AMARILLO, Texas (Apr. 12, 2021) – Bell hosted a delegation from the Kingdom of Bahrain to mark the start of production of AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters built as part of the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. Delegates toured the Bell Amarillo production facility to observe the production line and ceremoniously sign the aircraft’s frame destined to join the Bahrain Air Force.
“We are honored to host the Kingdom of Bahrain and share this milestone in production for the AH-1Z,” said Mike Deslatte, Bell H-1 Vice President and Program Director. “Today’s ceremony marks a new milestone in bringing the advanced capabilities of the Viper a step closer to the Kingdom of Bahrain.”
Bell designed the AH-1Z Viper to meet the modern battlefield’s expeditionary requirements across the full spectrum of military operations. The Viper routinely maintains a high operational tempo from forward operating facilities by minimizing its logistical footprint without losing warfighting capabilities.
“Today also signifies the dedication of thousands of Bell and Team Viper employees around the world who are proud to support our international partner,” said Deslatte.
The Department of Defense awarded Bell a contract to manufacture and deliver 12 Lot-16 AH-1Z aircraft to the Kingdom of Bahrain. Bell projects production deliveries to begin in late-2021.
Photo caption: Brigadier General Faisal Al Kaabi, Bahrain Ambassador to U.S. - H.E. Shaikh Abdulla Al Khalifa, Bell Executive Vice President Military Business - Vince Tobin, Bell Vice President and H-1 Program Director - Michael Deslatte, and Bahrain Defense Attaché to U.S. - Commodore Admiral Jasim Al Jowder visited the Bell’s Amarillo assembly center on 31 March 2021 and signed the frame of the first Bahrain production AH-1Z Viper.
- Jay Hernandez
- Military: Domestic and Foreign Military Sales
- jhernandez09@bellflight.com
- tel:+1 817 280-1949
About Bell
Thinking above and beyond is what we do. For more than 85 years, we’ve been reimagining the experience of flight – and where it can take us.
We are pioneers. We were the first to break the sound barrier and to certify a commercial helicopter. We were a part of NASA’s first lunar mission and brought advanced tiltrotor systems to market. Today, we’re defining the future of advanced air mobility.
Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas – as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., – we have strategic locations around the globe. And with nearly one quarter of our workforce having served, helping our military achieve their missions is a passion of ours.
Above all, our breakthrough innovations deliver exceptional experiences to our customers. Efficiently. Reliably. And always, with safety at the forefront.
About Textron
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Pipistrel, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, and Textron Systems. For more information, visit: www.textron.com.
Contact details
-
Download vCard
- Alexis Baird
- Innovation and Commercial Business for Europe, Middle East and Africa
- kbaird@bellflight.com
- +1 817-487-1020
Related topics
Related news
AH-1Z Viper: The Worlds Most Advanced Attack Helicopter
From this legacy, Bell has created subsequent variations of the AH-1, culminating in the AH-1Z. Today, the Viper has evolved from the venerable AH-1 of the Vietnam War. In creating the AH-1Z Viper ...
The Next Chapter for Bell’s H-1 Helicopters Begins
First AH-1Z to receive upgrade arrives at Bell Amarillo Assembly Center
Bell Celebrates Marine Corps Birthday with Company-Wide Commemoration
Join us in saluting Bell’s veterans for the U.S. Marine Corps 248th birthday
Dynamic Duo: The Bell AH-1Z Viper and Bell UH-1Y Venom Provide Air Support During Joint Military Exercise
Through a series of exercises, the Viper and Venom provided long-range assault force escort during night raid exercises, conducted live fire training, and performed deep and close air support.
Celebrating Bell’s Air Force Veterans
Join us in saluting Bell’s veterans for the U.S. Air Forces’ 76th birthday