Spotlight: AH-1 Cobra

U.S. Marines AH-1W Super Cobra refueling during Operation Iraqi Freedom.Once the backbone of the United States Army attack helicopter fleet, the AH-1 has been fully replaced by the AH-64 Apache in service. Upgraded versions continue to fly with the United States Marine Corps.

AH-1 Cobras were in use by the Army during the Tet offensive in 1968 and through the end of the Vietnam War. During the 1983 invasion of Grenada, the Huey Cobra supported Marine operations on the island.

During Operation Desert Storm, Cobras and SeaCobras deployed in a support role. Approximately 78 Marine Cobras flew 1,273 sorties with no combat losses and only one noncombat loss.

Cobra helicopter gunships were also used widely by the Israeli Air Force in Operation Peace for Galilee to destroy Syrian armor and fortification. IAF Cobras destroyed dozens of Syrian armored fighting vehicles, including many of the modern Soviet T-72 main battle tanks.

Iranian AH-1J SeaCobras participated in air combat with Iraqi Mi-24s on several separate occasions during the Iran-Iraq War. The results of these engagements are disputed, in a document titled "AH-1W Air Combat Maneuver Training -- Why It Must Be Reinstated" in 1992 by Major R. M. Brady, it is cited that "Iranian AH-1Js engaged Iraqi MI-8 Hip and MI-24 Hind helicopters. Unclassified sources report that the Iranian AH-1 pilots achieved a 10:1 kill ratio over the Iraqi helicopter pilots during these engagements (1:5). Additionally, Iranian AH-1 and Iraqi fixed wing aircraft engagements also occurred." Others claim that in the entire 8-year conflict, 10 Iranian AH-1Js were lost in combat, compared to 6 Iraqi Mi-24. Iranian AH-1Js are still operating today and have undergone indigenous upgrade programs. In 1988, two MiG-23 piloted by the former-USSR pilots shot down two Iranian AH-1Js that strayed into western Afgan airspace after a prolonged aerial engagement.

AH-1 Cobras continue to operate with the US military, most notably in the ongoing conflict in Iraq. The Israeli Air Force also operates the Cobra as the "Tzefa" with highly favorable reviews. The Cobra is simpler to maintain than the Apache, and has a smaller shipboard footprint, two main reasons it remains in service with the Marine Corps. Its main usage is against armored targets. The Cobra's narrow front gives it a defensive advantage making it a harder target to acquire.

General Characteristics

  • AH-1Crew: 2 - one pilot, one CPG (co-pilot/gunner)
  • Length: 44 ft 7 in (13.6 m)
  • Rotor diameter: ft (m)
  • Height: 13 ft 5 in (4.1 m)
  • Disc area: ft² (m²)
  • Empty weight: 6,600 lb (2,993 kg)
  • Max takeoff weight: 10,000 lb (4,500 kg)
  • Powerplant: 2× General Electric T700 turboshaft, 1,800 shp (1,300 kW) each

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 149 knots (172 mph, 277 km/h)
  • Range: 274 nm (315 mi, 510 km)
  • Service ceiling: 12,200 ft (3,720 m)
  • Rate of climb: 1,620 ft/min (8.2 m/s)

Armament

  • M197 3-barreled 20mm "Gatling-style" cannon (750 rounds ammo capacity)
  • 2.75mm (70mm) rockets - 14 rockets mounted in M or M launchers
  • TOW Missiles - 4 or 8 missiles mounted in two-missile launchers on each hardpoint

External Links

Article courtesy of Wikipedia.