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on Jul. 19, 2019 Two AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters serialled 786-064 and 786-066 With Blacked Out Pakistan Markings were spotted at Amarillo, Texas

The Vipers belong to the first batch of AH-1Z helicopters destined to Pakistan Army and were probably on their way from NAS Patuxent River to the 309th Aerospace Maintenance And Regeneration Group (AMARG), in Tucson, Arizona.

According to Scramble Magazine Nine Pakistani AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters are currently stored at 309th Aerospace Maintenance And Regeneration Group (AMARG), Tucson (AZ). Their delivery was postponed with the excuse that Pakistan was not ready to receive them. It is uncertain what the future delivery time frame will be.

All helicopters are in the process of being covered in white rubber coating known as ‘spraylat’ to preserve them in pristine condition. The nine Vipers involved are; 786-061, 062, 063, 067, 068, 069, 070, 071, and 072.

The original “Pakistan Army” markings on the helicopters were partly covered with the word “Pakistan” blacked out.

The choppers, made a stop at the base where Rodney Bastow photographed them.

The Pakistan Army planned to use the AH-1Z to replace its AH-1F/S Cobra attack helicopters, extensively used in CAS (Close Air Support) role as part of Pakistan’s counterinsurgency (COIN) campaign in its northwest regions.

Image Credits: Rodney Bastow photography via The Aviationist