Engine Assemblies to be Manufactured Through 2020 CPI Aerostructures has won a contract from Bell Helicopter valued at US$14.8 million for the supply of engine cowls and support assemblies for the AH-1Z VIPER attack helicopter. The company has been manufacturing these components for the VIPER since 2011 and has already amassed some $6.8 million in orders.
CPI Aero President & CEO, Douglas J. McCrosson, stated, “This follow-on contract illustrates the success of our strategy to secure strong positions within key national security programs such as the AH-1Z, and then follow through with exceptional programme execution. It is extremely satisfying that our focus on quality, value and customer service has resulted in CPI Aero continuing this work into the next decade.”
Operated by the US Marine Corps, the AH-1Z VIPER has been in full rate production since 2010. Unlike other attack helicopters, it has an integrated air-to-air strike capability in addition to carrying a wide array of air-to-ground ordnance, making it an ideal platform to fulfil multiple roles in the current broadening threat environment.