Bell AH-1 SuperCobra

The AH-1 SuperCobra is the US Marine twin-engined version of the base AH-1
HueyCobra.

Designation: Bell AH-1 SuperCobra
Classification Type: Attack Helicopter
Contractor: Bell Helicopter Textron - USA
Country of Origin: United States
Initial Year of Service: 1986

The AH-1W and AH-1J SuperCobra series of helicopters are an updated and
slightly modified version of the AH-1 HueyCobra (or simply "Cobra") detailed
elsewhere on this website.

Much like the base Cobra, the SuperCobra is a two-bladed, tandem-seat
(gunner in front and pilot in back - though controls are redundant to an
extent), attack helicopter. The most notable exterior difference between the
original HueyCobra and the SuperCobra is the fitting of two turbines instead
of the standard single one. The SuperCobra weapon system can perform
anti-armor, air cavalry and armed reconnaissance roles and can attack point
(individual) targets with its anti-armor and anti-helicopter capabilities.

The SuperCobra is designed to provide fire support and security for various
mission-types. Weaponry revolved around mission-specific needs and can
include the TOW and Hellfire anti-armor missiles, Sidewinder anti-aircraft
missiles, Sidearm anti-radar missiles, Hydra 70 rocket pods, 20mm cannon
pods and 7.62mm machine gun pods. Primary standard armament is a General
Electric (GE) three-barrel 20mm M197 gatling gun in a powered chin turret
assembly.

The SuperCobra helicopter is currently in service with the United States
Marines, filling the same role as the AH-1 Cobra fills for the United States
Army. The Marine Corps flies the AH-1W Super Cobra only while the AH-1J was
exported to Iran. The Marine Corps can field up to 103 AH-1Ws SuperCobras
from its inventory.

Variants
AH-1G - Initial Production Model of which 1,078 were produced.
AH-1Q - Anti-Armor Variant with provisions for Hughes TOW missiles.
AH-1S - Improved powerplant, transmission, avionics, cockpit and weapons
systems.
AH-1S(MC) - Sub-Series Variant of the AH-1S.
AH-1F - Redesignation of the AH-1S(MC)
AH-1S(MOD) - Converted AH-1S
AH-1P - Redesignation of the AH-1S (early builds)
AH-1E - Redesignation of the AH-1S featuring the improved weapons
capabilities.
AH-1T "Sea Cobra" - US Marine Corps variant with twin-engines.
AH-1W "SuperCobra" - US Marine Corps variant with twin-engines (also
exported to Taiwan and Turkey).
AH-1Z - SuperCobra variant modernization for the US Marine Corps featuring
four-blade composite main rotor system; fitted with 2 x General Electric
T700-GE-401C turboshaft engines.
AH-1J "SuperCobra" - Iranian Export Model

Specifications for the Bell AH1-W SuperCobra
Dimensions:
Length: 45.51ft (13.87m)
Width: 0.00ft (0.00m)
Height: 14.57ft (4.44m)

Performance: About MACH
Max Speed: 173mph (278kmh; 150kts)
Max Range: 365miles (587km)
Rate-of-Climb:800ft/min (244m/min)
Service Ceiling: 13,999ft (4,267m; 2.7miles)

Structure:
Accommodation: 2
Hardpoints: 4
Empty Weight: 10,919lbs (4,953kg)
MTOW: 14,749lbs (6,690kg)

Powerplant:
Engine(s): 2 x General Electric T700-GE-401 Turboshafts driving two blade
main and tail rotors and generating 1,723shp.
Armament Suite:
1 x 20mm 3-barrel gatling gun

Mission-specific armament may include any combination of the following:

8 x Hughes TOW
8 x AGM-114 Hellfire anti-armor missiles
2 x AIM-9L air-to-air missiles
2 x AGM-122A Sidearm air-to-surface anti-radiation missiles
2 x 2.75in 7-Shot Munition Dispensing/HE Rocket Pods
2 x 2.75in 19-Shot Munition Dispensing/HE Rocket Pods
2 x 7.62mm Machine Gun pods