Bell AH-1 SuperCobra

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This article is about the twin-engine models of the Bell Cobra family. For the single-engine models, see AH-1 Cobra.
For an overview of the whole Huey family of aircraft, see Bell Huey
AH-1 SeaCobra / SuperCobra
A USMC AH-1W SuperCobra taking off from an amphibious assault ship
Role Attack helicopter
Manufacturer Bell Helicopter
First flight AH-1J: 1969
Introduction AH-1J: 1971, AH-1W: 1986
Status Out of production, in service
Primary users United States Marine Corps
Islamic Republic of Iran Army
Republic of China Army
Turkish Army
Produced 1970–present
Number built 1,271+
Unit cost AH-1W: US$10.7 million[1]
Developed from Bell AH-1 Cobra
Variants Bell AH-1Z Viper
Bell YAH-63/Bell 409
Panha 2091

The Bell AH-1 SuperCobra is a twin-engine attack helicopter based on the US Army's AH-1 Cobra. The twin Cobra family includes the AH-1J SeaCobra, the AH-1T Improved SeaCobra, and the AH-1W SuperCobra. The AH-1W is the backbone of the United States Marine Corps's attack helicopter fleet, but will be replaced in service by the Bell AH-1Z Viper upgrade.

Contents

[edit] Design and development

The AH-1 Cobra was developed in the mid-1960s as an interim gunship for the U.S. Army for use in Vietnam. The Cobra shared the proven transmission, rotor system, and the T53 turboshaft engine of the UH-1 "Huey".[2] By June 1967, the first AH-1G HueyCobras had been delivered. Bell built 1,116 AH-1Gs for the U.S. Army between 1967 and 1973, and the Cobras chalked up over a million operational hours in Vietnam.[2]

The U.S. Marine Corps was very interested in the AH-1G Cobra, but preferred a twin-engine version for improved safety in over-water operations, and also wanted a more potent turret-mounted weapon. At first, the Department of Defense had balked at providing the Marines with a twin-engine version of the Cobra, in the belief that commonality with Army AH-1Gs outweighed the advantages of a different engine fit. However, the Marines won out and awarded Bell a contract for 49 twin-engine AH-1J SeaCobras in May 1968. As an interim measure, the U.S. Army passed on 38 AH-1Gs to the Marines in 1969.[3] The AH-1J also received a more powerful gun turret. It featured a three barrel 20 mm XM197 cannon that was based on the six barrel M61 Vulcan cannon.[4]

An AH-1T Sea Cobra prepares to land aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima.

The Marine Corps requested greater load carrying capability in high temperatures for the Cobra in the 1970s. Bell used systems from its Model 309 to develop the AH-1T. This version had a lengthened tailboom and fuselage with an upgraded transmission and engines from the 309. Bell designed the AH-1T to be more reliable and easier to maintain in the field. The version was given full TOW missile capability with targeting system and other sensors. An advanced version, known as the AH-1T+ with more powerful T700-GE-700 engines and advanced avionics was proposed to Iran in the late 1970s, but the overthrow of the Shah of Iran resulted in the sale being canceled.[4]

In the early 1980s, the U.S. Marine Corps sought a new navalized helicopter, but was denied funding to buy the AH-64 Apache by Congress in 1981. The Marines in turn pursued a more powerful version of the AH-1T. Other changes included modified fire control systems to carry and fire AIM-9 Sidewinder and AGM-114 Hellfire missiles. The new version was funded by Congress and received the AH-1W designation.[4] Deliveries of AH-1W SuperCobras totaled 179 new-built helicopters plus 43 upgrades of AH-1Ts.[5]

The AH-1T+ demonstrator and AH-1W prototype was later tested with a new experimental composite four blade main rotor system. The new system offered better performance, reduced noise and improved battle damage tolerance. Lacking a USMC contract, Bell developed this new design into the AH-1Z with its own funds. By 1996, the Marines were again not allowed to order the AH-64.[4] Developing a marine version of the Apache would have been expensive and it was likely that the Marine Corps would be its only customer.[2] They instead signed a contract for upgrading 180 AH-1Ws into AH-1Zs.[4]

The AH-1Z Viper features several design changes. The AH-1Z's two redesigned wing stubs are longer with each adding a wing-tip station for a missile such as the AIM-9 Sidewinder. Each wing has two other stations for 70 mm (2.75 in) Hydra rocket pods, or AGM-114 Hellfire quad missile launcher. The Longbow radar can be mounted on a wing tip station.[2]

[edit] Operational history

[edit] United States

U.S. Marines AH-1W SuperCobra refueling during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

During the closing months of the United States' involvement in the Vietnam War, the Marine Corps embarked the AH-1J SeaCobra assigned to HMA-369 (now HMLA-369) aboard the USS Denver (LPD-9), USS Cleveland (LPD-7), and later the USS Dubuque (LPD-8), for sea-based interdiction of the Ho Chi Minh Trail in North Vietnam in the vicinity of Hon La (Tiger) Island. These were termed Marine Hunter-Killer (MARHUK) Operations and lasted from June to December 1972.[6]

Marine Cobras took part in the invasion of Grenada, during Operation Urgent Fury in 1983, flying close-support and helicopter escort missions. Two Marine AH-1Ts were shot down and three crew members killed.[4] The Marines also deployed the AH-1 off the coast of Beirut, Lebanon in 1983, during that nation's civil war. The AH-1s were armed with Sidewinder missiles and guns as an emergency air defense measure against the threat of light civil aircraft employed by suicide bombers.[7]

USMC Cobras provided escort in the Persian Gulf in the late 1980s while the Iran–Iraq War was ongoing. The Cobras sank three Iranian patrol boats while losing one AH-1T to Iranian anti-aircraft fire.[4] USMC Cobras from the USS Saipan (LHA-2) flew "top cover" during an evacuation of American and other foreign nationals from Liberia in 1990.[4]

During the Gulf War, 78 Marine SuperCobras deployed, and flew a total of 1,273 sorties in Iraq[8] with no combat losses. However, three AH-1s were lost to accidents during and after the combat operations. The AH-1W units were credited with destroying 97 tanks, 104 armored personal carriers and vehicles, and two anti-aircraft artillery sites during the 100-hour ground campaign.[4]

An AH-1W SuperCobra at Al-Asad Airbase, Iraq

Marine Cobras provided support for the US humanitarian intervention in Somalia, during Operation Restore Hope in 1992-1993. They were also employed during the U.S. invasion of Haiti in 1994. USMC Cobras were used in U.S. military interventions in the former Yugoslavia in the 1990s, and assisted in the rescue of USAF Captain Scott O'Grady, after his F-16 was shot down by a SAM in June 1995.[citation needed]

AH-1 Cobras continue to operate with the U.S. Marine Corps. USMC Cobras were also used in operations throughout the 1990s.[4] USMC Cobras have also served in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and in Operation Iraqi Freedom in the ongoing conflict in Iraq. While new replacement aircraft were considered as an alternative to major upgrades of the AH-1 fleet, Marine Corps studies showed that an upgrade was the most affordable, most supportable and most effective solution for the Marine Corps light attack helicopter mission.[9]

On 19 September 2011, an AH-1W crashed during training exercises at Camp Pendleton, California, killing the two Marine crew members onboard.[10]

[edit] Iran

In 1971, Iran purchased 202 improved AH-1J Cobras, with the name "AH-IJ International", from the United States.[11] This improved Cobra, known as the AH-1J International, resulted from this contract featured an uprated P&WC T400-WV-402 engine and stronger drivetrain. Recoil damping gear was fitted to the 20mm gun turret, and the gunner was given a stabilized sight and even a stabilized chair. 62 of the International AH-1Js delivered to the Shah's forces were TOW-capable, while the rest were not.[12]

They participated in the Iran–Iraq War. Iranian AH-1J SeaCobras engaged in air combat with Iraqi Mi-24s on several separate occasions during the war. The results of these engagements are disputed. One document cited that "Iranian AH-1Js engaged Iraqi MI-8 Hip and MI-24 Hind helicopters.[13] Unclassified sources report that the Iranian AH-1 pilots achieved a 10:1 kill ratio over the Iraqi helicopter pilots during these engagements (1:5). Additionally, Iranian AH-1 and Iraqi fixed-wing aircraft engagements also occurred. Others claim that in the entire eight-year conflict, ten Iranian AH-1Js were lost in combat, compared to six Iraqi Mi-24s. The skirmishes are described as fairly evenly matched in another source.[14] In 1988, two Soviet MiG-23s shot down a pair of Iranian AH-1Js[15] that had strayed into western Afghan airspace. Iranian AH-1Js are still operating today and have undergone indigenous upgrade programs.

[edit] Republic of China (Taiwan)

In 1984 the Republic of China (ROC) announced a requirement for attack helicopters and evaluated the MBB Bo 105 and MD 500 helicopters. The requirement formed into an order for 42 AH-1W SuperCobras by 1992. Deliveries of these went from 1993 to 1997. Another 21 AH-1Ws was ordered in 1997. The Ministry of National Defense assigned the helicopters to the ROC Army Aviation Training Centre and to two Army Aviation attack helicopter brigades.[16]

[edit] Turkey

Turkey bought ten AH-1W SuperCobras in the early 1990s, and supplemented with 32 ex-US Army AH-1 Cobras.[17] The AH-1s have been used against the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) rebels.[18] In late 2011, Turkey requested the purchase of three AH-1Ws from the USMC inventory.[19][20]

[edit] Variants

[edit] Single-engine

For AH-1G, AH-1Q through AH-1S/P/E/F and other single-engine variants, see Bell AH-1 Cobra.

[edit] Twin-engine

AH-1W on a training mission at the Mojave Spaceport.
AH-1J SeaCobra
Original twin engine version.
AH-1J International
Export version of the AH-1J SeaCobra.
AH-1T Improved SeaCobra
Improved version with extended tailboom and fuselage and an upgraded transmission and engines.
AH-1W SuperCobra
("Whiskey Cobra"), day/night version with more powerful engines and advanced weapons capability.
AH-1(4B)W Viper
"Four-Bladed Whiskey" test version with a 4-bladed bearingless composite main rotor based on Bell 680 rotor. A prototype was converted from AH-1T 161022.[21]
AH-1Z Viper
A new variant nicknamed "Zulu Cobra", and developed in conjunction with the UH-1Y Venom for the H-1 upgrade program. The variant includes an upgraded 4-blade main rotor and adds the Night Targeting System (NTS).
Model 309 King Cobra
Experimental all-weather version based on the AH-1G single-engine and AH-1J twin-engine designs.[22] Two Bell 309s were produced; the first was powered by a PW&C T400-CP-400 Twin-Pac engine set and the second was powered by a Lycoming T-55-L-7C engine.[23]
CobraVenom
Proposed version for the United Kingdom.[2]
AH-1RO Dracula
Proposed version for Romania.[24]
AH-1Z King Cobra
AH-1Z offered under Turkey's ATAK program; selected for production in 2000, but later canceled when Bell and Turkey could not reach an agreement on production.[25]
Panha 2091
Unlicensed Iranian upgrade of the AH-1J International.

[edit] Operators

Operators of the AH-1 single-engine variant are shown in dark blue, the twin-engine variant in green, both variants in light blue and former operators in red.
For operators of AH-1G, AH-1Q through AH-1S/P/E/F and other single-engine variants, see Bell AH-1 Cobra.
 Iran
 Republic of China (Taiwan)
 South Korea
 Turkey
  • Turkish Army received 10 AH-1W Super Cobras in 1990s.[2] It has 7 AH-1Ws in use as of January 2010.[28]
 United States

[edit] Aircraft on display

[edit] Specifications

[edit] AH-1J SeaCobra

Data from Verier,[30] Modern Fighting Aircraft,[31]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 2: pilot, co-pilot/gunner (CPG)
  • Length: 53 ft 5 in (16.3 m) (with both rotors turning)
  • Rotor diameter: 43 ft 11 in (13.4 m)
  • Height: 13 ft 5 in (4.1 m)
  • Empty weight: 6,610 lb (2,998 kg)
  • Max. takeoff weight: 10,000 lb (4,540 kg)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney Canada T400-CP-400 (PT6T-3 Twin-Pac) turboshaft, 1,800 shp (1,342 kW)
  • Total engine output: 1,530 shp (1,125 kW) limited by helicopter drivetrain[4]
  • Rotor systems: 2 blades on main rotor, 2 blades on tail rotor
  • Fuselage length: 45 ft 9 in (13.5 m)
  • Stub wing span: 10 ft 9 in (3.28 m)

Performance

Armament

[edit] AH-1W SuperCobra

Head-on view of a U.S. Marine Corps AH-1W carrying full armament

Data from Verier,[30] Modern Fighting Aircraft,[31] International Directory of Military Aircraft[32]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 2: pilot, co-pilot/gunner (CPG)
  • Length: 58 ft (17.7 m) (with both rotors turning)
  • Rotor diameter: 48 ft (14.6 m)
  • Height: 13 ft 9 in (4.19 m)
  • Disc area: 530.83 ft² (168.1 m²)
  • Empty weight: 10,200 lb (4,630 kg)
  • Max. takeoff weight: 14,750 lb (6,690 kg)
  • Powerplant: 2 × General Electric T700-401 turboshaft, 1,690 shp (1,300 kW) each
  • Rotor systems: 2 blades on main rotor, 2 blades on tail rotor
  • Fuselage length: 45 ft 7 in (13.9 m)
  • Stub wing span: 10 ft 9 in (3.28 m)

Performance

Armament

  • 20 mm (0.787 in) M197 3-barreled gatling cannon in the A/A49E-7 turret (750 rounds ammo capacity)
  • 2.75 in (70 mm) Hydra 70 rockets - Mounted in LAU-68C/A (7 shot) or LAU-61D/A (19 shot) launchers
  • 5 in (127 mm) Zuni rockets - 8 rockets in two 4-round LAU-10D/A launchers
  • TOW missiles - Up to 8 missiles mounted in two 4-round XM65 missile launchers, one on each outboard hardpoint
  • AGM-114 Hellfire missiles - Up to 8 missiles mounted in two 4-round M272 missile launchers, one on each outboard hardpoint
  • AIM-9 Sidewinder anti-aircraft missiles - 1 mounted on each outboard hardpoint (total of 2)

[edit] See also

Portal icon United States Marine Corps portal
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Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

Related lists

[edit] References

Notes
  1. ^ AH-1W Cobra, USMC HQ, http://hqinet001.hqmc.usmc.mil/AVN/documents/aircraft/rotarywing/ah1.htm, retrieved 2007-09-11 .[dead link]
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i Donald 2004.
  3. ^ Marine AH-1J SeaCobra. vectorsite.net,
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Bishop 2006.
  5. ^ Eden, Paul, ed. "Bell AH-1 HueyCobra". Encyclopedia of Modern Military Aircraft. London: Amber Books, 2004. ISBN 1-904687-84-9.
  6. ^ Verier 1990, pp. 104–111.
  7. ^ AH-1W Air Combat Maneuver Training - Why It Must Be Reinstated
  8. ^ AH-1 Super Cobra[dead link], U.S. Navy. Retrieved 2 January 2008.
  9. ^ "PMA-276 - USMC Light/Attack Helicopter Upgrade Program". Headquarters Marine Corps. http://pma276public.navair.navy.mil/pma276public/history.asp. Retrieved 2007-11-18. 
  10. ^ http://www.pjstar.com/news/x1746173880/Galesburg-Marine-killed-during-training-exercise-at-Camp-Pendleton
  11. ^ Iranian Ground Forces Equipment
  12. ^ (John Pike) http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/iran/shabaviz-209.htm
  13. ^ Major R. M. Brady, "AH-1W Air Combat Maneuver Training – Why It Must Be Reinstated", 1992.
  14. ^ Arabian Peninsula & Persian Gulf Database, ACIG Journal.
  15. ^ "Soviet Air-to-Air Victories of the Cold War"[dead link], ACIG Journal, 23 October 2008.
  16. ^ Donald 2004, p. 195.
  17. ^ Donald 2004, p. 195.
  18. ^ Bishop 2006, p. 42.
  19. ^ "U.S. giving Turkey 3 helicopters". UPI
  20. ^ Allport, Dave. "Turkey To Acquire Three ex-USMC AH-1W Super Cobras". Key Publishing, 31 October 2011.
  21. ^ "Bell AH-1(4B)W Viper (United States), Aircraft - Rotary-Wing - Military". Jane's Information Group, 15 July 1992. Retrieved: 9 August 2011.
  22. ^ Verier 1990, pp. 57.
  23. ^ Richardson 1987, pp. 8–9.
  24. ^ IAR (BELL) AH-1RO DRACULA (Romania). Jane's Information Group, 15 June 2000.
  25. ^ "Back to square one in attack helicopter plan". Turkish Daily News, 2 December 2006.
  26. ^ "Directory: World Air Forces". Flight International, 11–17 November 2008.
  27. ^ No Operation
  28. ^ a b c d "World Military Aircraft Inventory". 2010 Aerospace Source Book. Aviation Week and Space Technology, January 2010.
  29. ^ Bell AH-1J SeaCobra display. prairieaviationmuseum.org
  30. ^ a b Verier 1990, p. 184.
  31. ^ a b Richardson 1987, p. Appendix.
  32. ^ Frawley, Gerard. The International Directory of Military Aircraft, p. 148. Aerospace Publications Pty Ltd, 2002. ISBN 1-875671-55-2.
Bibliography
  • Bishop, Chris. Huey Cobra Gunships. Osprey Publishing, 2006. ISBN 1-84176-984-3.
  • Donald, David: Modern Battlefield Warplanes. AIRtime Publishing Inc, 2004. ISBN 1-880588-76-5.
  • Gunston, B.; Spick, M. (1986). Modern Fighting Helicopters. New York: Crescent Books. pp. 104–05. ISBN 0-517-61349-2. 
  • International Air Power Review, Volume 12. AIRtime Publishing. 2004. ISBN 1-880588-77-3. 
  • Nolan, Keith, W. "Into Lao's, operation Lam Son 719 and Dewey Canyon II." 1986. Presidio Press. (An account of the US Army's final offensive of the Vietnam War, in 1971.)
  • Richardson, Doug. Modern Fighting Aircraft, Volume 13, AH-1 Cobra. New York: Prentice Hall, 1987. ISBN 0-13-020751-9.
  • Verier, Mike. Bell AH-1 Cobra. Osprey Publishing, 1990. ISBN 0-85045-934-6.

[edit] External links

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