Why do we use both the AH-1Z Viper and AH-64 Apache? Furthermore, why do the Marines use the Viper instead?
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Well, the Viper’s just an upgraded Cobra, which was the first dedicated Attack Helicopter in the US’ arsenal.
As for why it’s still in use, you gotta think about who uses it.
The Army replaced all their Cobras, so now only the Marines use the Cobra airframe. Why? Well, the Cobra (and by extension Viper) shares a lot of common parts with the UH1-Y Venom, their primary utility helicopter.
That’s right, the USMC still flies the venerable Huey, although heavily upgraded over the years. Why? Well, Venomthe is designed to operate off carriers, and designing a new helicopter that can do the same (or modifying the Blackhawk) would be expensive, and the Venom does the job adequately.
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