while drastically improving its onboard targeting systems and other technology.

• In order to better familiarize pilots and co-pilots with these systems, many squadrons will conduct live fire exercises using weapons like The AIM-9 Sidewinder, a heat-seeking missile used in air-to-air combat.

• Gunners also have access to the nose gun typically a 20 millimeter three-barreled rotary cannon.

Maintenance of Attack Helicopters

This section discusses maintenance of attack helicopters.

Importance of Maintenance

• Nothing is more important than regular maintenance when it comes to keeping a squadron of AH1Z's battle-ready.

• During maintenance training, mechanics almost completely disassemble a Viper in order to get a better approximation of how the helicopter works and what it's capable of.

• As with most military aircraft, maintenance can be both preventative and breakdown-oriented.

The Apache Attack Helicopter

This section provides an overview of the Apache attack helicopter, including its armament, armor, avionics and targeting technology. It also discusses the importance of transportability in designing the aircraft.

Design for Transportability

• The Apache has a relatively small range, so designers needed to consider transportability when coming up with the aircraft.

• The four rotor blades can be loosened and folded into a straight line along the fuselage, reducing the aircraft's diameter from 48 feet to just over 17 feet.

• Two full-sized AH-64s can fit inside a single C-17 Globemaster if placed tail to tail at a slight angle.

Armament and Weapon Systems

• Apaches are heavily armed with a 30 millimeter M230 chain gun in the nose and four total hard points.

• Typically, a single helicopter will carry a variety of Hydra or CRV-70 millimeter rockets, air-to-air Stinger missiles, and air-to-ground anti-armor Hellfire missiles.

• Ground crews need to supply and resupply Apache crews with weapons as quickly as possible during missions.

Maintenance and Live Fire Exercises

• Maintenance and pre-flight checks are essential for optimal performance of an AH-64.

• Specialized maintenance pilots perform track and balance tests on Apaches to ensure proper weighting of rotor blades for smooth flight.

• Like other attack helicopters, Apaches participate in live fire exercises, which can vary widely based on the particular type of tactics being practiced.

• During live fire exercises, Apaches can engage in various mission types from surveillance to ground support to full-on attacks.

Maneuverability and Versatility

• Apaches are extremely maneuverable and versatile, able to hover, move side-to-side, and ascend or descend vertically without moving forward.

• This allows them to evade a wide variety of weapon systems whether from the air or from the ground. It also allows them to engage in various mission types from surveillance to ground support to full-on attacks.

Conclusion

Attack helicopters like the Apache will remain essential to modern warfare for years to come due to their extreme maneuverability and versatility in engaging a wide range of targets on the battlefield.