Bell Textron has started manufacturing AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters under a US Foreign Military Sale to Nigeria approved in 2024. The production effort formally began with a signing ceremony for the programme’s first airframe at Bell’s manufacturing facility in Amarillo, Texas. Representatives from Bell Textron, the Nigerian Air Force and the US Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division attended the event. The latter organization is responsible for oversight of the contract. 12 Helicopters PlannedThe package for Nigeria provides for up to 12 AH-1Z helicopters. In addition to the aircraft, the agreement includes programme-management assistance, engineering support, logistics services, spare parts and training equipment. Bell is expected to complete delivery of the complete fleet by January 2029. The US government approved the proposed sale to Nigeria in 2022 at an estimated value of $997 million. AH-1Z Viper SpecificationsThe AH-1Z is a two-seat attack helicopter measuring 58 feet (18 metres) in length, with a rotor diameter of 48 feet (15 metres). Its crew consists of a pilot and gunner. The helicopter can be equipped with the M197 20mm electrically powered three-barrel rotary cannon, Hydra 70mm guided rockets, AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, AGM-114 Hellfire missiles and AGM-179 Joint Air-to-Ground Missiles (JAGM). Power is provided by two General Electric T700-GE-401C engines, each rated at 1,800 horsepower. The propulsion system enables a maximum speed of 222 knots (255 mph/411 km/h), while the aircraft has a range of 370 nautical miles (426 miles/685 km). Its maximum operating altitude is 20,000 feet (6,096 metres).
