US oks $575 mn FMS from Czech Republic for 12 UH-1Y Venom multirole helicopters

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World Aviation Defense & Security News - Czech Republic
 
 
US oks $575 mn FMS from Czech Republic for 12 UH-1Y Venom multirole helicopters
 
The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Czech Republic for UH-1Y utility helicopters for an estimated cost of $575 million, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said today, Oct. 23.
     
US oks  575 mnfrom Czech Republic for 12 UH 1Y Venom multirole helicopters 640 001A USMC UH-1Y Venom multirole helicopter
(Credit: Bell Helicopter)
     
According to the DSCA, Czech Republic requested the possible sale of 12 UH-1Y utility helicopters, 25 T-700 GE 401C engines and 12 7.62mm M240 Machine Guns.

This possible FMS also includes Brite Star II FLIR system, Aircraft Survivability Equipment (ASE) (includes the AN/AAR-47 Missile Warning and Laser Detection System, AN/ALE-47 Counter Measure Dispensing System (CMDS) and the AN/APR-39 Radar Warning Receiver (RWR)), Joint Mission Planning Systems, Helmet Mounted Displays, communication equipment, small caliber gun systems including GAU-17A and GAU-21, electronic warfare systems, Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) Mode 4/5 transponder, support equipment, personnel training and training equipment. The estimated cost is $575 million.

"The Czech Republic intends to use these helicopters to modernize its armed forces and strengthen its homeland defense and deter regional threats. This will contribute to the Czech Republic’s military goal of updating its capabilities while further enhancing interoperability with the United States and other NATO allies," the DSCA said.

The Bell UH-1Y Venom is a twin-engine built by Bell Helicopter under the H-1 upgrade program of the United States Marine Corps (USMC). It features a a four-blade, all-composite rotor system designed to withstand up to 23 mm rounds, upgraded engines and transmissions, a digital cockpit with flat panel multifunctional displays, and an 84% parts commonality with the AH-1Z.