2007 Bell AH-1 Kobra is a two-blade, single-engine attack helicopter manufactured by Bell Helicopter. It was developed using the engine, transmission and rotor system of the Bell UH-1 Iroquois. A member of the prolific Huey family, the AH-1 is also referred to as the HueyCobra or Snake.
The AH-1 was the backbone of the United States Army’s attack helicopter fleet, but has been replaced by the AH-64 Apache in Army service. Upgraded versions continue to fly with the militaries of several other nations. The AH-1 twin engine versions remain in service with United States Marine Corps (USMC) as the service’s primary attack helicopter. Surplus AH-1 helicopters have been converted for fighting forest fires.
Lisainfo:
Bell AH-1 Cobra on ühe mootoriga rünnaku helikopter, mille on välja töötanud ja tootnud Bell Helicopter Textron. See võeti kasutusele 1967. aastal ja sellest sai esimene spetsiaalne rünnaku helikopter maailmas. See põhines UH-1 irokeesil, tuntud ka kui Huey, kuid sellel oli kitsam kere, tandemkabiin, relvade tiivad ja lõuale kinnitatud relvatorn. AH-1 Cobrat kasutas laialdaselt Ameerika Ühendriikide armee Vietnami sõja ajal, kus see pakkus tuletoetust, eskorti ja luuremissioone. Samuti teenis ta koos teiste USA sõjaväe harudega ja mitmete välisriikidega, sealhulgas Jaapani, Korea ja Iisraeliga. AH-1 Cobra uuendati hiljem ja asendati erinevate variantidega, nagu AH-1 SeaCobra, SuperCobra, KingCobra ja Viper.