Bell AH-1 SuperCobra
description Bell AH-1 SuperCobra Overview
An updated version of Bell’s classic Cobra, this attack helicopter was developed toward the end of the Vietnam War. They saw use in the invasion of Grenada, the Gulf War, and the Iraq War, where dozens sustained damage, mainly from ground units. US SuperCobras were retired in 2020. Some of the most extensive use of SuperCobras in combat, however, came during the aforementioned Iraq-Iran War.
They were frequently used as anti-armor vehicles to great effect. In 2016, Kurdish PKK militants shot down a Turkish SuperCobra with a surface-to-air 9K38 Igla missile launcher.
info Bell AH-1 SuperCobra Specifications
| Crew | 2 (pilot and co-pilot) |
| Model | AH-1 SuperCobra |
| Range | 560 km |
| Armament | TOW missiles, AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, 7.62mm M2 machine gun |
| Max Speed | 304 km/h |
| Manufacturer | Bell Helicopter |
| Year Introduced | 1978 |
balance Bell AH-1 SuperCobra Pros & Cons
- High maneuverability
- Advanced avionics
- Reliable engine
- Effective armament
- Limited payload capacity
- Maintenance-intensive
- Expensive to operate
- Aging technology
help Bell AH-1 SuperCobra FAQ
What is the Bell AH-1 SuperCobra used for?
It was primarily used for attack and close air support missions.
How many SuperCobras were deployed in the Gulf War?
Approximately 200 SuperCobras were deployed during the Gulf War.
What is the retirement status of US SuperCobras?
US SuperCobras were officially retired in 2020 due to newer technology and budget constraints.
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