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| Description (photo's above taken 12 May 2006) | |||
| Manufacturer: | Bell Helicopter (Textron), Ft. Worth, TX | ||
| Designation: | AH-1 | ||
| Version: | F | ||
| Nickname: | Cobra | ||
| Type: | Helicopter (Utility / General purpose) | ||
| First Flew: | (initial production of model AH-1G in 1966) | ||
| Specifications | |||
| Length: | M | ||
| Height: | M | ||
| Rotor Span: | ' | M | |
| Empty Weight: | lbs | Kg | |
| Gross Weight: | 10,000.00 lbs | ah1f | |
| Max Weight: | 10,000.00lbs | ah1f | |
| Propulsion | |||
| No. of Engines: | 1 | ||
| Powerplant: | l-703 | ||
| Horsepower (each): | 1290, 1485 shp | ||
| Performance | |||
| Range: | miles | Km | |
| Cruise Speed: | mph | Km/H | Kt |
| Max Speed: | Mph | Km/H | Kt |
| Climb: | Ft/min | M/min | |
| Ceiling: | Ft | M | |
The Cobra was the world's first helicopter specifically designed for the armed helicopter direct fire support role. Although it's predecessor, the UH-1 (Huey), had been modified to the armed helicopter role, there was a compromise in helicopter performance. The addition of weaponry on the UH-1 created an increase in both weight and drag; therefore, this left the paradox of an escort aircraft which had less speed and maneuverability than the troop and cargo aircraft it was to support.
The quickest improvement was to modify the Huey into an integrated weapons configuration that would maximize utilization of battle proven Huey components and fashioned in a shape that would provide the performance, maneuverability, and mission effectiveness that combat required.
It was under these design parameters that the Cobra took shape. The original Cobra (AH-1G) utilized many of the operational components of the Huey to include the 540 rotor system, T53 series engine, transmission, and tailrotor system. However, a much slimmer fuselage was adapted with a tandem seating arrangement. The slimmer fuselage allowed for a faster and more agile aircraft mainly due to the reduction in aerodynamic drag, while the tandem seating created almost unlimited visibility.
VARIANTS
Most older Cobra variants still in operation have been upgraded to the AH-1F standard. Also produced in Romania and Japan under license from Bell Textron in the U.S.
AH-1G: Initial production model in 1966
AH-1S: Upgraded 1960s produced aircraft in late 1980s to the standard TOW carry-ing version.
AH-1P: A set of AH-1S aircraft fitted with composite rotors, flat plate glass cockpits, and NVG capabilities.
AH-1E: A set of AH-1S aircraft upgraded with the Enhanced Cobra Armament System incorporating the universal turret, 20-mm gun, automatic compensation for off-axis gun firing, and weapon management system.
AH-1F: Current standard Cobra. Also referred to as the “Modernized Cobra”which incorporated all past upgrades.
The Museum's AH-1F
On display is the AH-1F, U.S. Army S/N: 69-16416, and this aircraft is on loan from the U.S. Army. It arrived at the museum on 11 December 2005 from Marana Air Base, AZ, after being transported as cargo of a C-17 flight.
