Hey Pal... How Much For The Cobra???
Starting out as an operator of Huey helicopters with a specialty in heli-logging, Northwest helicopters has made quite a name for itself via a unique specialty.
Serving the helicopter area industry since 1978, the company is based in Olympia, Washington, and offers a variety of services to those companies looking for productive and effective results in their current and future projects. An FAA Certified Repair Station, NWH has gotten a very special name for itself due to its expertise in refurbishing former military helicopters. Particularly well-known for its work with the UH-1 series of Bell helis, NWH has also restored two AH-1 Cobra gunships and recently sold the latest to a civilian customer who will be operating it on display in the UK.
It takes as much as 5000-6000 man hours to refurbish a UH-1 and not only do the machines get restored to like-new condition, but a number of retrofits, including glass cockpits, are offered.
THe AH-1 Cobra project was an exceptional effort... and since it is in a training configuration, it is legal for sale (anything that has armament or even the capability to carry it undergoes very tight government control) to collectors who want something truly unique. The second such airframe that they have restored, these are 'million+" investments and cater to very specialized market.
The Cobra was originally developed out of an Army requirement to supply a specialized aircraft for specialized fire suppression and armed escort during the Vietnam War. There are but a dozen or so now in civilian hands. The Huey, of course, was an amazing workhorse and built a phenomenal following in Vietnam where it proved itself under a number of roles and also demonstrated the ability to take on incredible punishment.
Aero-TV Takes In Northwest Helicopters' Unique Military Restoration Handiwork
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