The AH-1S Cobra is an army-use ground-support helicopter that was developed from the UH-1 Iroquois during the Vietnam War to defend CH-47 Chinook helicopters. Modifications from the Iroquios are focussed in the front of the machine. The frontal area of the chopper's nose was reduced by 1/3, the pilot and gunner sit in tandem (front-to-back) configuration, and stabilizer wings were added to both sides of the aircraft which not only improve high-speed stability but provide a place to mount external ordnance. In addition, the main rotor was changed to the "door hinge" type providing better speed and performance. The main weapon is an Emerson-built TA102 turret mounting either a 7.62mm machine gun or 20mm cannon, and this is linked to the gunner's helmet for extremely high accuracy attacks. In addition, the entire cockpit area is shielded with armor plate to protect the crew against light weapons fire that may be encountered on the relatively low-speed, low altitude type missions that the Cobra frequently faces. The Cobra is primarily in use with the US Army and Marine Corps, though in different variants, with the AH-1S being the most recent type employed by the Army. This version is powered by a Lycoming T53-L-703 turbojet engine, and the transmission system has been upgraded to handle the additional power it provides. This also allowed for larger payloads for the Cobra, and this version can carry up to 8 TOW missiles, 38 rockets and a 20mm 3-barrel chain gun in the nose carrying 760 rounds.

Specifications

Crew: 3

Length: 13.59m

Height: 3.68m

Rotor Diameter: 13.41m

Weight: 2,940kg

Gross Weight: 4,536kg

Engine: Lycoming T53-L-703 Turbojet

Power  Output: 1,800shp

Maximum Speed: 315kmh

Operational Ceiling: 3,720m

Range: 507km

Fixed Armament: 20mm machine cannon

External Stores: TOW Missiles x 8, Rockets x 38