AH-1Z stores compatibility testing lessons learned

The AH-1Z Cobra was a major upgrade of the AH-1W performed under the United States Marine Corps (USMC) H-1 Upgrades Program. Upgrades significant to weapons employment included a new rotor system, new stub-wing weapons stations, countermeasure dispensing system, and upgraded drive-train. These upgrades required testing to evaluate the AH-1Z's ability to safely employ weapon systems. The objectives of this test were to evaluate the separation characteristics of weapons and stores fired, launched or dispensed from the AH-1Z; measure aircraft structural loads, strains, and vibrations during weapons firing; and use measured flight data to evaluate the effects of weapon firings on engines and drive systems in order to recommend safe store employment envelopes. During the test program, stores compatibility results were encountered which were not expected during test planning, including rocket gas ingestion and unsatisfactory 20-mm ammunition link separation