Bell to supply 24 refurbished AH-1W SuperCobra attack helicopters to Bahrain.

The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency on March 29, 2023, announced that the State Department has made a determination approving a Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Bahrain of equipment and services to refurbish Excess Defense Article (EDA) AH-1W multi-role helicopters. The estimated total cost is $350 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale.

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Bell AH-1W of the U.S  Marine Corps  (Picture source: U.S. Marine Corps)

The Government of Bahrain has requested to buy equipment and services to refurbish twenty-four (24) Excess Defense Article (EDA) AH-1W helicopters. Included are services to refurbish a full-motion Aircraft Procedures Trainer (APT), M272A1 missile launchers and spare T-700-GE-401 aircraft engines, spare parts, support, training, publications, and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $350 million.

The proposed sale will improve Bahrain’s ability to fulfill maritime patrol, close air support, and search and rescue missions. The principal contractor will be Bell Corporation, Fort Worth, TX. Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Bahrain.

The Bell AH-1W 'Super Cobra' is a twin-engine attack helicopter developed by Bell Helicopter Textron Inc for the United States Marine Corps (USMC). It is a variant of the AH-1 Cobra helicopter, which was first introduced in the 1960s. The AH-1W has been in service with the USMC since 1986 and was replaced by the AH-1Z 'Viper' in 2020.

The AH-1W has a length of 17.76 meters, a height of 4.14 meters, and a rotor diameter of 13.41 meters. It is powered by two General Electric T700-GE-401C turboshaft engines, which provide a total power output of 1,800 shp. This gives the helicopter a maximum speed of 282 km/h (175 mph) and a cruise speed of 222 km/h (138 mph). The helicopter has a maximum range of 685 km (426 miles) and a combat radius of 370 km (230 miles). This makes it a highly mobile platform that can be deployed quickly and effectively to a variety of locations.

The AH-1W is armed with a 20 mm M197 3-barrel Gatling cannon, which is mounted under the nose of the helicopter. This cannon is highly accurate and can engage a variety of targets with precision. In addition, the helicopter can carry a variety of weapons, including AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, and Hydra 70 rockets. This gives the helicopter a range of capabilities that make it highly effective in a variety of mission types.

The AH-1W is also equipped with a range of avionics that enhance its capabilities. This includes an AN/APR-39 radar warning receiver, which detects and alerts the crew to incoming threats. The helicopter also features an AN/ALQ-144 infrared countermeasures system, which can help to protect it from heat-seeking missiles. In addition, the AH-1W is equipped with an AN/AVR-2 laser warning receiver, which can detect laser targeting systems used by enemy forces.