The AH-1 Cobra was the world's first dedicated (that is, specifically designed) armed attack helicopter. The need for an armed gunship to protect unarmed helicopters had quickly become apparent during the early months of the conflict when many helicopters were lost to ground fire. The AH-1, being fast, heavily armed, and highly maneuverable, proved itself a powerful combatant throughout the rest of the war. Its precedent-setting design has led to many other variations (including some with two engines) and a number of other armed helicopters have been developed by different manufacturers.
Contractor: Bell
Crew: Two (pilot in rear, copilot/gunner in front)
Powerplant
Two 1212-kW General Electric T700-GE-401 turboshafts
Dimensions
Length: 58 feet
Wingspan: 10 feet 7 in
Height: 14 feet 2 in
Weights
Empty: 10,200 lb (4627 kg) -- AH-1W
Maximum Takeoff: 14,750 lb (6691 kg) -- AH-1W
Performance
Speed: 175mph (152kt, 282 km/h)
Ceiling: N/A
Range: 395 miles (635 km / 343 nm) -- AH-1W
Armament
one chin-mounted M-197 3-barrelled 20mm cannon. Max 2,466 lb including 8 TOW or hellfire ATGMs, seven or 19-shot 70mm (2.75 in) rocket pods, 127mm (5 in) Zuni rockets, cluster munitions, napalm, AIM-9 and Stinger IR AAMs and drop tanks; qualified for AGM-65 Maverick AGMs.
