AAI Penetrator
| Penetrator | |
|---|---|
| Role | |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | American Aircraft International (AAI) |
| Number built | 1 |
| Developed from | Bell UH-1 Iroquois |
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.
Design and development
A 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
The prototype aircraft was overhauled by Robert Laura and flying as of 2004.[3]
References
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