Bell starts production of first AH-1Z Viper for Czech Republic

The production of the Viper joins UH-1Y production as part of the Czech Republic Foreign Military Sale (FMS) of mixed fleet aircraft.

The AH-1Z Viper has a 300km/h cruise speed with a 690km range, and a maximum takeoff weight of 8,391kg. It is powered by two General Electric T700-GE-401C turboshaft engines.

“Bell understands what it means to execute a successful international program,” said Mike Deslatte, Vice President and H-1 Program Director at Bell. “We understand the importance of providing the unmatched capability of the H-1 aircraft to our customers. Bell remains focused on producing exceptional combat aircraft and providing modern capabilities for the Czech Air Force as a partner in the H-1 program, along with the US Government.”

Bell’s work beyond aircraft manufacturing includes building a flight training device for the Czech Republic, essential to integrating the new helicopters into the Czech Armed Forces.

First production of international operator of UH-1Y

Bell began production on the Czech Republic UH-1Y in 2021, marking the first production for an international operator of the UH-1Y. The Czech Republic’s purchase of both the AH-1Z and UH-1Y takes full advantage of the 85-per-cent commonality between parts and enabling full mission capabilities between both aircraft.

In addition to the Czech Republic, Bell is actively producing AH-1Zs for the US Marines Corps and the Kingdom of Bahrain. In total, the H-1 program is on track to produce 217 AH-1Zs and 168 UH-1Ys, with more than 100 consecutive H-1s delivered on time for the USMC and FMS customers.