Can A Huey Cobra Have A Camera
AH-i HueyCobra / Cobra | |
---|---|
A Bong AH-1G in flight | |
Function | Attack helicopter |
National origin | United states of america |
Manufacturer | Bong Helicopter |
Offset flight | vii September 1965 |
Introduction | 1967 |
Retired | 2001 (U.s. Army) |
Status | In service |
Primary users | Us Army (historical) Japan Footing Cocky-Defence force Forcefulness South korea Army Purple Jordanian Air Strength |
Produced | 1967–2019 |
Number built | 1,116 |
Developed from | Bell UH-1 Iroquois |
Variants | Bell AH-1 SeaCobra/SuperCobra Bell 309 KingCobra |
The Bell AH-1 Cobra is a single-engined attack helicopter developed and manufactured by the American rotorcraft manufacturer Bong Helicopter. A fellow member of the prolific Huey family unit, the AH-1 is also referred to as the HueyCobra or Snake.
The AH-one was adult using the engine, manual and rotor organization of the Bell UH-1 Iroquois, which had proven itself to be a capable platform during the Vietnam War. It was produced in response to fulfil a need for a dedicated armed escort for transport helicopters to requite the latter greater survivability in contested environments. Accordingly, the AH-1 was a dedicated attack helicopter, featuring a tandem cockpit, stub wings for weapons, and a chin-mounted gun turret. The starting time examples of the type entered service with the United States Regular army during 1967; other branches of the US war machine also opted to learn the type, especially the United states of america Marine Corps, while export sales were made to numerous overseas countries, including Israel, Japan, and Turkey.
For several decades, the AH-1 formed the cadre of the US Army's attack helicopter fleet, seeing combat in Vietnam, Grenada, Panama, and Iraq. In United states of america Regular army service, the Cobra was progressively replaced past the newer and more capable Boeing AH-64 Apache during the 1990s, with the final examples being withdrawn during 2001. The Israeli Air Force (IAF) operated the Cobra near prolifically forth its land edge with Lebanon, using its fleet intensively during the 1982 Lebanon War. Turkish AH-1s have seen regular combat with Kurdish insurgents almost Turkey'due south southern borders. Upgraded versions of the Cobra have been developed, such as the twin engined AH-1 SeaCobra/SuperCobra and the experimental Bell 309 KingCobra. Furthermore, surplus AH-i helicopters accept been reused for other purposes, including noncombatant ones; numerous examples have been converted to perform aerial firefighting operations.
Evolution [edit]
Background [edit]
Closely related to the evolution of the Bong AH-ane is the story of the Bell UH-ane Iroquois transport helicopter—an icon of the Vietnam War and one of the most numerous helicopter types congenital. The UH-1 made the theory of air cavalry practical, equally the new tactics called for Usa forces to be highly mobile beyond a wide area. Unlike before, they would non stand up and fight long battles, and they would non stay and concur positions. Instead, the plan was that the troops carried by fleets of UH-1 "Hueys" would range across the country, to fight the enemy at times and places of their own choice.[one]
The massive expansion of American military presence in Vietnam opened a new era of war from the air. The linchpin of US Regular army tactics was the helicopters, and the protection of those helicopters became a vital function.[2] It became clear that unarmed troop helicopters were vulnerable confronting ground fire from Viet Cong and Northward Vietnamese troops, particularly equally they approached landing zones to disembark or embark troops. Without friendly support from artillery or regular army, the only way to pacify a landing zone was from the air, preferably with an aircraft that could closely escort the transport helicopters, and loiter over the landing zone every bit the battle progressed. By 1962, a pocket-size number of armed UH-1As were used as escorts, armed with multiple machine guns and rocket mounts.[three] Notwithstanding, these makeshift gunships came with considerable tradeoffs, particularly beingness barely able to continue up with the troop transports they were intended to protect.[iv]
While some officials within the Pentagon, particularly those inside the Us Ground forces, had recognised the potential value of purpose-congenital armed rotary aircraft as early every bit 1962 and were bully to see such a vehicle developed promptly, the result was complicated in function due to inter-service politics.[iv] The United states Air Force (USAF) largely held the stance that most forms of US military shipping should be operated just by their service, and that the US Army would be intruding into their domain past developing a complex armed aerial combatant, and ought to be largely restricted to send aircraft. Meanwhile, some Army officials were concerned that the USAF did not take the close air back up (CAS) mission as seriously as it ought to be, and that response times of xxx minutes or more for stock-still-wing aircraft would be unacceptable.[4]
Iroquois Warrior, Sioux Picket and AAFSS [edit]
Bell had been investigating helicopter gunships since the tardily 1950s, paying particular attending to the Algerian War, in which French forces mounted weapons onto helicopters to fight the growing insurgency.[4] The company created a mockup of its D-255 helicopter gunship concept, named "Iroquois Warrior". The Iroquois Warrior was planned to exist a purpose-built attack aircraft based on UH-1B components with a new, slender airframe and a two-seat, tandem cockpit. It featured a grenade launcher in a ball turret on the nose, a 20 mm belly-mounted gun pod, and stub wings for mounting rockets or SS.ten anti-tank missiles.[v]
In June 1962, Bell displayed the mockup to US Regular army officials, hoping to solicit funding for farther development; rival manufacturers issued protests to this approach, alleging that it was an attempt past Bell to circumvent the competitive process.[5] [4] Nonetheless, the Army was interested and awarded Bell a proof-of-concept contract in December 1962. Bell modified a Model 47 into the Model 207 Sioux Scout which first flew in July 1963. The Sioux Scout had all the primal features of a modern attack helicopter: a tandem cockpit, stub wings for weapons, and a chin-mounted gun turret. After evaluating the Sioux Scout in early 1964, the Army was impressed but also felt that it was undersized, underpowered, and that the Sioux Scout was generally not suited for practical operations.[6] [ page needed ]
The Army'due south solution to the shortcomings of the Sioux Picket was to launch the Avant-garde Aerial Burn down Support System (AAFSS) competition.[six] This called for a heavily armed helicopter capable of at least 200 MPH. A total of seven companies, including Bong, opted to respond to the requirement.[4] It was out of the AAFSS program that the Lockheed AH-56 Cheyenne emerged, a heavy attack helicopter with high speed capability. During testing, it proved to exist too sophisticated and plush, and was ultimately canceled in 1972 after ten years of development. In its place, the Advanced Attack Helicopter program was launched. Under this initiative, the Army sought a conventional attack helicopter with a greater level of survivability.[half-dozen]
Model 209 [edit]
Despite the Army's preference for the AAFSS program —for which Bell Helicopter was not selected to compete— the company persisted with their own idea of a smaller and lighter gunship, noting that Lockheed had piddling experience in developing rotorcraft and correctly predicted that it would encounter considerable difficulties.[half dozen] [iv] Bell employee Mike Folse played a key function in developing this new gunship, which he intentionally based around the existing UH-1 on the rationale that, while the Army could not purchase a completely original helicopter without a formal design competition, the service was able to procure a modification of an aircraft that was already in its inventory without invoking such hurdles. This initiative quickly defenseless the approval of Bong's senior management team.[4]
In January 1965, Bong elected to invest $one million to proceed with the concept'due south detailed design. Mating the proven manual, the "540" rotor arrangement of the UH-1C augmented by a Stability Control Augmentation System (SCAS), and the T53 turboshaft engine of the UH-1 with the design philosophy of the Sioux Watch, Bell produced the Model 209.[half dozen] It largely resembled the "Iroquois Warrior" mockup,[7] particularly in its cockpit and tail book; in wide visual terms, there was relatively little shared between the proposed design and the UH-one. Despite advent, much of the Model 209'due south major elements, such as the tail rotor and much of the dynamic systems, were identical. Roughly 80 pct of its components already had existing Huey function numbers.[4]
On iii September 1965, Bell rolled out its Model 209 prototype, and 4 days later on it made its maiden flight, only eight months afterward the projection's get-ahead and slightly nether budget.[4] This first flying was witnessed past around 20 US Regular army officials, the service having had no awareness of the project's being prior to this, and rapidly drew the government'due south attention. One early examination flying was met with a reportedly enthusiastic visit by US secretarial assistant of defense Robert McNamara. Bell claimed at this stage of the project that product units could be ready for service within one year[4]
As the Vietnam War proceeded, pressure accumulated in favor of the Model 209. Attacks on US forces were increasing and, past the end of June 1965, there were already 50,000 US ground troops in Vietnam.[6] 1965 was also the borderline for AAFSS selection, but the program would become stuck in technical difficulties and political bickering. The Usa Army needed an interim gunship for Vietnam and information technology approached v separate companies with its request 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.[6] [4]
During April 1966, Bell's submission emerged victorious in an evaluation against the other rival helicopters. The US Army promptly signed the first production contract, ordering an initial batch of 110 shipping.[six] [8] By the end of the year, rapid follow-on orders had increased this to 500 Cobras.[iv] Bong added "Cobra" to the UH-1's Huey nickname to produce its HueyCobra name for the 209. The Ground forces applied the Cobra name to its AH-1G designation for the helicopter.[9] The Bell 209 demonstrator was used for the next six years to examination weapons and fit of equipment. An additional utilise for the demonstrator was participating in marketing initiatives.[4] It was as well modified to match the AH-1 production standard by the early 1970s. The demonstrator was retired to the Patton Museum at Fort Knox, Kentucky and converted to approximately its original appearance.[7]
Into product [edit]
The Bong 209 pattern was modified in several respects for production. The retractable skids were replaced by simpler fixed skids; this was not due to whatsoever recorded blueprint flaw or serviceably, but it was feared that the landing gear bay could go inundated with mud.[iv] Furthermore, a new broad-chord rotor blade was adopted. It was likewise decided that a plexiglass canopy should replace the Model 209's armored drinking glass awning, which was heavy plenty to negatively bear upon operation.[7] [10] The umbrella-shaped dive brake was deleted, having reportedly self-destructed during its first test flight.[iv]
Numerous changes of the pattern were incorporated after the Cobra had entered service. The principal among these changes was the repositioning of the tail rotor from the helicopter's left side to the correct, which facilitated an increase in the effectiveness of the tail rotor.[11] The AH-one was the showtime U.Due south. Army helicopter non named for a Native American people since the practise began with the H-thirteen Sioux and continued with the UH-1 Iroquois, AH-56 Cheyenne, OH-58 Kiowa, and later helicopters.[12]
Inside its outset decade of service, the U.s. Regular army had put the original Cobra model through diverse exercises and operations, which highlighted both the attack helicopter's promise and areas in which it could be improved.[13] Past 1972, the Us Regular army openly sought an improved anti-armor adequacy. Under the Improved Cobra Armament Program (ICAP), trials of viii AH-1s fitted with TOW missiles were conducted in October 1973. After passing qualification tests the post-obit yr, Bell was contracted with upgrading 101 AH-1Gs to the TOW-capable AH-1Q configuration.[xiv] While early-production examples were non uniform with night vision goggles, the cockpit instrumentation of after Cobras was altered to facilitate their apply.[4]
Further variants of the Cobra were promptly developed, with both new-build models and early on production examples being modified to incorporate the improvements. During March 1978, the US Army opted to procure a batch of 100 new-build Cobras that featured a new T-shaped instrument console, improved blended rotor blades, revised manual and gearboxes, the M128 helmet-mounted sight, and the M28A3 armament arrangement.[15] A major feature was the adoption of the more powerful T53 engine. Designated AH-1S, the Cobra was upgraded in 3 stages, culminating with the AH-1F.[6] [xvi] [17] The AH-1F integrated numerous countermeasures, including an infrared jammer, a radar jammer, and a hot plume exhaust suppressor.[four]
The U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) chop-chop became interested in the Cobra, opting to order an improved twin-engine version in 1968 under the designation AH-1J.[18] During the early on 1970s, the USMC proceeded to order an upgraded model, the AH-1T, which featured dynamic elements derived from the abortive Bell 309 KingCobra; as such, it featured a longer fuselage and tailboom. These dynamic changes were combined with the adoption of heavier armaments, which provided the USMC with an effective anti-armour capacity, dissimilar the preceding model.[xix] The USMC'due south interest in the Cobra would lead to the production of more twin-engine variants of the helicopter.[20]
Design [edit]
The Bell AH-1 Cobra is a defended attack helicopter, congenital to provide close air support and to escort friendly troop transports.[8] [iv] The visual design of the Cobra was intentionally made to be sleek and exist akin to that of a jet fighter.[4] Aviation author Stanley McGowen observed that its advent differed radically from any prior rotorcraft designed by Bong, possessing a relatively narrow fuselage and a then-unusual cockpit arrangement. This cockpit was covered by a large fighter-like awning and its occupants protected by armor, such included tempered-steel seats and personal body armor.[iv] [8] It was operated by both a airplane pilot and gunner, who were seated in a stepped tandem organization in which the commander was placed in the rear seat while the gunner occupied the forward position.[8] This forward position provided a higher level of visibility to that of the rear seat. Both positions were provided with flying controls while both crew would typically be certified pilots, enabling command of the Cobra to be exchanged quickly through the course of the mission.[iv]
Much of the Cobra'south armaments could be installed upon the multiple hardpoints that were fastened to the stub wings attack either side of the fuselage.[four] [8] In comparing to armed UH-1s, the Cobra would typically carried twice equally much ammunition and go far on station in half the time, it also had three times the loiter time, which enabled the blazon to arrive in a designated landing zone alee of send helicopters to clear it, provide support fire while they are present, and to go along fighting every bit they withdraw.[4] The slim profile of the helicopter allegedly provided defensive benefits by making it harder for opponents to accurately hit it with small arms burn down, although homo-portable air-defense system (MANPADS) did evidence to be constructive against the Cobra. Especially vulnerable areas included the tail rotor drive shaft and to the principal transmission.[4]
Typically, the Cobra would avoid hovering at whatever signal in an active engagement; instead, emphasis was placed on maintaining speed and mobility.[4] The gunner oftentimes fired the chin-mounted cannon with the intention of suppressing hostile targets in between barrages of ii.75-inch rockets, held in pods upon the stub wings, which were fired by the back-seater. Information technology was unusual for Cobras to operate alone; instead, two or more would be dispatched and teamwork encouraged, leading to hunter-killer tactics existence used to flush out and eliminate footing targets.[4] Pairings with other helicopters, such as the Bell OH-58 Kiowa picket helicopter, were as well common occurrences. Radio communications were handled by the gunner. Regardless of mission profile, low altitude flying was commonplace.[4] [21]
Operational history [edit]
The states [edit]
By June 1967, the first AH-1G HueyCobras had been delivered. Originally designated as UH-1H, the "A" for attack designation was presently adopted and when the improved UH-1D became the UH-1H, the HueyCobra became the AH-1G. The AH-1 was initially considered a variant of the H-1 line, resulting in the G series letter.[22]
The starting time half-dozen AH-1s arrived at Bien Hoa Air Base, South Vietnam on xxx Baronial 1967 for combat testing past the U.S. Army Cobra New Equipment Training Team.[23] : 11 On 4 September, the blazon scored its outset gainsay kill by sinking a sampan boat, killing four Viet Cong.[23] : 11 The first AH-1 unit of measurement, the 334th Set on Helicopter Company, was declared operational on 6 October 1967. The Regular army operated the Cobra continuously up to the U.South. withdrawal from Due south Vietnam in 1973. Typically, the AH-1 provided fire support for ground forces and escorted transport helicopters, in add-on to other roles, including aerial rocket arms (ARA) battalions in the ii Airmobile divisions. They likewise formed "hunter killer" teams by pairing with OH-6A scout helicopters; a team usually comprised a single OH-vi flying slow and depression to discover enemy forces. If the OH-6 drew fire, the Cobra could strike at the then revealed enemy.[vii] [24]
On 12 September 1968, Capt. Ronald Fogleman was flying an F-100 Super Sabre when the aircraft was shot down and he ejected 200 miles (320 km) north of Bien Hoa. Fogleman became the simply pilot to be rescued by property on to an Army AH-1G's deployed gun-panel door.[25] Bell built 1,116 AH-1Gs for the U.Southward. Army between 1967 and 1973, and the Cobras chalked upwards over a million operational hours in Vietnam;[half dozen] the number of Cobras in service peaked at 1,081.[26] Out of well-nigh 1,110 AH-1s that were delivered betwixt 1967 and 1973, approximately 300 were lost to a combination of combat and accidents during the conflict.[7] [27] During Operation Lam Son 719 in Southeastern Laos, 26 U.S Army AH-1Gs were destroyed while a further 158 sustained some level of damage.[28] [29]
The U.S. Marine Corps likewise operated the AH-1G Cobra in Vietnam for a brusk fourth dimension earlier acquiring the twin-engine AH-1J Cobras.[22] The AH-1Gs had been adopted by the Marines as an interim measure out, a total of 38 helicopters having been transferred from the U.S. Ground forces to the Marines in 1969.[30] [31]
During Functioning Urgent Fury, the invasion of Grenada in 1983, several AH-1T Cobras were deployed to fly close air back up and helicopter escort missions. On the first day of the invasion, ii of the four Cobras involved were lost to anti-shipping fire in the attack on Fort Frederick.[32] [xix]
During 1989, Regular army Cobras participated in Operation Just Crusade, the U.S. invasion of Panama.[7] It operated aslope its eventual successor in US Army service, the Boeing AH-64 Apache, for the offset time during the combat in Panama.[33] [34]
During Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in the Gulf War (1990–91), both the Cobras and SuperCobras deployed in a back up role. The USMC deployed 91 AH-1W SuperCobras while the U.s. Regular army operated 140 AH-one Cobras of various models in the theatre; these were typically operated from dispersed frontwards operating bases in close proximity to Saudi Arabia's edge with Iraq. Three AH-1s were lost in accidents during fighting and afterward. Cobras successfully destroyed large numbers of Iraqi armored vehicles and various other targets during the intense fighting of the conflict.[7] [35]
US Cobras were deployed in farther operations across the 1990s. Regular army Cobras provided support for the U.s.a. humanitarian intervention during Functioning Restore Promise in Somalia in 1993. They were also employed during the United states invasion of Haiti in 1994.[7]
During the 1990s, the Us Army gradually phased out its Cobra fleet, completely retiring the type from active service in March 1999.[36] The service, which had long sought a more capable successor to the Cobra, had procured a big fleet of AH-64 Apaches since receiving the first instance of the blazon during early 1984.[37] [38] The withdrawn AH-1s were typically offered to other potential operators, usually NATO allies.[6] [36] The Ground forces retired the AH-1 from its reserves in September 2001. The retired AH-1s were and then disposed of, often through sales to overseas customers; the final portion of the fleet was liquidated in 2010.[39] [40] Some were likewise given to the USDA's Forest Service.[half-dozen] The The states Marine Corps retired the AH-1W SuperCobra in 2020, and continues to operate the AH-1Z Viper.
State of israel [edit]
Israel was an early on export client for the Cobra, purchasing six AH-1Gs from the U.s. Ground forces.[41] The government was great to procure a capable attack helicopter every bit recent combat in the Yom-Kippur War had shown a need for a capable platform for countering enemy armour. The type was operated by the Israeli Air Forcefulness (IAF), with the First Attack Helicopter Squadron beingness formally commencing on 1 December 1977.[41] The service named the type as the "Tzefa" (Hebrew: צפע, for Viper).[42] [43]
On 9 May 1979, the IAF's Cobras performed their first attack, firing four Orev missiles at a house near Tyre, Lebanese republic, that was occupied by militants.[41] Israel's fleet of Cobras was particularly active on the Lebanon front, having participated in the fighting at that place for in backlog of 20 years. They were intensively used during the 1982 Lebanon War to destroy Syrian armor and fortifications alike, being reportedly responsible for the devastation of dozens of Syrian ground vehicles. In i operation lonely, a pair of IAF Cobras destroyed three enemy tanks and one truck.[41] Based upon its performance in the conflict, information technology was decided to remove the rocket pods and increase the amount of ammunition carried for the cannon instead. Other operational changes included a greater emphasis on cooperation with footing units to avoid friendly fire incidents.[41]
Largely due to a US embargo that prevented the purchase of further Cobras, Israel procured alternative platforms instead, including around xx McDonnell Douglas MD 500 Defenders in late 1979.[41] Between 1983 and 1985, by which time the embargo had been lifted, 24 new Cobras were purchased; the expanded fleet enabled the creation of a 2nd squadron, known every bit the Fighting Family Squadron, on one June 1985.[41] During 1990, the IAF received its outset Boeing AH-64 Apache assault helicopters,[44] having acquired a armada of 42 by 2000.[45] At the time of the Apache'due south procurement, there was considerable political controversy over the IAF'south decision to overlook upgrades to its existing Cobra fleet in favour of acquiring an entirely separate model of assault helicopter.[46]
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the Cobras continued to play a office in major operations confronting groups such equally Hezbollah, including Operations "Accountability" and "Grapes of Wrath", in southern Lebanon.[41] During August 1996, the IAF's Cobra fleet was expanded yet again via xiv surplus U.s. Army AH-1F Cobras existence acquired, some of which were used by the front line squadrons while others were operated exclusively for flight training purposes. During the 2000s, the Cobra's precision strike capability was bolstered by the adoption of the Spike missile.[41]
During late 2013, Israel opted to retire the last of its 33 AH-1 Cobras from front line service, largely due to budget cuts. Its function was taken upwards entirely by the IAI's squadrons of AH-64 attack helicopters, while an extensive armada of unmanned aeriform vehicles (UAVs) took over the role of patrolling combat zones. The Cobra fleet was considerably older than the Apaches, which contributed to several fatal crashes of the type. The Cobras were besides more expensive to maintain than UAVs and their use exposed pilots to attacks from man-portable air-defense force systems operated by guerrilla groups.[47] Around the aforementioned time frame, the IAF as well pursued upgrades to its AH-64 fleet.[48] [49] In late 2014, Israel transferred sixteen of the recently-withdrawn Cobras to the Royal Jordanian Air Force to bolster the numbers of their existing fleet.[l]
Nihon [edit]
Japan manufactured 89 AH-1S Cobras under license past Fuji Heavy Industries from 1984 to 2000.[51] The type is used by the Japan Ground Self-Defence force, and are Footstep 3 models, which are roughly the equivalent to the U.Southward. Army's AH-1Fs. The engine is the T53-K-703 turboshaft, which Kawasaki Heavy Industries produced nether license.[7] During the 2010s, Japan was examining options for procuring a fleet of new rotorcraft to replace its aging Cobras; it has been specified that the replacement helicopter would need to exist marinized and able to operate from expeditionary airstrips or sea bases, and that between 30 and l such craft would be purchased.[52]
Hashemite kingdom of jordan [edit]
Jordan obtained an initial batch of 24 AH-1Fs during the late 1980s. In 2001, nine boosted ex-US Army Cobras were acquired to supplement the armada. During 2010, Jordan transferred 16 AH-1F helicopters to Pakistan nether a US-sponsored support plan that provided Islamabad with xl AH-i refurbished helicopters.[53]
In late 2014, Israel and Hashemite kingdom of jordan came to an agreement under which the former transferred sixteen ex-IAF Cobras to the Imperial Jordanian Air Strength. The bargain was publicly stated to be for the purpose of increasing border security, which was viewed equally a pressing concern of both nations due to the threats posed by Islamic State (IS) militants, too as by other insurgent groups, at that time.[l]
The Majestic Jordanian Air Force has at to the lowest degree one squadron of Cobras in service, and is supposed to have used them in combat in Iraq and Syria.[54]
Turkey [edit]
Turkey bought ten AH-1Ws in the early 1990s, and supplemented them with 32 ex-United states Army Cobras. These boosted units included several TAH-1P trainers while the majority were brought up to the AH-1F standard.[53] During the 2010s, Turkish Cobras accept repeatedly seen combat in operations against Kurdish insurgents around Turkey's borders with both Syrian arab republic and Iraq. Several Cobras have reportedly been lost to enemy burn during these operations.[55] [56] Amid the 2016 Turkish coup d'Ć©tat attempt, Turkish Cobras were alleged to have fired upon several police vehicles.[57]
Pakistan [edit]
Betwixt 1984 and 1986, Pakistan was supplied with an initial batch of twenty AH-1S gunships past the United states of america;[58] these were later upgraded with the C-NITE thermal imaging package.[59] Operated by Pakistan Army Aviation, the service first used Cobra overseas in Somalia during the United Nations Performance in Somalia II, where a single squadron was deployed in 1994.[60] Pakistani Cobras later on saw action in Sierra Leone.[61] [62]
By 2013, Pakistan reportedly operated a fleet of 35 AH-1F helicopters.[63] Maintaining these aircraft has been difficult, but possible through commercial channels. Additionally, the United states authorities provided $750,000 through 2013 to update the existing AH-1F/S Cobra fleet.[64] However, controversy over how much of this funding has actually been spent on Pakistan's Cobras has also been present throughout the 2010s.[65] Turkey has also become a key supplier of spare parts for the Cobra, often free of toll, to Pakistan.[66] During the 2010s, Pakistan lost a total of iii aircraft in separate incidents.[67] [68]
Pakistan repeatedly sought the Bong AH-i SuperCobra from the US to supplement and replace its current AH-one Cobras.[59] Attempts to acquire the AH-1Z Viper or AH-64 Apache from the Us were rejected, and then Pakistan turned to buying other strange set on helicopters. Possible candidates have included the Turkish T129, the Chinese CAIC Z-10, and the Russian Mi-35 Hind.[69] In Nov 2014, Russia approved the sale of Mi-35M helicopters to Islamic republic of pakistan.[lxx] In April 2015, China delivered three Z-10s to Pakistan.[71] During the aforementioned month, the US Department of Country canonical the sale of 15 AH-1Zs and associated equipment to Pakistan.[72] During October 2017, the T129 was as well reported to be a contender for farther orders.[73]
Philippines [edit]
The Jordanian authorities offered to provide up to four surplus AH-1F Cobras to the Philippines for counter terrorism operations. The offering was later reduced to 2 units, which the Philippine authorities accustomed.[74] [75] On 26 November 2019, an Antonov An-124 airlifter carried the two Bell AH-1F Cobras from Jordan to Clark International Airdrome/Clark Air Base. The helicopters are reportedly painted in a light grey livery similar to the pigment scheme of the PAF'south AgustaWestland AW109E armed helicopters.[74]
Civilian operators [edit]
In 2003, the US Wood Service acquired 25 retired AH-1Fs from the US Ground forces.[6] These have been designated Bell 209 and are being converted into Firewatch Cobras with infrared and low light sensors and systems for real fourth dimension fire monitoring.[76] [77] The last two Firewatch Cobras were retired in October 2021.[78]
The Florida Division of Forestry too caused 3 AH-1Ps from the US Regular army. These are called Bong 209 "Firesnakes" and are equipped to carry a water/fire retardant arrangement.[six] [79]
Variants [edit]
Unmarried-engine [edit]
- Bell 209
- Original AH-1G prototype with retractable sideslip landing gear. This model number is also used by the FAA for the civilian registration of quondam U.S. Army AH-1s used in firefighting service.
- AH-1G HueyCobra
- Initial 1966 production model gunship for the U.s. Army, with one 1,400 shp (ane,000 kW) Avco Lycoming T53-thirteen turboshaft.
- JAH-1G HueyCobra
- One helicopter for armament testing including Hellfire missiles and multi-butt cannon.[80]
- Th-1G HueyCobra
- Two-seat dual-control trainer.[80]
- Z.14 HueyCobra
- The Spanish Navy purchased eight new-build AH-1Gs, designating the type the "Z-xiv". These were equipped with the M35 20 mm cannon system, and were used to support littoral patrol boats. 4 of these were lost in accidents. The remaining helicopters were retired in 1985 with three sent back to the US, and one kept in storage in Spain.[80] [81]
- YAH-1Q
- Viii AH-1Gs with XM26 Telescopic Sight Unit of measurement (TSU) and two M56 TOW 4-pack launchers.[7]
- AH-1Q HueyCobra
- Equipped with the M65 TOW/Cobra missile subsystem, M65 Telescopic Sight Unit of measurement (TSU), and M73 Reflex sight. All future versions will exist equipped with the TSU and be equipped to fire the TOW missile subsystem.
- YAH-1R
- AH-1G powered by a T53-50-703 engine without TOW system.[7]
- YAH-1S
- AH-1Q upgrade and TOW system.[vii]
- AH-1S
- The baseline AH-1S is an AH-1Q upgraded with a 1,800 shp (1,300 kW) T53-L-703 turboshaft engine. The AH-1S is likewise referred to as the "Improved AH-1S", "AH-1S Modified", or "AH-1S(Modernistic)" prior to 1988. (Prior to 1988, all upgraded shipping were referred to as variants of the AH-1S.)[seven]
- QAH-1S
- A target drone conversion of the AH-1S by Bong-Bristol Aerospace under a joint U.s.a. and Canada development program started in 1994. Honeywell farther modified the QAH-1S into the Hokum-Ten by installing systems and hardware to allow it to simulate the Russian Kamov Ka-l attack helicopter. Three Hokum-Xs were completed from 1998 to 2001.[82] [83]
- AH-1P
- 100 production aircraft with blended rotors, flat plate glass cockpit, and improved cockpit layout for nap-of-earth (NOE) flight. The AH-1P is also referred to every bit the "Product AH-1S", or "AH-1S(PROD)" prior to 1988. These improvements are considered Stride 1 of the AH-1S upgrade plan.[7]
- AH-1E
- 98 production aircraft with the Enhanced Cobra Armament Organization (ECAS) featuring the M97A1 armament subsystem with a three-barreled M197 twenty mm cannon. The AH-1E is too referred to as the "Upgunned AH-1S", or "AH-1S(ECAS)" prior to 1988. These improvements are considered Step ii of the AH-1S upgrade programme.[7] AH-1E shipping included the M147 Rocket Management Subsystem (RMS) to fire 2.75-inch (70 mm) rockets.[84]
- AH-1F
- 143 product aircraft and 387 converted AH-1G Cobras. The AH-1F incorporates all Step 1 and two upgrades to the AH-1S. It also featured Stride iii upgrades: a head-upwards display, a laser rangefinder, an infrared jammer mounted above the engine exhaust, and an infrared suppressing engine exhaust system, and the M143 Air Data Subsystem (ADS). The AH-1F is besides referred to every bit the "Modernized AH-1S", "AH-1S Modernized Cobra", or "AH-1S(MC)" prior to 1988.[85]
- Model 249
- Experimental demonstrator version fitted with the four-blade rotor system from Bell 412, an uprated engine, and experimental equipment, including Hellfire missiles.[86]
- Bell 309 KingCobra
- Experimental all-weather version based on the AH-1G single-engine and AH-1J twin-engine designs.[87] Two Bell 309s were produced; the first was powered past a Pw&C T400-CP-400 Twin-Pac engine set and the second was powered by a Lycoming T-55-L-7C engine.[88]
Twin-engine [edit]
Operators [edit]
A minor number of former military helicopters are operated by ceremonious organizations for display and sit-in, for example by Red Bull.[89]
- Bahrain
- Bahrain Air Force[63]
- Japan
- Nihon Ground Self-Defense force[63]
- Jordan
- Royal Jordanian Air Force[63]
- Kenya
- Kenya Air Force[xc] [91]
- Pakistan
- Pakistan Air Strength[ commendation needed ]
- Pakistan Ground forces[63]
- Philippines
- Philippine Air Force[92]
- Republic of korea
- Republic of Korea Ground forces[63] [93]
- Thailand
- Imperial Thai Army[63]
- Turkey
- Turkish Ground forces[63]
- United states of america
- Florida Department of Forestry[94]
- U.S. Wood Service[95] [96]
Erstwhile Operators
- Israel
- Israeli Air Force[47] [97]
- Spain
- Castilian Navy[98] [99]
- United States
- U.S. Army[100]
- Washington State Department of Natural Resources[101]
Shipping on display [edit]
Specifications (AH-1G HueyCobra) [edit]
Data from The Illustrated Encyclopedia of the World's Modern Military Aircraft,[102] Bong AH-1 Cobra,[103] Modern Fighting Aircraft: AH-1 Cobra[104]
General characteristics
- Crew: 2: 1 pilot, 1 co-airplane pilot/gunner (CPG)
- Length: 53 ft (sixteen m) including rotors
- Fuselage length: 44 ft 5 in (13.5 one thousand)
- Width: x ft iv in (3.15 yard) stub wings
- Summit: 13 ft 6 in (4.11 g)
- Empty weight: v,810 lb (2,635 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: ix,500 lb (4,309 kg)
- Powerplant: 1 × Lycoming T53-L-13 turboshaft, 1,100 hp (820 kW)
- Main rotor diameter: 44 ft 0 in (13.4 m)
- Main rotor area: 1,520 sq ft (141 one thousandii)
- Blade department: NACA 0009.iii modernistic[105]
Functioning
- Maximum speed: 149 kn (171 mph, 276 km/h)
- Never exceed speed: 190 kn (220 mph, 350 km/h)
- Range: 310 nmi (360 mi, 570 km)
- Service ceiling: 11,400 ft (three,500 m)
- Rate of climb: 1,230 ft/min (6.2 1000/s)
Armament
- ii × 7.62 mm (0.308 in) multi-butt Miniguns, or 2 × M129 40 mm grenade launchers, or ane of each, in the M28 turret. (When one of each was mounted, the minigun was mounted on the right side of the turret, due to feed requirements.)
- two.75 in (70 mm) rockets – 7 rockets mounted in the M158 launcher or 19 rockets in the M200 launcher
- M18 7.62 mm Minigun pod or XM35 armament subsystem with XM195 xx mm cannon
Notable appearances in media [edit]
See also [edit]
- U.Due south. Helicopter Armament Subsystems, AH-one Cobra
Related development
- Bell 207 Sioux Scout
- Bell 309 KingCobra
- Bell AH-1 SuperCobra
- Bell AH-1Z Viper
- Bong UH-1 Iroquois
- Bell YAH-63
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
- Agusta A129 Mangusta
Related lists
- List of agile U.s. armed forces aircraft
- Listing of assail aircraft
- List of rotorcraft
References [edit]
Citations [edit]
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- ^ a b Verier 1990, pp. 12–17.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l g n Donald and March 2004.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k fifty m n o Bishop 2006.
- ^ a b c d e McGowen 2005, p. 107.
- ^ Verier 1990, pp. 30–31.
- ^ McGowen 2005, p. 158.
- ^ Verier 1990, p. 44.
- ^ "Everyone Relax—The Army'south Native American Helicopter Names Are Not Racist". Medium.com. War Is Boring. 1 July 2014.
- ^ McGowen 2005, pp. 157-158.
- ^ RD&A, Sect 135 Archived x July 2017 at the Wayback Auto – Regular army Historical Summary: FY74.
- ^ McGowen 2005, pp. 158-159.
- ^ Verier 1990, pp. 57, 59–61.
- ^ McGowen 2005, pp. 159-160.
- ^ McGowen 2005, p. 108.
- ^ a b McGowen 2005, p. 160.
- ^ Verier 1990, pp. 86–88.
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Bibliography [edit]
- Bernstein, Jonathan. U.s.a. Army AH-ane Cobra Units in Vietnam (Osprey Combat Aircraft #41). Oxford, UK: Osprey Publishing Express, 2003. ISBN 978-ane-84176-606-5.
- Bishop, Chris. Apache AH-64 Boeing (McDonnell Douglas) 1976–2005. Osprey Publishing, 2005. ISBN 1-84176-816-ii.
- Bishop, Chris. Huey Cobra Gunships. New Vanguard. Oxford, UK: Osprey Publishing Limited, 2006. ISBN 1-84176-984-3.
- Donald, David. The Consummate Encyclopedia of World Aircraft. Barnes & Nobel Books, 1997. ISBN 0-7607-0592-v.
- Donald, David. "AH-64A/D Apache and AH-64D Longbow Apache". Modern Battleground Warplanes. AIRtime Publishing Inc, 2004. ISBN 1-880588-76-5.
- Donald, David and March, Daniel (eds). Modern Battlefield Warplanes. AIRtime Publishing Inc, 2004. ISBN 1-880588-76-five.
- Gunston, B. and Michael Spick. Modernistic Fighting Helicopters, pp. 104–105. New York: Crescent Books, 1986. ISBN 0-517-61349-2.
- International Air Power Review, Volume 12. AIRtime Publishing, 2004. ISBN i-880588-77-iii.
- McGowen, Stanley S. (2005). Helicopters: An Illustrated History of Their Impact. ABC-CLIO. ISBN978-one-85109-468-4.
- Nolan, Keith W. Into Laos: Dewey Canyon II/Lam Son 719, Vietnam 1971. Presidio Printing, 1986. ISBN 0-89141-247-6.
- Richardson, Doug and Lindsay Peacock. Combat Aircraft: AH-64 Apache. London: Salamander Books, 1992. ISBN 0-86101-675-0.
- Verier, Mike (1990). Bell AH-1 Cobra. London: Osprey. ISBN0-85045-934-6.
- Wheeler, Howard A. Attack Helicopters, A History of Rotary-Wing Combat Shipping. The Nautical and Aviation Publishing Visitor, 1987. ISBN 0-933852-52-5.
External links [edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to AH-1 Cobra. |
- AH-1 Cobra page on GlobalSecurity.org
- AH-1 HueyCobra page on Rotorhead.org
- AH-1 Cobra Photograph Galleries on MidwaySailor.com
- Cobras over the Frontier, by Usman Ansari.
- Finish of an era for Fort Pulsate'southward Cobras.
- Aircraft Training Manual, Attack Helicopter, AH-1 (TC i-213), 1992
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bell_AH-1_Cobra
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