Bell Textron has announced the delivery of four advanced H-1 helicopters to the Czech Republic.
The delivery of three AH-1Z Vipers and one UH-1Y Venom is part of a 2019 agreement to modernize the country’s rotary-wing fleet.
According to company official Mike Deslatte, the new choppers will put Prague on the “leading edge” of helicopter technology amid increasing security threats in Europe.
“This marks the beginning of a new era, with the Viper and Venom serving as pivotal assets for the defense and security of the Czech Republic,” he said.
The H-1 helicopters delivered to the European nation were built in partnership with Akima’s Pinnacle Solutions.
Features and Capabilities
The AH-1Z and the UH-1Y are two of the most advanced rotorcraft produced by Bell for combat and other missions.
According to the company, the Viper is the only attack helicopter in the world with fully-integrated air-to-air missile capability.
It has a maximum speed of 200 knots (370 kilometers/230 miles per hour) and an operational range of up to 310 nautical miles (574 kilometers).
The Venom boasts effective weaponry and precision sensors to carry out a variety of complex missions, including attack, aerial reconnaissance, and search and rescue.
Bell said both helicopters delivered to Prague have a minimal logistics footprint, which enhances their operational speed, agility, and versatility.
Apart from the choppers, the company will provide crew training and maintenance services.