USMC H-1 upgrade program

[gjs238]

- Bell AH-1Z Viper
- Bell AH-1 SuperCobra

Nice helicopters, but I can't help but wonder if...

a) The Army should have initiated such a program years earlier instead of implementing the Boeing AH-64 Apache and Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk

OR

b) The Marine Corps should have adopted the Boeing AH-64 Apache and Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk already developed by the Army

Is it really necessary for the different services to go in different directions?

 

[DerAdlerIstGelandet]

The Apache and the Blackhawk are both much better aircraft than the Cobra and Huey. Don't take me wrong I love the Huey and grew up with them as they were what my father flew and worked on. I served in the Army and was a Blackhawk Crew Chief and can honestly say the Blackhawk is a much more capable aircraft than the Huey is.

 

[tyrodtom]

The Cobra first came online with the Army in Vietnam in 66-67, the twin engine versions about 4-5 years later. It amazes me how many weapon sysyems the US still has that was in use when I was got out of the Army almost 40 years ago. I know they're greatly improved, new electronics, uprated engines, improved rotors and transmissions, etc., but the basic design is over 45 years old.

They've got a long way to go before they outlast the B-52 .

 

[DerAdlerIstGelandet]

In my opinion the service life of these great aircraft just shows how great they are.