[mcshot]

I always suspected our Marines were hindered by having to use old helo designs but sounds like they've just improved upon good platforms i.e., huey and cobra.
Can you tell us more?

mc

[Starwolf]

Check out http://www.bellhelicopter.textron.com/en/aircraft/military/bellAH-1Z.cfm

and

http://www.helis.com/Since80s/h_ah1z.php

While everyone focuses on the Cobra, the upgrade to the Huey (UH-1Y) are much more striking and its performance is is close to the Blackjack at a marked lower cost and more importantly logistical tail (fewer mechs, maintenance per flight hour, unique parts).
http://www.bellhelicopter.com/en/aircraft/military/bellUH-1Y.cfm and http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/uh_1y/

One major change is that they are now 4 blade rotor systems. Gone are the days of whopti-whopti noises as they fly overhead.