EDGEWOOD, N.Y., March 16 (UPI) -- CPI Aerostructures Inc. of New York has received a purchase order from Bell Helicopter for structural panels for AH-1Z Zulu helicopters.
The value of the contract and its terms weren't disclosed.
The AH-IZ is a twin-engine attack helicopter used by the U.S. Marine Corps. It features a new, four-bladed composite rotor system, performance-matched transmission, four-bladed tail rotor, two additional wing stores stations on larger stub wings, upgraded landing gear and a fully integrated glass cockpit. The AH-1Z will see a 120 percent increase mission radius with attack payload over the AH-1W it is replacing.
The AH-1Z reached initial operational capability recently and was approved to begin full-rate production in December.
CPI said the initial delivery order is for one of the six structural assembly panels plus associated tooling and other non-recurring charges.
"We have worked hard to earn the Bell business and we are proud to now be a part of the Bell Helicopter supplier network," Edward J. Fred, CPI Aero's president and chief executive officer said."While the initial order requirement is small, we are hopeful that this will lead to more sizable orders as the aircraft transitions to full scale production."
