Plastic model of AH-1Z VIPER helicopter 1:48 Model kitKitty Hawk Model

Product description : Plastic model of AH-1Z VIPER helicopter 1:48

KH80125 - Plastic model of AH-1Z VIPER helicopter 1:48

The Bell AH-1Z Viper is a twin-engine attack helicopter, based on the AH-1W SuperCobra, designed and produced by the American aerospace manufacturer Bell Helicopter. He is one of the newest members of the prolific Bell Huey family.

The AH-1Z features a bearingless, hingeless rotor system, which has 75 percent fewer parts than four-blade articulated systems. The rotor blades are made of composite materials, which gives them better ballistic resistance. The rotor is equipped with a semi-automatic folding system, which allows the AH-1Z to be stored more efficiently aboard amphibious assault ships and other transports. Efforts have been made to maximize its maintainability and minimize maintenance requirements; Compared to the SuperCobra, many maintenance tasks have been eliminated, interactive electronic technical manuals have been produced, less storage of spare parts is required, and accessibility has also been improved.

L The AH-1Z is equipped with a pair of redesigned truncated wings, significantly longer than those of the previous SuperCobra. Each has an additional wingtip station for a missile such as the AIM-9 Sidewinder. Each wing has two other stations for Hydra 70mm rocket pods or quadruple AGM-114 Hellfire missile launchers. In early 2022, Initial Operational Capability (IOC) was achieved with the AGM-179 JAGM, which uses the same type of missile launchers as the Hellfire. The AN/APG-78 Longbow fire control radar can also be mounted on a wingtip station. Likewise, other mission equipment can be mounted on these stations, including 77- and 100-gallon external auxiliary fuel tanks, LUU-2A/B night flares, and many types of training munitions. Under the nose of the AH-1Z is an A/A49E-7 turret equipped with a three-barrel 20mm M197 rotary cannon; this weapon has a higher muzzle velocity and a flatter trajectory than its predecessors; it is also compatible with M50 series air-to-air ammunition.