Bell Textron has begun production of the AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter as part of a US foreign military sale to Nigeria in 2024.
The activity was launched through a signing ceremony for the program’s initial airframe at the company’s manufacturing center in Amarillo, Texas.
The event was attended by officials from Bell Textron, the Nigerian Air Force, and the US Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division, which holds oversight of the contract.
“We are honored to host the Nigerian Air Force and share this milestone in production for the AH-1Z,” said Scott Sims, program director of H-1 aircraft at Bell Textron.
“The beam of the first production Viper for Nigeria will forever carry the names, hopes, and commitment of those who brought this aircraft to life. Today also signifies the dedication of thousands of Bell and Team Viper employees around the world who are proud to support this important international partner,”
Twelve Platforms by 2029
The package for Abuja covers up to 12 AH-1Zs, with deliveries to include program management assistance, engineering services, logistics work, spares, and training equipment.
Bell is expected to complete the entire fleet by January 2029.
Washington approved the sale to the West African country in 2022 for $997 million.
“The Bell AH-1Z Viper will play an important role in strengthening our counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations and enhancing our ability to protect the citizens of Nigeria,” said Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, spokesperson for the Nigerian Air Force.
“We are pleased with the Viper’s advanced capabilities and interoperability and look forward to its induction as a key platform in our attack helicopter fleet.”
Bell Textron’s AH1Z Viper
The AH1Z rotary-wing aircraft measures 58 feet (18 meters) long, has a rotor diameter of 48 feet (15 meters), and a seating capacity for a pilot and a gunner.
It can be fitted with an M197 20mm electric three-barreled rotary cannon, Hydra 70mm guided rockets, as well as AIM-9 Sidewinder, AGM-114 Hellfire, and AGM-179 JAGM missiles.
The platform uses two 1,800-horsepower General Electric T700-GE-401C engines that support a maximum flight speed of 222 knots (255 miles/411 kilometers per hour), a range of 370 nautical miles (426 miles/685 kilometers), and altitudes up to 20,000 feet (6,096).
