Bell AH-1Z Viper
Overview
Data on design, manufacture and status
Latest or last design authority:
Bell
Originally designed by Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.
Primary manufacturer: Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.
Parent type: Bell AH-1 SuperCobra
Aircraft status: Operational
Configuration
Primary flight and mechanical characteristicsVTOL type: Helicopter
Lift configuration: Single main rotor
Dedicated control device: Tail rotor
Crew required: 2
Crew seating: Tandem
Landing gear: Skids
Layout and Dimensions
Data on aircraft size| Overall Dimensions | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Height: | 4.37 m | 14.3 ft |
| Overall Length: | 17.75 m | 58.3 ft |
| Overall Width: | 14.63 m | 48.0 ft |
| Airframe Dimensions | ||
|---|---|---|
| Airframe Length: | 13.67 m | 44.8 ft |
| Airframe Width: | 4.06 m | 13.3 ft |
| Airframe Height: | 3.76 m | 12.3 ft |
| Landing Gear Dimensions | ||
|---|---|---|
| Landing Gear Base: | ||
| Landing Gear Track: | 2.21 m | 7.3 ft |
| Cabin Dimensions | ||
|---|---|---|
| Cabin Internal Height: | ||
| Cabin Internal Length: | ||
| Cabin Internal Width: | ||
Weights and Performance
Data on aircraft weight and flight characteristics| Weights | ||
|---|---|---|
| Max Gross Weight (ground): | 8,391 kg | 18,500 lb |
| Max Gross Weight (airborne): | 8,391 kg | 18,500 lb |
| Max Take-off Weight: | 8,391 kg | 18,500 lb |
| Empty Weight: | 5,777 kg | 12,736 lb |
| Useful Load: | 2,615 kg | 5,764 lb |
| Empty Weight Fraction: | 0.688 | |
| Climb Performance | ||
|---|---|---|
| Max Rate of Climb: | ||
| Hover Performance | ||
|---|---|---|
| Hover Ceiling IGE: | ||
| Hover Ceiling OGE: | ||
| Limitations | ||
|---|---|---|
| Max Level Flight Speed: | ||
| Never Exceed Speed: | 370 km/h | 200 kts |
| Service Ceiling: | 6,096 m | 20,000 ft |
| Range and Endurance | ||
|---|---|---|
| Max Range: | 232 km | 125 nm |
| Max Endurance: | ||
Engine Details
Aircraft powerplant (lift and/or propulsion)Provided powerplant data is for uninstalled, sea level, static operations.
| Powerplant | ||
|---|---|---|
| Number of engines: | 2 | |
| Designation: | GE T700-GE-401C turbine | |
| Manufacturer: | GE Aviation | |
| Normal Ratings | ||
|---|---|---|
| Max continuous: | 1240 kW | 1662 hp |
| Take-off / rated: | ||
| Intermediate: | 1343 kW | 1800 hp |
| Maximum: | 1410 kW | 1890 hp |
| OEI Ratings | ||
|---|---|---|
| OEI contingency: | ||
| OEI continuous: | ||
| OEI 30-second: | 1447 kW | 1940 hp |
| OEI intermediate: | ||
Primary Lift Device
Data on primary lift devices such as main rotors| Main Rotor Characteristics | ||
|---|---|---|
| Diameter: | 14.63 m | 48.00 ft |
| RPM: | ||
| Direction of Rotation: | Counterclockwise | |
| Hub Type: | ||
| Main Rotor Blade Characteristics | ||
|---|---|---|
| Blade Construction: | ||
| Blade Chord: | 0.635 m | 2.08 ft |
| Blade Tip Geometry: | Swept, outer tip | |
| Blade Twist: | ||
| Number of Blades: | 4 | |
| Main Rotor Derived Characteristics | ||
|---|---|---|
| Disc Area: | 168.11 m² | 1809.6 ft² |
| Disc Loading: | 49.92 kg/m² | 10.223 lb/ft² |
| Solidity: | 0.1105 | |
| Main Rotor Blade Derived Characteristics | ||
|---|---|---|
| Blade area per blade: | 4.65 m² | 50.0 ft² |
| Tip Speed: | ||
Primary Control Device
Data on primary control devices such as tail rotors| Tail Rotor Characteristics | ||
|---|---|---|
| Diameter: | ||
| Configuration: | Pusher | |
| Direction of Rotation: | Unknown | |
| RPM: | ||
| Tail Rotor Blade Characteristics | ||
|---|---|---|
| Number of Blades: | 4 | |
| Blade Construction: | ||
| Blade Chord: | ||
| Blade Twist: | ||
| Tail Rotor Derived Characteristics | ||
|---|---|---|
| Disc Area: | ||
| Solidity: | ||
| Tail Rotor Blade Derived Characteristics | ||
|---|---|---|
| Tip Speed: | ||
| Blade Area (per blade): | ||
Related VFS Resources
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