Bell AH-1Z Viper

The advanced attack helicopter built for precision strike and survivability.

AH-1Z on display at the MCAS Miramar airshow © Looper5920

Overview

Bell United States ICAO: AH1Z 2008–Present $75 million (2020)

The Bell AH-1Z Viper is a twin-engine attack helicopter developed for the U.S. Marine Corps. Introduced in the 2010s, it incorporates advanced sensors and weapons systems. The aircraft evolved from earlier Cobra variants.

Live Fleet Activity (AH1Z)

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Specifications

Units
Engine
2 × General Electric T700-GE-401C turboshaft
Engine type
Turboshaft
Power
2 × 1,800 shp · 1,342 kW
Avionics
THALES Avionics TopOwl HMS/D
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
2
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
58 ft 0 in  ·  17.67 m
Tail height
14 ft 2 in  ·  4.31 m
Fuselage diameter
2 ft 9 in  ·  0.83 m
Wing span
47 ft 11 in  ·  14.60 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
18,500 lb  ·  8,400 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
5,750 lb  ·  2,600 kg
Fuel capacity
410 gal · 1,600 L · 1,200 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
200 kt  ·  230 mph  ·  370 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
—
Range
370 nm  ·  430 mi  ·  690 km
Fuel burn
1.39 nm/gal  ·  0.68 km/L
Ceiling
20,000 ft  ·  6,100 m
Rate of climb
2,790 ft/min  ·  14 m/s
Takeoff distance
—
Landing distance
—
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Bell USMC AH-1 Viper

Live fleet activity details

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Operational Context

Bell AH-1Z Viper — twin-engine attack helicopter

The AH-1Z first flew in 2000 and entered service in 2010. It features a four-blade rotor system and modernized avionics compared with earlier SuperCobra models. The tandem cockpit design supports pilot and weapons officer coordination.

Powered by two General Electric T700 turboshaft engines producing approximately 1,800 shaft horsepower each, the AH-1Z cruises at around 150 knots (278 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight exceeds 18,000 pounds (8,165 kg). Armament includes guided missiles, rockets, and a chin-mounted cannon.

The Viper provides close air support and anti-armor capability for expeditionary forces. It shares many components with the UH-1Y, improving fleet efficiency. The aircraft remains in production for domestic and export operators.