Bell AH-1Z attack helicopter

General Dynamics has won a $7.5 million modification contract to supply 37 gun turrets for AH-1Z helicopters belonging to the US Navy and Government of Bahrain.

This modification procures 37 A/A49E-7(V4) gun turrets for AH-1Z helicopters for the Navy (25); and the government of Bahrain (12), the US Department of defense said in a statement Thursday.

The A/A49E-7(V4) gun turret system is chin mounted on the AH-1Z chopper providing the capability to position, feed, and fire the M197 20MM rotary gun.

Major components of the A/A49E-7(V4) are the M197 20MM rotary gun, gun turret, control system and ammunition handling system. It provides air to air and air to ground close-range combat capability, according to the company.

The Bell AH-1Z “Viper” is an American twin-engine attack helicopter that can carry 16 hellfire missiles, effectively doubling the capacity of its predecessor, the AH-1W. Updated avionics systems and sensors were another important aspect of the upgrade. It is the only attack helicopter in the world with a fully-integrated air-to-air missile capability.