The American Aircraft International Penetrator was a military helicopter prototype conceived in 1990 as a gunship conversion of the Bell UH-1 Iroquois, aimed at ground insertion, close support and counter-insurgency roles.
| Penetrator | |
|---|---|
| Role | |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | American Aircraft International (AAI) |
| Number built | 1 |
| Developed from | Bell UH-1 Iroquois |
Design and development
editA single prototype was built in 1991 but the manufacturer never won any contracts for production. It was first designed by the American Aircraft Corporation (AAC) and was marketed by a separate company, American Aircraft International (AAI).[1]
The stated goal of the project was to convert existing Vietnam-era UH-1 airframes to upgrade them with modern armor and weapons systems, particularly targeting third-world militaries with aging fleets. This conversion could be performed at a fraction of the cost, much faster than ordering new aircraft. The Penetrator required a crew of four (pilot, forward weapons officer, and two rear-facing weapons operators) and could carry six to eight additional passengers.[2]
Operational history
editThe prototype aircraft was overhauled by Robert Laura and flying as of 2004.[3]
General characteristics Performance
References
edit- ^ Russell Ponce, CPA, ALJ 102 (Securities and Exchange Commission December 4, 1996).
- ^ "Penetrator Sales Flyer". Kulair, Inc. Archived from the original on August 4, 2004. Retrieved July 22, 2014.
- ^ "Penetrator: Robert Laura's UH-1 Huey Composite Retrofit Project". Kulair, Inc. Archived from the original on October 16, 2007. Retrieved July 22, 2014.
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