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.
ROLE: Attack and close support helicopter
Crew: Two
Number Built: 69
Bureau Number: 15-7771
Total Landings: 6323
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
PERFORMANCE
Maximum speed: 207 mph
Service Ceiling: 11,398 ft
Range: 359 miles
Previous Duty Stations
AH-1J SeaCobra
Bureau Number :15-7771
Total Landings: 6323
| 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: | Taken on charge, HMA-269, New River, NC. |
| 13 Aug 1971: | Taken on charge, H&MS 26, New River, NC. |
| 10 Dec 1971: | Taken on charge, HMA-269, New River, NC. |
| 06 May 1975: | Taken on charge, HMA-261, New River, NC. |
| 14 Jun 1975: | Taken on charge, HMA-269, New River, NC. |
| 16 Dec 1976: | Taken on charge, HMA-461, New River, NC. |
| 04 Mar 1977: | Taken on charge, HMA-269, New River, NC. |
| 27 Apr 1977: | Taken on charge, HMA-461, New River, NC. |
| 01 Jun 1977: | Taken on charge, HMA-269, New River, NC. |
| 22 Apr 1978: | Taken on charge, HMA-169, Camp Pendleton, CA. |
| 09 Mar 1979: | Taken on charge, HMM-262, Kaneohe, HI. |
| 13 Sep 1979: | Taken on charge, HMA-169, Camp Pendleton, CA. |
| 04 Oct 1979: | Taken on charge, HMA-369, Camp Pendleton, CA. |
| 06 Jun 1980: | Taken on charge, NATTC, Millington, TN |
| 28 Dec 1982: | Struck off charge |
Abbreviations used:
| USAACOM: | US Army Area Command |
| MCAS: | Marine Corps Air Station |
| RDT: | Research Development Test |
|
HMA:
|
Marine Attack Helicopter Squadron |
| H&MS: | Headquarters and Maintainance |
| NATTC: | Naval Air Technical Training Center |