H-1 upgrade program

In August 1995, the Secretary of the Navy authorized the Marine Corps to upgrade its utility and attack helicopters as a bridge until the Joint Replacement Aircraft was available in 2020.

[2][3] While the original contract called for upgrading existing airframes, it was later modified in 2008 to manufacture completely new aircraft.

[7] Three prototype aircraft were delivered to NAVAIR's Naval Air Station Patuxent River in July 2002 for the flight test phase of the program.

[10] On 15 October 2005, the USMC, through the Naval Air Systems Command, accepted delivery of the first AH-1Z production helicopter to enter the fleet.

In September 2009, the UH-1Y entered full rate production, with the Marine Corps expected to receive 21 aircraft by the end of the year.

[17] The AH-1Z reached initial operational capability in September 2010,[22] and was approved to begin full-rate production on 10 December 2010.

[25] Program manager Colonel Harry Hewson expressed interest in exporting the upgraded aircraft via Foreign Military Sales at the 2010 Farnborough Airshow.

[26] The stated mission of the H-1 upgrade program is to "resolve existing safety deficiencies, significantly improve operational capabilities, and reduce life-cycle costs.

[1] The AH-1Z and UH-1Y share a common tailboom, engines, rotor system, drivetrain, avionics architecture, software, controls and displays for over 84% identical components.

[25] The blades are made of carbon fiber-based composites, which have an increased ballistic survivability, and there is a semiautomatic folding system for stowage aboard Amphibious assault ships.

The communications suite combines a US Navy RT-1824 integrated radio, UHF/VHF, COMSEC, and modem in a single unit.

[1][27] The Lockheed Martin Target Sight System (TSS) incorporates a third-generation FLIR sensor.

[32] The pilot and copilot are equipped with the Thales "Top Owl" helmet-mounted sight and display system.

Each wing has two other stations for 2.75 inches (70 mm) Hydra 70 rocket pods, or AGM-114 Hellfire quad missile launchers.

With a maximum speed of approximately 100 knots (190 km/h) and an inability to lift much more than its own crew, fuel and ammunition, the UH-1N became limited in its utility.