Difference between revisions of "AH-1Z"

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{{Specs-Card|code=ah_1z}}
 
{{Specs-Card|code=ah_1z}}
{{Notice|''This page is about the aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''. For other uses, see [[AH-1_(Disambiguation)|AH-1 (Disambiguation)]]''}}
+
{{About
 +
| about = American attack helicopter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other uses
 +
| link = AH-1 (Family)
 +
}}
 +
 
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!--''In the description, the first part needs to be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''-->
 
<!--''In the description, the first part needs to be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''-->
 
 
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left|The '''{{PAGENAME}}''' in the garage]]
 
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left|The '''{{PAGENAME}}''' in the garage]]
 
{{break}}
 
{{break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} American attack helicopter {{Battle-rating|1}}. This helicopter was introduced in [[Update_1.81_"The_Valkyries"|Update 1.81 "The Valkyries"]].  
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American attack helicopter {{Battle-rating}}. This helicopter was introduced in [[Update 1.81 "The Valkyries"]].
 +
 
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Flight Performance ===
 
=== Flight Performance ===
Line 12: Line 17:
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
+
! colspan="4" | Characteristics
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
+
! colspan="4" | ''Stock''
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at ?,000 m)
+
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 1,000 m)
 
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
 
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run<br>(meters)
 
 
|-
 
|-
! ABN1K2-J
 
! RB
 
! AB
 
! RB
 
 
! AB
 
! AB
 
! RB
 
! RB
 
|-
 
|-
| ? || ? || {{Specs|ceiling}} || ??.? || ??.? || ??.? || ??.? || ???
+
| 394 || 383 || {{Specs|ceiling}}  
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
+
! colspan="4" | ''Upgraded''
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at ?,000 m)
+
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 1,000 m)
! rowspan="2" |Max altitude (meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run (meters)
 
 
|-
 
|-
! AB
 
! RB
 
! AB
 
! RB
 
 
! AB
 
! AB
 
! RB
 
! RB
 
|-
 
|-
| ? || ? || {{Specs|ceiling}} || ??.? || ??.? || ??.? || ??.? || ???
+
|426|| 411 || {{Specs|ceiling}}  
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
====Details====
+
=== Survivability and armour ===
 +
''Examine the survivability of the helicopter. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, how many engines the vehicle has. Describe the armour, if there is any, also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''
 +
 
 +
== Armaments ==
 +
=== Offensive armament ===
 +
<!--''Describe the offensive armament of the helicopter, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in battle, also what ammunition belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.''-->
 +
{{main|M197 (20 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is outfitted with the following offensive weapons:
 +
 
 +
1 x 20 mm M197 Minigun (750 total rounds)
 +
 
 +
=== Suspended armament ===
 +
{{main|M134 Minigun (7.62 mm)|FFAR Mighty Mouse|BGM-71 TOW|AGM-114B Hellfire}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 +
 
 +
*Without load
 +
*28 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
 +
*76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
 +
*2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine gun
 +
*2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine gun & 14 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
 +
*2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine gun & 40 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
 +
*4 x BGM-71 TOW missiles
 +
*8 x BGM-71 TOW missiles
 +
*4 x BGM-71 TOW missiles
 +
*38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
 +
*8 x BGM-71 TOW missiles & 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
 +
*4 x BGM-71 TOW missiles & 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine gun
 +
*8 x BGM-71 TOW missiles & 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine gun
 +
*4 x BGM-71 TOW-2 missiles
 +
*8 x BGM-71 TOW-2 missiles
 +
*4 x BGM-71 TOW-2 missiles & 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
 +
*8 x BGM-71 TOW-2 missiles & 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
 +
*4 x BGM-71 TOW-2 missiles & 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine gun
 +
*8 x BGM-71 TOW-2 missiles & 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine gun
 +
*16 x BGM-71 TOW missiles
 +
*16 x BGM-71 TOW-2 missiles
 +
*8 x AGM-114B Hellfire missiles
 +
*8 x AGM-114B Hellfire missiles & 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine gun
 +
*8 x AGM-114B Hellfire missiles & 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
 +
*16 x AGM-114B Hellfire missiles
 +
 
 +
==Usage in battles==
 +
Using the AH-1Z viper after the AH-1F requires learning time, the playstyle between this and the AH-1F has some unique differences such as ammunition, views and overall playstyle.
 +
 
 +
The AH-1Z is an attack helicopter, it does this role very well, in-fact it is one of the best attack helicopters in the game, with speed up to 411 Km/h (255 MPH).  The AH-1Z offers a large array of ordnance selections, from Miniguns, Rockets, TOW, TOW-2 and Hellfire missiles.  In addition, the AH-1Z Can carry a combination of missiles, rockets or mini-guns together.
 +
To get one of the best configurations, is specialise in what you want to do air protection or ground attack either way this attack helicopter can do it.
 +
 
 +
To utilise the AH-1Z viper, make sure to adjust the tactics to the map, for example maps, with rocks and hilly terrain, stay low and use it as cover whilst you get to into a position which will allow you to dominate the battlefield.  For maps which are open and flat, climb to a high altitude and assess the situation, just make sure to scan the map and not get fixed on a location.
 +
 
 +
The AH-1Z has three main playstyles, the playstyles of this attack helicopter are focused around dominating in the following roles: Air Protection/Support, Medium & Close Range and Long Range.
  
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
However, the AH-1F does have one drawback, due to the increase in size changes to the center of gravity in high pitch and tight turns, it possible to lose control. It is advisable to always counteract by keeping the noise of the helicopter level or to lessen the turn radius. If required to do one, such as evading surface to air missiles, make sure that there is enough room to recover the helicopter in – ideally at least 1000 feet and make sure to increase the pitch of the blades to a 100% adjust for yawing.
|-
+
 
! colspan="5" | Limits
+
====Close/medium Range====
|-
+
The AH-1Z offers a combination of wing mounted ordnance and ordnance packages which are available from TOW, TOW-2, Rocket pods, Machine guns. 
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
+
 
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
+
The AH-1Z has the BGM-71 TOW and BGM-71 TOW-2 ATGM missile systems which perform very well. The BGM-71 TOW-2. The BGM-71 TOW-2 is faster than the BGM-71 TOW And in addition it contains a higher explosive amount. Nevertheless, both versions of the TOW missile system are able to be very decisive in combat, it is ideal to use the BGM-71 TOW-2 system over the BGM-71 TOW since it is a better system, due to its higher explosive and speed
! rowspan="2" | Combat flap<br> (km/h)
+
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
+
It can carry up to 16 TOW or TOW-2 missiles, that is enough lethality to terminate up to 16 emery units. The TOW missiles work in the same way as on the other series of cobra attack helicopters, they are able to hit, fast and hard. Combined with the speed of the AH-1Z, these make a lethal combination. The AH-1Z can find a great tactical location, engage the targets and knock them out of the fight without them even knowing.
|-
+
! +
+
An AH-1Z also can carry additional ordnances which are wing mounted only, these are rocket pods & machine guns or a combination of Hellfire’s, TOW’s, Rockets & machine guns. The rockets are standard FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets which are equipped on the version of the cobra’s and hugey helicopters. A good choice of combined ordnance are Mighty mouse and TOWs or just mighty mouse. That way you can increase the engagement range when you are flying in combat after consuming all the tow missiles or getting at close range and blasting the enemy with mighty mouse rockets which will cause a lot of damage and could destroy up to 76 enemy units 
! -
+
 
|-
+
====Long Range - Hellfire missiles====
| {{Specs|разрушение|конструкции}} || {{Specs|разрушение|шасси}} || ~?? || ~?
+
To utilise the long-range performance of the AH-1Z, hover outside of the combat zone. It is important that you check and make sure that there are no threats in the vicinity which could shoot you down. Once the combat zone has been declared safe from vehicles which could destroy you. Increase altitude, until you have a good visual on the objectives.  Hover the helicopter, change the view to the gun camera and locate a target ground vehicle and fire! The hellfire missiles offer up to 1100mm of penetration with a speed of 475 meters per second.
|-
+
 
|}
+
Firing the hellfire missiles, you will notice that you cannot see them compared to the previous TOW missiles. This is normal, you need to keep the laser designator on the target. On the Hud, left-hand side, you will see a countdown, it takes 10 seconds for the missile to hit the target.  When the hellfire gets close to the target you will see the rocket, this where you can adjust the missile trajectory. 
 +
 
 +
It is very important that after a few hellfire missile launches that, you disengage the hover and locate to another part of the battle zone. Performing this action will substantially reduce the chances of being shot down by emery vehicles. 
 +
 
 +
One of the drawbacks of the Hellfire missiles is, at close range they cannot engage a target, due to how the hellfires are launched from the wing racks. The hellfire missile, drops from the wing rack, engages the rocket motor and immediately ascend in height, making it impossible to track from launch. 
  
=== Survivability and armour ===
+
{{Notice|The hellfire missiles require time to adapt, however once learnt they become one of the most potent missiles in the game.|!!!}}
<!--''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured. Describe the armour, if there is any, also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''-->
 
  
* No armour plating
+
====Air Protection/support====
* No armour glazing
+
Best role armament selection: Sidewinder missiles and machine guns
* Critical components located at the front of aircraft (fuel, pilot, engine, controls)
 
* More fuel tanks located in wings near the fuselage
 
  
== Armaments ==
+
An AH-1Z Viper, offers a unique capabilities compared to any other helicopter on the battlefield! It can be equipped with sidewinder air to air missiles.  The sidewinder missiles provide great capacity to shoot down up to two enemy aircraft. They can shoot down other rotary-wing aircraft (helicopters) or fixed-wing aircraft (airplanes). The missiles can also be equipped with the additional payloads, such as hellfire, tow missile, machine gun and rocket pod configurations, providing a versatile offensive and defensive solution.
=== Offensive armament ===
 
<!--''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.''
 
{{main|MAC 1934 (7.5 mm)}}
 
  
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
+
The AH-1Z can outmanoeuvre and can outperform, many of the rivals in air to air combat. The AH-1Z has a triple rotary m197 cannon with 750 rounds. Combined with a twin 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine gun, which also has 1500 Rounds per gun. That’s 3000 rounds plus the 750 rounds that’s 3750 Rounds of ammunition! Then the wing mounted AIM-9L sidewinder missiles which are installed on both wings.
 +
To attack other helicopters with the sidewinders, come in the from the side or rear – get a lock on and fire one of the sidewinder missiles! Bang the enemy aircraft explodes.
  
* 4 x 7.5 mm [[MAC 1934 (7.5 mm)|MAC 1934]] machine guns (300 rpg = 1,200 total)
+
To attack using the cannon and mini-guns, line up with the foe, come in fast and slow down – align your angle of attack with the side of the enemy, this will be the best chance of success since the enemy unit has exposed the largest elements of the airframe to your firepower. Aim for the critical components such as cockpit, engine, fuel tanks and rear rotator elements.  
-->
 
<!--=== Suspended armament ===
 
''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.''-->
 
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;''Main article:&nbsp;'''[[:Category:Suspended armaments|Bombs]]'''''-->
 
<!--
 
=== Defensive armament ===
 
''Defensive armament with turret machine guns or cannons, crewed by gunners. Examine the number of gunners and what belts or drums are better to use. If defensive weaponry is not available, remove this subsection.''
 
-->
 
== Usage in the battles ==
 
<!--''Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using vehicles in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''-->
 
  
  
 
===Modules===
 
===Modules===
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
! colspan="1" | Tier
+
! Tier
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
+
! Flight performance
! colspan="1" | Survivability
+
! Survivability
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
+
! colspan="4" |Weaponry
 
|-
 
|-
 
| I
 
| I
| Fuselage Repair
+
| Compressor
| Radiator
+
| Flak jacket
|  
+
| Offensive 20 mm||TOW||Flares||
|  
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| II
 
| II
 
|  
 
|  
| Compressor
+
| Helicopter frame
| Airframe
+
| New 20 mm cannons||TOW-2||AIM-9||M261
|  
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| III
 
| III
| Wings Repair
 
 
| Engine
 
| Engine
 
|  
 
|  
|  
+
| Gun pod XM-18||TOW 4||TOW-2 4||AGM-114
 
|-
 
|-
 
| IV
 
| IV
|  
+
| Replacing helicopter blades
| Engine Injection
 
 
| Cover
 
| Cover
|  
+
| New 7 mm MGs||TOW 8||TOW-2 8||AGM-114 2
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
=== Pros and cons ===
+
===Pros and cons===
<!--''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle regarding its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''-->
+
<!--''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''-->
 
 
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
Line 139: Line 165:
 
* Can carry air-to-air missiles to take down aircraft
 
* Can carry air-to-air missiles to take down aircraft
 
* Excellent ground attack capabilities.
 
* Excellent ground attack capabilities.
 
*
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
Line 148: Line 172:
 
* Very slow, easy target for SPAAs and aircraft
 
* Very slow, easy target for SPAAs and aircraft
 
* Priority target for the enemy team as you are extremely dangerous
 
* Priority target for the enemy team as you are extremely dangerous
* No armor whatsoever.
+
* No armor whatsoever.
  
*
+
== History ==
 +
<!--''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the helicopter in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article.''-->
 +
In 1996, the USMC launched the H-1 program in cooperation with the Bell company. The H-1 program was a plan to upgrade and modernize the Navy’s existing fleets of AH-1 and UH-1 helicopters, in order to extend their service life and lower future operating costs. This was achieved by developing a new version of each helicopter model respectively. The new AH-1Z Viper, also known as “ZuluCobra”, received upgraded avionics, fire control systems, engines and an improved four-blade rotor system, among other improvements. Furthermore, both the new Viper and UH-1Y were designed in a way to use mostly identical parts, achieving the desired reduction in operating costs and ease of maintenance as a result. The AH-1Z Viper conducted its maiden flight in December 2000, with three prototypes being built for testing in 2002. Small-scale production began in 2003 before the Viper was approved for full-scale production in November 2010. The USMC has ordered for 189 Vipers to be delivered to the fleet by 2021, with only a few dozen machines being in service today.
  
== History ==
+
''- From [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5756-development-ah-1z-viper-a-lasting-legacy-en Devblog]''
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''
 
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
 
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
  
== Read also ==
+
== See also ==
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,''
+
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
  
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
<!--''ETC.''-->
 
  
== Sources ==
+
== External links ==
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
<!--''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 +
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 +
* ''encyclopedia page on helicopter;''
 +
* ''other literature.''-->
  
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
+
* [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5756-development-ah-1z-viper-a-lasting-legacy-en [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> AH-1Z Viper - A Lasting Legacy]
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
 
* ''other literature.''
 
  
 
{{USA helicopters}}
 
{{USA helicopters}}
 +
[[Category:Countermeasures]]

Revision as of 04:59, 5 June 2019

Rank VI USSR | Premium | Golden Eagles
Su-25K Pack
AH-1Z
ah_1z.png
AH-1Z
AB RB SB
10.3 11.3 10.0
Research:400 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:1 020 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game
This page is about the American attack helicopter AH-1Z. For other uses, see AH-1 (Family).

Description

The AH-1Z in the garage


The AH-1Z is a rank VII American attack helicopter with a battle rating of 10.3 (AB), 11.3 (RB), and 10.0 (SB). This helicopter was introduced in Update 1.81 "The Valkyries".

General info

Flight Performance

Characteristics
Stock
Max Speed
(km/h at 1,000 m)
Max altitude
(meters)
AB RB
394 383 6000
Upgraded
Max Speed
(km/h at 1,000 m)
Max altitude
(meters)
AB RB
426 411 6000

Survivability and armour

Examine the survivability of the helicopter. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, how many engines the vehicle has. Describe the armour, if there is any, also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main article: M197 (20 mm)

The AH-1Z is outfitted with the following offensive weapons:

1 x 20 mm M197 Minigun (750 total rounds)

Suspended armament

The AH-1Z can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • Without load
  • 28 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
  • 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
  • 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine gun
  • 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine gun & 14 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
  • 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine gun & 40 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
  • 4 x BGM-71 TOW missiles
  • 8 x BGM-71 TOW missiles
  • 4 x BGM-71 TOW missiles
  • 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
  • 8 x BGM-71 TOW missiles & 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
  • 4 x BGM-71 TOW missiles & 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine gun
  • 8 x BGM-71 TOW missiles & 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine gun
  • 4 x BGM-71 TOW-2 missiles
  • 8 x BGM-71 TOW-2 missiles
  • 4 x BGM-71 TOW-2 missiles & 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
  • 8 x BGM-71 TOW-2 missiles & 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
  • 4 x BGM-71 TOW-2 missiles & 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine gun
  • 8 x BGM-71 TOW-2 missiles & 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine gun
  • 16 x BGM-71 TOW missiles
  • 16 x BGM-71 TOW-2 missiles
  • 8 x AGM-114B Hellfire missiles
  • 8 x AGM-114B Hellfire missiles & 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine gun
  • 8 x AGM-114B Hellfire missiles & 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
  • 16 x AGM-114B Hellfire missiles

Usage in battles

Using the AH-1Z viper after the AH-1F requires learning time, the playstyle between this and the AH-1F has some unique differences such as ammunition, views and overall playstyle.

The AH-1Z is an attack helicopter, it does this role very well, in-fact it is one of the best attack helicopters in the game, with speed up to 411 Km/h (255 MPH). The AH-1Z offers a large array of ordnance selections, from Miniguns, Rockets, TOW, TOW-2 and Hellfire missiles. In addition, the AH-1Z Can carry a combination of missiles, rockets or mini-guns together. To get one of the best configurations, is specialise in what you want to do air protection or ground attack either way this attack helicopter can do it.

To utilise the AH-1Z viper, make sure to adjust the tactics to the map, for example maps, with rocks and hilly terrain, stay low and use it as cover whilst you get to into a position which will allow you to dominate the battlefield. For maps which are open and flat, climb to a high altitude and assess the situation, just make sure to scan the map and not get fixed on a location.

The AH-1Z has three main playstyles, the playstyles of this attack helicopter are focused around dominating in the following roles: Air Protection/Support, Medium & Close Range and Long Range.

However, the AH-1F does have one drawback, due to the increase in size changes to the center of gravity in high pitch and tight turns, it possible to lose control. It is advisable to always counteract by keeping the noise of the helicopter level or to lessen the turn radius. If required to do one, such as evading surface to air missiles, make sure that there is enough room to recover the helicopter in – ideally at least 1000 feet and make sure to increase the pitch of the blades to a 100% adjust for yawing.

Close/medium Range

The AH-1Z offers a combination of wing mounted ordnance and ordnance packages which are available from TOW, TOW-2, Rocket pods, Machine guns.

The AH-1Z has the BGM-71 TOW and BGM-71 TOW-2 ATGM missile systems which perform very well. The BGM-71 TOW-2. The BGM-71 TOW-2 is faster than the BGM-71 TOW And in addition it contains a higher explosive amount. Nevertheless, both versions of the TOW missile system are able to be very decisive in combat, it is ideal to use the BGM-71 TOW-2 system over the BGM-71 TOW since it is a better system, due to its higher explosive and speed.

It can carry up to 16 TOW or TOW-2 missiles, that is enough lethality to terminate up to 16 emery units. The TOW missiles work in the same way as on the other series of cobra attack helicopters, they are able to hit, fast and hard. Combined with the speed of the AH-1Z, these make a lethal combination. The AH-1Z can find a great tactical location, engage the targets and knock them out of the fight without them even knowing.

An AH-1Z also can carry additional ordnances which are wing mounted only, these are rocket pods & machine guns or a combination of Hellfire’s, TOW’s, Rockets & machine guns. The rockets are standard FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets which are equipped on the version of the cobra’s and hugey helicopters. A good choice of combined ordnance are Mighty mouse and TOWs or just mighty mouse. That way you can increase the engagement range when you are flying in combat after consuming all the tow missiles or getting at close range and blasting the enemy with mighty mouse rockets which will cause a lot of damage and could destroy up to 76 enemy units

Long Range - Hellfire missiles

To utilise the long-range performance of the AH-1Z, hover outside of the combat zone. It is important that you check and make sure that there are no threats in the vicinity which could shoot you down. Once the combat zone has been declared safe from vehicles which could destroy you. Increase altitude, until you have a good visual on the objectives. Hover the helicopter, change the view to the gun camera and locate a target ground vehicle and fire! The hellfire missiles offer up to 1100mm of penetration with a speed of 475 meters per second.

Firing the hellfire missiles, you will notice that you cannot see them compared to the previous TOW missiles. This is normal, you need to keep the laser designator on the target. On the Hud, left-hand side, you will see a countdown, it takes 10 seconds for the missile to hit the target. When the hellfire gets close to the target you will see the rocket, this where you can adjust the missile trajectory.

It is very important that after a few hellfire missile launches that, you disengage the hover and locate to another part of the battle zone. Performing this action will substantially reduce the chances of being shot down by emery vehicles.

One of the drawbacks of the Hellfire missiles is, at close range they cannot engage a target, due to how the hellfires are launched from the wing racks. The hellfire missile, drops from the wing rack, engages the rocket motor and immediately ascend in height, making it impossible to track from launch.

Msg-info.png The hellfire missiles require time to adapt, however once learnt they become one of the most potent missiles in the game.

Air Protection/support

Best role armament selection: Sidewinder missiles and machine guns

An AH-1Z Viper, offers a unique capabilities compared to any other helicopter on the battlefield! It can be equipped with sidewinder air to air missiles. The sidewinder missiles provide great capacity to shoot down up to two enemy aircraft. They can shoot down other rotary-wing aircraft (helicopters) or fixed-wing aircraft (airplanes). The missiles can also be equipped with the additional payloads, such as hellfire, tow missile, machine gun and rocket pod configurations, providing a versatile offensive and defensive solution.

The AH-1Z can outmanoeuvre and can outperform, many of the rivals in air to air combat. The AH-1Z has a triple rotary m197 cannon with 750 rounds. Combined with a twin 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine gun, which also has 1500 Rounds per gun. That’s 3000 rounds plus the 750 rounds that’s 3750 Rounds of ammunition! Then the wing mounted AIM-9L sidewinder missiles which are installed on both wings. To attack other helicopters with the sidewinders, come in the from the side or rear – get a lock on and fire one of the sidewinder missiles! Bang the enemy aircraft explodes.

To attack using the cannon and mini-guns, line up with the foe, come in fast and slow down – align your angle of attack with the side of the enemy, this will be the best chance of success since the enemy unit has exposed the largest elements of the airframe to your firepower. Aim for the critical components such as cockpit, engine, fuel tanks and rear rotator elements.


Modules

Tier Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
I Compressor Flak jacket Offensive 20 mm TOW Flares
II Helicopter frame New 20 mm cannons TOW-2 AIM-9 M261
III Engine Gun pod XM-18 TOW 4 TOW-2 4 AGM-114
IV Replacing helicopter blades Cover New 7 mm MGs TOW 8 TOW-2 8 AGM-114 2

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Can carry up to 16 TOW ATGMs (TOW-2 with modification)
  • Flares
  • One of the fastest helicopters in the game
  • Can carry air-to-air missiles to take down aircraft
  • Excellent ground attack capabilities.

Cons:

  • Weak airframe can be taken down even by roof-mounted MGs from enemy tanks.
  • Cannon fodder for dedicated SPAAGs
  • Very slow, easy target for SPAAs and aircraft
  • Priority target for the enemy team as you are extremely dangerous
  • No armor whatsoever.

History

In 1996, the USMC launched the H-1 program in cooperation with the Bell company. The H-1 program was a plan to upgrade and modernize the Navy’s existing fleets of AH-1 and UH-1 helicopters, in order to extend their service life and lower future operating costs. This was achieved by developing a new version of each helicopter model respectively. The new AH-1Z Viper, also known as “ZuluCobra”, received upgraded avionics, fire control systems, engines and an improved four-blade rotor system, among other improvements. Furthermore, both the new Viper and UH-1Y were designed in a way to use mostly identical parts, achieving the desired reduction in operating costs and ease of maintenance as a result. The AH-1Z Viper conducted its maiden flight in December 2000, with three prototypes being built for testing in 2002. Small-scale production began in 2003 before the Viper was approved for full-scale production in November 2010. The USMC has ordered for 189 Vipers to be delivered to the fleet by 2021, with only a few dozen machines being in service today.

- From Devblog

Media

An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the series of the aircraft;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links


USA helicopters
Attack 
Black Hawk  MH-60L DAP
Choctaw  H-34
Cobra  AH-1F · AH-1G · AH-1Z
SuperCobra  AH-1W
Kiowa  OH-58D
Little Bird  AH-6M
Apache  YAH-64 · AH-64A · ▃AH-64A Peten · AH-64A (GR) · AH-64D
Utility 
Huey  UH-1B · UH-1C · UH-1C XM-30