CPI Aerostructures has received a contract amendment from Textron subsidiary Bell Helicopter for the production of engine cowl assemblies and support assemblies for the US Marine Corps’ (USMC) AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter.

The amendment to the indefinite-delivery / indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract is worth an estimated $3.8m and extends the period of performance by one year.

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CPI Aerostructures secured the original $14.8m deal in January last year.

The value of the original contract was based on the estimated order quantity during the period of performance ending 31 December 2020.

"The AH-1Z Viper is a twin-engine, lethal anti-armour attack helicopter, which is capable of carrying the widest range of ordnance of any helicopter in the world."

However, the revised order has a potential value of $18.6m based on the estimated order quantity during the extended period of performance, now ending 31 December 2021.

The AH-1Z Viper is a twin-engine, lethal anti-armour attack helicopter, which is capable of carrying the widest range of ordnance of any helicopter in the world.

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It also possesses integrated air-to-air strike capability and superior air-to-ground performance.

Bell Helicopter notes that the aircraft is equipped with a target sight system, which provides the longest range and highest precision of any helicopter sight currently available on the market.

The solution enables the AH-1Z operators to identify and track multiple targets outside the enemy’s ability to visually detect the helicopter.

The USMC’s AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter programme originally attained initial operational capability (IOC) in September 2010 and subsequently began full-rate production in December 2010.

Bell Helicopter secured a contract for the delivery of 16 AH-1Z aircraft in May 2016 as part of the USMC’s H-1 Program of Record, which involves the acquisition of a total of 189 units of the AH-1Z Viper and 160 UH-1Y Venom utility helicopter.

CPI Aerostructures has been engaged in developing cowl and support assemblies for the AH-1Z Viper aircraft since 2011.

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