The Bell AH-1 Cobra is a single-engined attack helicopter developed and manufactured by the American rotorcraft manufacturer Bell Helicopter. A member of the prolific Huey family, the AH-1 is also referred to as the HueyCobra or Snake.

Developed from the Huey transport helicopter, the Cobra was the first purpose-built helicopter gunship to enter military service. It was the mainstay of U.S. Army attack aviation from its combat debut in South Vietnam during 1967 until replaced by the AH-64 Apache in the 1980s and ‘90s.

Development of the Cobra began in the 1960s when the US Army identified the need for an “Air Cavalry” Brigade that would be equipped with armed helicopters. The armed version of the UH1 was successful, but it had several shortcomings, notably its speed, length of time it could remain over its target, and its relatively small ordnance load.

The AH-1F "Modernized" Cobra represents the culmination of the US Army's long-term Cobra upgrade program. First delivered to the Army in 1979, the AH-1F fielded a new fire control system, featuring a heads-up display (HUD), and upgraded sights and rangefinders.

Jul 11, 2016 · The AH-1F incorporates all Step 1 and 2 upgrades to the AH-1S. It also featured Step 3 upgrades: a head-up display, a laser rangefinder, an infrared jammer mounted above the engine exhaust, and an infrared suppressing engine exhaust system, and the M143 Air Data Subsystem (ADS).

Developed from the Huey transport helicopter, the Cobra was the first purpose-built helicopter gunship to enter military service. It was the mainstay of U.S. Army attack aviation from its combat debut in South Vietnam during 1967 until replaced by the AH-64 Apache in the 1980s and ‘90s.

* The very first operational purpose-designed helicopter gunship, the Bell AH-1 HueyCobra, was designed in the mid-1960s as an "interim solution" to support the US Army in the Vietnam War. This "interim solution" is still being manufactured and improved in the 21st century, making it a success far beyond the wildest dreams of its creators.

Jul 24, 2023 · The Bell AH-1 Cobra is a single-engined attack helicopter developed and manufactured by the American rotorcraft manufacturer Bell Helicopter. A member of the prolific Huey family, the AH-1 is also referred to as the HueyCobra or Snake.

It became the worlds’ first operational attack helicopter. It has tandem seats with the gunner in front operating the weapons systems and the pilot behind. The first series was delivered to the US Army in 1967 and used immediately in the Vietnam War.

The AH-1 Cobra series was the first purpose-made attack helicopter in the US Army, and for many years the only Western helicopter with proven air-to-air and anti-radar missile capabilities.