AH-1Z Viper

A four-blade, twin-engine attack helicopter developed for the U.S. Marine Corps as the ultimate evolution of the Bell Cobra line, sharing 84 percent parts commonality with the UH-1Y Venom. It fields the Longbow-compatible fire-control radar and networked targeting systems for shipboard and expeditionary operations.

Max speed

411 km/h

Range

685 km

Payload

2,500 kg

💲 Approximate unit flyaway cost

Full specifications

Performance

Speed, range, altitude and engagement capability.

Max speed Maximum level speed. For aircraft this is at optimal altitude; for ground vehicles, top road speed. Higher means faster response and better kinematic performance.: 411 km/h

86th pct in class
Cruise speed Sustained economical speed. Determines transit time to station.: 296 km/h

86th pct in class
Range Maximum distance: ferry range for aircraft, operational range for vehicles, maximum engagement distance for missiles. Higher means more standoff or persistence.: 685 km

57th pct in class
Service ceiling Maximum operating altitude. Higher gives energy advantage and sensor horizon.: 6,096 m

57th pct in class
Rate of climb How fast the aircraft gains altitude. Higher means better energy recovery in combat.: 15 m/s

86th pct in class

Firepower

Armament, payload and guidance.

Main armament Primary weapon: main gun, cannon or missile type.: 20 mm M197 three-barrel Gatling cannon
Hardpoints External stations for weapons and pods. More means bigger and more flexible loadouts.: 6

71th pct in class
Weapons payload Maximum ordnance weight the platform can carry. Higher means more strike capacity per sortie.: 2,500 kg

86th pct in class

Protection

Armor, countermeasures and survivability.

Armor Armor technology: composite, modular, ERA-fitted, uranium-ceramic. Exact compositions are classified.: Crashworthy crew seats with armored cockpit protection
Countermeasures Self-protection: chaff, flares, DIRCM, towed decoys, smoke dischargers, jammers.: AN/AAR-47 missile warning system, AN/ALE-47 countermeasure dispenser, chaff, flares

Physical

Dimensions, weight and crew.

Length Overall length including gun/probe where applicable.: 17.98 m
Height Overall height. Lower profile is harder to spot and hit for ground vehicles.: 4.37 m
Empty weight Weight without fuel, ammunition or crew.: 5,580 kg
Combat weight Fully loaded weight. Lighter eases transport and bridging limits; heavier often means more armor.: 8,392 kg
Crew Personnel required to operate. Fewer reduces exposure; autoloaders trade a loader for mechanical complexity.: 2

Propulsion

Engine, power and fuel.

Engine Powerplant model and type.: 2x General Electric T700-GE-401C turboshaft, 1800 hp each
Engines Number of engines. Twin-engine gives redundancy at higher cost.: 2
Engine power Engine output power. Higher moves more weight faster.: 1,800 hp

43th pct in class
Propulsion type Turbofan, turboshaft, diesel, gas turbine, solid-fuel rocket, ramjet…: Turboshaft

Sensors & avionics

Radar, sensor suite and datalinks.

Sensors IRST, EO/IR turrets, laser designators, sniper pods, thermal sights.: Lockheed Martin Target Sight System, helmet-mounted display, Longbow-compatible fire control radar (optional)
Thermal imaging Thermal sights for night and obscured-visibility operations.: Yes

Program

Cost, production scale and operators.

Unit cost Approximate flyaway/unit cost where public. Defense pricing varies hugely by contract, offsets and configuration. Lower is cheaper.: $31,000,000

50th pct in class
Units built Total production run. Higher means proven manufacturing, mature logistics and spares availability.: 200

57th pct in class
Operator countries Number of countries operating the system. More operators means broader support ecosystem.: 3

29th pct in class

Specifications compiled from public Bell and reference sources ↗. Published defense figures are approximations — treat comparisons as directional. Last verified 2026-07-01.

Frequently asked questions

What is the top speed of the Bell AH-1Z Viper? +

The Bell AH-1Z Viper has a maximum speed of 411 km/h.

What is the range of the Bell AH-1Z Viper? +

The Bell AH-1Z Viper has a maximum range of 685 km.

What is the weapons payload of the Bell AH-1Z Viper? +

The Bell AH-1Z Viper can carry up to 2,500 kg of weapons payload.

How much does the Bell AH-1Z Viper weigh? +

The Bell AH-1Z Viper has a combat weight of 8,392 kg.

How many crew does the Bell AH-1Z Viper require? +

The Bell AH-1Z Viper requires a crew of 2.

What is the main armament of the Bell AH-1Z Viper? +

The Bell AH-1Z Viper's primary weapon is the 20 mm M197 three-barrel Gatling cannon.

What engine does the Bell AH-1Z Viper use? +

The Bell AH-1Z Viper is powered by the 2x General Electric T700-GE-401C turboshaft, 1800 hp each.

What is the Bell AH-1Z Viper used for? +

The Bell AH-1Z Viper is a attack helicopter typically used for close air support, anti armor.

How many countries operate the Bell AH-1Z Viper? +

The Bell AH-1Z Viper is operated by 3 countries.

How much does the Bell AH-1Z Viper cost? +

The Bell AH-1Z Viper has an approximate unit cost of 31,000,000 USD. Defense pricing varies by contract, offsets and configuration — treat this as directional.