Bell Helicopter Wins $337.8M Navy Contract

U.S. Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) is set to purchase 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters and 12 UH-1Y utility helicopters from Bell Helicopter as part of a $337.8 million contract.

The firm fixed-price contract calls for Bell to built the aircraft in addition to auxiliary fuel kits. The aircraft will be constructed as part of the 11th production lot of H-1 helicopters, USNI News said.

This is just the beginning in terms of the US military acquiring aircraft from Bell. According to USNI News, the U.S. Marine Corps is looking to eventually buy a total 189 AH-1Zs and 160 UH-1Ys. Some of those will be new, but most will be rebuilt from older model helicopters.

Bell Helicopter is expected to deliver the 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters and 12 UH-1Y utility helicopters by June 2017.