Ducommun awarded contract from Bell Helicopter for AH-1Z Cobra program

Ducommun Incorporated has received a contract from Bell Helicopter, a unit of Textron Inc., to produce titanium firewall and baffle assemblies for the AH-1Z Cobra – the U.S. Marine Corps' newest attack helicopter. Ducommun AeroStructures will produce the assemblies at its Coxsackie, N.Y. facility through 2013.

"We're very pleased to expand our relationship with Bell Helicopter to support the AH-1Z program," said Anthony J. Reardon, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Ducommun. "Our expertise in forming complex titanium structures ensures these assemblies will retain their strength in extreme high-temperature operating environments. We are proud to support a key customer, Textron, in this important application."

The U.S. Marine Corps is replacing the two-blade AH-1W with the AH-1Z, which features a new four-blade composite rotor system, upgraded landing gear, and a fully integrated glass cockpit. The AH-1Z will serve a primary role in assault support along with air reconnaissance. The attack helicopter will also play a supporting role in anti-air warfare, electronic warfare, and control of aircraft and missiles.