The Israeli air force is to evaluate the purchase of the Bell Helicopter AH-1Z Super Cobra as an alternative to the acquisition of the Boeing AH-64D Longbow Apache.
Data on the Apache Longbow received from Boeing indicates a "high, even unreasonable, price", Brig Gen Avner Nave, air force chief of staff, reveals in a recent interview in the Israeli air force's magazine.
Nave says that the air force is to evaluate other options, after receiving the latest cost data. "We will soon ask for data about the AH-1Z, the improved version of the Super Cobra. I've been briefed about the helicopter and my impression is that it has impressive capabilities," he says.
The AH-1Z has a four-bladed bearingless main rotor, uprated transmission, advanced Lockheed Martin targeting system, Litton integrated cockpit avionics, hands-on cyclic and collective controls and an integrated helmet display. Bell claims that the new mid-wave forward-looking infrared/television system offers superior range to that of the Apache's Lockheed Martin TADS/PNVS sensor.
Israel operates a mixed fleet of Boeing AH-64A, Bell AH-1G/S and Hughes 500MD helicopters in the anti-tank/scout role. In recent years, helicopters have taken on an increasing share of operations against ground targets against guerillas in southern Lebanon.
Source: Flight International