AH-1W SuperCobra IR-suppression exhaust nozzles

[luedo34]

As I understand it the Bell AH-1W SuperCobra featured IR-suppression exhaust nozzles right from the beginning of its career.
Looking at some recent photos the original IR-suppression exhaust nozzles seem to have been replaced by other systems (see attached pictures).
Does anbody know why? How do these new systems work? When were they installed? Are the exhaust nozzles in the last tow pictures identical to those on the new AH-1Z?
Thanks everyone!

 

[F-14D]

As I understand it the Bell AH-1W SuperCobra featured IR-suppression exhaust nozzles right from the beginning of its career.
Looking at some recent photos the original IR-suppression exhaust nozzles seem to have been replaced by other systems (see attached pictures).
Does anbody know why? How do these new systems work? When were they installed? Are the exhaust nozzles in the last tow pictures identical to those on the new AH-1Z?
Thanks everyone!

The AH-1W had virtually no IR suppression. The turned exhausts were part of AH-1Z development and first flew in June of 2004. They were originally intended to get the hotter exhaust gasses of the -1Z and -1Y away from the tail boom, and they also significantly reduced the IR signature. It was found that not only did they do all that, they also were more efficient and were retrofitted to -1Ws as well.

 

[yasotay]

and easier to do that the rest of the Yankee/Zulu mods. Of note almost all of the frontline rotorcraft of the US have new IR suppression. UH-60 and AH-64D have newer upward turned suppression systems.

 

[F-14D]

and easier to do that the rest of the Yankee/Zulu mods. Of note almost all of the frontline rotorcraft of the US have new IR suppression. UH-60 and AH-64D have newer upward turned suppression systems.

They have added IR suppression to the Zulu and Yankee. Interestingly enough, the -1W with no suppression and no armor to speak of still had a noticeably lower loss rate in the same kinds of threat environments than the Apache.

 

[aim9xray]

Attached is an excellent overview of the problem, analysis and solution.

 

[luedo34]

Thanks a lot! That´s what I wanted to know.