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World Aviation Defense & Security News - Romania
 
 
Romania, Bell Helicopter sign LOI for AH-1Z Viper combat helicopter acquisition
 
The Romanian Prime Minister Mihai Tudose along with National Defence Minister Adrian Tutuianu, Minister of Economy Mihai Fifor, Chief of General Staff, General Nicolae Ciuca, and Chief of Air Force Staff, Lieutenant-General Laurian Anastasof recently held discussions with representatives of Bell Helicopter at Government headquarters regarding the potential delivery of AH-1Z attack helicopters.
     
Romania Bell Helicopter sign LoI for AH 1Z Viper combat helicopter acquisition 640 001A USMC AH-1Z Viper combat helicopter
(Credit: Bell Helicopter)
     
After the talks, the country's Defence Minister Adrian Tutuianu, signed a letter of intent asking for prices and availability for the acquisition of attack helicopters that will be addressed to the US Government.

In the period ahead, thorough discussions will be held between representatives of the Ministry of Economy and those of Bell Helicopter regarding the setting up of a joint venture, as well as technological and know-how transfer allowing the production of helicopters on Romania’s soil.

The Romanian government added that the decision on the purchase of attack helicopters is based on the U.S. $11.5 billion spending plan for the next decade recently approved by the Supreme Council for National Defence.

The AH-1Z Viper, also called "Zulu Cobra", is a twin-engine attack helicopter. Based on the AH-1W SuperCobra, the Viper features a four-blade, bearingless, composite main rotor system, uprated transmission, and a new target sighting system. Its two redesigned wing stubs are longer, with each adding a wing-tip station for a missile such as the AIM-9 Sidewinder. Each wing has two other stations for 2.75-inch (70 mm) Hydra 70 rocket pods, or AGM-114 Hellfire quad missile launchers.