AH-1 Huey Cobra

NOW ASSURED of a secure place in aviation history as the first dedicated attack helicop­ter to enter service anywhere in the world, the Bell HueyCobra has. like other members of the hugely successful H-l family of rotary-wing craft, demonstrated remarkable growth potential in the two decades which have elapsed since it made its combat debut in Vietnam. Still in production at the time of writing, its capability has been expanded out of all recognition when compared with the initial AH-1G, new weaponry such as the TOW missile and new sensors having been successfully incorporated, atid some variants having also benefited from the provision of twin-engine safety.
Examples of the "Cobra" may be found through­out the world. The type serves with both the US Army and the US Marine Corps in considerable numbers, and it has also been exported to such countries as Iran. Israel, Japan, Pakistan and Spain. As a dollar earner, it has made a significant contribu­tion to the US balance of payments and yet, had it not been for the Vietnam War, it is doubtful whether it would even have appeared in the first place. It is often the case in time of war, however, that the development of an aircraft, once begun, is carried through remarkably swiftly, and barely two years elapsed between the HueyCobra's maiden flight and its introduction to combat duty in South Vietnam.