CD-Adapco

Snakes and Rotors: The USMC’s H-1 Helicopter Program

Related Stories: Americas - USA, Contracts - Awards, Contracts - Modifications, FOCUS Articles, Forces - Marines, GE, Helicopters & Rotary, IT - Software & Integration, L3 Communications, Lockheed Martin, New Systems Tech, Northrop-Grumman, Other Corporation, Simulation & Training, Thales

AIR_UH-1Y_and_AH-1Z_Photo.jpg
UH-1Y and AH-1Z
by Neville Dawson
(click to view full)
DII

The US Marines’ helicopter force is aging on all levels, from CH-46 Sea Knights far older than their pilots to the 1980s era UH-1N Hueys and AH-1W Cobra attack helicopters that make up the Corps’ helicopter assault force. While the V-22 program has staggered along for almost 2 decades under accidents, technical delays, and cost issues, replacement of the USMC’s backbone helicopter assets has languished. Given the high-demand scenarios inherent in the current war, other efforts are clearly required.

Enter the H-1 program, the USMC’s plan to remanufacture 100 of the Marines’ old UH-1N Hueys and 180 of its AH-1W Super Cobra attack helicopters into advanced variants that discard the signature 2-bladed rotors for modern 4-bladed improvements, redo the aircraft’s electronics, and add improved engines and weapons to offer a new level of performance. At least, that was the idea. It hasn’t quite worked out that way, and the H-1 program has encountered its own share of delays and issues. Nevertheless, the program survived a recent review and continues on into the low-rate initial production stage and OpEval Phase II.

This is DID’s FOCUS Article regarding the H-1 program; it will be updated and backfilled as events and opportunity dictate. Recent developments include the Marines’ confirmed intent to expand the program…

Displaying 237 of 3,217 words (about 9 pages)
Continue Reading »

Get the rest of this story by signing up for the Defense Industry Insider - the military acquisition knowledge base that's updated daily. Your choice of monthly, quarterly or yearly subscription starting from less than $46 per month.
  • Follow the 80/20 rule and save time
  • Don't miss important facts
  • Get the big picture, quickly
  • Eliminate your blindspots
  • Stay on top of new and forthcoming events
  • Ability to conduct complex searches
  • Procurement and doctrine issues
  • Timeline of past and future program events
  • Links to other useful resources
  • Instant content access after payment
"Well written, interesting daily with information not readily available elsewhere...! You handle it with aplomb!" - a defense contractor CEO
Subscribe Now