AH-1F System Information

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History and development of the AH-1 Cobra

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.

The original Huey Cobra, the AH-1G, has been modified and improved over the years to the present modernized Cobra, the AH-1F. The lineage and AH-1 differences which have occurred can be seen on the chart below.

AH-1 Differences

*Note The AH-1S was produced as a Mod-S and Prod-S. Most of the Mod-S were equipped with the rounded canopy while the Prod-S were equipped with the square canopy.

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Updated: 12 January 2008

Born on 23 September 1998