Defence & Space

Rafael has unveiled its improved MicroLite payload

During Special Operations Forces (SOF) Week 2025 in Tampa, Florida, Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems unveiled its improved MicroLite…

2025-05-10 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

Steep growth at Rheinmetall in the first quarter of 2025 – operating result in defence business almost doubled

The Düsseldorf-based Rheinmetall AG technology group concludes the first quarter of 2025 with new record values in both sales and…

2025-05-08 | Redakcja | 9 minutes

Run-flat inserts – an essential component of modern military wheeled vehicles

For many years, it has been observed that wheeled chassis purchased and operated by the armed forces require additional equipment to enable…

2025-03-07 | Radosław Niesobski | 4 minutes

When Trump Plays with Putin – Europe Must Arm Itself

Donald Trump makes it clear that Europe must defend itself and take care of its own security. It has taken…

2025-02-21 | Sławek Zagórski | 4 minutes

ST Engineering to Deliver a Suite of Mine Countermeasure Unmanned Systems for Singaporean Navy

Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd announced that it has been awarded contracts by Singapore Ministry of Defence to deliver a suite of Mine Countermeasure…

2025-05-08 | Redakcja | 4 minutes

Poland: K2GF Tanks Arrive in the 15th Giżycko Mechanized Brigade

The first K2GF Heuk-Pyo (Black Panther) tanks have arrived in the 15th Giżycko Mechanized Brigade. This is the third unit…

2025-05-06 | Rafał Muczyński | 3 minutes

Rohde & Schwarz enhances military spectrum monitoring capabilities

Rohde & Schwarz advances their military spectrum monitoring portfolio by launching easily deployable monitoring systems, designed to help armed forces optimize their spectrum management,…

2025-04-21 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

Rohde & Schwarz unveiled postprocessing platform RAMON IQzoom

RAMON IQzoom from Rohde & Schwarz is redefining the boundaries of signal analysis, by empowering armed forces to delve deeper into the…

2025-04-20 | Redakcja | 2 minutes

Rafael has unveiled its improved MicroLite payload

During Special Operations Forces (SOF) Week 2025 in Tampa, Florida, Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems unveiled its improved MicroLite…

2025-05-10 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

Rheinmetall cooperates with DSTA in Singapore – innovation in simulation and training systems

German-based Rheinmetall AG and Singapore-based Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) agree on cooperation. Memorandum of Understanding signed on simulation…

2025-05-06 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

Rafael has unveiled its improved MicroLite payload

During Special Operations Forces (SOF) Week 2025 in Tampa, Florida, Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems unveiled its improved MicroLite…

2025-05-10 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

Steep growth at Rheinmetall in the first quarter of 2025 – operating result in defence business almost doubled

The Düsseldorf-based Rheinmetall AG technology group concludes the first quarter of 2025 with new record values in both sales and…

2025-05-08 | Redakcja | 9 minutes

Illegal Migration to Europe in the First Quarter of 2025

The European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) has published statistics on attempted illegal crossings of the EU’s external borders…

2025-05-05 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

Galvion’s European Production Hub in Poland is declared Fully Operational

Canadian-based Galvion company has announced that their European Production Hub in Poland is now fully operational.

2025-04-04 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

Rafael has unveiled its improved MicroLite payload

During Special Operations Forces (SOF) Week 2025 in Tampa, Florida, Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems unveiled its improved MicroLite…

2025-05-10 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

ST Engineering to Deliver a Suite of Mine Countermeasure Unmanned Systems for Singaporean Navy

Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd announced that it has been awarded contracts by Singapore Ministry of Defence to deliver a suite of Mine Countermeasure…

2025-05-08 | Redakcja | 4 minutes

CV90 Among Topics in Swedish-Lithuanian Defense Talks

Lithuanian Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas paid a visit to Stockholm, where he held talks with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson on defense…

2025-04-23 | Rafał Muczyński | 4 minutes

Media: Australian Abrams Tanks for Ukraine Delayed

As reported by the Australian public broadcaster ABC, the delivery of 49 M1A1SA Abrams tanks promised last year to the Armed Forces…

2025-03-25 | Rafał Muczyński | 4 minutes

WB Group Delivered Components for ESA Satellites

WB Group delivered primary structures for the CHIME satellite developed by Thales Alenia Space on behalf of the European Space Agency…

2025-05-06 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

Creotech Instruments to Build the National Satellite Constellation CAMILA

The Polish company Creotech Instruments has signed a contract with the European Space Agency (ESA) to build a national constellation of at least…

2025-04-15 | Redakcja | 4 minutes
Shooting

Direct Action Curtiss — chest rig for a heavier caliber

Direct Action offers a variety of chest rigs, each optimized for specific tasks. The Curtiss model is designed to carry three HK…

2025-04-23 | Michał Ihnatów | 2 minutes

New logo of Belgian arms manufacturer FN

The Belgian company FN (part of the FN Browning Group) has presented a new company logo and brand tagline.

2025-04-18 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

Michael F. Dineen Promoted to President of Streamlight

Streamlight, Inc. announced that it has promoted Michael F. Dineen to President. Formerly Chief Revenue Officer, Dineen succeeds Raymond L. Sharrah.

2025-04-10 | Redakcja | 2 minutes

Streamlight introduces the TLR-8 HL-X and TLR-8 HL-X sub

Streamlight introduces the TLR-8 HL-X flashlight with an integrated laser sight, producing a beam with up to 1,000 lumens of power, offering…

2025-03-18 | Michał Ihnatów | 3 minutes

Direct Action Curtiss — chest rig for a heavier caliber

Direct Action offers a variety of chest rigs, each optimized for specific tasks. The Curtiss model is designed to carry three HK…

2025-04-23 | Michał Ihnatów | 2 minutes

Enforce Tac 2025: Source Tactical with Ballistic Protection for Women

At the Source Tactical booth, not only popular hydration systems were showcased, but also personal ballistic protection—including armor specifically designed…

2025-02-26 | Michał Ihnatów | 2 minutes

Enforce Tac 2025 starts on February 24th

Enforce Tac is an international trade fair aimed at law enforcement officers, experts from government agencies, and representatives of the…

2025-01-30 | Michał Ihnatów | 4 minutes

POLSECURE: Holsters HPE Poland offer for uniformed services

At the 3rd International Police and Public Security Fair POLSECURE 2024 in Kielce, Holsters HPE Poland presented its offer for…

2024-05-01 | Redakcja | 2 minutes

New logo of Belgian arms manufacturer FN

The Belgian company FN (part of the FN Browning Group) has presented a new company logo and brand tagline.

2025-04-18 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

Semi-automatic designated marksman rifle MSBS Grot .308 S20 for civilian shooters

Fabryka Broni Łucznik-Radom, a member of the Polish Armaments Group, has introduced the semi-automatic designated marksman rifle MSBS Grot .308 S20…

2025-03-11 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

Setting Up a Shooting Belt: An Example with Clawgear

To assist with shooting training and beyond, various belts and gear configurations have been developed and customized to suit individual needs. It’s…

2024-11-28 | Łukasz Kołodziejski | 14 minutes

Weapon light: a practical tool for everyday service. How to choose?

In the world of armed forces, where every second can determine the outcome of an operation, precision and effectiveness are…

2024-08-29 | Redakcja | 7 minutes

Over 100% increase in gun permits in Poland in 2024

The Polish Police have released statistical data on firearm permits issued in 2024. An increasing number of Poles now hold…

2025-02-20 | Michał Ihnatów | 5 minutes

Firearms In Poland 2023: Number of permits continues to grow

The National Police Headquarters has released statistics regarding the number of firearm permits and firearms themselves in the hands of…

2024-02-17 | Michał Ihnatów | 5 minutes

5 Best Value ATN Rifle Scopes Under €1500

ATN is a leading manufacturer of daytime optics, smart night vision, and thermal vision technology. The innovative features and ergonomic designs…

2022-11-11 | Redakcja | 8 minutes

MILMAG Visits Grand Power

Grand Power is a Slovak manufacturer of the acknowledged good quality firearms. Take part in our guided tour with English subtitles.

2022-05-23 | Redakcja | 1 minutes

TEST: Direct Action Vanguard Uniform

The Vanguard is a uniform set from the Polish brand Direct Action, designed in collaboration with special forces soldiers. There are…

2025-01-19 | Michał Gaweł | 18 minutes

EOTECH Holographic Sight – History, Technology, Practice

The holographic sight is a device known for nearly 30 years and used by professionals around the world. A favorite sight of many…

2024-09-02 | Michał Gaweł | 12 minutes

EOTECH Holographic Sight – History, Technology, Practice

The holographic sight is a device known for nearly 30 years and used by professionals around the world. A favorite sight of many…

2024-09-02 | Michał Gaweł | 12 minutes

AH-1Z – The Most Affordable Option of the US-made Combat Helicopter?

According to data included in a report of the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller), US Department of Defense, that among the US-manufactured helicopters, the AH-1Z is the cheapest option as far as the exploitation costs are concerned.

 

In an interview given to MILMAG a few weeks ago, Colonel Vasilios Pappas, the Manager of the H-1 programme (PMA-276) in US Marine Corps on the acquisition, development and support of the operation of vulnerability close support rotorcraft, combating armoured targets, escort missions, reconnaissance and fire support, he repeatedly emphasized that both AH-1Z and UH-1W helicopters are adapted to the specifics of the exploitation required by the US Marines. This specifics involves limited infrastructure that technical staff has in its disposal in conditions of actual combat operations, away from parent bases and technical support ships. One of the features that USMC requires is a limited need for maintenance work, which ensures greater availability of helicopters. This was obtained by the prolonged periods betwenn routine inspections compared to older versions, such as AH-1W. This approach is also reflected in the cost of operating helicopters. Smaller service requirements allow to reduce direct costs incurred for their exploitation.

 

Technical maintenance of the AH-1Z helicopter. Image: Sgt. Bobby Yarbrough/US Marine Corps

Reports of the Comptroller of Department of Defense

Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) Office of the US Department of Defense, which exercises civil supervision control over defence expenses in the US, produces yearly reports containing detailed values ​​of direct costs per one hour of flight the defense budget bears, and thus the US taxpayer, as regards to all individual types of aircraft used in all branches of US Armed Forces. The aforementioned direct operating costs (Reimbursement Rates) include expenditures spent for fuel, technical service, supplies spare parts, consumables, etc. incurred in the previous year. In these reports, we can find, among others, the costs of operating combat helicopters used by US Navy and US Army based on one hour of flight.

AH-1Z cheaper than Super Cobra...

Reports published in the recent years demonstrate that the cost of a flight hour of AH-1Z varies around USD 4,500. In the relation to the AH-1W Super Cobra version, in the years when the Viper has been introduced to service, the cost of one hour of flight of the latter was approximately USD 6,400 in 2015 and approximately USD 5,500 in 2016 and was about 15% lower than an hour of flight of AH-1W – approximately USD 7,100  in 2015 and approximately USD 6,600 in 2016 respectively. Higher flight time costs compared to the current period result from higher fuel costs those days. Let us remember that the price of crude oil in 2015 – 2016 remained above USD 100 level per barrel, while in the period of 2020 – 2022 it ranges from about USD 25 to about USD 80  per barrel.

A list of operating costs of AH-1Z helicopter when compared with its current main competitor of the brand new AH-64E Apache/Guardian machines, seem s to be interesting as well. A few years ago, in the period of 2015 – 2016, the cost of an hour of flight of the Guardian’s predecessor – AH-64D Apache Longbow – was basically as much as in the case of Super Cobra. In 2020 – 2021 reports, the cost of Guardian’s operations was approximately USD 6,300 per hour of flight, or about 25% less than in the case of AH-64D – USD 8,400 per hour of flight.

Fragments of the report prepared by the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller), Department of Defense FY 2022 Reimbursable Rates

... and AH-64E

In this record sheet, the AH-1Z Viper with the costs at the level of USD 4,500 per hour of flight in the report on 2022, remains the cheapest combat helicopter offered by the US Air Industry. In comparison with AH-64E – USD 6,500 per hour of flight – the cost of its operation is – by approximately 30% – lower lower than in case of the latter. In the perspective of purchase of combat helicopters by7 Poland, as part of the Kruk programme, attention should be paid to the costs that the Polish taxpayer will bear for jointly the purchase and maintenance of newly acquired combat helicopters in the forthcoming several decades. Costs lower even about 30% per one flight hour can be an important factor considered when choosing a helicopter to be purchased. Importantly, the above-mentioned figures ​​refer to the US users, however, costs for users who have acquired equipment under the FMS programme (Foreign Military Sales) – which will most likely include also Poland – is only slightly higher. In the report for 2022, the difference is approximately USD 200 per hour of flight for both types of helicopters.

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