Rotorcraft
Bell Completes First AH-1Z Viper Attack Helicopter for Bahrain
The Gulf island kingdom is buying a dozen of the U.S.-made Vipers to modernize its attack helicopter fleet.
Bahrain’s first AH-1Z is seen at Amarillo at the time of completion. It is mounted on temporary wheels that facilitate ground handling. (Photo: Bell Textron)
Bahrain’s first AH-1Z is seen at Amarillo at the time of completion. It is mounted on temporary wheels that facilitate ground handling. (Photo: Bell Textron)

Bell Textron has completed the first of 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters destined for the Royal Bahraini Air Force (RBAF), the manufacturer announced in October, following a private celebration of the milestone at Bell’s Amarillo, Texas, plant on September 30. Following its completion the Viper was handed over to Naval Air Systems Command, the contracting agency for the Foreign Military Sales acquisition. It will be prepared for shipment to Bahrain by the Defense Contract Management Agency, and is expected to arrive in the Gulf nation next year.


Loading…