Aeronaves y UAV

Helicóptero de ataque AH-1Z Viper

Also known as
  • Bell AH-1Z
  • AH-1Z
  • Viper
  • Zulu Cobra

El Bell AH-1Z Viper es un helicóptero de ataque biplaza del Cuerpo de Marines de Estados Unidos desarrollado a partir del AH-1W Super Cobra para el programa de modernización H-1. NAVAIR lo describe como el sustituto del AH-1W, con rotor compuesto de cuatro palas, sistema integrado de control de tiro, seis estaciones alares de carga y un 85 por ciento de comunalidad de piezas con el UH-1Y; fuentes oficiales del Cuerpo de Marines y la Armada sitúan elementos equipados con AH-1Z en el despliegue de 2016 de Operation Inherent Resolve.

Helicóptero de ataque AH-1Z Viper, Helicóptero de ataque, Aeronaves y UAV
Image source: AH-1Z Viper (USMC) Pendleton 107.jpg

Role in Conflicts

Profile / Specs

Profile

Origin
Estados Unidos
Built by
Bell
Type
Helicóptero de ataque
Service note
Década de 2010-presente
Produced
2000-presente
Number built
189 entregados para el programa oficial del Cuerpo de Marines de Estados Unidos
Developed from
AH-1W Super Cobra

Specifications

Tripulación
2
Planta motriz
Dos motores turboeje General Electric T700-GE-401C
Velocidad máxima
200 KIAS
Radio de combate
131 nm
Alcance máximo
310 nm
Longitud total
58 ft 3 in
Altura
14 ft 4 in
Peso máximo al despegue
18,500 lb
Estaciones de armamento
6
Sistema de rotor
Rotor compuesto de cuatro palas
Comunalidad
Aproximadamente 85% de comunalidad con el UH-1Y
Armamento
2 AIM-9 Sidewinder, 16 misiles aire-tierra y cohetes guiados por el sistema de armas
H-1 Upgrade Lineage

NAVAIR presenta el AH-1Z como el sustituto del AH-1W Super Cobra del Cuerpo de Marines y como la mayor modernización de la línea de helicópteros de ataque H-1, construido alrededor de un rotor compuesto de cuatro palas, planta motriz mejorada, cabina digital, mayor capacidad de carga útil y asientos resistentes a impactos.

Predecesor

Helicóptero de ataque AH-1W Super Cobra

NAVAIR describe el AH-1Z como sustituto del AH-1W de dos palas.

Comunalidad H-1

Aproximadamente 85 por ciento de comunalidad de piezas con el UH-1Y.

NAVAIR y Bell vinculan esa comunalidad con una menor carga logística, de mantenimiento y de entrenamiento.

Variants

Esta entrada trata el AH-1Z como el miembro de helicóptero de ataque de la familia de modernización H-1 del Cuerpo de Marines, con el predecesor AH-1W enlazado donde existe un registro público del catálogo.

VariantConfigurationDesignation notes
AH-1W Super Cobra attack helicopter, Marine attack helicopter, Aircraft & UAVsAH-1W Super CobraPredecesor inmediato del Cuerpo de Marines

NAVAIR afirma que el Cuerpo de Marines sustituyó el AH-1W Super Cobra de dos palas por el AH-1Z Viper, mientras que Bell dice que las células AH-1W retiradas fueron remanufacturadas como AH-1Z Viper.

Sources: AH-1Z Viper | NAVAIR, United States Marines Retire Bell AH-1W After 34 Years of Service

UH-1Y VenomDiseño acompañante de helicóptero utilitario H-1

NAVAIR y Bell describen que el AH-1Z y el UH-1Y comparten aproximadamente un 85 por ciento de comunalidad para reducir la carga logística, de mantenimiento y de entrenamiento en toda la flota H-1.

Sources: AH-1Z Viper | NAVAIR, Bell H1 Aircraft: AH-1Z Attack and UH-1Y Utility Helicopter

Municiones transportadas

Bell y NAVAIR describen el AH-1Z como un helicóptero de ataque y reconocimiento con misiles aire-tierra, misiles aire-aire, cohetes de 70 mm guiados o no guiados y seis estaciones alares de carga.

Carried itemItem typeCarriage evidence
AGM-179A JAGM, Air-to-surface precision-guided missile, MunitionsAGM-179A JAGMMisil aire-superficie guiado de precisión

La Armada informó que el Cuerpo de Marines declaró la capacidad operativa inicial del JAGM en el AH-1Z y que pilotos de AH-1Z probaron el misil en noviembre y diciembre de 2021.

Sources: Marine Corps JAGM Initial Operational Capability

AGM-114 Hellfire missile family, Air-to-surface missile family, MunitionsAGM-114 Hellfire missile familyFamilia de misiles aire-superficie

Bell enumera una hipótesis de prestaciones del AH-1Z con ocho misiles Hellfire, y Lockheed Martin describe Hellfire como parte de la misma familia de misiles para lanzador M299 que posteriormente compartió con JAGM.

Sources: Bell AH-1Z Viper, M299 Launcher | Lockheed Martin

AIM-9 Sidewinder missile, Short-range air-to-air missile family, MunitionsAIM-9 Sidewinder missileMisil aire-aire de corto alcance

Bell afirma que el AH-1Z tiene capacidad de misil aire-aire plenamente integrada y enumera dos misiles aire-aire Sidewinder en la descripción de funciones de su sistema de armas.

Sources: Bell AH-1Z Viper

Hydra-70 rocket system, 2.75-inch air-launched rocket family, MunitionsHydra-70 rocket systemFamilia de cohetes no guiados de 70 mm

Bell enumera catorce cohetes de 70 mm en una hipótesis de prestaciones del AH-1Z e identifica esos cohetes como no guiados o equipados con APKWS.

Sources: Bell AH-1Z Viper

APKWS / WGU-59 guided rockets, Guided rocket munition family, MunitionsAPKWS / WGU-59 guided rocketsFamilia de cohetes guiados por láser de 2,75 pulgadas

Bell enumera la carga de cohetes del AH-1Z como cohetes de 70 mm que pueden ser no guiados o guiados APKWS, lo que vincula la aeronave con la familia catalogada de cohetes guiados de 2,75 pulgadas.

Sources: Bell AH-1Z Viper

Contexto de las estaciones de carga

NAVAIR enumera seis estaciones alares de carga, incluidas cuatro estaciones universales y capacidad para dieciséis municiones guiadas de precisión.

Sources: AH-1Z Viper | NAVAIR

Compatibilidad con lanzadores de misiles

La relación JAGM/Hellfire está vinculada a la familia de lanzadores M299 y no a un registro de lanzador separado específico del AH-1Z.

Compatible itemItem typeCompatibility evidence
M299 Launcher, Reusable multi-platform missile launcher, Support EquipmentM299 LauncherLanzador de misiles reutilizable

Lockheed Martin describe el M299 como un lanzador multiplataforma para Hellfire y JAGM, mientras que las fuentes del AH-1Z documentan que la aeronave transporta esas familias de misiles.

Sources: M299 Launcher | Lockheed Martin, Bell AH-1Z Viper, Marine Corps JAGM Initial Operational Capability

Documented Weapons Fit

Bell describe el conjunto de armamento del AH-1Z en términos de dos misiles aire-aire Sidewinder, dieciséis misiles aire-tierra y cohetes guiados por el sistema de armas. Sus hipótesis de prestaciones enumeran ocho misiles Hellfire, catorce cohetes de 70 mm que pueden ser no guiados o guiados APKWS, 650 cartuchos de munición de 20 mm y 120 contramedidas prescindibles.

Misiles aire-tierra

AGM-179A JAGM y familia de misiles AGM-114 Hellfire.

La IOC de JAGM en el AH-1Z está documentada por la Armada de Estados Unidos; Bell enumera Hellfire en su hipótesis de carga del AH-1Z.

Cohetes

Sistema de cohetes Hydra-70 y cohetes guiados de 2,75 pulgadas.

Bell identifica la carga de cohetes de 70 mm como no guiada o compatible con APKWS.

Timeline

Helicóptero de ataque AH-1Z Viper Key Events

  1. El AH-1Z alcanza la capacidad operativa inicial

    NAVAIR enumera febrero de 2011 como la fecha de capacidad operativa inicial del AH-1Z.

    Sources: AH-1Z Viper | NAVAIR

  2. NAVAIR enumera la capacidad operativa plena

    NAVAIR enumera la capacidad operativa plena en 2020 para el programa AH-1Z.

    Sources: AH-1Z Viper | NAVAIR

  3. El Cuerpo de Marines declara la IOC de JAGM en el AH-1Z

    La Armada de Estados Unidos informó que el Cuerpo de Marines declaró la capacidad operativa inicial del Joint Air-to-Ground Missile en el AH-1Z tras pruebas realizadas por pilotos de AH-1Z a finales de 2021.

    Sources: Marine Corps JAGM Initial Operational Capability

  4. Se completa el programa oficial del Cuerpo de Marines

    Bell entregó el AH-1Z número 189 al Cuerpo de Marines, completando el programa nacional oficial del AH-1Z.

    Sources: Bell Completes U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Program of Record

Media

Helicóptero de ataque AH-1Z Viper Videos

Helicóptero de ataque AH-1Z Viper Images

Helicóptero de ataque AH-1Z Viper, Helicóptero de ataque, Aeronaves y UAV - view 1
Source: AH-1Z Viper Armament.jpg
Helicóptero de ataque AH-1Z Viper, Helicóptero de ataque, Aeronaves y UAV - view 2
Source: Bell AH-1Z Viper Line Drawing.svg
Related Weapon Systems
AH-1W Super Cobra, Marine attack helicopter, Aircraft & UAVsAircraft & UAVsAH-1W Super CobraMarine attack helicopterThe Bell AH-1W Super Cobra was the U.S. Marine Corps' twin-engine attack helicopter between the mid-1980s and 2020, bridging the AH-1T SeaCobra and the AH-1Z Viper. NAVAIR identifies Bell as contractor and describes the type as an HMLA aircraft with T700 engines, a night targeting system, and a 14,750 lb maximum gross weight, while official Marine and Navy sources document AH-1W combat use from Desert Storm and Iraq to Afghanistan and Operation Odyssey Lightning in Libya.
AH-1W Super Cobra attack helicopter, Marine attack helicopter, Aircraft & UAVsAircraft & UAVsAH-1W Super Cobra attack helicopterMarine attack helicopterThe Bell AH-1W Super Cobra was the U.S. Marine Corps' twin-engine attack helicopter between the mid-1980s and 2020, bridging the AH-1T SeaCobra and the AH-1Z Viper. NAVAIR lists Bell as contractor and describes the type as an HMLA aircraft with T700 engines, a night targeting system, and a 14,750 lb maximum gross weight, while official Marine and Navy sources document AH-1W combat use from Desert Storm and Iraq to Afghanistan and Operation Odyssey Lightning in Libya.
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20mm M197 rotary cannon, 20 mm three-barrel externally powered Gatling aircraft cannon, Aircraft & UAVsAircraft & UAVs20mm M197 rotary cannon20 mm three-barrel externally powered Gatling aircraft cannonThe 20mm M197 is a lightweight three-barrel Gatling aircraft cannon derived from the M61A1 Vulcan family for helicopter, light-aircraft, naval, turret, pod, and pintle installations. General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems markets the current M-197 and lists it on Marine Corps AH-1J, AH-1T, AH-1W, and AH-1Z aircraft, while FAS, DVIDS, Defense Media Network, and official Navy history sources document M197-equipped AH-1W and MH-60S context across Gulf War, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Operation Inherent Resolve service.
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MQ-9 Reaper, Medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned combat aerial vehicle, Aircraft & UAVsAircraft & UAVsMQ-9 ReaperMedium-altitude long-endurance unmanned combat aerial vehicleThe MQ-9 Reaper is a General Atomics medium-altitude, long-endurance remotely piloted aircraft built for persistent intelligence collection and precision strike. Larger and more powerful than the MQ-1 Predator, it combines satellite control, electro-optical and infrared sensors, laser designation, and weapons such as Hellfire missiles and guided bombs, making it a recurring U.S. and coalition platform in counterterrorism, maritime-security, and regional-strike operations.

Sources

Bell AH-1Z ViperPublisher: Bell | Note: Supports manufacturer background, baseline AH-1Z specifications, fully integrated air-to-air missile capability, Sidewinder and air-to-ground missile load description, Hellfire/70 mm/APKWS/20 mm performance assumptions, Smart TSS, and commonality with UH-1Y. | Accessed: 2026-07-01Four Ways the Bell AH-1Z Viper Is Shaping the Future of FlightPublisher: Bell | Note: Supports AH-1Z mission roles, the six-weapon-station configuration, and Bell's described load options. | Accessed: 2026-06-23Bell H1 Aircraft: AH-1Z Attack and UH-1Y Utility HelicopterPublisher: Bell | Note: Supports AH-1Z and UH-1Y H-1 family background, marinization, weapons-system, infrared sensor, Smart TSS, AIM-9, and 85 percent commonality context. | Accessed: 2026-07-01AH-1Z Viper | NAVAIRPublisher: Naval Air Systems Command | Note: Supports the AH-1Z replacement of the AH-1W Super Cobra, mission role, integrated fire-control system, four-bladed rotor, six wing stores stations, 16 PGM capacity, H-1 commonality, inventory, IOC, and FOC dates. | Accessed: 2026-07-01Navy AH-1Z and UH-1Y Fact FilePublisher: United States Navy | Note: Supports AH-1Z mission roles, AH-1W replacement context, HMLA fielding, Marine Expeditionary Unit deployment context, and Bahrain/Czech partner context. | Accessed: 2026-07-01Bell Completes U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Program of RecordPublisher: Bell | Note: Supports AH-1Z service-entry context, 189-aircraft Marine Corps program of record, first combined Viper/Venom MEU deployment, foreign military sales continuation, and Bell's production background. | Accessed: 2026-07-01Marine Corps JAGM Initial Operational CapabilityPublisher: United States Navy | Note: Supports the AH-1Z role in Marine Corps JAGM initial operational capability and AH-1Z pilot testing in November and December 2021. | Accessed: 2026-07-01Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267Publisher: 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing | Note: Supports 2014 War Against the Islamic State direct conflict use under Operation Inherent Resolve: Supports 2014 Operation Inherent Resolve conflict use by documenting HMLA-267's transition to the upgraded AH-1Z/UH-1Y and the squadron's June-July 2016 participation in Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq and Syria. | Accessed: 2026-07-01DVIDS BOXARG13MEU16 AH-1Z Flight DeckPublisher: DVIDS | Note: Supports 2014 War Against the Islamic State direct conflict use under Operation Inherent Resolve: Supports 2014 Operation Inherent Resolve conflict use by identifying an AH-1Z assigned to the 13th MEU aboard USS Boxer during the Boxer ARG/13th MEU deployment in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. | Accessed: 2026-07-01Boxer ARG Departs US 5th FleetPublisher: U.S. Naval Forces Central Command | Note: Supports 2014 War Against the Islamic State direct conflict use under Operation Inherent Resolve: Supports 2014 Operation Inherent Resolve conflict use by describing the Boxer ARG/13th MEU 5th Fleet deployment in support of OIR and identifying an AH-1Z patrol near USS Boxer during that deployment. | Accessed: 2026-07-01AH-1Z Viper (USMC) Pendleton 107.jpgPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Image provenance page for the primary AH-1Z Viper photo, a public-domain U.S. Marine Corps image. | Accessed: 2026-06-23AH-1Z Viper Armament.jpgPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Image provenance page for a public-domain U.S. Navy photo showing AH-1Z armament loading. | Accessed: 2026-06-23Bell AH-1Z Viper Line Drawing.svgPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Image provenance page for a CC BY 3.0 three-view line drawing of the AH-1Z Viper. | Accessed: 2026-06-23United States Marines Retire Bell AH-1W After 34 Years of ServicePublisher: Bell | Note: Supports AH-1W retirement and Bell statement that retired AH-1W airframes were remanufactured into AH-1Z Vipers. | Accessed: 2026-07-01M299 Launcher | Lockheed MartinPublisher: Lockheed Martin | Note: Supports M299 launcher compatibility with the HELLFIRE and JAGM missile families. | Accessed: 2026-07-01