US Navy Ship Assists In Testing of AH-1Z and UH-1Y Helicopters

US Navy, USS BONHOMME RICHARD: USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) (BHR) served as a test platform for the UH-1Y “Super Huey” and AH-1Z “Super Cobra” helicopters while conducting operations in the Pacific Ocean Aug. 31 through Sept. 2. 
 
The experimental helicopters, which feature increased maneuverability, agility and lift, were tested on the San Diego-based BHR to evaluate their suitability for shipboard operations and to give Marines a chance to work with the new helicopters. Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 9 “Vampires,” based out of China Lake, Calif., embarked BHR to conduct the operational tests. 
 
“The purpose of this operational test is to bring the aircraft aboard the ship,” said Marine Lt. Col. William Bufkin, 39 of Seattle, Wash., a 17-year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. “We then put them in an operational environment doing what we normally do aboard ship; handling the aircraft, putting it in the hangar bay using the elevator, as well as conducting normal flight operations.” 
 
The UH1-Y and AH1-Z program began in 1996 in concept phase, and the first aircraft were delivered for testing in the fall of 2001. The UH-1Y is scheduled for operation late in fiscal year 2008, while the AH-1Z will become operational in 2011. The UH-1Y will replace the UH-1N, the 34-year-old workhorse of the U.S. military. 
 
“These aircraft will greatly benefit the Marine Corps,” said Bufkin. “These are the aircraft that my fellow Marines are going to get some day.” 
 
According to Bonhomme Richard Commanding Officer Capt. Steve Greene, who welcomed the opportunity for BHR to serve as a test platform for these two helicopters, “The crew of BHR was pleased it could support the operational testing of these helicopters during our transit.” 
 
“It gave our flight deck and air traffic control teams a good work out and more fully utilized the enormous capabilities of the BHR,” Greene said. “With resources like deck time scarce, anytime you can get a 'two-fer,' it