Introduction To The AH-1G Huey Cobra Helicopter

VIDEO HERE   (14:40 minutes)

Made by Bell Helicopter, this short film focuses on the brand new Bell AH-1G Huey Cobra attack helicopter, and compares it to the original Huey (1:34). An overview of the Huey XH-40, UH-1A, UH-1B gunship and troop transport UH-1D are all shown, including in action in Vietnam. The narrator speaks about the compromises inherent in using an aircraft that was designed for evacuation of casualties in a combat role. The design of the Cobra was intended to provide maximum combat effectiveness, borrowing reliable elements from the Huey design, and allowing the helicopter to easily escort transport helicopters like the UH-1A. At 4:00, the tandem seat Sioux scout helicopter is shown. It had a chin turret and weapons pylons. At 4:30, the aerodynamic design of the prototype is shown. At 4:44, the Cobra's sleek design is shown, and a side by side comparison with a Huey is shown - with 1/3rd the drag of its predecessor. The Cobra is shown in an escort capacity. At 6:05, the rotor system is shown, with its standard 540 rotor and special SAS stabilization system. At 7:00 the TAC turret 7.62 minigun is shown at work. At 7:20, grenade launchers and dual minigun options are shown. At 8:00, the pilot and gunner are shown at their controls and a discussion of their responsibilities. At 8:40, some of the 8000 rounds of ammunition that the Cobra can carry, stored in bays on both sides of the ship. At 9:00, the wing store hard points are shown with their rocket pods and miniguns. At 9:40, discussion of the aircraft's durability under fire, with it's armor panels and crew protection features, as well as redundant design and self-sealing fuel tanks to provide added survivability. At 11:00, infrared detection is lowered through the aircraft's design. At 11:25, the teflon bearing rotor is discussed. At 12:12, the narrator discusses how Bell spent time talking to personnel on the ground in Vietnam, to help finalize the design of the aircraft. The method by which stores are ejected from the aircraft, which maximizes safety, is discussed. At 12:40, the assembly line for the helicopter is shown.

The Bell AH-1 Cobra is a two-blade, single-engine attack helicopter manufactured by Bell Helicopter. It was developed using the engine, transmission and rotor system of the Bell UH-1 Iroquois. A member of the prolific Huey family, the AH-1 is also referred to as the HueyCobra or Snake.

The AH-1 was the backbone of the United States Army's attack helicopter fleet, but has been replaced by the AH-64 Apache in Army service. Upgraded versions continue to fly with the militaries of several other nations. The AH-1 twin-engine versions remain in service with United States Marine Corps (USMC) as the service's primary attack helicopter. Surplus AH-1 helicopters have been converted for fighting forest fires.

Bell's initial mock-up of the Model 209 largely resembled the "Iroquois Warrior" mockup. In Vietnam, events were also advancing in favor of the Model 209. Attacks on US forces were increasing, and by the end of June 1965 there were already 50,000 US ground troops in Vietnam.1965 was also the deadline for AAFSS selection, but the program would become stuck in technical difficulties and political bickering. The U.S. Army needed an interim gunship for Vietnam and it asked five companies to provide a quick solution. Submissions came in for armed variants of the Boeing-Vertol ACH-47A, Kaman HH-2C Tomahawk, Piasecki 16H Pathfinder, Sikorsky S-61, and the Bell 209. On 3 September 1965 Bell rolled out its Model 209 prototype, and four days later it made its maiden flight, only eight months after the go-ahead. In April 1966, the model won an evaluation against the other rival helicopters. The Army then signed the first production contract for 110 aircraft. Bell added "Cobra" to the UH-1's Huey nickname to produce its HueyCobra name for the 209. The Army applied the Cobra name to its AH-1G designation for the helicopter.