View source for Bell AH-1 Cobra

{{About|the single-engine Cobra|the twin-engine models|Bell AH-1 SuperCobra}}
{{short description|Family of attack helicopters}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2019}}
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{{Infobox aircraft
 |name= AH-1 HueyCobra / Cobra
 |image= US Army AH-1G archived.jpg
 |image_caption= A Bell AH-1G in flight
 |aircraft_type= [[Attack helicopter]]
 |national_origin= United States
 |manufacturer= [[Bell Helicopter]]
 |designer=
 |first_flight= 7 September 1965
 |introduction= 1967
 |retired= 2001 (US Army)
 |status= In service
 |primary_user= [[United States Army]] (historical) <!--Largest historical user. Please don't remove. Note USMC and Iran use [[Bell AH-1 SuperCobra]].-->
 |more_users= [[Japan Ground Self-Defense Force]] <br />[[Republic of Korea Army]] <br />[[Royal Jordanian Air Force]] <!--Limit of THREE (3) 'more users' here. Please separate with <br />. Note USMC and Iran use AH-1 SuperCobra. (Yes, this is noted twice. Probably won't help either! ...) -->
 |produced= 1967–2019
 |number_built= 1,116
 |developed_from= [[Bell UH-1 Iroquois]]
 |variants= [[Bell AH-1 SuperCobra|Bell AH-1 SeaCobra/SuperCobra]] <br />[[Bell 309 KingCobra]]
}}

The '''Bell AH-1 Cobra''' is a single-engined [[attack helicopter]] developed and manufactured by the American rotorcraft manufacturer [[Bell Helicopter]]. A member of the prolific [[Huey family]], the AH-1 is also referred to as the '''HueyCobra''' or '''Snake'''.

The AH-1 was rapidly developed as an interim [[gunship]] in response to the [[United States Army]]'s needs in the [[Vietnam War]]. It used the same engine, [[Transmission (mechanics)|transmission]] and [[Helicopter rotor|rotor]] system as the [[Bell UH-1 Iroquois]], which had already proven itself to be a capable platform during the conflict, but paired it with a redesigned narrow fuselage among other features. The original AH-1, being a dedicated attack helicopter, came equipped with stub wings for various weapons, a chin-mounted [[gun turret]], and an armored tandem [[Cockpit (aviation)|cockpit]], from which it was operated by a pilot and gunner. Its design was shaped to fulfill a need for a dedicated armed escort for transport helicopters, giving the latter greater survivability in contested environments. On 7 September 1965, the ''Model 209'' prototype performed its [[maiden flight]]; after rapidly gaining the support of various senior officials, quantity production of the type proceeded rapidly with little revision.

During June 1967, the first examples of the AH-1 entered service with the US Army and were promptly deployed to the Vietnam theater. It commonly provided fire support to friendly ground forces, escorted transport helicopters, and flew in "hunter killer" teams by pairing with [[Hughes OH-6A Cayuse]] scout helicopters. In the Vietnam War alone, the Cobra fleet cumulatively chalked up in excess of one million operational hours; roughly 300 AH-1s were also lost in combat. In addition to the US Army, various other branches of the US military also opted to acquire the type, particularly the [[United States Marine Corps]]. Furthermore, numerous export sales were completed with several overseas countries, including [[Israel]], [[Japan]], and [[Turkey]].

For several decades, the AH-1 formed the core of the US Army's attack helicopter fleet, seeing combat in Vietnam, [[United States invasion of Grenada|Grenada]], [[United States invasion of Panama|Panama]], and the [[Gulf War]]. In US Army service, the Cobra was progressively replaced by 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 most prolifically along its land border with [[Lebanon]], using its fleet intensively during the [[1982 Lebanon War]]. Turkish AH-1s have seen regular combat with [[Kurd]]ish insurgents near Turkey's southern borders. Upgraded versions of the Cobra have been developed, such as the twin-engined [[Bell AH-1 SuperCobra|AH-1 SeaCobra/SuperCobra]] and the experimental [[Bell 309 KingCobra]]. Furthermore, surplus AH-1 helicopters have been repurposed for other uses, including civilian ones; numerous examples have been converted to perform [[aerial firefighting]] operations.

==Development==

===Background===
Closely related to the development of the Bell AH-1 is the story of the [[Bell UH-1 Iroquois]] transport helicopter—an icon of the [[Vietnam War]] and one of the most numerous helicopter types built. The UH-1 made the theory of [[air cavalry]] practical, as the new tactics called for US forces to be highly mobile across a wide area. Unlike before, they would not stand and fight long [[battle]]s, and they would not stay and hold 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.<ref name=Wheeler_p62-4>Wheeler 1987, pp. 62–64.</ref>

The massive expansion of American military presence in Vietnam opened a new era of war from the air. The linchpin of US Army tactics was the helicopters, and the protection of those helicopters became a vital role.<ref name=Wheeler_p60-1>Wheeler 1987, pp. 60–61.</ref> It became clear that unarmed troop helicopters were vulnerable against ground fire from [[Viet Cong]] and [[North Vietnamese Army|North Vietnamese]] troops, particularly as they approached landing zones to disembark or embark troops. Without friendly support from artillery or ground forces, 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 as the battle progressed. By 1962, a small number of armed UH-1As were used as escorts, armed with multiple machine guns and rocket mounts.<ref name=Wheeler_p57-62>Wheeler 1987, pp. 57–62, 64–65.</ref> However, these makeshift gunships came with considerable tradeoffs, particularly being barely able to keep up with the troop transports they were intended to protect.<ref name="cobra birth">{{cite web |url=https://www.smithsonianmag.com/air-space-magazine/13_aug2017-birth-of-the-cobra-180963930/ |title=Birth of the Cobra |publisher=Smithsonian Magazine |date=August 2017 |first=Stephen |last=Joiner}}</ref>

While some officials within the Pentagon, particularly those within the US Army, had recognized the potential value of purpose-built armed rotary aircraft as early as 1962 and were keen to see such a vehicle developed promptly, the issue was complicated in part due to inter-service politics.<ref name="cobra birth"/> The [[United States Air Force]] (USAF) largely held the opinion that most forms of US military aircraft should be operated only by their service, and that the US Army would be intruding into their domain by developing a complex armed aerial combatant, and ought to be largely restricted to transport aircraft. Meanwhile, some Army officials were concerned that the USAF did not take the [[close air support]] (CAS) mission as seriously as it ought to, and that response times of 30 minutes or more for fixed-wing aircraft would be unacceptable.<ref name="cobra birth"/>

===Iroquois Warrior, Sioux Scout and AAFSS===
{{main|Bell 207 Sioux Scout}}
[[File:Bell 207 Sioux Scout 73923 (cropped).jpg|thumb|Bell Model 207 Sioux Scout]]

Bell had been investigating helicopter gunships since the late 1950s, paying particular attention to the [[Algerian War]], in which French forces mounted weapons on helicopters to fight the growing insurgency.<ref name="cobra birth"/> The company created a mockup of its D-255 helicopter gunship concept, named "Iroquois Warrior". The Iroquois Warrior was planned to be 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&nbsp;mm belly-mounted gun pod, and stub wings for mounting rockets or [[SS.10]] anti-tank missiles.<ref name=Verier_p12-7>Verier 1990, pp. 12–17.</ref>

In June 1962, Bell displayed the mockup to US Army officials, hoping to solicit funding for further development; rival manufacturers issued protests to this approach, alleging that it was an attempt by Bell to circumvent the competitive process.<ref name=Verier_p12-7/><ref name="cobra birth"/> Nevertheless, the Army was interested and awarded Bell a proof-of-concept contract in December 1962. Bell modified a [[Bell 47|Model 47]] into the [[Bell 207 Sioux Scout|Model 207 Sioux Scout]] which first flew in July 1963. The Sioux Scout had all the key features of a modern attack helicopter: a tandem [[Cockpit (aviation)|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 generally not suited for practical operations.<ref name=Donald>Donald and March 2004, {{page needed|date=January 2021}}.</ref>

The Army's solution to the shortcomings of the Sioux Scout was to launch the [[Advanced Aerial Fire Support System]] (AAFSS) competition.<ref name=Donald/> This called for a heavily armed helicopter capable of at least {{convert|200|mph}}. A total of seven companies, including Bell, opted to respond to the requirement.<ref name="cobra birth"/> 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 be too sophisticated and costly, 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.<ref name=Donald/>

===Model 209===
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 little experience in developing rotorcraft and correctly predicted that it would encounter considerable difficulties.<ref name=Donald/><ref name="cobra birth"/> Bell employee Mike Folse played a key role 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 caught the approval of Bell's senior management team.<ref name="cobra birth"/>

In January 1965, Bell elected to invest $1 million (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|index=US-GDP|value=1000000|start_year=1965}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}) to proceed with the concept's detailed design. Mating the proven transmission, the "540" rotor system 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 Scout, Bell produced the ''Model 209''.<ref name=Donald/> It largely resembled the "Iroquois Warrior" mockup,<ref name=Huey_Cobra>Bishop 2006, {{page needed|date=January 2021}}.</ref> particularly in its cockpit and tail boom; in broad visual terms, there was relatively little shared between the proposed design and the UH-1. Despite appearance, much of the Model 209's major elements, such as the tail rotor and much of the dynamic systems, were identical. Roughly 80 percent of its components already had existing Huey part numbers.<ref name="cobra birth"/>

[[File:Bell 209.jpg|thumb|left|Bell 209 prototype of the AH-1 Cobra series, with skids retracted (FAA no. N209J)]]
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 project's go-ahead and slightly under budget.<ref name="cobra birth"/> This first flight was witnessed by around 20 US Army officials, the service having had no awareness of the project's existence prior to this, and rapidly drew the government's attention. One early test flight was met with a reportedly enthusiastic visit by US secretary of defense [[Robert McNamara]]. Bell claimed at this phase of the project that production units could be ready for service within one year.<ref name="cobra birth"/>

As the Vietnam War proceeded, pressure accumulated 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.<ref name=Donald/> 1965 was also the deadline for AAFSS selection, but the program would become stuck in technical difficulties and political bickering. The US Army needed an interim gunship for Vietnam and it approached five separate companies with its request to provide a quick solution. Submissions came in for armed variants of the [[Boeing CH-47 Chinook#ACH-47A|Boeing-Vertol ACH-47A]], [[Kaman SH-2 Seasprite#Variants|Kaman HH-2C Tomahawk]], [[Piasecki 16H Pathfinder]], [[Sikorsky S-61]], and the Bell 209.<ref name=Donald/><ref name="cobra birth"/>

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 aircraft.<ref name=Donald/><ref name="McGowen 107">McGowen 2005, p. 107.</ref> By the end of the year, rapid follow-on orders had increased this to 500 Cobras.<ref name="cobra birth"/> 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.<ref>Verier 1990, pp. 30–31.</ref> The Bell 209 demonstrator was used for the next six years to test weapons and fit of equipment. An additional use for the demonstrator was participating in marketing initiatives.<ref name="cobra birth"/> It was also modified to match the AH-1 production standard by the early 1970s. The demonstrator was retired to the [[General George Patton Museum of Leadership|Patton Museum]] at [[Fort Knox]], Kentucky and converted to approximately its original appearance.<ref name=Huey_Cobra/>

===Into production===
The Bell 209 design was modified in several respects for production. The retractable skids were replaced by simpler fixed skids; this was not due to any recorded design flaw or serviceability, but it was feared that the landing gear bay could become inundated with mud.<ref name="cobra birth"/> Furthermore, a new wide-chord rotor blade was adopted. It was also decided that a plexiglass canopy should replace the Model 209's armored glass canopy, which was heavy enough to negatively impact performance.<ref name=Huey_Cobra/><ref name="McGowen 158">McGowen 2005, p. 158.</ref> The umbrella-shaped [[dive brake]] was deleted, having reportedly self-destructed during its first test flight.<ref name="cobra birth"/>

Numerous changes of the design were incorporated after the Cobra had entered service. The principal amongst these changes was the repositioning of the tail rotor from the helicopter's left side to the right, which facilitated an increase in the effectiveness of the tail rotor.<ref>Verier 1990, p. 44.</ref> The AH-1 was the first U.S. Army helicopter not named for a Native American people since the practice began with the [[Bell H-13 Sioux|H-13 Sioux]] and continued with the UH-1 Iroquois, AH-56 Cheyenne, OH-58 Kiowa, and later helicopters.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://medium.com/war-is-boring/everyone-relax-the-armys-native-american-helicopter-names-are-not-racist-d21beb55d782 |title=Everyone Relax—The Army's Native American Helicopter Names Are Not Racist |publisher=War Is Boring |date=1 July 2014 |website=Medium.com}}</ref>

Within its first decade of service, the US Army had put the original Cobra model through various exercises and operations, which highlighted both the attack helicopter's promise and areas in which it could be improved.<ref name="McGowen 1578">McGowen 2005, pp. 157-158.</ref> By 1972, the US Army openly sought an improved anti-armor capability. Under the Improved Cobra Armament Program (ICAP), trials of eight AH-1s fitted with [[BGM-71 TOW|TOW missiles]] were conducted in October 1973. After passing qualification tests the following year, Bell was contracted with upgrading 101 AH-1Gs to the TOW-capable AH-1Q configuration.<ref>[http://www.history.army.mil/books/DAHSUM/1974/ch11.htm RD&A, Sect 135] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170710102319/http://www.history.army.mil///books/DAHSUM/1974/ch11.htm |date=10 July 2017}} – Army Historical Summary: FY74.</ref> While early-production examples were not compatible with [[night vision goggles]], the cockpit instrumentation of later Cobras was altered to facilitate their use.<ref name="cobra birth"/>

Further variants of the Cobra were promptly developed, with both new-build models and early 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 panel, improved [[Composite material|composite]] rotor blades, revised transmission and gearboxes, the M128 helmet-mounted sight, and the M28A3 armament system.<ref name="McGowen 1589">McGowen 2005, pp. 158-159.</ref> A major feature was the adoption of a more powerful version of the T53 engine. Designated AH-1S, the Cobra was upgraded in three stages, culminating with the AH-1F.<ref name=Donald/><ref>Verier 1990, pp. 57, 59–61.</ref><ref name="McGowen 1596">McGowen 2005, pp. 159-160.</ref> The AH-1F integrated numerous countermeasures, including an infrared jammer, a radar jammer, and a hot plume exhaust suppressor.<ref name="cobra birth"/>

The U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) quickly became interested in the Cobra, opting to order an improved twin-engine version in 1968 under the designation AH-1J.<ref name="McGowen 108">McGowen 2005, p. 108.</ref> During the early 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-armor capacity, unlike the preceding model.<ref name="McGowen 160">McGowen 2005, p. 160.</ref> The USMC's interest in the Cobra would lead to the production of more [[AH-1 SuperCobra|twin-engine variants]] of the helicopter.<ref>Verier 1990, pp. 86–88.</ref>

==Design==
[[File:Air-to-air left front view of an AH-1S Cobra helicopter on a mission during Exercise Gallant Eagle '86 - DPLA - 044ed75d7dc4b11e3c24813506230f48.jpeg|thumb|An AH-1S Cobra, 1986]]
The Bell AH-1 Cobra is a dedicated attack helicopter, built to provide close air support and to escort friendly troop transports.<ref name="McGowen 107"/><ref name="cobra birth"/> The visual design of the Cobra was intentionally made to be sleek and be akin to that of a jet fighter.<ref name="cobra birth"/> Aviation author Stanley McGowen observed that its appearance differed radically from any prior rotorcraft designed by Bell, possessing a relatively narrow fuselage and a then-unusual cockpit arrangement. This cockpit was covered by a large fighter-like canopy and its occupants protected by armor, including tempered-steel seats and personal body armor.<ref name="cobra birth"/><ref name="McGowen 107"/> It was operated by both a pilot and gunner, who were seated in a stepped tandem arrangement in which the commander was placed in the rear seat while the gunner occupied the forward position.<ref name="McGowen 107"/> 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 control of the Cobra to be exchanged quickly through the course of the mission.<ref name="cobra birth"/>

Much of the Cobra's armaments could be installed upon the multiple [[hardpoint]]s that were attached to the stub wings set on either side of the fuselage.<ref name="cobra birth"/><ref name="McGowen 107"/> In comparison to armed UH-1s, the Cobra would typically have carried twice as much ammunition and arrive on station in half the time, it also had three times the loiter time, which enabled the type to arrive in a designated landing zone ahead of transport helicopters to clear it, provide support fire while they are present, and to continue fighting as they withdraw.<ref name="cobra birth"/> The slim profile of the helicopter allegedly provided defensive benefits by making it harder for opponents to accurately hit it with small arms fire, although [[man-portable air-defense system]] (MANPADS) did prove to be effective against the Cobra. Particularly vulnerable areas included the tail rotor drive shaft and the main transmission.<ref name="cobra birth"/>

Typically, the Cobra would avoid hovering at any point in an active engagement; instead, emphasis was placed on maintaining speed and mobility.<ref name="cobra birth"/> The gunner often fired the chin-mounted cannon with the intention of suppressing hostile targets in between barrages of 2.75-inch rockets, held in pods upon the stub wings, which were fired by the back-seater. It was unusual for Cobras to operate alone; instead, two or more would be dispatched and teamwork encouraged, leading to hunter-killer tactics being used to flush out and eliminate ground targets.<ref name="cobra birth"/> Pairings with other helicopters, such as the [[Bell OH-58 Kiowa]] scout helicopter, were also common occurrences. Radio communications were handled by the gunner. Regardless of mission profile, low altitude flying was commonplace.<ref name="cobra birth"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.smithsonianmag.com/air-space-magazine/snakes-loaches-180964341/ |title=In Vietnam, These Helicopter Scouts Saw Combat Up Close |publisher=Smithsonian Magazine |date=September 2017 |first=David |last=Porter}}</ref>

==Operational history==
{{For|AH-1J, AH-1T, AH-1W, AH-1Z and other twin-engine variants|Bell AH-1 SuperCobra}}
[[File:AH-1G Cobra Vietnam.jpg|thumb|Bell AH-1G over Vietnam]]

===United States===
By June 1967, the first AH-1G HueyCobras had been delivered. Originally designated as UH-1H, the "A" for attack designation was soon 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.<ref name=Donald_p166>Donald 2004, p. 166.</ref>

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The first six AH-1s arrived at [[Bien Hoa Air Base]], [[South Vietnam]] on 30 August 1967 for combat testing by the U.S. Army Cobra New Equipment Training Team.<ref name=Bernstein>{{cite book |last=Bernstein |first=Jonathan |title=US Army AH-1 Cobra Units in Vietnam |publisher=Osprey Publishing |series=Osprey Combat Aircraft 41 |year=2003 |isbn=978-1841766065}}</ref>{{rp|11}} On 4 September, the type scored its first combat kill by sinking a [[sampan]] boat, killing four [[Viet Cong]].<ref name=Bernstein/>{{rp|11}} The first AH-1 unit, the 334th Assault Helicopter Company, was declared operational on 6 October 1967. The Army operated the Cobra continuously up to the U.S. withdrawal from South Vietnam in 1973. Typically, the AH-1 provided fire support for ground forces and escorted transport helicopters, in addition to other roles, including aerial rocket artillery (ARA) battalions in the two Airmobile divisions. They also formed "hunter killer" teams by pairing with [[Hughes OH-6 Cayuse|OH-6A Cayuse]] scout helicopters; a team normally comprised a single OH-6 flying slow and low to find enemy forces. If the OH-6 drew fire, the Cobra could strike at the then revealed enemy.<ref name=Huey_Cobra/><ref name="McGowen 1078">McGowen 2005, pp. 107-108.</ref>

On 12 September 1968, Capt. [[Ronald Fogleman]] was flying an [[F-100 Super Sabre]] when the aircraft was shot down and he ejected {{convert|200|mi}} north of Bien Hoa. Fogleman became the only pilot to be rescued by holding on to an Army AH-1G's deployed gun-panel door.<ref>[https://www.defensemedianetwork.com/stories/f-100-super-sabre-flew-most-missions-in-vietnam/ F-100 Super Sabre Flew Most Missions in Vietnam] – Defensemedianetwork.com, 12 September 2013</ref> 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;<ref name=Donald/> the number of Cobras in service peaked at 1,081.<ref>Webster & Pedrotty et al. "[https://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/usaf/docs/webster/webster98_ch5.pdf Historical and Architectural Overview of Military Aircraft Hangars]" pp. 5–23 ''[[United States Air Force Air Combat Command]]'', September 1999.</ref> Out of nearly 1,110 AH-1s that were delivered between 1967 and 1973, approximately 300 were lost to a combination of combat and accidents during the conflict.<ref name=Huey_Cobra/><ref>Verier 1990, p. 35.</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.comanchero.org/LamSon719.html |title=Lam Son 719}}</ref><ref name=Hinh>{{cite book |last=Nguyen |first=Duy Hinh |title=Operation Lam Sơn 719 |publisher=United States Army Center of Military History |year=1979 |isbn=978-1984054463}}</ref>

The U.S. Marine Corps also operated the AH-1G Cobra in Vietnam for a short time before acquiring the twin-engine [[Bell AH-1 SuperCobra|AH-1J Cobras]].<ref name=Donald_p166/> The AH-1Gs had been adopted by the Marines as an interim measure, a total of 38 helicopters having been transferred from the U.S. Army to the Marines in 1969.<ref name="AH-1J_vector">{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20070807001809/http://www.vectorsite.net/avcobra_1.html Marine AH-1J SeaCobra]}}. vectorsite.net</ref><ref name="McGowen 1089">McGowen 2005, pp. 108-109.</ref>

During Operation Urgent Fury, the [[United States invasion of Grenada|invasion of Grenada in 1983]], several Marine AH-1T SeaCobras and Army AH-1S Cobras were deployed to fly close air support and helicopter escort missions. On the first day of the invasion, two of the four AH-1Ts involved were lost to anti-aircraft fire in the attack on Fort Frederick.<ref name=Kreisher>{{cite web |last1=Kreisher |first1=Otto |title=Operation URGENT FURY – Grenada |url=https://www.mca-marines.org/leatherneck/operation-urgent-fury-grenada |publisher=Marine Corps Association & Foundation |access-date=6 April 2016 |archive-date=19 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160419110427/https://www.mca-marines.org/leatherneck/operation-urgent-fury-Grenada |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="McGowen 160"/>

During 1989, Army Cobras participated in Operation Just Cause, the [[United States invasion of Panama|U.S. invasion of Panama]].<ref name=Huey_Cobra/> It operated alongside its eventual successor in US Army service, the [[Boeing AH-64 Apache]], for the first time during the combat in Panama.<ref>Richardson and Peacock 1992, pp. 51–52.</ref><ref>Bishop 2005, pp. 16–17.</ref>

During Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in the [[Gulf War]] (1990–91), both the Cobras and SuperCobras deployed in a support role. The USMC deployed 91 AH-1W SuperCobras while the US Army operated 140 AH-1 Cobras of various models in the theatre; these were typically operated from dispersed forward operating bases in close proximity to Saudi Arabia's border 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.<ref name=Huey_Cobra/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/erictegler/2020/10/20/the-marines-ah-1-super-cobra-attack-helicopter-is-slithering-away-after-three-decades-of-service/ |title=The Marines' AH-1 Super Cobra Attack Helicopter Is Slithering Away After Three Decades Of Service |work=forbes.com |first=Eric |last=Tegler |date=20 October 2020}}</ref>

US Cobras were deployed in further operations across the 1990s. Army Cobras provided support for the US humanitarian intervention during [[Unified Task Force|Operation Restore Hope]] in Somalia in 1993. They were also employed during the [[US invasion of Haiti]] in 1994.<ref name=Huey_Cobra/>

During the 1990s, the US Army gradually phased out its Cobra fleet, completely retiring the type from active service in March 1999.<ref name="army withdraw1999"/> The service, which had long sought a more capable successor to the Cobra, had procured a large fleet of AH-64 Apaches since receiving the first example of the type during early 1984.<ref>Richardson and Peacock 1992, pp. 14–15.</ref><ref name=Bishop_p5>Bishop 2005, pp. 5–6.</ref> The withdrawn AH-1s were typically offered to other potential operators, usually NATO allies.<ref name=Donald/><ref name="army withdraw1999">{{citation |publisher=US Army |date=31 March 1999 |title=Army retires Cobras from active force |url=http://www.dtic.mil/armylink/news/Mar1999/a19990331cobra.html |author=Edward Zink |archive-date=5 May 2002 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020505095724/http://www.dtic.mil/armylink/news/Mar1999/a19990331cobra.html |work=Army Link News}}</ref> The Army retired the AH-1 from its reserves in September 2001. The retired AH-1s were then disposed of, often through sales to overseas customers; the final portion of the fleet was liquidated in 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.army.mil/article/46906/ah_1_cobra_retirement_program_at_fort_drum_ends_final_four_helicopters_head_to_thailand |title=AH-1 Cobra retirement program at Fort Drum ends; final four helicopters head to Thailand |website=www.army.mil|date=21 October 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/17810/pentagon-to-sell-off-its-ah-1w-super-cobra-attack-helicopter-fleet |title=Pentagon To Sell-Off Its AH-1W Super Cobra Attack Helicopter Fleet |publisher=The War Zone |first=Tyler |last=Rogoway |date=19 January 2018 |access-date=30 March 2021 |archive-date=25 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210325094043/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/17810/pentagon-to-sell-off-its-ah-1w-super-cobra-attack-helicopter-fleet |url-status= dead }}</ref> Some were also given to the USDA's [[United States Forest Service|Forest Service]].<ref name=Donald/> The US Marine Corps retired the AH-1W SuperCobra in 2020, and continues to operate the [[Bell AH-1Z Viper|AH-1Z Viper]].

===Israel===
[[File:Flickr - Israel Defense Forces - The Cobra Helicopter Makes a Splash.jpg|thumb|right|Israeli Air Force ''Tzefa'' helicopters]]

Israel was an early export customer for the Cobra, purchasing six AH-1Gs from the US Army.<ref name="isdef 2014"/> The government was keen to procure a capable attack helicopter as 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 Force]] (IAF), with the First Attack Helicopter Squadron formally commencing on 1 December 1977.<ref name="isdef 2014">{{cite web |url=https://www.israeldefense.co.il/en/content/end-cobra-era |title=The End of the Cobra Era |publisher=israeldefense.co.il |date=29 April 2014 |access-date=30 March 2021 |archive-date=20 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420173657/https://www.israeldefense.co.il/en/content/end-cobra-era |url-status= dead }}</ref> The service named the type as the "Tzefa" ({{langx|he|צפע}}, for [[Viperidae|Viper]]).<ref name="AFA">{{cite journal |url=http://www.airforcemag.com/MagazineArchive/Magazine%20Documents/2013/January%202013/0113classics.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://www.airforcemag.com/MagazineArchive/Magazine%20Documents/2013/January%202013/0113classics.pdf |archive-date=2022-10-09 |url-status=live |first=Walter J. |last=Boyne |date=January 2013 |title=Airpower Classics |journal=Air Force Magazine |publisher=[[Air Force Association]] |page=84}}</ref><ref>Donald 2004, p. 191.</ref>

On 9 May 1979, the IAF's Cobras performed their first attack, firing four Orev missiles at a house near [[Tyre, Lebanon]], that was occupied by militants.<ref name="isdef 2014"/> Israel's fleet of Cobras was particularly active on the Lebanon front, having participated in the fighting there for in excess of 20 years. They were intensively used during the [[1982 Lebanon War]] to destroy [[Syria]]n armor and fortifications alike, being reportedly responsible for the destruction of dozens of Syrian ground vehicles. In one operation alone, a pair of IAF Cobras destroyed three enemy tanks and one truck.<ref name="isdef 2014"/> Based upon its performance in the conflict, it 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 ground units to avoid friendly fire incidents.<ref name="isdef 2014"/>

Largely due to a US [[embargo]] that prevented the purchase of further Cobras, Israel procured alternative platforms instead, including around 20 [[McDonnell Douglas MD 500 Defender]]s in late 1979.<ref name="isdef 2014"/> 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 second squadron, known as the Fighting Family Squadron, on 1 June 1985.<ref name="isdef 2014"/> During 1990, the IAF received its first [[Boeing AH-64 Apache]] attack helicopters,<ref name=Donald_p157>Donald 2004, p. 157.</ref> having acquired a fleet of 42 by 2000.<ref name="Israeliapache1">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/02/03/world/israeli-says-us-fears-endanger-major-purchase-of-apache-copters.html |title=Israeli Says U.S. Fears Endanger Major Purchase of Apache Copters |work=[[The New York Times]] |first=William A. |last=Orme |date=3 February 2000}}</ref> At the time of the Apache's procurement, there was considerable political controversy over the IAF's decision to overlook upgrades to its existing Cobra fleet in favour of acquiring an entirely separate model of attack helicopter.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/jpost/access/99880525.html?dids=99880525:99880525&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Mar+23%2C+1994&author=ALON+PINKAS&pub=Jerusalem+Post&desc=IAI+EXPERTS+CRITICIZE+AIR+FORCE+FOR+PREFERRING+APACHE+OVER+UPGRADED+COBRA&pqatl=google |title=IA Experts Criticize Air Force For Preferring Apache Over Upgraded Cobra |work=Jerusalem Post |date=23 March 1994 |first=Alon |last=Pinkas |access-date=30 March 2021 |archive-date=25 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025055625/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/jpost/access/99880525.html?dids=99880525:99880525&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Mar+23,+1994&author=ALON+PINKAS&pub=Jerusalem+Post&desc=IAI+EXPERTS+CRITICIZE+AIR+FORCE+FOR+PREFERRING+APACHE+OVER+UPGRADED+COBRA&pqatl=google |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the Cobras continued to play a role in major operations against groups such as [[Hezbollah]], including operations "[[Operation Accountability|Accountability]]" and "[[Operation Grapes of Wrath|Grapes of Wrath]]", in southern Lebanon.<ref name="isdef 2014"/> During August 1996, the IAF's Cobra fleet was expanded yet again via 14 surplus US Army AH-1F Cobras being 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)|Spike missile]].<ref name="isdef 2014"/>

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 role was taken up entirely by the IAI's squadrons of AH-64 attack helicopters, while an extensive fleet of [[unmanned aerial vehicle]]s (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 also more expensive to maintain than UAVs and their use exposed pilots to attacks from [[man-portable air-defense system]]s operated by guerrilla groups.<ref name=Reuters_Israel_retire>{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/arms-israel-airforce-idUSL5N0KQ2ER20140528 |title=Drones gain ground in Israel after Cobra helicopters cut |publisher=Reuters |date=28 May 2014 |access-date=30 June 2017 |archive-date=16 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016060706/http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/05/28/arms-israel-airforce-idUSL5N0KQ2ER20140528 |url-status= live}}</ref> Around the same time frame, the IAF also pursued upgrades to its AH-64 fleet.<ref name="DID_AH-64A_upgrades">{{cite web |url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/israel-debates-longbows-benefits-vs-costs-0332/ |title=Israel's AH-64A Attack Helos Get Custom Upgrades – Despite the USA |work=Defense Industry Daily|date=17 March 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140321221708/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/israel-debates-longbows-benefits-vs-costs-0332/ |archive-date=2014-03-21}}<br />{{cite web |url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/israel-debates-longbows-benefits-vs-costs-0332/ |title=Israel's AH-64A Attack Helos Get Custom Upgrades – Despite the USA [updated] |work=Defense Industry Daily |date=26 October 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171104065658/https://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/israel-debates-longbows-benefits-vs-costs-0332/ |archive-date=2017-11-04}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.worldtribune.com/2014/03/14/israel-upgrades-apache-helicopters-after-u-s-blocked-their-modernization/ |title=Israel Upgrades Apache Helicopters After US Blocked Their Modernization |work=World Tribune |date=14 March 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150624025854/http://www.worldtribune.com/2014/03/14/israel-upgrades-apache-helicopters-after-u-s-blocked-their-modernization/ |archive-date=24 June 2015}}</ref> In late 2014, Israel transferred 16 of the recently withdrawn Cobras to the [[Royal Jordanian Air Force]] to bolster the numbers of their existing fleet.<ref name="Reuters Jordan2015">{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/mideast-crisis-israel-jordan-idUSL8N0ZO15120150723 |title=Israel gives Jordan helicopters for border security – U.S. source |publisher=Reuters |date=23 July 2015 |access-date=30 June 2017 |archive-date=16 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016060706/http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/07/23/mideast-crisis-israel-jordan-idUSL8N0ZO15120150723 |url-status= live}}</ref>

===Japan===
[[File:JGSDF AH-1S 20140420-02.jpg|thumb|[[Japan Ground Self-Defense Force]] AH-1S Cobra, April 2014]]

Japan manufactured 89 AH-1S Cobras under license by [[Fuji Heavy Industries, Ltd.|Fuji Heavy Industries]] from 1984 to 2000.<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/2001/2001%20-%203028.html "Apache wins Japan deal"]. Flight International, 4 September 2001.</ref> They are used by the [[Japan Ground Self-Defense Force]] and are Step 3 models, which are roughly the equivalent to the U.S. Army's AH-1Fs. The engine is the T53-K-703 turboshaft, which [[Kawasaki Heavy Industries]] produced under license.<ref name=Huey_Cobra/> 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 be optimized for marine use and able to operate from expeditionary airstrips or sea bases and that between 30-50 such craft would be purchased.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.defensenews.com/digital-show-dailies/japan-aerospace/2018/11/29/japan-sets-naval-friendly-requirement-in-search-to-replace-ah-1s-cobra-fleet/ |title=Japan sets naval-friendly requirement in search to replace AH-1S Cobra fleet |publisher=defensenews.com |first=Mike |last=Yeo |date=29 November 2018}}</ref>

In December 2022, the Japanese government decided to replace 47 AH-1S, 12 [[AH-64D]], 33 [[Kawasaki OH-1|OH-1]], and 26 [[U-125A]] with unmanned aerial vehicles. Japan plans to increase its defense budget from 1.24% of GDP in fiscal 2021 to around 2.0% within 10 years and has decided to retire these helicopters and aircraft as part of an effort to spend its defense budget efficiently.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20221209222859/https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/politics/20221209-OYT1T50038/ 空自捜索機や陸自戦闘ヘリを廃止、無人機で代替へ…防衛予算効率化] [[Yomiuri Shimbun]], 9 December 2022</ref>

===Jordan===
[[File:USMC-120518-M-HF911-372.jpg|thumb|Royal Jordanian Air Force AH-1F Cobra in May 2012, next to a USMC AH-1W Cobra]]
Jordan obtained an initial batch of 24 AH-1Fs during the late 1980s. In 2001, nine additional ex-US Army Cobras were acquired to supplement the fleet. During 2010, Jordan transferred 16 AH-1F helicopters to Pakistan under a US-sponsored support program that provided Islamabad with 40 AH-1 refurbished helicopters.<ref name="airvectors.net">{{cite web |url=http://www.airvectors.net/avcobra_2.html#m6 |website=AirVectors |title=[2.6] International Cobra Sales |date=1 June 2020 |first=Greg |last=Goebel}}</ref>

In late 2014, Israel and Jordan came to an agreement under which the former transferred 16 ex-IAF Cobras to the [[Royal Jordanian Air Force]]. The deal was publicly stated to be for the purpose of increasing border security, which was viewed as a pressing concern of both nations due to the threats posed by [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant|Islamic State]] (IS) militants, as well as by other insurgent groups, at that time.<ref name="Reuters Jordan2015"/>

The Royal Jordanian Air Force has at least one squadron of Cobras in service, and is supposed to have used them in combat in Iraq and Syria.<ref>{{cite web |last=Embraer |first=In association with |title=World Air Forces directory 2022 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/reports/world-air-forces-directory-2022/146695.article |access-date=2022-01-31 |website=Flight Global |language=en}}</ref>

===Turkey===
Turkey bought ten AH-1Ws in the early 1990s, and supplemented them with 32 ex-US Army Cobras. These additional units included several TAH-1P trainers while the majority were brought up to the AH-1F standard.<ref name="airvectors.net"/> During the 2010s, Turkish Cobras have repeatedly seen combat in operations against [[Kurd]]ish insurgents around Turkey's borders with both Syria and Iraq. Two Cobras were reportedly lost to enemy fire during these operations.<ref>{{cite news |title=Kurdish militants reportedly shoot down Turkish security forces helicopter |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2016/05/14/kurdish-militants-just-challenged-turkish-air-power-in-a-major-way/ |first=Erin |last=Cunningham |date=14 May 2016 |newspaper= The Washington Post}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/3479/video-shows-pkk-fighter-blasting-a-turkish-ah-1-cobra-out-of-the-sky-with-a-shoulder-fired-missile |title=Video Shows PKK Fighter Blasting A Turkish AH-1 Cobra Out Of The Sky With A Shoulder-Fired Missile |publisher=The War Zone |first=Tyler |last=Rogoway |date=14 May 2016 |access-date=30 March 2021 |archive-date=19 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210219022900/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/3479/video-shows-pkk-fighter-blasting-a-turkish-ah-1-cobra-out-of-the-sky-with-a-shoulder-fired-missile |url-status= dead }}</ref> Amid the [[2016 Turkish coup d'état attempt]], Turkish Cobras were alleged to have fired upon several police vehicles.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://sofrep.com/news/watch-ah-1-cobra-attack-helicopters-firing-turkish-police-vehicles-failed-coup/ |title=Watch: Cobra Attack Helicopters firing on Turkish police vehicles during the failed coup |publisher=sofrep.com |first=Desiree |last=Huitt |date=23 July 2016}}</ref>

===Pakistan===
Between 1985 and 1986, [[Pakistan]] was supplied with an initial batch of 20 AH-1S gunships by the US (on 9 January 1985, the first batch of 10 AH-1F Cobra helicopters were delivered and in October 1986 the second batch of 10 AH-1F Cobra helicopters were delivered to Pakistan<ref>{{cite book| author = Pakistan. Army. Army Aviation Directorate. Historical Section| title = History of Pakistan Army Aviation, 1947-2007| publisher = Army Aviation Directorate| location = Islamabad, Pakistan| year = 2008| isbn = 978-969-9246-00-5| pages = 221, 229}}</ref>);<ref name="SIPRI">{{cite web |url=http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php |title=SIPRI |publisher=armstrade.sipri.org |access-date=15 April 2013 |archive-date=13 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110513073842/http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php |url-status= dead }}</ref> these were later upgraded with the C-NITE thermal imaging package.<ref name=Stgpg>{{cite news |title=Pakistan Wants More Helicopter Gunships |url=https://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htproc/articles/20100102.aspx |date=2 January 2010}}</ref> Operated by [[Pakistan Army Aviation]], the service first used Cobra overseas in Somalia during the [[United Nations Operation in Somalia II]], where a single squadron was deployed in 1994.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pakistanarmy.gov.pk/AWPReview/TextContent.aspx?pId=24&amp;rnd=454 |title=Army Aviation |website=www.pakistanarmy.gov.pk |access-date=13 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170906193642/https://www.pakistanarmy.gov.pk/AWPReview/TextContent.aspx?pId=24&rnd=454 |archive-date=6 September 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Pakistani Cobras subsequently saw action in Sierra Leone.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pakistanarmy.gov.pk/AWPReview/TextContent.aspx?pId=24&rnd=454 |title=Army Aviation |website=www.pakistanarmy.gov.pk |access-date=13 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170906193642/https://www.pakistanarmy.gov.pk/AWPReview/TextContent.aspx?pId=24&rnd=454 |archive-date=6 September 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=geo>{{cite news |url=http://www.geo.tv/3-16-2010/61196.htm |title=US transfers Cobra helicopters to Pakistan |date=16 March 2010 |publisher=[[GEO News]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029200956/http://www.geo.tv/3-16-2010/61196.htm |archive-date=29 October 2013}}</ref>

By 2013, Pakistan reportedly operated a fleet of 35 AH-1F helicopters.<ref name="WORLD AIR FORCES 2013"/> Maintaining these aircraft has been difficult, but possible through commercial channels. Additionally, the US government provided $750,000 (~${{Format price|{{Inflation|index=US-GDP|value=750000|start_year=2013}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}) through 2013 to update the existing AH-1F/S Cobra fleet.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nation.com.pk/17-Mar-2010/us-delivers-cobra-gunships-to-pakistan |title=US delivers Cobra gunships to Pakistan |newspaper=[[The Nation (Pakistan)]] |date=17 March 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102101925/http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/International/17-Mar-2010/US-delivers-Cobra-gunships-to-Pakistan |archive-date=2 November 2013}}</ref> However, controversy over how much of this funding has actually been spent on Pakistan's Cobras has also been present throughout the 2010s.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/maintaining-pakistans-cobra-attack-helicopters-05098/ |title=Maintaining Pakistan's Cobra Attack Helicopters |publisher=defenseindustrydaily.com |date=5 August 2016}}</ref> Turkey has also become a key supplier of spare parts for the Cobra, often free of cost, to Pakistan.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010%5C01%5C25%5Cstory_25-1-2010_pg7_12 |title=Turkey to provide Cobra spare parts free of charge |newspaper=[[Daily Times (Pakistan)]] |date=25 January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102085856/http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010%5C01%5C25%5Cstory_25-1-2010_pg7_12 |archive-date=2 November 2013}}</ref> During the 2010s, Pakistan lost a total of three aircraft in separate incidents.<ref name=newscrash>{{cite web |url=http://www.pakakhbar.com/military/army.html |title=Pakistan Army |access-date=13 June 2013 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131031233125/http://www.pakakhbar.com/military/army.html |archive-date=31 October 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://indian.ruvr.ru/news/2013_10_28/Pakistani-Army-s-AH-1-Cobra-helicopter-crashes-injuring-pilots-5101/ |title=Pakistani Army's AH-1 Cobra helicopter crashes injuring pilots |publisher=[[Voice of Russia]] |date=28 October 2013 |access-date=30 October 2013 |archive-date=1 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101115339/http://indian.ruvr.ru/news/2013_10_28/Pakistani-Army-s-AH-1-Cobra-helicopter-crashes-injuring-pilots-5101/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Pakistan repeatedly sought the [[Bell AH-1 SuperCobra|Bell AH-1W SuperCobra]] from the US to supplement and replace its current AH-1 Cobras.<ref name="Stgpg" /> Attempts to acquire the [[Bell AH-1Z Viper|AH-1Z Viper]] or [[Boeing AH-64 Apache|AH-64E Apache]] from the US were rejected, so Pakistan turned to buying other foreign attack helicopters. Possible candidates have included the Turkish [[TAI/AgustaWestland T129 ATAK|T129]], the Chinese [[CAIC Z-10]], and the Russian [[Mil Mi-24|Mi-35 Hind]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140627/DEFREG03/306270022/Pakistani-Cobra-Crash-Further-Stresses-Tired-Fleet |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140725220513/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140627/DEFREG03/306270022/Pakistani-Cobra-Crash-Further-Stresses-Tired-Fleet |url-status= dead |archive-date=25 July 2014 |title=Pakistani Cobra Crash Further Stresses Tired Fleet |publisher=Defensenews.com |date=27 June 2014}}</ref> In November 2014, Russia approved the sale of Mi-35M helicopters to Pakistan.<ref>[https://archive.today/20141130053320/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20141113/DEFREG03/311130039/Pakistan-Wins-Approval-Purchase-Mi-35-Helo Pakistan Wins Approval To Purchase Mi-35 Helo] – Defensenews.com, 13 November 2014</ref> In April 2015, China delivered three Z-10s to Pakistan.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/863869/chinese-thunderbolt-helciopters-may-replace-american-cobras-in-pakistan/ |title=Chinese 'Thunderbolt' helicopters may replace American Cobras in Pakistan |publisher=The Express Tribune |date=3 April 2015}}</ref> During the same month, the US Department of State approved the sale of 15 AH-1Zs and associated equipment to Pakistan.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.defensenews.com/air/2015/04/07/state-dept-oks-952m-pakistan-helo-deal/ |title=State Dept. OKs $952M Pakistan Helo Deal |website=Defense News |author= Joe Gould and Usman Ansari |date=7 April 2015}}</ref> During October 2017, the T129 was also reported to be a contender for further orders.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1365515 |title=Shahid Khaqan Abbasi becomes Pakistan's first PM to fly military helicopter |date=23 October 2017 |newspaper=[[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]] |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Philippines===
[[File:2021-11-19 Cobra Sangley 003.jpg|thumb|[[Philippine Air Force]] Bell AH-1S]]

The Jordanian government offered to provide up to four surplus AH-1F/S Cobras to the Philippines for counter terrorism operations. The offer was later reduced to two units, which the Philippine government accepted.<ref name="PHDR_JordanAH1">{{cite web |url=https://www.phdefenseresource.com/2019/11/transfer-of-ah-1f-cobra-attack.html |title=Transfer of AH-1F Cobra Attack Helicopters from Jordan Project of the Philippine Air Force |website=Philippine Defense Resource |access-date=12 June 2019 |archive-date=15 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215095740/https://www.phdefenseresource.com/2019/11/transfer-of-ah-1f-cobra-attack.html |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://globalnation.inquirer.net/167203/jordan-donates-2-attack-helicopters |title=Jordan donates 2 attack helicopters |website=INQUIRER.net |date=24 May 2018 |access-date=24 May 2018}}</ref> On 26 November 2019, an Antonov An-124 airlifter carried the two Bell AH-1S Cobras from Jordan to Clark International Airport/Clark Air Base. The helicopters are reportedly painted in a light grey livery similar to the paint scheme of the PAF's [[AgustaWestland AW109#Military and government operators|AgustaWestland AW109E]] armed helicopters.<ref name="PHDR_JordanAH1"/>

The helicopters were used as training and transition platforms as the PAF prepares to acquire new purpose-built attack helicopters, while also used for secondary ground support and attack roles. PAF AH-1s conducted airstrikes on communist insurgent positions as part of OPLAN "Wrath of Polaris 2" conducted by Joint Task Force Tala in Gonzaga, Cagayan,<ref>{{cite web |title=15th Strike Wing - Trojans are coming in hot |url=https://www.paf.mil.ph/sites/default/files/Publications/Tab%20B%20-%20Flight%20Path%20Vol%208%20comp.pdf |website=Philippine Air Force |access-date=15 March 2023 |pages=16–17 |date=December 2022}}</ref> as well as other airstrikes against terrorist forces.

The AH-1S Cobras were retired from service on 28 December 2024 after a few years in service, as parts have become difficult to obtain.<ref>[https://www.facebook.com/MaxDefense/posts/pfbid033rEGULAUBahRqipUCWdKNaAuri5g3eFRJU8Gd9gDUNK8MoFtpkuxibbra2NvReEUl MaxDefense Philippines - PAF retires OV-10 Bronco, AH-1 Cobra attack aircraft]</ref>

===Civilian operators===
In 2003, the US Forest Service acquired 25 retired AH-1Fs from the US Army.<ref name=Donald/> These have been designated Bell 209 and are being converted into Firewatch Cobras with infrared and low light sensors and systems for real time fire monitoring.<ref name=firewatch_page>[http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/newslog/september2004/roundup/firewatch.html Firewatch Helicopter page]. US Forest Service, 2004. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081227024113/http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/newslog/september2004/roundup/firewatch.html |date=27 December 2008}}</ref><ref name=Firewatch_sheet>{{cite web |url=http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/shastatrinity/documents/st-main/news/fact-sheets/cobra.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/shastatrinity/documents/st-main/news/fact-sheets/cobra.pdf |archive-date=2022-10-09 |url-status=live |title=Shasta-Trinity National Forest – Home |work=fs.fed.us |access-date=1 April 2015}}</ref> The last two Firewatch Cobras were retired in October 2021.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Broadbent |first=Mark |title=Rotary Focus |magazine=[[Air International]] |date=December 2021 |volume=101 |issue=6 |page=16 |issn=0306-5634}}</ref>

The Florida Division of Forestry also acquired three AH-1Ps from the US Army. These are called Bell 209 "Firesnakes" and are equipped to carry a water/fire retardant system.<ref name=Donald/><ref>Stephens, Ernie. [https://archive.today/20120707020041/http://avtoday.com/rw/military/attack/Recycling-Helicopters-From-Military-Service-to-Public-Service_27338.html "Recycling helicopters from military service to public service."] ''Rotor & Wing'', November 2008. Retrieved on 12 October 2009.</ref>

==Variants==
[[File:AH-1S Cobra.jpg|thumb|[[Japan Ground Self-Defense Force]] AH-1S]]
[[File:Usfs-ah1-N107Z-bar complex fire.jpeg|thumb|U.S. Forest Service Bell 209 on the Bar Complex Fire in [[California]]]]
[[File:AH-1P front cockpit.JPG|thumb|upright|AH-1P front cockpit (restoration)]]
[[File:AH-1P rear cockpit.JPG|thumb|upright|AH-1P rear cockpit (restoration)]]

===Single-engine===
;Bell 209: Original AH-1G prototype with retractable skid landing gear. This model number is also used by the FAA for the civilian registration of former U.S. Army AH-1s used in firefighting service.

;AH-1G HueyCobra: Initial 1966 production model gunship for the U.S. Army, with one {{convert|1400|shp|kW|abbr=on|lk=on}} Avco Lycoming T53-13 turboshaft.
;JAH-1G HueyCobra: One helicopter for armament testing including Hellfire missiles and multi-barrel cannon.<ref name=Encyl_aircr>Donald 1997, p. 112.</ref>
;TH-1G HueyCobra: Two-seat dual-control trainer.<ref name=Encyl_aircr/>
;Z.14 HueyCobra: The Spanish Navy purchased eight new-build AH-1Gs, designating the type the "Z-14". These were equipped with the M35 20&nbsp;mm cannon system, and were used to support coastal patrol boats. Four 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.<ref name=Encyl_aircr/><ref>Goebel, Greg. {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20091130110859/http://www.vectorsite.net/avcobra_2.html#m6 International Cobra Sales]}}. Vectorsite.net, 1 December 2008.</ref>
;YAH-1Q: Eight AH-1Gs with XM26 Telescopic Sight Unit (TSU) and two M56 TOW 4-pack launchers.<ref name=Huey_Cobra/>
;AH-1Q HueyCobra: Equipped with the M65 [[BGM-71 TOW|TOW]]/Cobra missile subsystem, M65 Telescopic Sight Unit (TSU), and M73 Reflex sight. All future versions will be equipped with the TSU and be equipped to fire the TOW missile subsystem.
;YAH-1R: AH-1G powered by a T53-L-703 engine without TOW system.<ref name=Huey_Cobra/>

;YAH-1S: AH-1Q upgrade and TOW system.<ref name=Huey_Cobra/>
;AH-1S: The baseline AH-1S is an AH-1Q upgraded with a {{convert|1800|shp|kW|abbr=on}} T53-L-703 turboshaft engine. The AH-1S is also referred to as the "Improved AH-1S", "AH-1S Modified", or "AH-1S(MOD)" prior to 1988. (Prior to 1988, all upgraded aircraft were referred to as variants of the AH-1S.)<ref name=Huey_Cobra/>
;{{anchor|QAH-1S}}QAH-1S: A target drone conversion of the AH-1S by Bell-Bristol Aerospace under a joint Canadian-U.S. development program started in 1994. Honeywell further modified the QAH-1S into the ''Hokum-X'' by installing systems and hardware to allow it to simulate the [[Russia]]n [[Kamov Ka-50]] attack helicopter. Three Hokum-Xs were completed from 1998 to 2001.<ref>"Bristol Aerospace Hokum-X". ''Jane's Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Targets'', Jane's Information Group, 2006. [http://search.janes.com/Search/documentView.do?docId=/content1/janesdata/binder/juav/juav0993.htm@current&pageSelected=allJanes&backPath=http://search.janes.com/Search&Prod_Name=JUAV& (subscription article dated 14 December 2006)]{{dead link|date=March 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}</ref><ref>"Honeywell QAH-1S". ''Jane's Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Targets'', Jane's Information Group, 2006. [https://archive.today/20120713150433/http://search.janes.com/Search/documentView.do?docId=/content1/janesdata/binder/juav/juav9143.htm@current&pageSelected=allJanes&backPath=http://search.janes.com/Search&Prod_Name=JUAV&keyword= (subscription article dated 3 February 2006)]</ref>
;AH-1P: 100 production aircraft with composite rotors, flat plate glass cockpit, and improved cockpit layout for nap-of-earth (NOE) flight. The AH-1P is also referred to as the "Production AH-1S", or "AH-1S(PROD)" prior to 1988. These improvements are considered Step 1 of the AH-1S upgrade program.<ref name=Huey_Cobra/>
;AH-1E: 98 production aircraft with the Enhanced Cobra Armament System (ECAS) featuring the M97A1 armament subsystem with a three-barreled M197 20&nbsp;mm cannon. The AH-1E is also referred to as the "Upgunned AH-1S", or "AH-1S(ECAS)" prior to 1988. These improvements are considered Step 2 of the AH-1S upgrade program.<ref name=Huey_Cobra/> AH-1E aircraft included the M147 Rocket Management Subsystem (RMS) to fire {{convert|2.75|in|mm|adj=on}} rockets.<ref name="McGowen 159">McGowen 2005, p. 159.</ref>
;AH-1F: 143 production aircraft and 387 converted AH-1G Cobras. The AH-1F incorporates all Step 1 and 2 upgrades to the AH-1S. It also featured Step 3 upgrades: a head-up 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 also referred to as the "Modernized AH-1S", "AH-1S Modernized Cobra", or "AH-1S(MC)" prior to 1988.<ref>Bishop 2006, p. 11.</ref>
;Model 249: Experimental demonstrator version fitted with the four-blade rotor system from [[Bell 412]], an uprated engine, and experimental equipment, including Hellfire missiles.<ref>Verier 1990, pp. 72–76.</ref>
;[[Bell 309 KingCobra]]: Experimental all-weather version based on the AH-1G single-engine and AH-1J twin-engine designs.<ref>Verier 1990, p. 57.</ref> Two Bell 309s were produced; the first was powered by a [[Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6T|PW&C T400-CP-400]] Twin-Pac engine set and the second was powered by a [[Lycoming T55|Lycoming T55-L-7C]] engine.<ref>Richardson 1987, pp. 8–9.</ref>
; AH-1FB
: AH-1F modernized by [[Turkish Aerospace Industries]] for the [[Royal Bahraini Air Force]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.timesaerospace.aero/news/events/bias-upgraded-cobras-bare-their-teeth |title=BIAS: Upgraded Cobras bare their teeth &#124; Times Aerospace |website=www.timesaerospace.aero}}</ref>

===Twin-engine===
{{For|all twin-engine variants, such as AH-1J, AH-1T, AH-1W, and AH-1Z|Bell AH-1 SuperCobra}}

==Operators==
A small number of former military helicopters are operated by civil organizations for display and demonstration, for example by [[Red Bull#Advertising|Red Bull]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.flyingbulls.at/#/en/Aircraft/Bell-Cobra-TAH---1F/ |title=THE WORLD OF THE FLYING BULLS (Bell Cobra TAH-1F) |website=The Flying Bulls |access-date=25 December 2021}}</ref>
[[File:Red Bull Cobra (Remix).png|thumb|[[Red Bull]] (Flying Bulls) TAH-1F at [[Berlin Tempelhof Airport]]]]

;{{BHR}}
* [[Royal Bahraini Air Force]]<ref name="WORLD AIR FORCES 2013">{{cite web |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/airspace/media/reports_pdf/emptys/101015/world-air-forces-2013.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://www.flightglobal.com/airspace/media/reports_pdf/emptys/101015/world-air-forces-2013.pdf |archive-date=2022-10-09 |url-status=live |title=World Air Forces 2013 |publisher=Flightglobal Insight |year= 2013}}</ref>
<!-- Iranian AH-1J info is covered in the AH-1 SuperCobra article. See notes. -->
;{{JPN}}
* [[Japan Ground Self-Defense Force]]<ref name="WORLD AIR FORCES 2013"/>
;{{JOR}}
* [[Royal Jordanian Air Force]]<ref name="WORLD AIR FORCES 2013"/>
;{{KEN}}
* [[Kenya Air Force]]<ref>{{cite web|last1=Cherisey, de|first1=Erwan|title=Kenya takes delivery of AH-1 Cobras|url=http://www.janes.com/article/71927/|website=IHS Jane's 360|access-date=17 July 2017|archive-url=https://archive.today/20170717233237/http://www.janes.com/article/71927/kenya-takes-delivery-of-ah-1-cobras|archive-date=17 July 2017|location=Paris|date=30 June 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Binnie|first1=Jeremy|title=Kenyan displays new AH-1 Cobras|url=http://www.janes.com/article/76350/|website=IHS Jane's 360|access-date=18 December 2017|archive-url=https://archive.today/20171218143752/http://www.janes.com/article/76350/kenyan-displays-new-ah-1-cobras|archive-date=18 December 2017|date=13 December 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
;{{PAK}}
* [[Pakistan Army]]<ref name="WORLD AIR FORCES 2013"/>
[[File:USFS AH-1 (cropped).jpg|thumb|USFS Bell 209 during the [[California wildfires of October 2007]]]]
;{{KOR}}
* [[Republic of Korea Army]]<ref name="WORLD AIR FORCES 2013"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.airliners.net/photo/South-Korea--/Bell-AH-1S-Cobra/1907162/L/&sid=1c30626e15d2aa08614e87388d8258c7 |title=South Korean Army Bell-AH-1S |publisher=Demand media |access-date=12 February 2013}}</ref>

===Former operators===
[[File:Dargot 28062011 AH-1 (remix).jpg|thumb|An Israeli AH-1F Cobra]]
;{{ISR}}
* [[Israeli Air Force]]<ref name=Reuters_Israel_retire/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/israel-halts-ah-1-sales-talks-with-nigeria-408299/ |title=Israel halts AH-1 sales talks with Nigeria |publisher=flightglobal.com |access-date=25 January 2015}}</ref>
;{{PHI}}
* [[Philippine Air Force]]<ref>{{cite web |last=Waldron |first=Greg |title=Philippine air force retires OV-10 Bronco, AH-1S Cobra |date=2 January 2025 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/defence/philippine-air-force-retires-ov-10-bronco-ah-1s-cobra/161257.article |url-access=subscription |access-date=2 January 2025 }}</ref>
;{{ESP}}
* [[Spanish Navy]]<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/Armada-Cobra/|title=AH-1G Cobra in Arma Aerea de la Armada Española|website=Helis.com}}</ref><ref name=2014_Aero_Source>"World Military Aircraft Inventory". ''2014 Aerospace Source Book''. Aviation Week and Space Technology, January 2014.</ref>
;{{THA}}
* [[Royal Thai Army]]<ref name="WORLD AIR FORCES 2013"/>
;{{TUR}}
* [[Turkish Army]]<ref name="WORLD AIR FORCES 2013"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://mavivatan.net/ah-1-super-cobranin-tsk-gecmisi/ |title=AH-1 Super/Cobra'nın TSK Geçmişi |date=11 November 2022 }}</ref>
;{{Flagu|United States}}
* [[United States Army]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/Cobra-Gold-The-US-Armys-Smart-Retirement-Program-06652/ |title=Cobra Gold: The US Army's Smart Retirement Program |publisher=defenseindustrydaily.com |access-date=12 February 2013}}</ref>
* [[Washington State Department of Natural Resources|Washington Department of Natural Resources]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://helihub.com/2011/03/14/washington-state-retires-ah-1-fleet-from-firefighting-duties-adds-two-uh-1s/|title=HeliHub.com Washington State retires AH-1 fleet from firefighting duties, adds two UH-1s|website=helihub.com|date=14 March 2011}}</ref>
*[[United States Forest Service|U.S. Forest Service]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://fireaviation.com/2021/10/18/forest-service-terminates-firewatch-cobra-helicopter-program/ |title=Forest Service terminates Firewatch Cobra helicopter program |newspaper=Fire Aviation |date=18 October 2021 |last1=Gabbert |first1=Bill |archive-date=18 December 2023 |access-date=18 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218201116/https://fireaviation.com/2021/10/18/forest-service-terminates-firewatch-cobra-helicopter-program/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* [[Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services|Florida Department of Forestry]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Aircraft Inquiry |website=FAA| url=https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=132FC |access-date=22 February 2024}}</ref>

==Aircraft on display==
{{main|List of displayed Bell AH-1 Cobras}}

==Specifications (AH-1G HueyCobra)==
[[File:Bell AH-1G Cobra orthographical image.svg|right|400px]]

{{Aircraft specs
|ref=The Illustrated Encyclopedia of the World's Modern Military Aircraft,<ref name=Gunston>{{cite book |last1=Gunston |first1=Bill |title=The Illustrated Encyclopedia of the World's Modern Military Aircraft |date=1978 |publisher=Crescent Books |location=New York |isbn=978-0-517-22477-9 |page=[https://archive.org/details/hitlersluftwaffe0000wood/page/205 205] |url=https://archive.org/details/hitlersluftwaffe0000wood/page/205}}</ref> Bell AH-1 Cobra,<ref name=Verier_p184>Verier, p. 184.</ref> Modern Fighting Aircraft: AH-1 Cobra<ref name=Richardson_Append>{{cite book |last1=Richardson |first1=Doug |title=AH-1 Cobra |date=1987 |publisher=Prentice Hall |location=New York |isbn=0-13-020751-9 |page=appendix}}</ref>
|prime units?=kts
<!-- General characteristics
-->
|crew= 2: one pilot, one co-pilot/gunner (CPG)
|length ft=53
|length in=
|length note=including rotors<br>
* '''Fuselage length:''' {{cvt|44|ft|5|in|1}}
|width ft=10
|width in=4
|width note=stub wings
|height ft=13
|height in=6
|height note=
|empty weight lb=5810
|empty weight note=
|gross weight lb=
|gross weight note=
|max takeoff weight lb=9500
|max takeoff weight note=
|fuel capacity=
|more general=
<!-- Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number=1
|eng1 name=[[Lycoming T53-L-13]]
|eng1 type=[[turboshaft]]
|eng1 hp=1100
|eng1 note=

|rot number=1
|rot dia m=13.4
|rot area sqm=141
|rot area note=<br>
* '''Blade section:''' [[NACA airfoil|NACA]] 0009.3 mod<ref name="Selig">{{cite web |last1=Lednicer |first1=David |title=The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage |url=https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |website=m-selig.ae.illinois.edu |access-date=16 April 2019}}</ref>
<!-- Performance
-->
|max speed kts=149
|max speed note=
|cruise speed kts=
|cruise speed note=
|never exceed speed kts=190
|never exceed speed note=
|range nmi=310
|range note=
|combat range nmi=
|combat range note=
|ferry range nmi=
|ferry range note=
|endurance=<!-- if range unknown -->
|ceiling ft=11400
|ceiling note=
|g limits=<!-- aerobatic -->
|roll rate=<!-- aerobatic -->
|climb rate ftmin=1230
|climb rate note=
|time to altitude=
|disk loading lb/sqft=
|disk loading note=
|fuel consumption lb/mi=
|power/mass=

|more performance=
<!-- Armament
-->
|armament=* 2 × 7.62 mm (0.308 in) multi-barrel [[Minigun]]s, or 2 × [[M129 grenade launcher|M129 40 mm grenade launchers]], or one of each, in the [[U.S. Helicopter Armament Subsystems#AH-1 Cobra|M28 turret]]. (When one of each was mounted, the minigun was mounted on the right side of the turret, due to feed requirements.)
* [[Mk 4/Mk 40 Folding-Fin Aerial Rocket|2.75 in (70 mm) rockets]] – 7 rockets mounted in the M158 launcher or 19 rockets in the M200 launcher
* [[U.S. aircraft gun pods|M18]] 7.62 mm [[Minigun]] [[Gun pod|pod]] or [[U.S. Helicopter Armament Subsystems#AH-1 Cobra|XM35 armament subsystem]] with [[M61 Vulcan|XM195]] 20 mm cannon

|avionics=
}}

==Notable appearances in media==
<!-- All content about the aircraft in fictional and gaming use has been moved to [[Aircraft in fiction]], please see [[WP:AIRPOP]] -->
{{Main|Aircraft in fiction#Bell AH-1 Cobra}}

==See also==
{{portal|Aviation}}
{{Aircontent
|see also=
* [[U.S. Helicopter Armament Subsystems#AH-1 Cobra|U.S. Helicopter Armament Subsystems, AH-1 Cobra]]
|related=<!-- designs which were developed into or from this aircraft: -->
* [[Bell 207 Sioux Scout]]
* [[Bell 309 KingCobra]]
* [[Bell AH-1 SuperCobra]]
* [[Bell AH-1Z Viper]]
* [[Bell UH-1 Iroquois]]
* [[Bell YAH-63]]
|similar aircraft=<!-- aircraft that are of similar role, era, and capability this design: -->
* [[Agusta A129 Mangusta]]
|lists=<!-- relevant lists that this aircraft appears in: -->
* [[List of active United States military aircraft]]
* [[List of attack aircraft]]
* [[List of rotorcraft]]
* [[List of military electronics of the United States]]
}}

==References==
===Citations===
{{Reflist}}

===Bibliography===
* {{cite book |last1=Bernstein |first1=Jonathan |title=US Army AH-1 Cobra Units in Vietnam (Osprey Combat Aircraft #41) |location=Oxford, UK |publisher=Osprey Publishing Limited |date=2003 |isbn=978-1-84176-606-5}}
* {{cite book |last1=Bishop |first1=Chris |title=Apache AH-64 Boeing (McDonnell Douglas) 1976–2005 |publisher=Osprey Publishing |date=2005 |isbn=1-84176-816-2}}
* {{cite book |last1=Bishop |first1=Chris |title=Huey Cobra Gunships. New Vanguard |location=Oxford, UK |publisher=Osprey Publishing Limited |date=2006 |isbn=1-84176-984-3}}
* {{cite book |last1=Donald |first1=David |title=The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft |publisher=Barnes & Nobel Books |date=1997 |isbn=0-7607-0592-5}}
* {{cite book |last1=Donald |first1=David |title=AH-64A/D Apache and AH-64D Longbow Apache: Modern Battlefield Warplanes |publisher=AIRtime Publishing Inc |date=2004 |isbn=1-880588-76-5}}
* {{cite book |editor1= David, Donald |editor2= March, Daniel |title=Modern Battlefield Warplanes |publisher=AIRtime Publishing Inc |date=2004 |isbn=1-880588-76-5}}
* {{cite book |last1=Gunston |first1=Bill |first2=Michael |last2=Spick |title=Modern Fighting Helicopters |location=New York, US |publisher=Crescent Books |date=1986 |isbn=0-517-61349-2 |pages= 104–105}}
* {{cite book |title=International Air Power Review Volume 12 |publisher=AIRtime Publishing |date=2004 |isbn=1-880588-77-3}}
* {{cite book |last=McGowen |first=Stanley S. |title=Helicopters: An Illustrated History of Their Impact |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xLis8p7uLaUC&pg=PA159 |year= 2005 |publisher=ABC-CLIO |isbn=978-1-85109-468-4}}
* {{cite book |last=Nolan |first=Keith W. |title=Into Laos: Dewey Canyon II/Lam Son 719, Vietnam 1971 |publisher=Presidio Press |date=1986 |isbn=0-89141-247-6}}
* {{cite book |last1=Richardson |first1=Doug |first2=Lindsay |last2=Peacock |title=Combat Aircraft: AH-64 Apache |location=London |publisher=Salamander Books |date=1992 |isbn=0-86101-675-0}}
* {{cite book |last1=Steinemann |first1=P. |title=Asian Airpower - Exotic Warplanes In Action |year=1989 |publisher=Osprey Publishing |location=UK |isbn=0-85045-907-9}}
* {{cite book |last1=Verier |first1=Mike |title=Bell AH-1 Cobra |date=1990 |publisher=Osprey |location=London |isbn=0-85045-934-6 |page=}}
* {{cite book |last=Wheeler |first=Howard A. |title=Attack Helicopters, A History of Rotary-Wing Combat Aircraft |publisher=The Nautical and Aviation Publishing Company |date=1987 |isbn=0-933852-52-5}}

==External links==
{{commons}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20140831033633/http://www.rotorhead.org/military/ah1.asp AH-1 HueyCobra page on Rotorhead.org]
* [https://www.midwaysailor.com/photos/cobra.html AH-1 Cobra Photo Galleries on MidwaySailor.com]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20160101225207/http://usmanansari.com/id36.html Cobras over the Frontier, by Usman Ansari.]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20101122194823/http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20101120/NEWS03/101129982 End of an era for Fort Drum's Cobras.]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110708124517/http://www.cavalrypilot.com/pdfpubs/tc1_213.pdf Aircraft Training Manual, Attack Helicopter, AH-1 (TC 1-213), 1992]

{{Bell Aircraft}}
{{Huey family}}
{{USAF helicopters}}
{{Spanish helicopters}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Bell aircraft|H-001, A]]
[[Category:1960s United States attack aircraft|Bell AH-1 Cobra]]
[[Category:1960s United States helicopters|Bell AH-1 Cobra]]
[[Category:United States military helicopters|Bell AH-1 Cobra]]
[[Category:Gunships]]
[[Category:Single-turbine helicopters]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1965]]
[[Category:Attack helicopters]]
[[Category:Military equipment of the Vietnam War]]
[[Category:Single-rotor helicopters]]
[[Category:Aircraft with skid landing gear]]