The AH-1 Cobra was one of the first attack helicopters developed by the U.S. military that is still in use today.
Service in Vietnam
The AH-1 Cobra is a two bladed, single engine attack helicopter used by the U.S. military. It was developed by Bell Helicopter in the early 1960s. The Cobra has been in service with the U.S. military since 1967. The attack helicopter was developed for use in the Vietnam Conflict. The Cobra served as the main attack helicopter of the U.S. military until it was replaced by the AH-64 Apache. However, the Cobra attack helicopter is still used by the U.S. Marines Corps.
The Cobra has a crew of two – a pilot and co-pilot. The helicopter is heavily armed with two 7.62 miniguns, 40 millimeter grenade launchers, Hydra rockets, TOW missiles, and M-197 Gatling Gun. The Cobra can travel at a maximum speed of about 170 miles per hour and can carry up to 9,500 pounds of weight.
Use around the World
The Cobra attack helicopter has served in every major combat action involving the U.S. military since the Vietnam Conflict – including in Iraq and Afghanistan. Several militaries around the world have also adopted and used the Cobra, including Israel, Pakistan and Japan. The Cobra is praised for its extensive firepower and speed. There have been many versions of the Cobra attack helicopter produced over the years, including the experimental "Bell 309 King Cobra," which uses a Lycoming T-55-L-7C engine.
In addition to it use as a military attack helicopter, the Cobra is also used by the U.S. Fire Service. The Fire Service uses Cobra helicopters to conduct real time fire monitoring using infrared technology and low light sensors. In total, the U.S. Fire Service has acquired about 25 Cobra helicopters from the U.S. military for use in monitoring and tracking forest fires around the country – particularly in heavily wooded areas.