USS Intrepid
Bell AH-1J Sea Cobra
Based on the successful Bell UH-1 “Huey,” the Cobra attack helicopter took only six months to develop and made its combat debut during the Vietnam War (1964–75). The Cobra uses the same engine, transmission and rotor system as the Huey, but in a streamlined and redesigned fuselage. It has a top speed of 219 mph (352 kph). Tandem seating places the pilot behind and above the gunner. Located in a chin-nose turret under the gunner, the three-barreled mini-gun was devastating when used against ground targets. Marine Corps variants carried larger guns and were twin-engined.
This AH-1 was the last flying “J” model to be retired, making its final landing on board the Intrepid on October 29, 1993, flown by Major Warren Fox, USMC, of squadron MAG-42. This was the first time that an aircraft to be given to the museum had flown aboard under its own power. The Sea Cobra was officially turned over to the museum’s chairman, Zachary Fisher, by Colonel Beaver, USMC, Commanding Officer of VMA-775.
USS Intrepid
Bell AH-1J Sea Cobra
Based on the successful Bell UH-1 “Huey,” the Cobra attack helicopter took only six months to develop and made its combat debut during the Vietnam War (1964–75). The Cobra uses the same engine, transmission and rotor system as the Huey, but in a streamlined and redesigned fuselage. It has a top speed of 219 mph (352 kph). Tandem seating places the pilot behind and above the gunner. Located in a chin-nose turret under the gunner, the three-barreled mini-gun was devastating when used against ground targets. Marine Corps variants carried larger guns and were twin-engined.
This AH-1 was the last flying “J” model to be retired, making its final landing on board the Intrepid on October 29, 1993, flown by Major Warren Fox, USMC, of squadron MAG-42. This was the first time that an aircraft to be given to the museum had flown aboard under its own power. The Sea Cobra was officially turned over to the museum’s chairman, Zachary Fisher, by Colonel Beaver, USMC, Commanding Officer of VMA-775.