Aircraft Background

First flown in prototype form on September 7, 1965, and named Huey Cobra, this helicopter was first delivered to the US Army in June, 1967, and within two months the helicopter was being used operationally in Vietnam. The Marines also operated armed Hueys in Vietnam, and their interest in this helicopter resulted in 38 AH-1Gs being supplied from the US Army production line in 1969.

History

The primary missions of the Cobra are helicopter Close Air Support (CAS), escort of transport helicopters and ground convoys, armed reconnaissance, helicopter air-to-air attack, anti-shipping operations, and coordination and terminal control of fixed wing CAS, artillery, mortars, and naval gunfire. It is the only western attack helicopter with a proven air-to-air and anti-radar missile capability. The rear seat pilot is primarily responsible for maneuvering the aircraft. The front pilot controls the aircraft's weapons systems.

Specifications

Engine

Pratt & Whitney (Canada) T400-CP-400

Length

(Rotor turning) 52 feet 11 1/2 inches

Height

13 ft 6 1/4 in

Main Rotor Diameter

44 ft

Tail Rotor Diameter

8 ft 6 in

Weight

6,667 lbs

Armament

One M-197 three-barrel 20mm cannon and 2200 lbs external ordnance

Role

Attack and close support helicopter

Crew

Number Built

Bureau Number

15-7771

Total Landings

6323

Maximum Speed

207 mph

Service Ceiling

11,398 ft

Range

359 mi

DATE	Duty stations

31 Aug 1970:

Accepted on charge at USAACOM, Fort Worth, TX.

04 Sep 1970:

Taken on charge, RDT, MCAS New River, NC.

14 Jan 1971:

Taken on charge at USAACOM, Fort Worth, TX.

24 May 1971: