(Bell) AH-1 Cobra @·AIRCRAFTUBE

  • Bell AH-1 Cobra Bell AH-1 Cobra
    Bell AH-1 Cobra
  • The Bell UH-1A Iroquois (development basis of the Cobra) The Bell UH-1A Iroquois (development basis of the Cobra)
    The Bell UH-1A Iroquois (development basis of the Cobra)
  • The AH-1 Cobra prototype The AH-1 Cobra prototype
    The AH-1 Cobra prototype
  • Bell AH-1F Cobra (TICO 2014) Bell AH-1F Cobra (TICO 2014)
    Bell AH-1F Cobra (TICO 2014)
  • Bell AH-1G Cobra at NAS Rota in 1975 Bell AH-1G Cobra at NAS Rota in 1975
    Bell AH-1G Cobra at NAS Rota in 1975
  • USMC AH-1 Viper USMC AH-1 Viper
    USMC AH-1 Viper
  • Bell T-AH-1F Cobra (Red Bull Airpower 2011) Bell T-AH-1F Cobra (Red Bull Airpower 2011)
    Bell T-AH-1F Cobra (Red Bull Airpower 2011)
  • Bell AH-1W Super Cobra Bell AH-1W Super Cobra
    Bell AH-1W Super Cobra
  • Bell AH-1Z Super Cobra-Viper (MCAS Miramar) Bell AH-1Z Super Cobra-Viper (MCAS Miramar)
    Bell AH-1Z Super Cobra-Viper (MCAS Miramar)
  • Bell AH-1 Cobra Bell AH-1 Cobra
    Bell AH-1 Cobra
  • Iranian Army Bell AH-1J International Cobra Iranian Army Bell AH-1J International Cobra
    Iranian Army Bell AH-1J International Cobra
  • Bell AH-1E Cobra (San Diego Air and Space Museum) Bell AH-1E Cobra (San Diego Air and Space Museum)
    Bell AH-1E Cobra (San Diego Air and Space Museum)
  • AH-1F at the March Field Museum<br>of Riverside, CA, USA AH-1F at the March Field Museum<br>of Riverside, CA, USA
    AH-1F at the March Field Museum
    of Riverside, CA, USA
  • AH-1S Cobra at the U.S. Army Aviation Museum of Fort Rucker, Alabama AH-1S Cobra at the U.S. Army Aviation Museum of Fort Rucker, Alabama
    AH-1S Cobra at the U.S. Army Aviation Museum of Fort Rucker, Alabama
  • Bell AH-1S Cobra Bell AH-1S Cobra
    Bell AH-1S Cobra
  • Bell AH-1W Super Cobra (ROCA) Bell AH-1W Super Cobra (ROCA)
    Bell AH-1W Super Cobra (ROCA)
  • Bell AH-1S Cobra 1 Bell AH-1S Cobra 1
    Bell AH-1S Cobra 1
  • Bell AH-1 SeaCobra Bell AH-1 SeaCobra
    Bell AH-1 SeaCobra
  • Bell AH-1 Cobra Bell AH-1 Cobra
    Bell AH-1 Cobra

Bell AH-1 Cobra

The Bell AH-1 Cobra is a two-blade rotor, single-engine attack helicopter manufactured by Bell Helicopter. It was developed using the engine, transmission and rotor system of the Bell UH-1 Iroquois. A member of the prolific Huey family, the AH-1 is also referred to as the HueyCobra or Snake.

The AH-1 was the backbone of the United States Army's attack helicopter fleet, but has been replaced by the AH-64 Apache in Army service. Upgraded versions continue to fly with the militaries of several other nations. The AH-1 twin-engine versions remain in service with United States Marine Corps (USMC) as the service's primary attack helicopter. Surplus AH-1 helicopters have been converted for fighting forest fires.

Development

Closely related to the development of the Bell AH-1 is the story of the Bell UH-1 Iroquois—an icon of the Vietnam War and one of the most numerous helicopter types built. The UH-1 made the theory of air cavalry practical, as the new tactics called for US forces to be highly mobile across a wide area. Unlike before, they would not stand and fight long battles, and they would not stay and hold positions. Instead, the plan was that the troops carried by fleets of UH-1 "Hueys" would range across the country, to fight the enemy at times and places of their own choice.

It soon became clear that the unarmed troop helicopters were vulnerable against ground fire from Viet Cong and North Vietnamese troops, particularly as they came down to drop their troops in a landing zone. Without friendly support from artillery or ground forces, the only way to pacify a landing zone was from the air, preferably with an aircraft that could closely escort the transport helicopters, and loiter over the landing zone as the battle progressed. By 1962 a small number of armed UH-1As were used as escorts, armed with multiple machine guns and rocket mounts.

The massive expansion of American military presence in Vietnam opened a new era of war from the air. The linchpin of US Army tactics was the helicopters, and the protection of those helicopters became a vital role.

Iroquois Warrior, Sioux Scout and AAFSS

Bell had been investigating helicopter gunships since the late 1950s, and had created a mockup of its D-255 helicopter gunship concept, named "Iroquois Warrior". In June 1962, Bell displayed the mockup to Army officials, hoping to solicit funding for further development. The Iroquois Warrior was planned to be a purpose-built attack aircraft based on UH-1B components with a new, slender airframe and a two-seat, tandem cockpit. It featured a grenade launcher in a ball turret on the nose, a 20 mm belly-mounted gun pod, and stub wings for mounting rockets or SS.10 anti-tank missiles.

The Army was interested and awarded Bell a proof-of-concept contract in December 1962. Bell modified a Model 47 into the Model 207 Sioux Scout which first flew in July 1963. The Sioux Scout had all the key features of a modern attack helicopter: a tandem cockpit, stub wings for weapons, and a chin-mounted gun turret. After evaluating the Sioux Scout in early 1964, the Army was impressed, but also felt the Sioux Scout was undersized, underpowered, and generally not suited for practical use.

The army's solution to the shortcomings of the Sioux Scout was to launch the Advanced Aerial Fire Support System (AAFSS) competition. The AAFSS requirement gave birth to the Lockheed AH-56 Cheyenne, a heavy attack helicopter with high speed capability. It proved to be too sophisticated, and was canceled in 1972, after ten years of development. The Army sought greater survivability in a conventional attack helicopter.

Model 209

At the same time, despite the Army's preference for the AAFSS—for which Bell Helicopter was not selected to compete—Bell stuck with their own idea of a smaller and lighter gunship. In January 1965 Bell invested $1 million to proceed with a new design. Mating the proven transmission, the "540" rotor system of the UH-1C augmented by a Stability Control Augmentation System (SCAS), and the T53 turboshaft engine of the UH-1 with the design philosophy of the Sioux Scout, Bell produced the Model 209. Bell's Model 209 largely resembled the "Iroquois Warrior" mockup.

In Vietnam, events were also advancing in favor of the Model 209. Attacks on US forces were increasing, and by the end of June 1965 there were already 50,000 US ground troops in Vietnam. 1965 was also the deadline for AAFSS selection, but the program would become stuck in technical difficulties and political bickering. The U.S. Army needed an interim gunship for Vietnam and it asked five companies to provide a quick solution. Submissions came in for armed variants of the Boeing-Vertol ACH-47A, Kaman HH-2C Tomahawk, Piasecki 16H Pathfinder, Sikorsky S-61, and the Bell 209.

On 3 September 1965 Bell rolled out its Model 209 prototype, and four days later it made its maiden flight, only eight months after the go-ahead. In April 1966, the model won an evaluation against the other rival helicopters. The Army then signed the first production contract for 110 aircraft. Bell added "Cobra" to the UH-1's Huey nickname to produce its HueyCobra name for the 209. The Army applied the Cobra name to its AH-1G designation for the helicopter.

The Bell 209 demonstrator was used for the next six years to test weapons and fit of equipment. It had been modified to match the AH-1 production standard by the early 1970s. The demonstrator was retired to the Patton Museum at Fort Knox, Kentucky and converted to approximately its original appearance.

Into production

The Bell 209 design was modified for production. The retractable skids were replaced by simpler fixed skids. A new wide-chord rotor blade was featured. For production, a plexiglass canopy replaced the 209's armored glass canopy which was heavy enough to harm performance. Other changes were incorporated after entering service. The main one of these was moving the tail rotor from the helicopter's left side to the right for improved effectiveness of the rotor.

The AH-1 was the first U.S. Army helicopter not named for a Native American people since the practice began with the H-13 Sioux and continued with the UH-1 Iroquois, AH-56 Cheyenne, OH-58 Kiowa, and later helicopters.

The U.S. Marine Corps was interested in the Cobra and ordered an improved twin-engine version in 1968 under the designation AH-1J. This would lead to more twin-engine variants. In 1972, the Army sought improved anti-armor capability. Under the Improved Cobra Armament Program (ICAP), trials of eight AH-1s fitted with TOW missiles were conducted in October 1973. After passing qualification tests the following year, Bell was contracted with upgrading 101 AH-1Gs to the TOW-capable AH-1Q configuration. Following AH-1Q operational tests, a more powerful T53 engine and transmission were added from 1976 resulting in the AH-1S version. The AH-1S was upgraded in three steps, culminating with the AH-1F.

Operational history

US military

By June 1967, the first AH-1G HueyCobras had been delivered. Originally designated as UH-1H, the "A" for attack designation was soon adopted and when the improved UH-1D became the UH-1H, the HueyCobra became the AH-1G. The AH-1 was initially considered a variant of the H-1 line, resulting in the G series letter.

The first six AH-1s arrived at Bien Hoa Air Base, South Vietnam on 30 August 1967 for combat testing by the U.S. Army Cobra New Equipment Training Team.:11 They made their first combat kill on 4 September, sinking a sampan boat and killing four Viet Cong.:11 The first AH-1 unit, the 334th Assault Helicopter Company became operational on 6 October 1967. Cobras were in use by the Army until the U.S. withdrawal from South Vietnam in 1973. Cobras provided fire support for ground forces, escorted transport helicopters and other roles, including aerial rocket artillery (ARA) battalions in the two Airmobile divisions. They also formed "hunter killer" teams by pairing with OH-6A scout helicopters. A team featured one OH-6 flying slow and low to find enemy forces. If the OH-6 drew fire, the Cobra could strike at the then revealed enemy. On 12 September 1968, Capt. Ronald Fogleman was flying an F-100 Super Sabre when the aircraft was shot down and he ejected 200 miles north of Bien Hoa. Fogleman became the only pilot to be rescued by holding on to an Army AH-1G's deployed gun-panel door. Bell built 1,116 AH-1Gs for the U.S. Army between 1967 and 1973, and the Cobras chalked up over a million operational hours in Vietnam; the number of Cobras in service peaked at 1,081. Out of nearly 1,110 AH-1s delivered from 1967 to 1973 approximately 300 were lost to combat and accidents during the war. The U.S. Marine Corps used AH-1G Cobras in Vietnam for a short time before acquiring twin-engine AH-1J Cobras.

AH-1T Cobras were deployed for Operation Urgent Fury, the invasion of Grenada in 1983. Flying close-support and helicopter escort missions, two of the four available were lost to anti-aircraft fire while attacking Fort Frederick. Army Cobras participated in Operation Just Cause, the U.S. invasion of Panama in 1989.

During Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in the Gulf War (1990–91), the Cobras and SuperCobras deployed in a support role. The USMC deployed 91 AH-1W SuperCobras and the US Army 140 AH-1 Cobras of various models; these were operated from forward, dispersed desert bases. Three AH-1s were lost in accidents during fighting and afterward. Cobras destroyed many Iraqi armored vehicles and various targets in the fighting.

Army Cobras provided support for the US humanitarian intervention during Operation Restore Hope in Somalia in 1993. They were also employed during the US invasion of Haiti in 1994. US Cobras were also used in operations later in the 1990s.

The US Army phased out the AH-1 during the 1990s and retired the AH-1 from active service in March 1999, offering them to NATO allies. The Army retired the AH-1 from its reserves in September 2001. The retired AH-1s were then passed on to other nations, the last of which were liquidated in 2010. Some were also given to the USDA's Forest Service. The AH-1 continues to remain in service with the US Marine Corps, which operates the twin-engine AH-1W SuperCobra and AH-1Z Viper.

Israel

The Israeli Air Force named its Cobras as the "Tzefa" (Hebrew: צפע‎, for Viper). Since the mid-1970s Lebanon has been Israel's most active front; IAF Cobras had been fighting there for more than 20 years.

Cobra helicopters were also used widely by the Israeli Air Force in the 1982 Lebanon War to destroy Syrian armor and fortification. IAF Cobras destroyed dozens of Syrian ground vehicles. The Cobras were also used in major operations against Hezbollah in Operations "Accountability" and "Grapes of Wrath" in southern Lebanon.

Israel retired its fleet of 33 AH-1 Cobras in late 2013 due to budget cuts. The attack helicopter role was taken up entirely by the squadrons of Israeli AH-64 Apache helicopters, and the fleet of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) took over the role of patrolling combat zones. The Cobra fleet was older than the Apaches which contributed to some fatal crashes. The Cobras were more expensive to maintain than UAVs and their use exposed pilots to attacks from man-portable air-defense systems operated by guerrilla groups. In late 2014, Israel transferred 16 Cobras to the Royal Jordanian Air Force to add to their existing fleet for border security in response to threats posed by Islamic State militants or other insurgent groups.

Japan

Japan manufactured 89 AH-1S Cobras under license by Fuji Heavy Industries from 1984 to 2000. The type is used by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, and are Step 3 models, which are roughly the equivalent to the U.S. Army's AH-1Fs. The engine is the T53-K-703 turboshaft, which Kawasaki Heavy Industries produced under license.

Jordan

Jordan obtained 24 AH-1Fs in the late 1980s, and in 2001 obtained nine additional ex-US Army Cobras. In 2010 Jordan transferred 16 AH-1F helicopters to Pakistan, under a US-sponsored support program that provided Islamabad with 40 AH-1 refurbished helicopters.

In late 2014, Israel transferred 16 Cobras to the Royal Jordanian Air Force to add to their existing fleet for border security in response to threats posed by Islamic State militants or other insurgent groups.

The Royal Jordanian Air Force has at least one squadron of Cobras in service, and is supposed to have used them in combat in Iraq and Syria.

Turkey

Turkey bought ten AH-1Ws in the early 1990s, and supplemented them with 32 ex-US Army Cobras. The US Army Cobras included some TAH-1P trainers and the rest were brought up to AH-1F version. Turkish Cobras have seen combat in operations against Kurdish insurgents near the Iraqi border. Some Cobras have been lost in these operations.

Pakistan

Pakistan was supplied with 20 AH-1S gunships by the US from 1984 to 1986, these were later upgraded with the C-NITE thermal imaging package. Pakistan Army Aviation first used Cobra in Somalia during the United Nations Operation in Somalia II where one squadron was sent in 1994. Later Pakistani Cobras saw action in Sierra Leone.

Pakistan had 35 AH-1F helicopters in use in 2013. Maintaining these aircraft has been difficult, but possible through commercial channels. Additionally, the US government provided $750,000 through 2013 to update Pakistan Army Aviation's existing AH-1F/S Cobra fleet. Turkey has also supplied spare parts of Cobra helicopters to Pakistan free of cost. Pakistan lost three aircraft in the past decade.

Pakistan repeatedly sought the Bell AH-1 SuperCobra from the US to supplement and replace its current AH-1 Cobras. Attempts to acquire the AH-1Z Viper or AH-64 Apache from the US were rejected, so Pakistan turned to buying other foreign attack helicopters. Possible candidates have included the Turkish T129, the Chinese CAIC Z-10, and the Russian Mi-35 Hind. In November 2014, Russia approved the sale of Mi-35M helicopters to Pakistan. In April 2015, China delivered three Z-10s to Pakistan. During the same month, the US Department of State approved the sale of 15 AH-1Zs and associated equipment to Pakistan. As of October 2017, the T129 was also the contender.

Philippines

The Jordanian government offered to provide up to four surplus AH-1S Cobra/Tzefa attack helicopters to the Philippines for fighting terrorists. But the offer was reduced to two units, which the Philippine government accepted.

On 26 November 2019, an Antonov An-124 airlifter carrying the two Bell AH-1S Cobras from Jordan arrived in Clark International Airport / Clark Air Base. This was confirmed by the PAF's Commanding General Lt. Gen. Rozzano Briguez during his speech as part of the 15th Strike Wing's founding anniversary celebrations. The helicopters are said to be painted in light grey similar to the paint scheme of the PAF's AgustaWestland AW-109E armed helicopters.

US firefighting

In 2003, the US Forest Service acquired 25 retired AH-1Fs from the US Army. These have been designated Bell 209 and are being converted into Firewatch Cobras with infrared and low light sensors and systems for real time fire monitoring.

The Florida Division of Forestry also acquired three AH-1Ps from the US Army. These are called Bell 209 "Firesnakes" and are equipped to carry a water/fire retardant system.

Variants

Single-engine

  • Bell 209 : Original AH-1G prototype with retractable skid landing gear. This model number is also used by the FAA for the civilian registration of former U.S. Army AH-1s used in firefighting service.
  • AH-1G HueyCobra : Initial 1966 production model gunship for the US Army, with one 1,400 shp (1,000 kW) Avco Lycoming T53-13 turboshaft.
  • JAH-1G HueyCobra : One helicopter for armament testing including Hellfire missiles and multi-barrel cannon.
  • TH-1G HueyCobra : Two-seat dual-control trainer.
  • Z.14 HueyCobra : The Spanish Navy purchased eight new-build AH-1Gs, designating the type the "Z-14". These were equipped with the M35 20 mm cannon system, and were used to support coastal patrol boats. Four of these were lost in accidents. The remaining helicopters were retired in 1985 with three sent back to the US, and one kept in storage in Spain.
  • YAH-1Q : Eight AH-1Gs with XM26 Telescopic Sight Unit (TSU) and two M56 TOW 4-pack launchers.
  • AH-1Q HueyCobra : Equipped with the M65 TOW/Cobra missile subsystem, M65 Telescopic Sight Unit (TSU), and M73 Reflex sight. All future versions will be equipped with the TSU and be equipped to fire the TOW missile subsystem.
  • YAH-1R : AH-1G powered by a T53-L-703 engine without TOW system.
  • YAH-1S : AH-1Q upgrade and TOW system.
  • AH-1S : The baseline AH-1S is an AH-1Q upgraded with a 1,800 shp (1,300 kW) T53-L-703 turboshaft engine. The AH-1S is also referred to as the "Improved AH-1S", "AH-1S Modified", or "AH-1S(MOD)" prior to 1988. (Prior to 1988, all upgraded aircraft were referred to as variants of the AH-1S.).
  • QAH-1S : A target drone conversion of the AH-1S by Bell-Bristol Aerospace under a joint US and Canada development program started in 1994. Honeywell further modified the QAH-1S into the Hokum-X by installing systems and hardware to allow it to simulate the Russian Kamov Ka-50 attack helicopter. Three Hokum-Xs were completed from 1998–2001.
  • AH-1P : 100 production aircraft with composite rotors, flat plate glass cockpit, and improved cockpit layout for nap-of-earth (NOE) flight. The AH-1P is also referred to as the "Production AH-1S", or "AH-1S(PROD)" prior to 1988. These improvements are considered Step 1 of the AH-1S upgrade program.
  • AH-1E : 98 production aircraft with the Enhanced Cobra Armament System (ECAS) featuring the M97A1 armament subsystem with a three-barreled M197 20 mm cannon. The AH-1E is also referred to as the "Upgunned AH-1S", or "AH-1S(ECAS)" prior to 1988. These improvements are considered Step 2 of the AH-1S upgrade program. AH-1E aircraft included the M147 Rocket Management Subsystem (RMS) to fire 2.75-inch (70 mm) rockets.
  • AH-1F : 143 production aircraft and 387 converted AH-1G Cobras. The AH-1F incorporates all Step 1 and 2 upgrades to the AH-1S. It also featured Step 3 upgrades: a head-up display, a laser rangefinder, an infrared jammer mounted above the engine exhaust, and an infrared suppressing engine exhaust system, and the M143 Air Data Subsystem (ADS). The AH-1F is also referred to as the "Modernized AH-1S", "AH-1S Modernized Cobra", or "AH-1S(MC)" prior to 1988.
  • Model 249 : Experimental demonstrator version fitted with a four-bladed rotor system, an uprated engine and experimental equipment, including Hellfire missiles.
  • Bell 309 KingCobra : Experimental all-weather version based on the AH-1G single-engine and AH-1J twin-engine designs. Two Bell 309s were produced; the first was powered by a PW&C T400-CP-400 Twin-Pac engine set and the second was powered by a Lycoming T-55-L-7C engine.

Twin-engine

  • AH-1J SeaCobra : Original twin engine version.
  • AH-1J International : Export version of the AH-1J SeaCobra.
  • AH-1T Improved SeaCobra : Improved version with extended tailboom and fuselage and an upgraded transmission and engines.
  • AH-1W SuperCobra : ("Whiskey Cobra"), day/night version with more powerful engines and advanced weapons capability.
  • AH-1(4B)W Viper : "Four-Bladed Whiskey" test version with a four-bladed bearingless composite main rotor based on Bell 680 rotor. A prototype was converted from AH-1T 161022.
  • AH-1Z Viper : A new variant nicknamed "Zulu Cobra", and developed in conjunction with the UH-1Y Venom for the H-1 upgrade program. The variant includes an upgraded four-blade main rotor and adds the Target Sight System (TSS).
  • Bell 309 KingCobra : Experimental all-weather version based on the AH-1G single-engine and AH-1J twin-engine designs. Two Bell 309s were produced; the first was powered by a PW&C T400-CP-400 Twin-Pac engine set and the second was powered by a Lycoming T-55-L-7C engine.
  • CobraVenom : Proposed version for the United Kingdom.
  • AH-1RO Dracula : Proposed version for Romania.
  • AH-1Z King Cobra : AH-1Z offered for Turkey's ATAK program; selected for production in 2000, but later canceled when Bell and Turkey could not reach an agreement on production.
  • Panha 2091 : Unlicensed Iranian upgrade of AH-1J International.
  • IAIO Toufan : Iranian copy / re-manufactured AH-1J International by Iran Aviation Industries Organization, with locally sourced avionics, and weapons.

Operators (Single engine)

A small number of former military helicopters are operated by civil organizations for display and demonstration, for example by Red Bull.

  • Bahrain : Bahrain Air Force.
  • Japan : Japan Ground Self-Defense Force.
  • Jordan : Royal Jordanian Air Force.
  • Kenya : Kenya Air Force.
  • Pakistan : Pakistan Army.
  • Philippines : Philippine Air Force.
  • South Korea : Republic of Korea Army.
  • Thailand : Royal Thai Army.
  • Turkey : Turkish Army.
  • United States :
    • Florida Department of Forestry.
    • U.S. Forest Service.

    Former Operators (Single engine) :

  • Israel : Israeli Air Force.
  • Spain : Spanish Navy.
  • United States :
    • U.S. Army.
    • Washington State Department of Natural Resources.

Operators (Twin engine)

  • Iran : Islamic Republic of Iran Army Aviation.
  • Republic of China (Taiwan) : Republic of China Army.
  • Turkey : Turkish Army.

    • Former Operators (Twin engine) :

  • Iran : Imperial Iranian Army Aviation.
  • United States : United States Marine Corps.

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This text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License
Source : Article Bell AH-1 Cobra of Wikipedia ( authors )

Bell AH-1 Cobra

  • Role : Attack helicopter.
  • National origin : United States.
  • Manufacturer : Bell Helicopter.
  • First flight : 7 September 1965.
  • Introduction : 1967.
  • Status : In service.
  • Primary users :
    • United States Army (historical).
    • Japan Ground Self-Defense Force.
    • Republic of Korea Army.
    • Royal Jordanian Air Force.
  • Produced : 1967–2019.
  • Number built : 1,116.
  • Unit cost : US$11.3 million (1995) (AH-1 HueyCobra).
  • Developed from : Bell UH-1 Iroquois.
  • Variants :
    • Bell AH-1 SeaCobra/SuperCobra.
    • Bell 309 KingCobra.

    Specifications (AH-1G HueyCobra)

  • Crew : 2 : one pilot, one co-pilot/gunner (CPG).
  • Length : 53 ft (16 m) including rotors.
  • Fuselage length : 44 ft 5 in (13.5 m).
  • Height : 13 ft 6 in (4.11 m).
  • Width : 10 ft 4 in (3.15 m) stub wings.
  • Empty weight : 5,810 lb (2,635 kg).
  • Max takeoff weight : 9,500 lb (4,309 kg).
  • Maximum speed : 149 kn (171 mph, 276 km/h).
  • Never exceed speed : 190 kn (220 mph, 350 km/h).
  • Range : 310 nmi (360 mi, 570 km).
  • Service ceiling : 11,400 ft (3,500 m).
  • Rate of climb : 1,230 ft/min (6.2 m/s).
  • Powerplant : One Lycoming T53-L-13 turboshaft.
  • Power : 1,100 hp (820 kW).
  • Main rotor diameter : 44 ft 0 in (13.4 m).
  • Main rotor area : 1,520 sq ft (141 m²).
  • Blade section : NACA 0009.3 mod.
  • Armament :
    • Two 7.62 mm (0.308 in) multi-barrel Miniguns, or two M129 40 mm grenade launchers, or one of each, in the M28 turret. (When one of each was mounted, the minigun was mounted on the right side of the turret, due to feed requirements.).
    • 2.75 in (70 mm) rockets – 7 rockets mounted in the M158 launcher or 19 rockets in the M200 launcher.
    • M18 7.62 mm Minigun pod or XM35 armament subsystem with XM195 20 mm cannon.

— — — = = — — —

This text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License
Source : Article Bell AH-1 Cobra of Wikipedia ( authors )
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    The modified terms and conditions immediately apply to the using Visitor when changes come online. Visitors are invited to consult the site regularly on the most current version of the terms and conditions

    Governing Law and Jurisdiction

    These general conditions are governed by Belgian law.

    In case of dispute regarding the interpretation and/or execution of the above terms, the parties agree that the courts of the district of Nivelles, Belgium shall have exclusive jurisdiction power.

    Credits page

    Wikipedia.org

    Wikipedia is a collaboratively edited, multilingual, free Internet encyclopedia.

    Youtube

    YouTube is a video-sharing website on which users can upload, view and share videos.

    Special thanks to all Youtube quality aviation vids providers, specially (Those I forgot, please excuse me or report) :

    Airboyd
    Andys Video
    Aviation videos archives
    Bomberguy
    Classic Aviation TV
    Historical Aviation Film Unit
    Horsemoney
    Jaglavaksoldier
    Joluqa Malta
    Just Planes
    Koksy
    Classic Airliners & Vintage Pop Culture
    Memorial Flight
    Octane130
    Okrajoe
    SDASM archives
    Spottydog4477
    The Aviators TV
    Valentin Izagirre Bengoetxea
    Vexed123
    VonBerlich
    Zenos Warbirds

    Bundesarchiv

    The German Federal Archives or Bundesarchiv are the National Archives of Germany.

    FAQ

    I don't see my comments any more!

    Please note that each page has it's own comment entry. So, if you enter a comment i.e. on the B-747, you will only see it on that related page.

    General comments are accessed via the "BLOG En" button.

    Comments are moderated, so please allow some delay before they appear, specially if you are outside Europe.

    Menus are developing below the page, because they are too long!

    But they remain accessible, for example by scrolling the mouse wheel, or with your finger (on the menu) on a smartphone or tablet.

    I see adds on all videos.

    Use a good free add remover software.

    The site is loading random pages at startup.

    We think it is a good way to bring back the memory of aircraft, persons or events sometimes quite forgotten.

    HELP PAGE

    Why this site?

    Discovery

    This website is dedicated to one's aeronautical passion (which I hope we share) and was realised mainly as an educationnal tool. Knowing that, you'll notice that each new visit brings random topics for the purpose of making new discoveries, some achievements or characters certainly not deserving the oblivion into which they have sometimes fallen.

    By these pages, we also want to pay tribute to all those who gave at one time or another, their lives or health in the name of freedom, aeronautical security or simply our comfort.

    Centralisation

    Internet is full of websites dedicated to aviation, but most are dedicated to subjects or periods that are very limited in space or time. The purpose of this site is to be as general as possible and thus treats all events as well as characters of all stripes and times while putting much emphasis on the most significant achievements.

    The same years saw birth of technologies like photography and cinema, thus permitting illustration of a large part of important aeronautical events from the start. Countless (and sometimes rare) media recently put online by enthousiasts finally give us access to these treasures, but the huge amount of information often makes things a little messy. A centralization effort is obviously most needed at this level.

    All persons who directly or indirectly contributed to the achievement or posting of such documents are here gratefully acknowledged.

    General

    Fluid website

    This site automatically fits the dimensions of your screen, whether you are on a desktop computer, a tablet or a smartphone.

    Bilingual website

    You can change the language by clicking on the flag in the upper left or via "Options" in the central menu. Of course, the videos remain in the language in which they were posted ...

    Browser compatibility

    The site is not optimized, or even designed to run on older browsers or those deliberately deviating from standards. You will most probably encounter display issues with Internet Explorer. In this case, it is strongly recommended installing a modern (and free!) browser that's respecting the standards, like Firefox, Opera, Chrome or Safari.

    Cookies and Javascript

    This site uses cookies and JavaScript to function properly. Please ensure that your browser is configured accordingly. Neither of these technologies, or other means shall in no case be used on the Site for the retention or disclosure of personal information about its Visitors. See the "Legal" page for more on this subject.

    Website layout

    Left menus

    Because of the lack of space on smartphones and small tablets, these menus are hidden. Everything is nevertheless accessible via the main menu option, located between the video and photo sections. This menu is placed there for compatibility reasons with some browsers, which play the videos over the menus.

    "Search" and "Latest" :
    The link "In Titles" restricts the search to the titles of different forms. Use this option if you are looking for a plane, a constructor, a pilot or a particular event that could have been treated as a subject.

    The link "In Stories" will bring you to a search in all texts (the "Story" tab) and will take more time. The search term will appear highlighted in green when opening the corresponding story.

    Would you believe, "Timeline" will show all subjects in chronological order.

    "Random" will reload the entire page with a new random topic.

    The bottom section keeps you abreast of the latest five entries. New topics are added regularly. Don't hesitate to come visit us often : add bookmark.

    Blogs and Comments central section

    Under the photos section comes the comments tabs window :

    You can enter general comments in your own language via one of the two buttons on the left (BLOG EN and BLOG FR). Note that these buttons are accessible regardless of the language to allow some participation in the other language.

    All comments are subject to moderation and will be published only if they comply with the basic rules of decorum, while remaining relevant to the purpose of this site.

    The third tab allows you to enter comments on the shown topic and is bilingual. Personal anecdotes, supplements and other information questions will take place here.

    The "Story" tab shows the explanatory texts. They are most often taken from Wikipedia, a site where we participate regularly.

    The "Data" tab is reserved for list of features and specifications.

    Right menus

    On a smartphone, the lack of space is growing and this menu is moved to the bottom of the page to give priority to videos and pictures.

    The top right icons are links to videos posted by third parties (on their own responsabilities) or by ourselves. The link below these icons will take you to the channel of the one who posted the video. Feel free to suggest other videos if you think they are of some interest (Use the BLOG button or the "Contact" link).