Pakistan’s first AH-1Z attack helicopters on-track for 2017 delivery

[Chanakyaa]

As per Bell Helicopter (via Shephard Media), the Pakistan Army’s first batch of Bell Helicopter AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters are on track for delivery in 2017.

At the 2017 Paris Air Show, Bell Helicopter’s vice president of international military sales Rich Harris told journalists that the first three helicopters (from an order of 12) are undergoing final assembly in Amarillo, Texas. Harris stated that the remaining nine will be delivered to Pakistan in 2018.

The U.S. State Department approved a sale of 15 AH-1Z to Pakistan in April 2015 along with 1,000 AGM-114R Hellfire II laser-guided air-to-surface missiles. The cumulative value of the package (including training, logistics and maintenance support) is $952 million U.S. Pakistan ordered the first three aircraft in August 2015, which it then followed-up with an order of nine in April 2016.

It is not known if Pakistan will order the three remaining AH-1Z, though the original sale proposal released by the Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) did not specify any optional aircraft (from the 15).

The AH-1Z is powered by two General Electric T700-GE-401C turboshaft engines, each providing 1,800 shp in output. The AH-1Z has a maximum take-off weight of 8,390 kg and maximum payload capacity of 16 anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM).

Pakistan’s AH-1Z will also come configured with Thales TopOwl helmet-mounted display (HMD) systems, Lockheed Martin AN/AAQ-30 Target Sight System electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) pods, BAE AN/ALE-47 chaff/flare countermeasure dispensers, Northrop AN/APR-39C(v2) radar warning receivers (RWR) and Orbital ATK AN/AAR-47 missile warning receivers.

Bell Helicopter is a division of Textron, which also owns – among others – The Cessna Aircraft Company and Beechcraft Corporation. Pakistan operates Cessna 208 and T206H as well as Beechcraft King Air 350 aircraft in logistics and intelligence, surveillance reconnaissance (ISR) roles, respectively.

The Pakistan Army sought the AH-1Z to begin supplanting its AH-1F/S Cobra attack helicopters, which had seen significant use as close air support (CAS) assets in Pakistan’s counterinsurgency (COIN) campaign in its northwest regions over the past decade. It also ordered four Russian Helicopters Mil Mi-35M assault helicopters for $153 million (with the requisite support equipment).

In comparison to the AH-1F/S, the AH-1Z is a much heavier machine. Besides a markedly larger payload, the AH-1Z is a more sophisticated aircraft benefitting from integrated subsystems, such as EO/IR pod (for situational awareness and ATGM targeting), countermeasures suite for anti-air warfare threats and HMD for seamlessly cueing the EO/IR pod to targets.

These qualitative gains will augment the Pakistan Army’s Aviation Combat Group, enabling fewer AH-1Zs to emulate the operational impact of a larger AH-1F/S force (at least in Pakistan’s COIN theatre). The Mi-35M will likely exhibit analogous subsystems to the AH-1Z, but will also provide lift capability (for troops, supplies and medical evacuation).

Pakistan also evaluated the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) T-129 ATAK and Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation (CAIC) Z-10 in 2016. Both platforms sit in the same weight and capability class, which suggests that the Pakistan Army examined the prospect of augmenting the AH-1Z with a lighter machine. The intent for another attack helicopter – and accompanying expansion of the Aviation Combat Group – is likely to provide adequate CAS coverage for the Army’s armour and infantry on its eastern flank.

TAI’s General Manager Dr. Temel Kotil visited Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) at the end of May, offering partial parts manufacturing for the T-129 should Pakistan select it. The T-129 ATAK would also provide Aselsan, Roketsan and Havelsan opportunities to expand their respective market share in Pakistan through subsystem, munition and ancillary system sales.

https://www.asiadefence.com/pakistans-first-ah-1z-attack-helicopters-on-track-for-2017-delivery/

 

[YeBeWarned]

Cant wait to See AH-Z1 in PA colors
bad news for Terrorists

 

[Imran Khan]

where the hell we will go

12 AH1Z
4 MI-35
2 - Z-10
TAI - IN TALKS

 

[DESERT FIGHTER]

where the hell we will go

12 AH1Z
4 MI-35
2 - Z-10
TAI - IN TALKS

3 Z-10s in Pak.

 

[Tank131]

My suspicion is that thw ATAK will be selected as long as there is no issues from subsystem manufacturers (I believe it uses a british/American engine) . It performed well in trials from what read amd it brings diversity to the armed forces supply chain which is good. It presents itself as an opportunity for ToT as well.

That being said, PA will likely have no problem going for Z-10 if the ATAK has issues with suppliers. I think PA has requested changes (esp the engine) and these were addressed or being addressed. It doesnt increase diversity but PA has extensive experience with the type now and has many of the munitions already in the inventory (makes some im sure like Barq).

 

[mikkix]

where the hell we will go

12 AH1Z
4 MI-35
2 - Z-10
TAI - IN TALKS

its good, diversity is very important.

 

[wali87]

Nicee. New tank busters on their way. Let's hope they arrive soon without any issues. Wonder why we ordered 12 and not 15

 

[Cyberian]

I'm waiting for the AH-1Z deal to collapse and looking forward to the Z-10s flying into Pakistan in huge numbers and setting up of production facilities in Pakistan.

Patience - Sabr ka phal meetha hota hai.

 

[Irfan Baloch]

3 Z-10s in Pak.

gunships are bread and butter of our war effort. they provide cover, respond to SOS, prevent ambushes and also help conducting operations against the terrorists. current cobras have served us well but they are way past their shelf life

 

[Talon]

3 Z-10s in Pak.

where the hell we will go

12 AH1Z
4 MI-35
2 - Z-10
TAI - IN TALKS

Z10s have gone back to china...aint in our inventory anymore

 

[Hexciter]

My suspicion is that thw ATAK will be selected as long as there is no issues from subsystem manufacturers (I believe it uses a british/American engine) . It performed well in trials from what read amd it brings diversity to the armed forces supply chain which is good. It presents itself as an opportunity for ToT as well.

That being said, PA will likely have no problem going for Z-10 if the ATAK has issues with suppliers. I think PA has requested changes (esp the engine) and these were addressed or being addressed. It doesnt increase diversity but PA has extensive experience with the type now and has many of the munitions already in the inventory (makes some im sure like Barq).

Pakistan is not an easy customer than you think, actually they're very tough. You can't solve it by promises, you had to show it is working as they wished and they will verify it to be sure. Additionaly they will request ToT and not with a high price. That's what we learned.

 

[Tank131]

Pakistan is not an easy customer than you think, actually they're very tough. You can't solve it by promises, you had to show it is working as they wished and they will verify it to be sure. Additionaly they will request ToT and not with a high price. That's what we learned.

They may not be an easy customer on many fronts but they are a relatively sought after customer for a few reasons.

1) They have a highly trained and capable military. You want the market to take your product seriously, then it needs to be in reliable hands that can use it to and beyond its expected capability.

2) They are activley fighting a war meaning your products will get certified in real time scenarios very quickly. The product performs well in Pakistan and no one will be able to say the platform isnt mature.

These amongst other things makes Pakistan a desirable market for countries like China and Turkey who want their defense products taken seriously on the world stage. They will point to the success of Pakistan's military as proof that one of the best militaries who realistically may have numerous options for (in this case attack helicopters) opted fpr your product and is using it successfully.

 

[DarX]

One thing to note is that the Pakistan armed forces are making absolutely brilliant decisions in all aspects of their operations, and this includes their procurement strategies. The expansion of the army aviation group is an excellent counter move to the cold start strategy of the Hindustan army. This is because the Hindustan army has built up a massive battle tank force, and while matching that with a tank fleet of our own will be prohibitively expensive, a well equipped attack helicopter fleet can most effectively rout a mechanized army.

The attack helicopters are also known to be the most fearsome weapon for the terrorists and according to a sepoy that had seen service over there, as soon as the terrorists heard the familiar roar of the AH-1 cobras of the Pak army, they fled from the battlefield.

 

[Hakikat ve Hikmet]

One thing to note is that the Pakistan armed forces are making absolutely brilliant decisions in all aspects of their operations, and this includes their procurement strategies. The expansion of the army aviation group is an excellent counter move to the cold start strategy of the Hindustan army. This is because the Hindustan army has built up a massive battle tank force, and while matching that with a tank fleet of our own will be prohibitively expensive, a well equipped attack helicopter fleet can most effectively rout a mechanized army.

The attack helicopters are also known to be the most fearsome weapon for the terrorists and according to a sepoy that had seen service over there, as soon as the terrorists heard the familiar roar of the AH-1 cobras of the Pak army, they fled from the battlefield.

Same with PKK scums according to the Turkish sources. Another effective staff is s drone - armed or unarmed!!!!

 

[Maea]

Good to know that are on final stages of delivery.
I think we need more MI35 and a lot of T129 ATAK.