In 1966, the DOD contracted with Bell Helicopter, Inc. for 1,100 AH-1G aircraft, which logged more than 1 million flight hours in Vietnam. Subsequently, the USMC desired a twin engine AH-1G; thus, the SEA COBRA (AH-1J) was developed. The United States Marine Corps then identified a need for more armaments; thus, the AH-1T upgrade was initiated. This aircraft had an extended tailboom and fuselage and an upgraded transmission and engines.

The AH-1 is fully capable of performing its attack mission in all weather conditions. Additional missions include direct air support, antitank, armed escort, and air to air combat. The TOW missile targeting system uses a telescopic sight unit (traverse 110º, elevation 60º/+30º), a laser augmented tracking capability, thermal sights and a FLIR to allow for acquisition, launch, and tracking of all types of TOW missiles in all weather conditions. The Cobra also uses a digital ballistic computer, a HUD, Doppler nav, and a low speed air data sensor on the starboard side for firing, and has in-flight boresighting. External stores are mounted on underwing external stores points. Each wing has two hardpoints for a total of four stations. A representative mix when targeting armor formations would be eight TOW missiles, two 2.75-in rocket pods, and 750x 20-mm rounds. The gun must be centered before firing underwing stores. Armored cockpit can withstand small arms fire, and composite blades and tailboom are able withstand damage from 23-mm cannon hits.small arms fire, and composite blades and tailboom able to withstand damage from 23-mm cannon hits.

The Marines depend on attack helicopters to provide close-in fire support coordination in serial and ground escort operations. Such support is required during amphibious ship-to-shore movements and subsequent shore operations within the objective area. AH-1 is designed for the following tasks:

* Armed escort for helicopters carrying personnel and cargo

* Landing zone fire suppression support

* Visual armed reconnaissance

* Target marking and direction for high-performance attack aircraft

* Convoy escort and fire suppression for ground units

* Operations from air capable ships

* Point target attack of threatening armor

* Self-defense and protection of helicopters carrying personnel and cargo from threatening air-to-air weapon-equipped helicopters

By the early 1980s, USMC aircraft inventory was declining due to attrition; a fully navalized helicopter was sought. In 1983, the USMC contracted with Bell for 44 AH-1Ws. The AH-1W Super Cobra is a day/night marginal weather Marine Corps attack helicopter. The AH-1W is a two-place, tandem-seat, twin-engine helicopter capable of land- or sea-based operations. The AH-1W provides fire support and fire support coordination to the landing force during amphibious assaults and subsequent operations ashore. The AH-1W distinguished itself with its more powerful T700-GE-401 fully marinized engines and advanced electronic weapons capability. The AH-1W can fire TOW, Hellfire, and Sidewinder missiles and can be outfitted with Zuni rocket launchers.

The AH-1W is operated in eight composite HMLA squadrons composed of 18 AH-1 and 9 UH-1 aircraft. The AH-1W is outfitted with a Night Targeting System/Forward Looking Infrared Radar that provides laser rangefinding/designating and camera capabilities.

The AH-1W is operated in eight composite HMLA squadrons composed of 18 AH-1 and 9 UH-1 aircraft. The Marine Corps deployed 4 of 6 active force squadrons (48 AH-1Ws) to Southwest Asia during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. These helicopters destroyed 97 tanks, 104 armored personnel carriers and vehicles, 16 bunkers and 2 antiaircraft artillery sites without the loss of any aircraft. The deployment required no additional augmentation to squadron support personnel and only one Bell Helicopter technical representative.

AH-1G Cobra

Bell Helicopter won the competition for an interim fast armed escort helicopter in March 1966, against the Sikorsky S-61 and the Kaman HH-2C Tomahawk.

The original AH-1G prototype (Bell N209J) had fully retractable skids.

The AH-1G Cobra [or "Snake"] was first deployed to Vietnam in September 1967. The Cobra's primary mission was to give fire support to troop carrying Hueys. Its trial-by-fire introduction to service as the AH-1G in Vietnam immediately provided ground commanders with air superiority without the wait of calling in the Air Force. The narrow 38 inch wide airframe presented a much more difficult target than it's derivative, the 100 inch wide UH-1 "Huey". During the Vietnam War, the AH-1G Cobra was used extensively in a variety of missions ranging from armed escort and reconnaissance to fire suppression and aerial rocket artillery. The Cobra was often used effectively when paired with an unarmed OH-6A Cayuse "Loach" or OH-58A Kiowa light observation helicopter or a UH-1H "Nighthawk".

During the early 1970s, the Army conducted a series of tests in Ansbach, Germany. The tests were to determine the suitability of air cavalry elements and the AH-1G Cobra, in particular, to operate in an antitank role in the European environment. These tests demonstrated that antiarmor helicopter teams, properly employed and trained, could achieve high ratios of armored vehicles destroyed for every missile-firing helicopter lost. Armed scout and attack helicopters--especially when operating in nap-of-the-earth and nighttime environments--clearly were shown to have the required survivability and to be viable and essential elements of conventional mid- to high-intensity warfare. Thus the way was paved for the development of the modern attack and scout helicopters and the doctrinal principles that would take Army aviation into the next century.

The AH-1G Cobra was armed with 2.75 inch (70mm) Folding Fin Aerial Rockets (FFARs) in M158 seven-tube or M200 19-tube rocket launchers, used so effectively at An Loc in 1972. The Cobra had a chin-turret on the M28/M28A1 armament subsystem. The chin-turret mounted the M134 7.62mm minigun and the M129 40mm grenade launcher. The AH-1G could also be armed with the M134 minigun in fixed side-mounting M18/M18A1 gun pod, and the port (left) side mounting M195 20mm automatic gun on the M35 armament subsystem. The AH-1G could also mount the XM118 smoke grenade dispenser.

Some early model AH-1G/AH-1Q Cobras mounted either two M134 miniguns or two M129 grenade launchers in a M28A1 chin-turret (TAT-141). Because of problems with the ammunition feed systems, the twin-gun configuration was discontinued. The Cobra was first employed to Vietnam with the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) in August 1967. The Cobra's primary mission was to give fire support to troop carrying Hueys. The AH-1G/AH-1Q Cobras were powered by a single Lycoming T53-L-13 1400 shp turbine engine, and had a speed of 196 mph (170 knots), almost twice the speed of the UH-1 Huey. Both the AH-1G and AH-1Q Cobra used the M73 reflex sight. The Cobra performed it's job so well it was possible for the first time for Slicks and gun ships to operated as true air calvary.

The AH-1G was equipped with the CONFICS (Cobra Night Fire Control System) and the SMASH (Southeast Asia Multi-Sensor Armament Subsystem for Huey Cobra) systems to provide the Cobra with the capability of detecting, identifying, and targeting ground targets during day or night operations.

AH-1J Sea Cobra

The Marines also operated armed Hueys in Vietnam, and ordered their own version of the Cobra in May 1968. The USMC desired a twin engine AH-1G; thus, the SEA COBRA (AH-1J) was developed. Featuring the Pratt and Whitney Twinpac T400 engine (two 900-hp turboshaft engines coupled together) giving an overall increase in installed power, the AH-1J Sea Cobra included a new nose turret gun, the three barrel XM-197 20mm and other improvements. While development and production of the first 49 ordered were under way, the Marines obtained 38 AH-1Gs from the Army.

After initial training of Marines by the Army, Marine Huey Cobras first became operational in April 1969 with VMO-2 in Vietnam. In December 1969, the AH-1Gs were transferred to HML-367. After flight tests beginning that same month and subsequent trials, the first AH-1Js joined them in February 1971, entering combat the following month. AH-1Js, including those of HMA-369, participated in Southeast Asia operations until final withdrawal and continued as the Marine's attack helicopter afterwards, a total of 67 being delivered. The Marine AH-1Gs became the reserve helicopter attack squadron's aircraft.

AH-1Q Cobra

True to the arguments of those who feared for the AH-56 Cheyenne program, the funds for that program were almost immediately cut following the 1966 decision to buy the AH-1G, and the AH-56 Cheyenne eventually died. Ten prototypes were completed before the program was terminated August 9, 1972 due to delayed development, rising costs, and the appearance of two competitive company-funded initiatives by Sikorsky and Bell. The helicopter's mission would eventually be assumed by the Boeing (formerly McDonnell Douglas) AH-64 Series Apache attack helicopter.

The AH-1Q anti-armor version was the result of the Improved Cobra Armament Program (ICAP), to fill the operational gap left by the failure of the AH-56A Cheyenne program. The AH-1Q had an M28A1E1 turret, XM65 TOW/Cobra missile subsystem, infrared sight, and XM128 helmet sight subsystem (HSS). The AH-1Q was equipped to fire eight Hughes BGM-71 130mm TOW (Tube-Launched, Optically Tracked, Wire Command-Link Guided) anti-tank missiles mounted in a pair of two-round pods on the outboard pylons. M200 19-tube 2.75 inch rocket launchers could be carried on the inboard pylons. The AH-1Q was deployed to Vietnam in 1973, but was unable to carry a full weapon load in that environment, leading to development of the AH-1S Cobra. The AH-1Q was the first Cobra to feature the snub-nosed Telescopic Sight Unit (TSU).

AH-1S Cobra

The AH-1S was a three-step program to upgrade all AH-1G/AH-1Q/AH-1R Cobras to the advanced Modernized version. All AH-1S Cobras were redesignated by the US Army as AH-1P, AH-1E, or AH-1F Modernized Cobras. All Modernized Cobras, including the AH-1S, AH-1P, and AH-1E used the M73 reflex sight for optical sighting and fire control and the Telescopic Sight Unit (TSU). None of the four armament subsystems used with the four AH-1S variants (Modified, Production, Upgunned, and Modernized) were interchangeable without considerable modification or conversion of the AH-1S aircraft.

The designation "Modified AH-1S" refers to all existing AH-1G/AH-1Q/AH-1R Cobras modified to Production AH-1S standard beginning in 1976. With the addition of the XM65 TOW/Cobra missile subsystem the Cobra's primary mission changed to the anti-tank role, but retained the direct aerial fire support, armed escort, and reconnaissance missions. The new armament subsystem was redesignated M28A2. The Modified AH-1S could be identified by the snub-nosed mounting of the Telescopic Sight Unit (TSU). The AH-1S also had the traditional rounded crew canopy, instead of the new semi-flat canopy that became standard with the new production AH-1S. Some AH-1S Cobras received the C-NITE upgrade, which allowed the gunner to designate and acquire targets during night or adverse operating conditions.

First Production AH-1S (Step 1, 100 aircraft, Mar 77-Sep 78) was the new production Cobra featuring a new Bell-designed seven-plane semiflat crew canopy, an improved T-shapped instrument and control panel layout arranged to enhance nape-of-the-earth (NOE) flight, and new composite rotor blades. The Production AH-1S was equipped to fire the XM65 airborne TOW/Cobra anti-tank missile system using the M128 helmet sight subsystem (HSS). The Production AH-1S was equipped with an upgraded AlliedSignals Engines T53-L-703 1800 shp turbo shaft engine, gearbox, and transmission that was lacking in the AH-1Q. The Production AH-1S mounted the new M28A3 armament subsystem with M134 minigun and M129 grenade launcher and retained the 2.75 inch rocket system. The M28A3 was converted from existing stocks of M28A1 armament subsystems. This new version was first fielded with the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina in August 1977. The Production AH-1S could be identified by the new flat panel canopy.

Upgunned AH-1S (Step 2, 98 new production aircraft, Sep 78-Oct 79), or Enhanced Cobra Armament System (ECAS) new production Cobra, featured a new 20mm/30mm universal gun turret and retained the M65 TOW/Cobra missile system. The new M97A1 universal turret was fitted with the three-barrel M197 20mm automatic gun with automatic compensation for off-axis gun firing. Since this aircraft lacked the rocket management system (RMS) it could not use the 2.75 inch rocket system that was standard on all other model Cobras. The Upgunned AH-1S could be identified by the tapered tips on the new fiberglass main rotor blades.

AH-1E Enhanced Cobra was identical to the Upgunned AH-1S (ECAS), the M65 TOW/Cobra missile system with the M97A3 armament subsystem. The AH-1E could use the M130 flare and chaff dispenser. The AH-1E could be identified by the tapered tips on the fiberglass main rotor blades.

AH-1S Modernized Cobra (Step 3, 530 aircraft, Nov 79-Jun 81). Of 530 Modernized Cobras, 387 were converted for old AG-1G Cobras and 143 were from new Production aircraft. The Modernized Cobra featured a new fire control system with a pilot's M76 Head-Up Display (HUD), M136 Helmet Sight Subsystem (HSS), laser rangefinder and tracker, and M26 Fire Control Computer (FCC). The modernization program also added an M143 Air Data Subsystem (ADS). The installation of the M147 Rocket Management Subsystem (RMS) permitted use of the standard 2.75 inch rocket system, in addition to the M65 TOW/Cobra missile system, and the M197 20mm gun on the new M97A2 universal turret. The Modernized AH-1S could mount M158 seven-tube, M200 19-tube, M260 seven-tube, or M261 19-tube rocket launchers. The Modernized AH-1S Cobra had an infrared jammer mounted on the top of the engine fairing and a hot metal plus plume infrared suppressor extending from the back of the engine. The Modernized AH-1S could be identified by the air data sensor mounted above the right side of the canopy.

AH-1P Production Cobra was identical to the new Production AH-1S, the M65 TOW/Cobra missile system with the M28A3 armament subsystem. The AH-1P could use the M130 flare and chaff dispenser. The AH-1P could be identified by the flat panel canopy.

AH-1F Cobra

The AH-1F Modernized Cobra is identical to the AH-1S Modernized Cobra, and can be identified by the air data sensor mounted above the right side of the canopy. The AH-1F Cobra is equipped with the Allied Signal Engines (ASE) T53-L-703 1800 shp turboshaft engine, gearbox, and transmission introduced to the Production AH-1S Cobra.

Armament consists of the three-barrel M197 20mm automatic gun mounted on the M97A4 armament subsystem. The Modernized AH-1F is equipped to fire eight TOW (Tube-Launched, Optically Tracked, Wire Command-Link Guided) anti-tank missiles, and the Hydra 70 2.75 inch rocket system. It is equipped with the M65 TOW/Cobra missile system, the M147 Rocket Management System with the M97A4 armament subsystem. The Cobra can also disperse chaff and infrared jamming flares using the M130 general purpose dispenser. Some AH-1F Cobras have received the C-NITE upgrade, which allows the gunner to designate and acquire targets during night or adverse operating conditions.

AH-1T Cobra

With increasing demands for higher performance, particularly greater load-carrying capability in high temperature conditions, Bell developed improved dynamic components for the Huey series. Application of these components, which included a larger diameter rotor, led to the 309 attack helo in the early Seventies. This allowed an increased payload, providing more combat capability. The subsequent Marine-ordered version of the King Cobra was designated the AH-1T.

The United States Marine Corps had identified a need for more armaments; thus, the AH-1T upgrade was initiated. This aircraft had an extended tailboom and fuselage and an upgraded transmission and engines. In addition to the modifications for improved combat effectiveness, major efforts were made to incorporate the lessons of the Cobra experience in achieving greater reliability and maintainability. With the TOW missile system added to its weapons, the AH-1T gave Marines a ground attack capability far beyond that first envisioned by their predecessors who took the first Marine Huey Cobras into combat in the late 1960s.

The AH-1T is fully capable of performing its attack mission in all weather conditions. Additional missions include direct air support, antitank, armed escort, and air to air combat. The TOW missile targeting system uses a telescopic sight unit (traverse 110º, elevation 60º/+30º), a laser augmented tracking capability, thermal sights and a FLIR to allow for acquisition, launch, and tracking of all types of TOW missiles in all weather conditions. The Cobra also uses a digital ballistic computer, a HUD, Doppler nav, and a low speed air data sensor on the starboard side for firing, and has in-flight boresighting. External stores are mounted on underwing external stores points. Each wing has two hardpoints for a total of four stations. A representative mix when targeting armor formations would be eight TOW missiles, two 2.75-in rocket pods, and 750x 20-mm rounds. The gun must be centered before firing underwing stores. Armored cockpit can withstand small arms fire, and composite blades and tailboom are able withstand damage from 23-mm cannon hits.small arms fire, and composite blades and tailboom able to withstand damage from 23-mm cannon hits.

AH-1W Super Cobra

The AH-1W Super Cobra is a day/night marginal weather Marine Corps attack helicopter that provides enroute escort for assault helicopters and their embarked forces. It is the only western attack helicopter with a proven air-to-air and anti-radar missile capability. The primary mission of the AH-1W aircraft is as an armed tactical helicopter capable of helo close air support, low altitude and high speed flight, target search and acquisition, reconnaissance by fire, multiple weapons fire support, troop helicopter support, and point target attack of threatening armor. The AH-1W provides fire support and fire support coordination to the landing force during amphibious assaults and subsequent operations ashore.

The AH-1W is a two-place, tandem-seat, twin-engine helicopter capable of land- or sea-based operations. The rear seat pilot is primarily responsible for maneuvering the aircraft. The front pilot controls the aircraft's weapons systems, but he also has a full set aircraft controls. The AH-1W distinguished itself with its more powerful T700-GE-401 fully marinized engines and advanced electronic weapons capability. The AH-1W has significantly improved power available in high altitude, hot environment, and single engine performance. The Super Cobra is armed with a 20mm turret gun, TOW, Hellfire, Sidewinder, Sidearm missiles, and 5 inch or 2.75 inch rockets. The HELLFIRE Missile System increased ordnance delivery and firepower capabilities. The AH-1W Super Cobra provides full night-fighting capability with the Night Targeting System (NTS). The Night Targeting System (NTS) further enhanced the AH-1W's warfighting capability by adding FLIR sensor, CCD TV sensor, Laser Designator/Rangefinder, Automatic Target Tracking and FLIR, and CCD TV video recording.

Current AH-1W assets are comprised of a mixture of new production AH-1Ws and aircraft block upgrade AH-1Ts remanufactured into the AH-1W aircraft. By the early 1980s, USMC aircraft inventory was declining due to attrition; a fully navalized helicopter was sought. In 1983, the USMC contracted with BHI for 44 AH-1Ws. An upgrade to the AT-1T, the AH-1W was received in 1986. The Tactical Navigation System (TNS) was placed in all production and block upgrade AH-1W aircraft delivered since February 1991. Previously delivered AH-1Ws are retrofit with TNS prior to CCM/NTS induction. The NTS/Canopy/Cockpit Modification (CCM) replaces the existing canopy, nose faring, and copilot/gunner instrument panel to make provisions for the NTS and adds the TNS, CDU-800, to the front cockpit. Additionally, a communication/ navigation upgrade, ECP 1686, incorporated an ARC-210(V)Electronic Protection (EP) Radio, an ARN-153 V-4 TACAN, and an AN/ASN-163 Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation System (EGI) commencing in 1996.

Night Targeting System (NTS) TECHEVAL was conducted from May through Septempber 1993 by VX-5 at Naval Air Warfare Center, Weapons Division (NAWC-WD), China Lake; Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona; White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico; Bridgeport, California; and on amphibious ships at sea. Follow-on Operational Test and Evaluation (FOT&E) (OT-IIIA) commenced in February 1994 and concluded in May 1994. NTS OPEVAL was conducted from May through September 1993 by VX-5 at Naval Air Warfare Center, Weapons Division (NAWC-WD), China Lake; Yuma Proving Grounds, Arizona; White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico; Cold Lake, Canada; and on amphibious ships at sea. Follow-on Operational Test and Evaluation (FOT&E) commenced during July 1994 and ended in April 1995.

The NTS upgrade provides increased mission, safety and performance characteristics and incorporates a Canopy/ Cockpit Modification to the front cockpit. The approved OSIPs which include the ARC-210 (v) EP Radio, the ARN-153V(4)TACAN and the Global Positioning System/Embedded Inertial Navigation System (EGI) AN/ASN-163 (V) will also enhance the AH-1W Weapon Systems upon their incorporation.

The NTS is a modification of the existing M-65 TOW Missile System that offers a fire control system providing the flight crew with the ability to detect, acquire, track, lock-on, range, and designate targets under day, night, and adverse weather conditions. ECP 1648R4, Canopy/Cockpit Modification is the ECP that modifies the aircraft to accommodate the NTS. The front cockpit of the AH-1W has been modified to facilitate the addition of the NTS. This modification has also resulted in increased efficiency in the front cockpit and helps divide cockpit workload between the front and rear cockpits. Specifically, the additions and deletions are: Expansion of the ASQ-205 Cockpit Control System (CCS) to include the front cockpit; re-design of the instrument panel to include a more IFR compatible flight instrument cluster; addition of a 5" x 5" Multi-Function Display (MFD) in the front cockpit; and addition of the ANVIS HUD system with control heads in both cockpits. The Night Targeting System (NTS) includes the following hardware changes to the AH-1W: modification of the M-65 telescopic sighting unit (TSU) to accomodate the FLIR; an extended Optical Relay Tube (ORT) to accommodate a CCD TV camera; and a ddition of a Laser Designator/Rangefinding System (LDRS).

ECP-1674 Electronic Warfare (EW) Suite reduces aircraft vulnerability with electronic countermeasures. The suite is designed to alert and protect the aircraft from surface-to-air and air-to-air missiles. The AN/AAR-47 Missile Warning System (MWS) provides a visual and aural warning to flight crews of missile detection, while at the same time the MWS will initiate countermeasures by sending an eject signal to the AN/ALE-39 Countermeasures Dispenser Set (CDS). The AN/AVR-2 Laser Warning Receiver detects pulsed laser light (such as a rangefinder) directed at the helicopter and warns the crew of this activity. It provides an audio alert and identifies the threat by its type and location relative to the helicopter. The AN/APR-39A(V)2 Radar Detection System is a passive omni-directional detection system which receives and displays information to the pilot concerning the radar environment surrounding the helicopter.

The AH-1W is operated in eight composite HMLA squadrons composed of 18 AH-1 and 9 UH-1 aircraft. The AH-1W is currently being outfitted with a Night Targeting System/Forward Looking Infrared Radar that provides laser rangefinding/designating and camera capabilities.

The Marine Corps deployed 4 of 6 active force squadrons (48 AH-1Ws) to Southwest Asia during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. The deployment required no additional augmentation to squadron support personnel and only one Bell Helicopter technical representative. During Operation Desert Storm, the AH-1W comprised less than 20% of the attack helicopter force deployed, yet flew more than 50% of the total attack force flight-hours. In the entire Desert Shield/ Desert Storm campaign, SuperCobras flew more than three times the number of hours per aircraft per month than any other attack helicopter. And during the "100 Hour War," its reliability and 92% mission readiness rate were superior to all other attack helicopters by as much as 24%... without any factory-supported maintenance augmentation. Perhaps most impressive, this record was amassed under some of the most adverse environmental conditions ever endured in modern warfare. Temperatures consistently reached the 57-63°C (135-145°F) range. A mix of fine granite/limestone sand dust the consistency of talcum powder, was a constant threat to man and machine. And the air was often filled with a black concoction of burning oil and blowing sand The final result? Marine Corps crews and their AH-lWs destroyed 97 tanks, 104 armored personnel carriers and vehicles, 16 bunkers and two antiaircraft artillery sites.

Future Upgrades include provisions for an Inflatable Body And Head Restraint System (IBAHRS). The IBAHRS itself will be incorporated upon receipt of the system. An operational requirement has been identified for a Wing Tip Armament Station modification and retrofit. Upon approval, this upgrade will be incorporated into the AH-1W airframe and will include as a minimum provisions for integration of up to six (6) universal weapons stations. The Cockpit Integration Requirement identified in the Operational Requirements Document for the AH-1W Mid Life Upgrade will be targeted by the 4 Bladed program which is being studied as another future AH-1W weapon system enhancement.

AH-1Z UPGRADE PROGRAM

A major upgrade of the Bell Super Cobra, known as the H-1 Program, is underway. The program calls for the remanufacture of the US Marine Corps fleet of 180 AH-1W Super Cobra and 100 UH-1N utility helicopters to an advanced four-bladed configuration. The existing two-bladed semi-rigid, teetering rotor system is being replaced with a four-bladed, hinge less, bearing less rotor system. First flight of the AH-1Z took place in December 2000. The AH-1W entered Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) in October 2003. Three AH-1W helicopters were remanufactured to AH-1Z standard and are in flight testing at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland. Sea trials in May 2005 included the first shipboard landing on USS Bataan, Wasp Class amphibious assault ship. One AH-1Z was delivered to the USMC in October 2005 to begin Operational Evaluation (OPEVAL) in early 2006. Full-rate production is scheduled for 2006 with initial operating capability in June 2009. The improvement in flight characteristics provided by the four-bladed configuration has led to increases in flight envelope, maximum speed, vertical rate-of-climb, payload and rotor vibration level.

The Turkish Army selected the AH-1Z King Cobra in July 2000 with a request for 50 out of a total requirement for 145 helicopters. In May 2004, it was announced that the acquisition was to be cancelled. The helicopters were to be built in Turkey by Tusas Aerospace Industries (TAI).

COCKPIT

Northrop Grumman has developed the Integrated Avionics Systems for the AH-1Z. The systems include two mission computers and an automatic flight control system with four-axis stability control augmentation system. Each crew station has two 8in x 6in multifunction displays and one 4.2in x 4.2in dual function display, based on active matrix liquid crystal color technology.

The communications suite combines the new US Navy RT-1824 integrated radio, UHF/VHF, COMSEC and modem in a single unit. The navigation suite includes an Embedded GPS Inertial (EGI), a low airspeed air data subsystem which allows weapons delivery when hovering and digital map.

In June 2002, Thales Avionics' TopOwl helmet-mounted display system was chosen for the USMC AH-1Z. The first system was delivered in January 2003. TopOwl, also fitted on Tiger, NH90 and Rooivalk helicopters, has integrated Gen IV image intensifier and FLIR capability and provides transition from day to night use at the push of a button.

WEAPONS

The Super Cobra can carry both TOW and Hellfire anti-armor missiles and is being qualified to carry the Maverick missile. The Raytheon BGM-71 TOW missile has a range of more than 3km and semi-automatic command-to-line-of-sight guidance. The AGM-114 Hellfire missile is manufactured by Lockheed Martin. It is equipped with a semi-active laser seeker and has a range of 7km. The Super Cobra has fire-and-forget capability when firing the Hellfire missile in co-operative mode with laser target illumination.

The Super Cobra was the first attack helicopter to qualify both the Sidewinder air-to-air missile and the Sidearm anti-radiation missile. Both missiles can use the same LAU-7 rail launcher. Sidearm has a range of more than 15km. AIM-9L Sidewinder is an all-aspect short-range air-to-air missile produced by Lockheed Martin and Raytheon. The missile has a range of 15km.

The Super Cobra can fire the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS), formerly known as Hydra, family of guided and unguided 70mm rockets or the larger 127mm Zuni rocket bombs.

The Super Cobra carries a three-barrel 20mm Gatling gun for close range (up to 2km) engagement and 750 rounds of ammunition. With the gun in a fixed forward position, the pilot can aim by maneuvering the helicopter. Either crew member can slave the turret to the helmet-mounted sight, and aim the gun by looking at the target.

The AH-1Z for the USMC will be armed with: 16 Hellfire missiles, six AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, 70mm rocket pods (7- and 19-shot), as well as the 20mm gun.

SENSORS

Targeting for the AH-1W is provided by the Night Targeting System (NTS), jointly produced by Tamam Division of Israel Aircraft Industries Ltd and Kollsman. NTS integrates a Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) which provides automatic target tracking with a laser designator / rangefinder and video recorder.

Lockheed Martin is developing a longer range Target Sight System (TSS) for the AH-1Z to replace the NTS. TSS includes a third-generation four field-of-view FLIR based on a 3-5 micron staring array, CCD color TV, eyesafe laser rangefinder / designator and multi-target autotracker.

Longbow International (a joint venture of Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman) is developing the Cobra Radar System for the AH-1Z, based on the Longbow millimeter wave radar on the AH-64D Apache. Cobra is a pod-based radar that can be mounted on a wingtip or in a stores position. Cobra can automatically search, detect, classify and prioritize multiple moving and stationary targets. It has a range of 8km against moving and 4km against stationary targets.

COUNTERMEASURES

The H1 Super Cobra upgrade includes provision of a new electronic warfare suite. A new radar, the AN/APR-39(XE2) from Lockheed Martin replaces the Lockheed Martin AN/APR-39(V)2 pulse radar and the AEL Industries AN/APR-44 continuous wave radar. The ATK AN/AAR-47 missile warning system has been included in the upgrade suite. AN/AAR-47 uses infrared detectors to detect the missile plume. The Goodrich (formerly Raytheon) AN/AVR-2A laser warning receiver has also been added. The infrared countermeasures system is the AN/ALQ-144A developed by BAE Systems IEWS (formerly Sanders, a Lockheed Martin company). The helicopter is equipped with the AN/ALE-39 chaff and infrared flare dispenser manufactured by BAE Systems Integrated Defense Solutions (formerly Tracor) and Lockheed Martin Tactical Defense Systems.

ENGINES

Twin General Electric T700-GE-401 turboshaft engines provide a total of 2,410kW or 3,380shp (shaft horsepower). In standard conditions, with an air-to-air ordnance load the Super Cobra can take off and climb out at more than 4.1m/sec on only one engine. It can hover Out of Ground Effect (OGE) at 914m with a load of four TOW and four Hellfire missiles, full turret ammunition and rockets.