AH-1 Cobra
Air-Attack.com > Military Systems > AH-1 Cobra
This small, light, but very deadly attack helicopter is the prime attack helicopter of the USMC (Marine Corps).
The AH-1W Super Cobra is a day and night attack helicopter that provides enroute escort for assault helicopters and their embarked forces. The Super Cobra is a tandem-seat, twin-engine helicopter capable of land- or sea-based operations.
It can provide fire support and fire support coordination to the landing force during amphibious assaults and subsequent operations ashore.
The AH-1W is operated in eight composite HMLA squadrons composed of 18 AH-1 and 9 UH-1 aircraft.
The super cobra (AH-1W) is currently being outfitted with a Night Targeting System/Forward Looking Infrared Radar that provides laser rangefinding/designating and camera capabilities.
Specifications
Primary function: | Attack helicopter | Manufacturer: | Bell Helicopter Textron. |
Power plant: | Two General Electric T700-GE-401 engines. |
Thrust: |
Full: | 2082 shaft horsepower for 30 minutes (transmission limited) |
Continuous: | 1775 shaft horsepower. |
Length: | 58 feet (17.67 meters). |
Height: | 13.7 feet (4.17 meters). |
Rotor Diameter: | 48 feet (14.62 meters). |
Speed: | 147 knots (169.05 miles per hour) in basic combat attack configuration. |
Maximum takeoff weight: | 14,750 pounds (6,696.50 kilograms). |
Range: | 256 nautical miles (294.4 miles) in basic combat attack configuration. |
Ceiling: | 18,700 feet (5703.5 meters) in basic combat attack configuration | Crew: | 2 officers. |
Unit Cost: | $10,700,000. |