The AH-1 was the backbone of the United States Army's attack helicopter fleet, but has been replaced by the AH-64 Apache in Army service.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 several other users. The AH-1 twin engine versions remain in service with United States Marine Corps as the service's primary attack helicopter.
The AH-1 is the predecessor of the UH-1 both of which are manufactured by the Bell Company.The UH-1 has been the icon of the US troops in the Vietnam War.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.
Besides the helicopter is used till date by the US Marine corps, the Japanese Self Defense Force, the Pakistani army and the Isareli AirForce.Other than this the helicopter is used in Turkey and US forest Service.In 2003, the US Forest Service acquired 25 retired AH-1Fs from the US Army.[6] These have been designated Bell 209 and are being converted into Firewatch Cobras with infared and low light sensors and systems for real time fire monitoring.[10][11] The Florida Department of Forestry has also acquired 3 AH-1Ps from US Army. These are called Bell 209 "Firesnakes" and are equipped to carry a water/fire retardant system.
Technical Details:
AH-1F "Modernized" Cobra
[Credits: Google & Wiki]
General characteristics
* Crew: 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)
* Empty weight: 6,600 lb (2,993 kg)
* Max takeoff weight: 10,000 lb (4,500 kg)
* Powerplant: 1× Lycoming T53-L-703 turboshaft, 1,800 shp (1,300 kW)
* Rotor system: 2 blades on main rotor
Performance
* Maximum speed: 149 knots (172 mph, 277 km/h)
* Range: 274 nmi (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 20 mm "Gatling-style" cannon
* Hydra 70 2.75 in (70 mm) rockets - 7 rockets mounted in the M260 launcher or 19 rockets in the M261 launcher[18]
* TOW Missiles - 4 or 8 missiles mounted in two-missile launchers on each hardpoint
The different variants of the Cobra Helicopters are:
Single-engined:
1.Bell 209
2.AH-1G HueyCobra
3.TH-1G HueyCobra
4.YAH-1Q
5.AH-1Q HueyCobra
6.YAH-1R
7.YAH-1S
8.AH-1S
9.AH-1E
10.AH-1F
Twin-engined:
1.AH-1J
2.AH-1T
3.AH-1W
4.AH-1Z
Any way after being replaced by the Longbow it's retired from its service. the Cobra's still operated and has got its own unique style.I am quiet impressed about its cavalry operation which can be viewed in the movie called "We Were Soldiers" by Mel Gibson.
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