Marine Corps will equip AH-1Z Viper helicopters with AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II and AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles with a launch range of up to 180 km

The U.S. Marine Corps ordered 158 AH-1Z Viper helicopters from Bell in 2010. Col. Nathan Marvel, commander of the 39th Aviation Group, said the helicopter will be gradually upgraded.

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The U.S. Marine Corps will use the AH-1Z Viper as its primary air support helicopter for several decades. The first phase of the aircraft upgrade will include the installation of a new missile countermeasures system and a digital AN/ARP-39 radar-guided missile warning system.

Bell is to provide twice the power capability of its current level. The programme, which also includes the installation of more advanced computers, will be implemented in 2023. This is necessary for the successful integration of AIM-9X Sidewinder level Block II air-to-air missiles. They have a launch range of 40 km.

After the Sidewinder Block II, AH-1Z Viper helicopters may receive the AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM). The most advanced modifications of AMRAAM missiles can hit air targets at a distance of 180 km. The helicopters will be paired with, for example, the F-35 Lightning II. Fifth-generation fighters with powerful radars will be used for targeting.

As for the AH-1Z, it is an attack helicopter based on the AH-1 Super Cobra, which was used during the Vietnam War. The current version of the Viper costs around $30 million and can carry AGM-114 Hellfire, AIM-9L and Hydra 70 missiles.

Source: The Drive