The Bell AH-1 Cobra is a single-engine attack helicopter produced by the American rotorcraft manufacturer Bell Helicopter.
It is part of the well-known Huey family and is also known as the HueyCobra or Snake.
The AH-1 was quickly developed to meet the United States Army’s requirements during the Vietnam War.
It utilized the same engine, transmission, and rotor system as the Bell UH-1 Iroquois, which had already proven to be effective during the conflict.
However, it featured a redesigned narrow fuselage and other modifications.
The original AH-1 was designed as an attack helicopter, equipped with stub wings for weapons, a chin-mounted gun turret, and an armoured tandem cockpit for a pilot and gunner.
Its purpose was to provide armed escort for transport helicopters, enhancing their survivability in hostile environments.
The Model 209 prototype made its first flight on 7 September 1965, and after gaining support from senior officials, production proceeded rapidly with minimal changes.
In June 1967, the initial AH-1 helicopters were introduced into service with the US Army and swiftly sent to the Vietnam theatre.
They were primarily utilized to provide fire support to friendly ground forces, accompany transport helicopters, and operate in “hunter killer” teams alongside Hughes OH-6A Cayuse scout helicopters.
Throughout the Vietnam War, the Cobra fleet collectively accumulated over one million operational hours; approximately 300 AH-1s were lost in combat.
Apart from the US Army, various branches of the US military, notably the United States Marine Corps, also chose to procure this type of helicopter.
Moreover, numerous sales were finalized with several foreign countries, such as Israel, Japan, and Turkey.
The AH-1 has been a key component of the US Army’s attack helicopter fleet for many years, participating in various conflicts such as Vietnam, Grenada, Panama, and the Gulf War.
Over time, the Cobra was gradually replaced by the more advanced Boeing AH-64 Apache in the 1990s, with the last units retired in 2001.
The Israeli Air Force (IAF) extensively utilized the Cobra along its border with Lebanon, particularly during the 1982 Lebanon War.
Turkish AH-1 helicopters have also been involved in combat against Kurdish insurgents near the country’s southern borders.
Upgraded versions of the Cobra, like the twin-engine AH-1 Seacobra/Supercobra and the experimental Bell 309 Kingcobra, have been developed.
Additionally, surplus AH-1 helicopters have found new roles, including civilian applications, with many being converted for aerial firefighting missions.
Variants
Single engine
Bell 209
Original AH-1G prototype with retractable skid landing gear.
The same model number is utilized by the FAA to register former U.S. Army AH-1 helicopters that are now employed in firefighting roles.
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 cannons.
TH-1G HueyCobra
Two-seat dual-control trainer.
Z.14 HueyCobra
The Spanish Navy purchased eight new-build AH-1Gs, designating the type “Z-14”.
These were equipped with the M35 20 mm cannon system and were used to support coastal patrol boats.
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 will be equipped to fire the TOW missile subsystem.
YAH-1R
The AH-1G model equipped with a T53-L-703 engine and this model does not include a TOW missile system.
YAH-1S
AH-1Q enhancement and TOW system.
AH-1S
The AH-1S is essentially an upgraded version of the AH-1Q, featuring a more powerful 1,800 shp (1,300 kW) T53-L-703 turboshaft engine.
QAH-1S
The AH-1S was converted into a target drone by Bell-Bristol Aerospace as part of a collaborative development program between the US and Canada, beginning in 1994.
Honeywell later transformed the QAH-1S into the Hokum-X by integrating specialized systems and hardware to replicate the capabilities of the Russian Kamov Ka-50 attack helicopter.
Between 1998 and 2001, a total of three Hokum-Xs were successfully produced.
AH-1P
100 production helicopters featuring composite rotors, flat plate glass cockpit, and enhanced cockpit layout for nap-of-earth (NOE) flight.
The AH-1P is also known as the “Production AH-1S”, or “AH-1S(PROD)” before 1988.
These enhancements are recognized as Step 1 of the AH-1S upgrade program.
AH-1E
98 aircraft were produced with the Enhanced Cobra Armament System (ECAS) which included the M97A1 armament subsystem featuring a three-barrelled M197 20 mm cannon.
The AH-1E was known as the “Up gunned AH-1S” or “AH-1S(ECAS)” before 1988.
These enhancements were part of Step 2 in the AH-1S upgrade initiative.
AH-1E helicopters were equipped with the M147 Rocket Management Subsystem (RMS) for firing 2.75-inch (70 mm) rockets.
AH-1F
143 units of the AH-1F were produced, and 387 AH-1G Cobras were converted.
The AH-1F includes Step 1 and 2 upgrades from the AH-1S, as well as Step 3 upgrades such as a head-up display, a laser rangefinder, an infrared jammer, an infrared suppressing engine exhaust system, and the M143 Air Data Subsystem (ADS).
It was also known as the “Modernised AH-1S”, “AH-1S Modernised Cobra”, or “AH-1S(MC)” before 1988.
Model 249
The prototype features a four-bladed rotor system, an enhanced engine, and experimental gear such as Hellfire missiles.
Bell 309 KingCobra
An experimental all-weather variant was developed utilizing the AH-1G single-engine and AH-1J twin-engine configurations.
Two Bell 309 helicopters were manufactured, with the initial one featuring a PW&C T400-CP-400 Twin-Pac engine set, while the second was equipped with a Lycoming T-55-L-7C engine.
Specifications
Crew
2
Length
53 ft (16 m) including rotors
Fuselage length
44 ft 5 in (13.5 m)
Width
10 ft 4 in (3.15 m) stub wings
Height
13 ft 6 in (4.11 m)
Empty weight
5,810 lb (2,635 kg)
Max take-off weight
9,500 lb (4,309 kg)
Powerplant
1 × Lycoming T53-L-13 turboshaft,
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
Performance
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)
Armament
2 × 7.62 mm (0.308 in) multi-barrel Miniguns
Or
2 × M129 40 mm grenade launchers
Or
One of each, in the M28 turret
2.75 in (70 mm) rockets, 7 rockets mounted in the M158 launcher
