Pentagon To Sell-Off Its AH-1W Super Cobra Attack Helicopter Fleet

A U.S. Marine Corps AH-1W Super Cobra assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) fires flares during an offensive air support exercise at Mt. Barrow, Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range, Calif., April 5, 2016. The exercise is part of Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) 2-16, a seven-week training event hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) cadre. MAWTS-1 provides standardized tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine Aviation Training and Readiness and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics. (U.S. Marine Corps photograph by SSgt. Artur Shvartsberg, MAWTS-1 COMCAM/Released)Staff Sgt. Artur Shvartsberg—Marine Corps Air Station Yuma Co

The still very relevant and capable "Whiskey Cobras" are certain to be very sought after weapons once they hit the market.

TYLER ROGOWAY @AVIATION_INTEL  

JAN 19, 2018 4:43 PM EST

Tyler has been obsessed with all things aviation and military as long as he can remember. He went on to develop the defense-oriented website Foxtrot Alpha and can often be found with a camera around his neck, photographing aircraft and weaponry.

The Department of Defense plans on putting its surplus fleet of AH-1W Super Cobras up for sale on the international arms market. The news comes as the USMC continues to outfit its light attack helicopter squadrons with new-build AH-1Z "Viper" derivatives of the Bell design, which traces its roots directly to the iconic UH-1 Iroquois/Huey.

A recent business opportunity posting over at Fedbizops.gov describes the need for flight and maintenance training, sustainment, and refitting "Whisky Cobras" with new commercially available off-the-shelf avionics upgrades in preparation for foreign transfers of the type which will begin this year. The idea being that a foreign power can purchase the airframes and have them kitted out as they see fit, and also have available contractor support to make the sale a "turn-key" operation. An industry day is planned for January 24th for any companies that are looking to support the initiative with their services and products.....Read rest of article: HERE

****NOTE: Transferred from nonothai.livejournal.com as account closed

AH-1Z Viper: Details