AH-1J Sea Cobra
The U.S. Marine Corps' interest in procuring a dedicated attack helicopter came after observing the Army's AH-1G Cobra in action in the skies over Vietnam. Preferring a twin-engined version for improved safety in over-water operations, Marine aviation leaders also desired a more potent turret-mounted weapon. Bell Helicopter Company, the maker of the AH-1G, received a contract for 49 twin-engined AH-1J Sea Cobras in May 1968. The AH-1J was equipped with a forward gun turret featuring a three barrel 20 mm XM197 rapid-fire gun based on the six barrel M61 Vulcan gun.
The AH-1J first flew in 1969, with deployment commencing by 1971. During the closing months of U.S. combat in Vietnam the Marine Corps embarked AH-1J Sea Cobras assigned to Marine Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMA) 369 in the amphibious assault ships Denver (LPD 9), Cleveland
(LPD 7), and Dubuque (LPD 8) as part of Operation MARHUK, interdicting small boat traffic ferrying cargo from merchant ships to landing sites off the North Vietnamese coast and also venturing overland to attack antiaircraft sites and truck traffic.
Subsequent versions of the SeaCobra included the AH-1T, developed initially for Iran, and used by the Marines, with provision for the Hughes BGM-71A TOW guided anti-tank missiles and the AH-1W Super Cobra, the current version of the helicopter. It operates from Navy amphibious warfare helicopter carriers and forward bases in support of embarked Marine Corps expeditionary forces. The AH-1W can carry a variety of weapons beneath the stubby wings on either side of its slender fuselage, including the TOW and Hellfire missiles for use against enemy tanks. The M197 20-millimeter triple-barrel cannon in the nose turret is capable of firing up to 690 rounds per minute. As testament to their potent firepower, AH-1Ws destroyed 97 tanks and 104 armored personnel carriers and vehicles during Operation Desert Storm and they provide an umbrella of close air support for Marines operating against insurgents in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The AH-1Z Viper, incorporating redesigned stub wings that provided stations for AIM-9 Sidewinders and two additional points for 70mm Hydra rocket pods or quad AGM-114 launchers plus advanced surveillance electronics, first flew in December 2000. Production began in October 2003, with operational service slated to commence in 2011.
Specifications for AH-1J
Manufacturer: Bell Helicopter Company
Dimensions: Length: 53 ft., 4 in.; Height: 13 ft., 8 in.; Rotor Diameter: 44 ft.
Weights: Empty: 6,518 lb.; Gross Weight: 9,637 lb.
Power Plant: Two 1,800 horsepower Pratt & Whitney T400-CP engines
Performance: Maximum Speed: 207 M.P.H.; Service Ceiling: 10,550 ft.; Range: 359 miles
Armament: One fixed forward-firing 20mm cannon and rocket tubes
Crew: Pilot and gunner/observer
AH-1J Sea Cobra
The U.S. Marine Corps' interest in procuring a dedicated attack helicopter came after observing the Army's AH-1G Cobra in action in the skies over Vietnam. Preferring a twin-engined version for improved safety in over-water operations, Marine aviation leaders also desired a more potent turret-mounted weapon. Bell Helicopter Company, the maker of the AH-1G, received a contract for 49 twin-engined AH-1J Sea Cobras in May 1968. The AH-1J was equipped with a forward gun turret featuring a three barrel 20 mm XM197 rapid-fire gun based on the six barrel M61 Vulcan gun.
The AH-1J first flew in 1969, with deployment commencing by 1971. During the closing months of U.S. combat in Vietnam the Marine Corps embarked AH-1J Sea Cobras assigned to Marine Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMA) 369 in the amphibious assault ships Denver (LPD 9), Cleveland
(LPD 7), and Dubuque (LPD 8) as part of Operation MARHUK, interdicting small boat traffic ferrying cargo from merchant ships to landing sites off the North Vietnamese coast and also venturing overland to attack antiaircraft sites and truck traffic.
Subsequent versions of the SeaCobra included the AH-1T, developed initially for Iran, and used by the Marines, with provision for the Hughes BGM-71A TOW guided anti-tank missiles and the AH-1W Super Cobra, the current version of the helicopter. It operates from Navy amphibious warfare helicopter carriers and forward bases in support of embarked Marine Corps expeditionary forces. The AH-1W can carry a variety of weapons beneath the stubby wings on either side of its slender fuselage, including the TOW and Hellfire missiles for use against enemy tanks. The M197 20-millimeter triple-barrel cannon in the nose turret is capable of firing up to 690 rounds per minute. As testament to their potent firepower, AH-1Ws destroyed 97 tanks and 104 armored personnel carriers and vehicles during Operation Desert Storm and they provide an umbrella of close air support for Marines operating against insurgents in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The AH-1Z Viper, incorporating redesigned stub wings that provided stations for AIM-9 Sidewinders and two additional points for 70mm Hydra rocket pods or quad AGM-114 launchers plus advanced surveillance electronics, first flew in December 2000. Production began in October 2003, with operational service slated to commence in 2011.
Specifications for AH-1J
Manufacturer: Bell Helicopter Company
Dimensions: Length: 53 ft., 4 in.; Height: 13 ft., 8 in.; Rotor Diameter: 44 ft.
Weights: Empty: 6,518 lb.; Gross Weight: 9,637 lb.
Power Plant: Two 1,800 horsepower Pratt & Whitney T400-CP engines
Performance: Maximum Speed: 207 M.P.H.; Service Ceiling: 10,550 ft.; Range: 359 miles
Armament: One fixed forward-firing 20mm cannon and rocket tubes
Crew: Pilot and gunner/observer