View source for Bell AH-1 SuperCobra

{{Short description|Series of twin-engine attack helicopters}}
{{About|the twin-engine Cobra|the single-engine models|Bell AH-1 Cobra}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2019}}
<!-- This article is a part of [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft]]. Please see [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft/page content]] for recommended layout, guidelines. -->
{{Infobox aircraft
| name = AH-1 SeaCobra / SuperCobra
| image = File:AH-1W Super Cobra assigned to HMLA 167.jpg<!-- Flight images are preferred for aircraft. Do not change image without a talk page discussion first, thanks. -->
| caption = A USMC AH-1W taking off from {{USS|Bataan|LHD-5|6}}
| type = [[Attack helicopter]]
| national_origin = United States
| manufacturer = [[Bell Helicopter]]
| designer = 
| first_flight = 1969 (AH-1J)
| introduction = 1971 (AH-1J), 1986 (AH-1W)
| retired = 2020 (USMC)<ref name="military20oct20">{{cite web |url= https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/10/20/after-more-3-decades-corps-ah-1w-super-cobra-makes-its-final-flight.html |title= After More than 3 Decades, the Corps' AH-1W Super Cobra Makes its Final Flight |publisher= [[Military.com]] |date= 20 October 2020}}</ref>
| status = in service
| primary_user = [[United States Marine Corps]] (former)
| more_users = [[Islamic Republic of Iran Army]] <br/>[[Republic of China Army]] <br/>[[Turkish Navy]] <!--Limit TOTAL of THREE (3) 'more users' here. Please separate with <br/>. NOTE: this is the twin version of the Cobra; singles go on the [[Bell AH-1 Cobra]] page.-->
| produced = 1970–1980s
| number_built = 1,271+
| developed_from = [[Bell AH-1 Cobra]]
| variants = [[Bell AH-1Z Viper]] <br/>[[Panha 2091]] <br/>[[IAIO Toufan]]
| developed_into = 
}}

The '''Bell AH-1 SuperCobra''' is a twin-engined [[attack helicopter]] that was developed on behalf of, and primarily operated by, the [[United States Marine Corps]] (USMC). The twin Cobra family, itself part of the larger [[Huey family]], includes the '''AH-1J SeaCobra''', the '''AH-1T Improved SeaCobra''', and the '''AH-1W SuperCobra'''.

The Super Cobra was derived from the single-engined [[Bell AH-1 Cobra|AH-1 Cobra]], which had been developed during the mid-1960s as an interim [[gunship]] for the U.S. Army. The USMC had quickly taken an interest in the type, but sought a twin-engined arrangement for greater operational safety at sea, along with more capable armaments. While initially opposed by the [[Department of Defense]], who were keen to promote commonality across the services, in May 1968, an order for an initial 49 twin-engine AH-1J SeaCobras was issued to Bell. The type entered service during the final months of the US's involvement in the [[Vietnam War]], seeing limited action in the theatre as a result.

The USMC promptly sought greater payload capacity than that provided by the original Sea Cobra; thus the AH-1T, equipped with the dynamic systems of the [[Bell 309 KingCobra|Model 309]] and a lengthened fuselage, was produced by Bell during the 1970s. In the following decade, in response to the denial of funding to procure the [[Boeing AH-64 Apache]] attack helicopter, the USMC opted to procure a more capable variant of the AH-1T; equipped with revised fire control systems compatible with new munitions, such as the [[AGM-114 Hellfire]] anti-tank missile.  The new model, designated AH-1W, commenced delivery in 1986. Seeking to further develop the type, Bell opted to develop the extensively redesigned and modernised [[Bell AH-1Z Viper]] during the 1990s and 2000s.

The Sea Cobra was involved in multiple major operations during the latter half of the twentieth century, such as during the [[United States invasion of Grenada]] in 1983. During the [[Iran–Iraq War]] of the 1980s, [[Iran]]ian Sea Cobras were intensely used, proving itself to be capable in both anti-armor and anti-aircraft warfare. [[Turkey]], who operated numerous Cobras and Super Cobras, used the type on multiple occasions against [[Kurdistan Workers' Party]] (PKK) insurgents. On numerous occasions in the 1990s, USMC AH-1s were deployed during the [[Gulf War]] of the early 1990s, as well as for the [[Operation Uphold Democracy|United States invasion of Haiti]] in 1994, and the US intervention in the [[Yugoslav Wars]] in the late 1990s. In the twenty-first century, the type also saw action in the multi-decade [[War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)|War in Afghanistan]], and the [[2003 invasion of Iraq]]. During October 2020, the USMC withdrew the last of its AH-1Ws in favor of exclusively operating the AH-1Z.

==Design and development==
[[File:AH-1J SeaCobra flying off Hawaii c1971.jpeg|thumb|AH-1J SeaCobra flying off [[Hawaii]], circa 1971]]
The AH-1 Cobra was developed in the mid-1960s as an interim [[gunship]] for the U.S. Army for use during the [[Vietnam War]]. The Cobra shared the proven transmission, rotor system, and the [[Lycoming T53]] [[turboshaft]] engine of the prolific [[Bell UH-1 Iroquois|UH-1 "Huey"]] utility helicopter.<ref name="mod_battle">Donald 2004, {{page needed|date=July 2022}}.</ref> By June 1967, the first AH-1G HueyCobras had been delivered. Between 1967 and 1973, Bell manufactured 1,116 AH-1Gs for the U.S. Army; these Cobras chalked up in excess of one million operational hours in the Vietnam theatre.<ref name="mod_battle"/>

The [[United States Marine Corps|U.S. Marine Corps]] became particularly interested in the AH-1G Cobra, but expressed its preference for a twin-engined configuration that would provide improved safety in over-water operations.<ref name= "popmech 2020"/> Furthermore, the service also sought a more potent turret-mounted weapon. Initially, the [[Department of Defense]] had balked at providing the Marines with a twin-engine version of the Cobra in the belief that commonality with the Army's AH-1Gs outweighed the advantages of a different engine arrangement. However, the Marines won out; thus, during May 1968, Bell received a contract for 49 twin-engine AH-1J SeaCobras. The AH-1J was also equipped with a more powerful gun turret in the form of the three-barrel 20&nbsp;mm [[M197 Gatling gun|XM197]] cannon, which was based on the six-barrel [[M61 Vulcan]] cannon.<ref name="Huey_Cobra">Bishop 2006, {{page needed|date=July 2022}}.</ref> As an interim measure, the U.S. Army transferred 38 AH-1Gs 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>

During the 1970s, the Marine Corps requested greater load carrying capability in high temperatures for the Cobra. Bell used systems from its [[Bell 309 KingCobra|Model 309]] to develop a new model, the AH-1T, that was provisioned with a lengthened tailboom and fuselage as well as the upgraded transmission and engines from the Model 309. Bell designed the AH-1T to be more reliable and easier to maintain in the field. The version was given full [[BGM-71 TOW|TOW missile]] capability with targeting system and other sensors. An advanced version, known as the AH-1T+, that was equipped with more powerful [[General Electric T700|T700-GE-700]] engines and advanced avionics, was proposed to Iran in the late 1970s, but the [[Iranian Revolution|overthrow of the Shah of Iran]] in the late 1970s resulted in the sale being canceled.<ref name="Huey_Cobra"/>

[[File:AH-1J-1.jpg|thumb|left|An AH-1T Sea Cobra being launched from the amphibious assault ship {{USS|Iwo Jima|LPH-2|2}}, July 1985.]]
In the early 1980s, the Marine Corps sought a new navalized helicopter; accordingly, it evaluated the [[Boeing AH-64 Apache]] attack helicopter over a two-week period in September 1981, which included shipboard operation tests. Furthermore, various concepts were studied at this time.<ref name="Richardson_Peacock_p60-61">Richardson and Peacock 1992, pp. 60–61.</ref><ref name=Donald_p150>Donald 2004, p. 150.</ref> However, the service's request for funding to purchase the AH-64 was denied by Congress that same year.<ref name=Donald_p170>Donald 2004, p. 170.</ref> As an alternative option, the Marines procured a more powerful version of the AH-1T.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/powering-the-supercobra/17596.article |title= Powering the SuperCobra |publisher= flightglobal.com |date= 4 January 1995 }}</ref> Other changes included modified fire control systems to carry and fire [[AIM-9 Sidewinder]] and [[AGM-114 Hellfire]] missiles.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/supercobra-weaponry/17575.article |title= SuperCobra weaponry |publisher= flightglobal.com |date= 4 January 1995 }}</ref> The new version, which was funded by Congress, received the AH-1W designation.<ref name="Huey_Cobra"/><ref name= "popmech 2020"/> During March 1986, deliveries of the AH-1W SuperCobra commenced, eventually totaling 179 new-built helicopters along with the upgrading of 43 existing AH-1Ts.<ref>Eden, Paul, ed. "Bell AH-1 HueyCobra". ''Encyclopedia of Modern Military Aircraft''. London: Amber Books, 2004. {{ISBN|1-904687-84-9}}.</ref>
[[File:Jordanian AH-1F and AH-1W of USMC.jpg|thumb|On the right an AH-1W showing its twin exhaust, compared to the single on the AH-1F (''left'')]]

During the late 1990s, Bell was negotiating to acquire the [[Romania]]n state-managed helicopter manufacturer [[Industria Aeronautică Română|IAR Brașov]] with the intention of establishing an overseas production line for the AH-1W for multiple export customers.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/bell-signs-mou/5835.article |title= Bell signs MoU |publisher= flightglobal.com |date= 11 September 1996 }}</ref> In May 1997, the company signed an agreement with the Romanian State Ownership Fund to buy the government's 70 percent stake in IAR Brașov.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/bell-signs-up-for-majority-stake-in-romanias-iar/1935.article |title= Bell signs up for majority stake in Romania's IAR |publisher= flightglobal.com |date= 28 May 1997 }}</ref> However, during November 1999, following protracted negotiations, Bell announced that it had abandoned its acquisition efforts, and thus the overseas production initiative, after the Romanian government had allegedly ceased responding to its proposals.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/romania-extends-brasov-deadline/27476.article |title= Romania extends Brasov deadline |publisher= flightglobal.com |first= Graham |last= Warwick |date= 7 July 1999 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/bell-drives-stake-through-heart-of-romanian-deal/29421.article |title= Bell drives stake through heart of Romanian deal |publisher= flightglobal.com |date= 17 November 1999 }}</ref>

The AH-1T+ demonstrator and AH-1W prototype were later tested with a new experimental composite four-blade main rotor system. The new configuration offered better performance, reduced noise, and improved battle damage tolerance. Lacking a USMC contract, Bell developed this new design into the AH-1Z with its own funds. By 1996, the Marines were again prevented from ordering the AH-64.<ref name="Huey_Cobra"/> Developing a marine version of the Apache would have been expensive and it was likely that the Marine Corps would be its only customer.<ref name="mod_battle"/> Instead, the service signed a contract for the [[H-1 upgrade program|upgrading]] of AH-1Ws into AH-1Zs.<ref name="Huey_Cobra"/><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/bell-to-lead-ah-1w-and-uh-1-upgrades/10057.article |title= Bell to lead AH-1W and UH-1 upgrades |publisher= flightglobal.com |first= Graham |last= Warwick |date= 20 March 1996}}</ref>

The [[Bell AH-1Z Viper]] retained much of the AH-1W's design, but also features several major changes.<ref name= "popmech 2020"/> The AH-1Z's two redesigned wing stubs are longer with each adding a wingtip station for a missile such as the AIM-9 Sidewinder. Each wing has two other stations for 70&nbsp;mm (2.75&nbsp;in) Hydra rocket pods, or AGM-114 Hellfire quad missile launcher. The [[AN/APG-78 Longbow]] radar can be mounted on a wingtip station.<ref name="mod_battle"/><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/us-navy-orders-28-h-1s-as-army-seeks-more-uh-72s-423086/ |title= US Navy orders 28 H-1s as Army seeks more UH-72s |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160316011032/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/us-navy-orders-28-h-1s-as-army-seeks-more-uh-72s-423086/ |archive-date= 16 March 2016 |publisher= Flightglobal.com |date= 14 March 2016}}</ref> During October 2020, the last AH-1Ws were phased out of service with the Marine Corps in favor of the AH-1Z.<ref name="military20oct20"/><ref name= "popmech 2020">{{cite web |url= https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/aviation/a34497763/marines-retire-super-cobra-whiskey-attack-helicopter/ |title= The Marines Send Off the Super Cobra Attack Helicopter |publisher= [[Popular Mechanics]] |first= Kyle |last= Mizokami |date= 28 October 2020}}</ref>

==Operational history==
===United States===
[[File:AH-1W VX-5 launching AIM-9L 1987.jpg|thumb|AH-1W launches a Sidewinder missile, 1987]]
[[File:Cobra rocket.jpg|thumb|upright|A [[rocket pod]] being loaded on an AH-1W's stub wing]]

During the closing months of the United States' involvement in the Vietnam War, the Marine Corps embarked the AH-1J SeaCobra assigned to HMA-369 (now HMLA-369) aboard {{USS|Denver|LPD-9|2}}, {{USS|Cleveland|LPD-7|2}}, and later {{USS|Dubuque|LPD-8|2}}, for sea-based interdiction of the Ho Chi Minh Trail in North Vietnam in the vicinity of Hon La (Tiger) Island. These were termed Marine Hunter-Killer (MARHUK) Operations and lasted from June to December 1972.<ref name="Verier_p104">Verier 1990, pp. 104–111.</ref> As such, the type participated in the final American combat operations in Vietnam. Several AH-1Js were present to cover the [[Embassy of the United States, Saigon#Fall of Saigon and Operation Frequent Wind|evacuation of the US Embassy in Saigon]] in April 1975.<ref name= "history navymilAH-1J"/> During the Vietnam war, 306 AH-1 were destroyed.<ref name="roush">{{cite web| last = Roush| first = Gary| url = http://www.vhpa.org/heliloss.pdf| title = Helicopter Losses in the Vietnam War| publisher = Vietnam Helicopter Pilots' Association| access-date =9 October 2008 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081029002005/http://www.vhpa.org/heliloss.pdf| archive-date= 29 October 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref>

During 1983, Marine Cobras took part in the [[Operation Urgent Fury|invasion of Grenada]]. They were typically used to perform close air support and helicopter escort missions; a total of two AH-1Ts were shot down and three crew members killed.<ref name="Huey_Cobra"/> That same year, Marine AH-1s were also deployed off the coast of [[Beirut]], [[Lebanon]], amid the [[Lebanese civil war]] in support of the Multinational Peacekeeping Force.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/museums/nnam/explore/collections/aircraft/a/ah-1j-seacobra/ah-1j-seacobra-over-beirut.html |title= AH-1J SeaCobra Over Beirut |publisher= history.navy.mil |access-date= 12 October 2022}}</ref> In this theatre, the AH-1s were typically armed with Sidewinder missiles and guns, which were intended to be used as an emergency air defense measure to counter the threat of light civil aircraft being piloted by [[suicide bomber]]s.<ref>{{cite web |author=John Pike |url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/report/1992/BRM.htm |title=AH-1W Air Combat Maneuver Training – Why It Must Be Reinstated |publisher=Globalsecurity.org |date=6 April 1992|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612233954/https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/report/1992/BRM.htm |archive-date=12 June 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>

During the mid-1980s, the AH-1W variant entered service with the USMC.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.army-technology.com/projects/supcobra/|title=AH-1W / AH-1Z Super Cobra Attack Helicopter|access-date=5 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215174459/https://www.army-technology.com/projects/supcobra/|archive-date=15 December 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Between, 1986 to 1999, the service took delivery of 179 Super Cobras.<ref name="military20oct20"/>

In the late 1980s, in response to the [[Tanker War]] of the wider [[Iran–Iraq War]], USMC Cobras were dispatched for [[Operation Earnest Will]] in the [[Persian Gulf]] to escort shipping and deter attacks upon them.<ref name=efraimkarsh>{{cite book|title=The Iran–Iraq War: 1980–1988|url=https://archive.org/details/iraniraqwar00kars|url-access=limited|pages=[https://archive.org/details/iraniraqwar00kars/page/n3 1]–8, 12–16, 19–82|author=Karsh, Efraim |publisher=Osprey Publishing |date=25 April 2002 |isbn=978-1-84176-371-2}}</ref> It was during these missions that Cobras sank three Iranian [[patrol boat]]s while losing a single AH-1T to Iranian anti-aircraft fire.<ref name="Huey_Cobra"/> USMC Cobras from {{USS|Saipan|LHA-2|2}} flew "top cover" during an evacuation of U.S. and other foreign citizens from Liberia in 1990.<ref name="Huey_Cobra"/>

During the [[Gulf War]], 78 Marine SuperCobras were deployed, flying a total of 1,273 sorties in Iraq.<ref>[https://wrc.navair-rdte.navy.mil/warfighter_enc/aircraft/Helos/sprcobra.htm AH-1 Super Cobra]{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}, U.S. Navy. Retrieved 2 January 2008. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041105115122/https://wrc.navair-rdte.navy.mil/warfighter_enc/aircraft/Helos/sprcobra.htm |date=5 November 2004}}</ref> While no combat losses were reportedly incurred, three AH-1s were lost to accidents either during and after the combat operations. The AH-1W units were credited with destroying 97 tanks, 104 armored personnel carriers and vehicles, and two anti-aircraft artillery sites during the 100-hour ground campaign.<ref name="Huey_Cobra"/><ref name= "history navymilAH-1J">{{cite web |url= https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/museums/nnam/explore/collections/aircraft/a/ah-1j-seacobra.html |title= AH-1J SeaCobra |publisher= history.navy.mil |access-date= 12 October 2022}}</ref>

USMC Cobras were also used in various other operations throughout the 1990s.<ref name="Huey_Cobra"/> The type provided support for the U.S. humanitarian intervention in Somalia, [[Operation Restore Hope]], during 1992–1993. They were also employed during the [[Operation Uphold Democracy|U.S. invasion of Haiti]] during 1994. USMC Cobras were used in U.S. military interventions in the former Yugoslavia in the 1990s; specifically, two AH-1Ws assisted in the rescue of USAF Captain [[Scott O'Grady]], after his F-16 was shot down by a SAM in June 1995.<ref name="timeres">{{cite magazine |url= http://www.time.com/time/printout/0,8816,983055,00.html |date= 19 June 1995 |title= Rescuing Scott O'Grady: All For One |author=Kevin Fedarko |author2=Mark Thompson |author3=Edward Barnes |author4=Ann Blackman |author5=Greg Burke |author6=Dan Cray |author7=Douglas Waller |magazine=[[Time Magazine]] |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160109102833/http://www.time.com/time/printout/0,8816,983055,00.html |archive-date= 9 January 2016 }}</ref><ref name="nyet">{{cite news |url= https://www.nytimes.com/1995/06/09/world/conflict-balkans-rescue-downed-us-pilot-rescued-bosnia-daring-raid.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm |title= Conflict in the Balkans: The Rescue; Downed U.S. Pilot Rescued in Bosnia in Daring Raid |date= 9 June 1995 |first= Francis X. |last= Clines |work= [[New York Times]] |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150112060740/http://www.nytimes.com/1995/06/09/world/conflict-balkans-rescue-downed-us-pilot-rescued-bosnia-daring-raid.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm |archive-date= 12 January 2015 }}</ref>

[[File:US Navy 090609-N-5345W-008 An AH-1W Super Cobra from the Thunder Chickens of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 performs a low-altitude surveillance pass during a Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) drill.jpg|thumb|A Super Cobra flies past {{USS|Fort McHenry|LSD-43|6}} during a Search and Seizure (VBSS) drill in 2009.]]
[[File:HMLA-267 conducts their final flight of the 'Whiskey' DVIDS550903.jpg|thumb|An AH-1W before its final flight prior to retirement]]
During the twenty-first century, USMC Cobras participated in [[Operation Enduring Freedom]] in Afghanistan and in [[Operation Iraqi Freedom]] in the [[Iraq War|conflict in Iraq]]. While new replacement aircraft were considered as an alternative to major upgrades of the AH-1 fleet, Marine Corps studies showed that an upgrade was the most affordable, most supportable and most effective solution for the Marine Corps light attack helicopter mission.<ref>{{cite web |title= PMA-276 – USMC Light/Attack Helicopter Upgrade Program |publisher= Headquarters Marine Corps |url= http://pma276public.navair.navy.mil/pma276public/history.asp |access-date= 18 November 2007 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080215190609/http://pma276public.navair.navy.mil/pma276public/history.asp |archive-date= 15 February 2008}}</ref>

During the opening phase of the [[2003 invasion of Iraq#Battle of Karbala|2003 invasion of Iraq]], SuperCobras were deployed on the front lines, often flying in hunter-killer teams with Bell UH-1 Iroquois utility helicopters and other coalition aircraft.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.smithsonianmag.com/air-space-magazine/through-darkest-iraq-with-gun-and-cobra-5061785/ |title= Through Darkest Iraq with Gun and Cobra |publisher= Air & Space Magazine |first= James |last= Cox |date= January 2004 }}</ref> Reportedly, 46 of the 58 USMC AH-1s deployed sustained battle damage, which was mostly from infantry-type weapons.<ref name=rand>John, Gordon IV. et al [http://www.rand.org/pubs/documented_briefings/2005/RAND_DB472.pdf Assessment of Navy Heavy-Lift Aircraft Options] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927172859/http://www.rand.org/pubs/documented_briefings/2005/RAND_DB472.pdf |date=27 September 2011}} p. 87. ''[[RAND Corporation]]'', 2005. Accessed: 18 March 2012. {{ISBN|0-8330-3791-9}} Quote: "46 of 58 USMC Cobras) took battle damage, mostly from infantry-type weapons, such as machine guns, RPGs, and small arms fire."</ref> AH-1Ws were involved in the rescue of [[Private first class|Private First Class]] [[Jessica Lynch]] from an Iraqi hospital.<ref>Neville 2015, p. 131.</ref>

In late August 2016, Marine AH-1W Cobras flying from {{USS|Wasp|LHD-1|6}} started flying combat missions over [[Sirte, Libya]] against the [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant in Libya]], providing close air support for friendly militias on the ground.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.militarytimes.com/articles/h-1-cobras-in-libya |title= U.S. Marines use Cobra attack helicopters to strike ISIS in Libya |publisher= Militarytimes.com |date= 22 August 2016 |access-date= 23 August 2016 |archive-date= 23 August 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160823170005/http://www.militarytimes.com/articles/h-1-cobras-in-libya }}</ref> In the later stages of the operation, AH-1Ws flew combat missions from the deck of {{USS|San Antonio}} after that ship replaced ''Wasp'' in October 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.stripes.com/news/uss-san-antonio-joins-libya-operation-1.435175 |title= USS San Antonio joins Libya operation |website= Stars and Stripes |access-date= 19 February 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171010090445/https://www.stripes.com/news/uss-san-antonio-joins-libya-operation-1.435175 |archive-date= 10 October 2017 |url-status= live}}</ref>

In October 2020, the U.S. Marine Corps retired the last of its AH-1Ws after 34 years of service, having replacing the type with the Bell AH-1Z Viper. By the time of their retirement, the model had collectively accumulated 933,614 flight hours.<ref name="military20oct20"/><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/news/defense-aviation-news/2020/october/6630-u-s-marines-retire-bell-ah-1w-super-cobra-attack-helicopter-after-34-years-of-service.html |title= U.S. Marines retire Bell AH-1W Super Cobra attack helicopter after 34 years of service |publisher= Air Recognition |date= 20 October 2020}}</ref>

===Iran===
[[File:Iranian Army Bell AH-1J International Cobra (209) Sharifi-1.jpg|thumb|[[Islamic Republic of Iran Army Aviation|Iran Army Aviation]] AH-1J Cobra]]

In 1971, [[Iran]] purchased 202 examples of an improved AH-1J, named "AH-1J International", from the United States.<ref>{{cite web |author=John Pike |url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/iran/ground-equipment.htm |title= Iranian Ground Forces Equipment |publisher=Global security |access-date=25 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100303082352/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/iran/ground-equipment.htm |archive-date= 3 March 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> This model featured improvements such as the uprated [[Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6T#Variants |P&WC T400-WV-402]] engine and a strengthened drivetrain. Furthermore, recoil damping gear was fitted to the 20&nbsp;mm [[M197 electric cannon|M197]] gun turret, while the gunner was provided with a stabilized sight along with a stabilized seat. Of the AH-1Js operated by the [[Imperial Iranian Army Aviation]], 62 were capable of using the [[TOW missile]].<ref>Pike, John. [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/iran/shabaviz-209.htm  Shabaviz 209-1] {{Webarchive |url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100218182013/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/iran/shabaviz-209.htm |date=18 February 2010}}. Global security.</ref>

Iranian AH-1Js participated in the Iran–Iraq War—which saw the most intensive use of helicopters in any conventional war.<ref>Williams 2004, p. 171.</ref> Iranian AH-1Js (particularly the TOW-capable ones) were "exceptionally effective" in anti-armor warfare, inflicting heavy losses on Iraqi armored and vehicle formations. In operations over the barren terrain in [[Khuzestan]] and later in southern Iraq, beside the standard tactics, Iranian pilots developed special, effective tactics, often in the same manner as the Soviets did with their [[Mi-24]]s.<ref>Bishop 2000, p. 288.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aja.ir/portal/File/ShowFile.aspx?ID%3D3b14fc31-0ee4-4e3f-8809-664c181e3b6d |work= AJA |place= [[Iran |IR]] |title= ‫ﻫﻮاﻧﻴﺮوز‬‫در‬ ‫ﻓﺘﺢ‬ ‫اﻟﻤﺒﻴﻦ‬ |access-date=25 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203072800/http://www.aja.ir/portal/File/ShowFile.aspx?ID=3b14fc31-0ee4-4e3f-8809-664c181e3b6d |archive-date= 3 February 2014}}</ref>  Due to the post-Revolution weapons sanctions, Iranians had to make do with what was at hand: they equipped the AH-1Js with [[AGM-65 Maverick]] missiles and used them with some success in several operations.<ref name="airvectors.net"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://axgig.com/images/79016160811542429413.jpg |title= Photogram |access-date=25 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130516192527/http://axgig.com/images/79016160811542429413.jpg |archive-date=16 May 2013}}, Axgig.</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://shahedmag.com/official/shahed/toc.asp?magID%3D5237%26No%3D80 |title= Welcome Shahed Magazines |access-date= 25 January 2012 |url-status= usurped |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140202113848/http://shahedmag.com/official/shahed/toc.asp?magID=5237&No=80 |archive-date=2 February 2014}}</ref>

Starting from October 1980, the AH-1Js engaged in [[dogfight|air-to-air combat]] with Iraqi [[Mil Mi-24]] helicopters on several, separate occasions during the Iran–Iraq War. The results of these engagements are disputed. One document cited that Iranian AH-1Js took on Iraqi [[Mil Mi-8|Mi-8]] and Mi-24 helicopters.<ref>Brady, Major R.M., 1992 [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/report/1992/BRM.htm "AH-1W Air Combat Maneuver Training – Why It Must Be Reinstated"] {{Webarchive|url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180612233954/https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/report/1992/BRM.htm |date= 12 June 2018}}, Global security.</ref> Sources report that the Iranian AH-1 pilots achieved a 10:1 kill ratio over the Iraqi helicopter pilots during these engagements (1:5). Additionally, one source states that ten Iranian AH-1Js were lost in the war, compared to six Iraqi Mi-24s lost.  The skirmishes are described as fairly evenly matched in another source.<ref>{{usurped|1= [https://web.archive.org/web/20140221222156/http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_206.shtml "Arabian Peninsula & Persian Gulf Database"]}}, ''ACIG Journal''.</ref>  The Mi-24 was faster and more powerful, but the AH-1J was more agile.<ref name="airvectors.net">{{cite web|url= http://www.airvectors.net/avcobra_2.html |title= [2.0] Second-Generation Cobras |website= Air vectors |access-date= 5 August 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160110012919/http://www.airvectors.net/avcobra_2.html|archive-date= 10 January 2016|url-status= live}}</ref>  There were even engagements between Iranian AH-1Js and Iraqi fixed-wing aircraft.  The AH-1Js scored three confirmed kills against [[MiG-21]]s, claimed a [[Su-20]], and shared in the destruction of a [[MiG-23]]—all using their 20&nbsp;mm M197 cannon.<ref>Williams 2004, p. 172.</ref>

[[File:AH-1 - Army's Massive Military Drills in Iran's Southeast-8.jpg|thumb|Iranian AH-1J during a live fire exercise, 2016]]
During early 1984, an Iranian AH-1J Sea Cobra was shot down by an Iraqi [[Pilatus PC-7]] during [[Operation Kheibar]] (Iranian pilots Reza Moghadam and Mohammad Yazdi were rescued).<ref>[http://www.skywar.ru/IRIAF8088.html  Потери ВВС Ирана (Losses of IRIAF (in Russian))]</ref> About half of the AH-1Js were lost during the conflict to combat, accidents, and simple wear and tear.<ref name="airvectors.net"/> [[Ali Akbar Shiroodi]] and [[Ahmad Keshvari]] were two distinguished Iranian Cobra pilots during Iran-Iraq War and are considered wartime heroes in Iran.{{Citation needed |date= February 2015}} During 1988, two Soviet [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23|MiG-23]]s shot down a pair of Iranian AH-1Js<ref>[http://www.acig.info/CMS/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=53&Itemid=47 "Soviet Air-to-Air Victories of the Cold War"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006100052/http://www.acig.info/CMS/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=53&Itemid=47 |date=6 October 2014}} ''ACIG Journal'', 23 October 2008.</ref> that had strayed into western Afghan airspace.

Into the twenty-first century, Iranian AH-1Js remain in service with the Islamic Republic of Iran Army Aviation and have undergone indigenous [[Panha 2091|upgrade programs]]. In 2010, Iran has unveiled its own AH-1J variants called Toufan I. In 2013, another improved variant called [[Iranian Aviation Industries Toufan|Toufan II]] was unveiled.{{cn|date=October 2025}}

By the 2020s, there was an increasing expectation that, amid a combination of factors such as accumulated [[fatigue]], increasingly outdated capabilities, and a shortage of spare components, Iran will probably seek to replace its AH-1Js before too long, possibly with Russian-sourced Mi-24s.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/iransource/is-iran-going-on-an-arms-shopping-spree-in-moscow/ |title= Is Iran going on an arms shopping spree in Moscow? |publisher= Atlantic council |first= Robert |last= Czulda |date= 10 November 2021}}</ref> 

On 18 June 2025, during the [[Iran–Israel War]], the [[Israel Defense Forces]] (IDF) stated that it destroyed eight AH-1s at a military airbase in [[Kermanshah]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Fabian |first=Emanuel |last2=Agencies |title=IAF continues to strike Tehran, targeting police HQ and centrifuge production sites |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/iaf-continues-to-strike-tehran-targeting-police-hq-and-centrifuge-production-sites/ |access-date=2025-06-18 |website=[[The Times of Israel]] |language=en-US |issn=0040-7909}}</ref>

===Taiwan===
[[File:ROCA Crew Talking with Pilot of AH-1W 543 in Warming up 20140531.jpg|thumb|ROCA crew talking with pilot of AH-1W 543 while helicopter warms up]]

During 1984, [[Taiwan]] announced its requirement for attack helicopters; it subsequently evaluated the [[MBB Bo 105]] and [[MD Helicopters MD 500|MD 500]] helicopters. The requirement resulted in an order for 42 AH-1W SuperCobras being placed during 1992. Deliveries of this batch ran from 1993 to 1997. During 1997, it was announced that an additional 21 AH-1Ws had been ordered.<ref name= "jan2021 supportdeal"/> The [[Ministry of National Defense (Republic of China)|Ministry of National Defense]] assigned the helicopters to the [[Republic of China Army|ROC Army]] Aviation Training Centre and a pair of Army Aviation attack helicopter brigades.<ref name=Donald_p195>Donald 2004, p. 195.</ref> During the 2010s, Taiwan began supplementing its SuperCobras with 30 newly purchased AH-64Es.<ref>{{cite web |last=Trimble |first=Stepehen |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2011/06/10/357871/taiwan-buys-30-ah-64-apaches.html |title=Taiwan buys 30 AH-64 Apaches |website=FlightGlobal |date=10 June 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States – AH-64D Apache Helicopters and Related Weapons |url=http://www.dsca.mil/PressReleases/36-b/2008/Taiwan_08-41.pdf |date=3 October 2007 |publisher=[[Defense Security Cooperation Agency]] (DSCA) |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090227183431/http://www.dsca.mil/PressReleases/36-b/2008/Taiwan_08-41.pdf |archive-date=27 February 2009}}</ref> Into the 2020s, Taiwan continues to operate its SuperCobras; during January 2021, a NT$339.24 million (US$11.91 million) contract with the US was signed for the provision of technical support and spare parts the AH-1W fleet through to September 2027.<ref name= "jan2021 supportdeal">{{cite web |url= https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2021/01/16/2003750683 |title= Military inks US deal for SuperCobra spare parts |publisher= taipeitimes.com |first1= Lo |last1= Tien-pin |first2= Jonathan |last2= Chin |date= 26 August 2021}}</ref>

===Turkey===
During the early 1990s, Turkey bought ten AH-1W SuperCobras; these were supplemented by 32 ex-US Army AH-1 Cobras.<ref name="Donald_p195"/> The sale was politically controversial in the United States; in April 1996, the purchase of ten additional AH-1Ws by Turkey was blocked by the [[Presidency of Bill Clinton|Clinton administration]].<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/white-house-blocks-turkish-cobra-deal/9861.article |title= White House blocks Turkish Cobra deal |publisher= flightglobal.com |date= 10 April 1996}}</ref> During late 2011, Turkey requested the purchase of three AH-1Ws from the USMC inventory.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2011/10/01/US-giving-Turkey-3-helicopters/UPI-32931317513797/ |title= U.S. giving Turkey 3 helicopters |publisher= upi.com |access-date= 2 October 2011 |archive-date= 5 October 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20111005031055/http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2011/10/01/US-giving-Turkey-3-helicopters/UPI-32931317513797/ }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last= Allport |first= Dave |url= http://www.key.aero/view_news.asp?ID=4328&thisSection=military |title= Turkey To Acquire Three ex-USMC AH-1W Super Cobras |publisher= Key Publishing |date= 31 October 2011 |access-date= 3 November 2011 |archive-date= 11 June 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120611011655/http://www.key.aero/view_news.asp?ID=4328&thisSection=military }}</ref>

The AH-1s have been repeatedly used in combat against [[Kurdistan Workers' Party]] (''PKK'') insurgents.<ref>Bishop 2006, p. 42.</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/turkey-launches-air-and-land-offensive-against-pkk-rebels/79126.article |title= Turkey launches air and land offensive against PKK rebels |publisher= flightglobal.com |first= Tolga |last= Ozbek |date= 6 March 2008}}</ref> On 13 May 2016, PKK militants shot down a Turkish Army AH-1W SuperCobra using a [[9K38 Igla]] (SA-18 Grouse) MANPADS; in the published video, the missile severed the tail section from the rest of the helicopter, causing it to spin, fragment in midair and crash, killing the two pilots on board. The Turkish government initially stated that it had descended due to technical failure, though it later became clear that the helicopter had been shot down.<ref>{{Cite news |url= https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2016/05/14/kurdish-militants-just-challenged-turkish-air-power-in-a-major-way/ |title= Kurdish militants just challenged Turkish air power in a major way |newspaper= [[The Washington Post]] |access-date= 16 May 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160518204940/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2016/05/14/kurdish-militants-just-challenged-turkish-air-power-in-a-major-way/ |archive-date= 18 May 2016 |url-status= live}}</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>

During April 2022, all of the Turkish Army's remaining AH-1Ws were transferred to the Turkish Navy; they are the first type of attack helicopter to be operated by the service.<ref name= "turk transfer2022"/> Being already appropriately suited to maritime operations, the AH-1Ws are to be used on board the [[TCG Anadolu]] [[amphibious assault ship]]; as such, the type has been speculated to have displaced a planned navalised version of the indigenously built [[TAI/AgustaWestland T129 ATAK]] attack helicopter.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://voi.id/en/news/143443/turkeys-anadolu-amphibious-assault-ship-undergoes-sea-tests-equipped-with-ah-1w-supercobra-and-zaha-helicopters |title= Turkey's Anadolu Amphibious Assault Ship Undergoes Sea Tests, Equipped With AH-1W SuperCobra And ZAHA Helicopters |publisher= voi.id |date= 13 March 2022 |access-date= 12 October 2022 |archive-date= 12 October 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20221012180329/https://voi.id/en/news/143443/turkeys-anadolu-amphibious-assault-ship-undergoes-sea-tests-equipped-with-ah-1w-supercobra-and-zaha-helicopters |url-status= dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/defence-helicopter/turkey-changes-tack-on-choice-of-helicopter-for-an/ |title= Turkey changes tack on choice of helicopter for Anadolu |publisher= shephardmedia.com |first= Tayfun |last= Özberk |date= 10 December 2021}}</ref>

==Variants==

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

===Twin-engine===
[[File:Ah1-228-070719-02cr-16.jpg|thumb|AH-1W on a training mission at the [[Mojave Spaceport]] ]]

;AH-1J SeaCobra
: Original twin engine version.
;AH-1J International
: Export version of the AH-1J SeaCobra.
;AH-1T Improved SeaCobra
: Improved version with extended tailboom and fuselage and an upgraded transmission and engines.
;AH-1W SuperCobra
: ("Whiskey Cobra"), day/night version with more powerful engines and advanced weapons capability.
;AH-1(4B)W Viper
: "Four-Bladed Whiskey" test version with a four-bladed bearingless composite main rotor based on Bell 680 rotor. A prototype was converted from AH-1T 161022.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://articles.janes.com/articles/Janes-All-the-Worlds-Aircraft/BELL-AH-14B-W-VIPER-United-States.html |title= Bell AH-1(4B)W Viper (United States), Aircraft – Rotary-Wing – Military |publisher= Jane's Information Group |date= 15 July 1992 |access-date= 9 August 2011 |archive-date= 3 May 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120503102422/http://articles.janes.com/articles/Janes-All-the-Worlds-Aircraft/BELL-AH-14B-W-VIPER-United-States.html }}</ref>
[[File:Bell AH-1W SuperCobra Le Bourget 20110624.jpg|thumb|AH-1Z Viper at the 2011 Paris Air Show, with its 4-blade main rotor and longer engine exhaust ducts]]
;[[Bell AH-1Z Viper|AH-1Z Viper]]
: A new variant nicknamed "Zulu Cobra", and developed in conjunction with the [[Bell UH-1Y Venom|UH-1Y Venom]] for the [[H-1 upgrade program]]. The variant includes an upgraded four-blade main rotor and adds the Target Sight System (TSS).

;[[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 T-55-L-7C]] engine.<ref>Richardson 1987, pp. 8–9.</ref>
;CobraVenom
: Proposed version for the United Kingdom.<ref name="mod_battle"/>
;AH-1RO Dracula
: Proposed version for Romania.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.janes.com/articles/Janes-All-the-Worlds-Aircraft/IAR-BELL-AH-1RO-DRACULA-Romania.html |title= IAR (BELL) AH-1RO DRACULA (Romania) |work= Jane's Information Group |date= 15 June 2000 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110713085318/http://articles.janes.com/articles/Janes-All-the-Worlds-Aircraft/IAR-BELL-AH-1RO-DRACULA-Romania.html |archive-date= 13 July 2011}}</ref>
;AH-1Z King Cobra
: AH-1Z offered for Turkey's [[TAI/AgustaWestland T-129|ATAK]] program; selected for production in 2000, but later canceled when Bell and Turkey could not reach an agreement on production.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.turkishdailynews.com.tr/article.php?enewsid=60656 |title= Back to square one in attack helicopter plan |publisher= Turkish Daily News |date= 2 December 2006 |access-date= 17 July 2008 |archive-date= 6 December 2006 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20061206174158/http://www.turkishdailynews.com.tr/article.php?enewsid=60656 }}</ref>
;[[Panha 2091]]: Unlicensed Iranian upgrade of AH-1J International.
;[[IAIO Toufan]]: Iranian copy / re-manufactured AH-1J International by Iran Aviation Industries Organization, with locally sourced avionics, and weapons.

==Operators==
{{For|operators of AH-1G/S and other single-engine variants|Bell AH-1 Cobra}}

===Current===
;{{IRN}}
* [[Islamic Republic of Iran Army Aviation]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2019">{{cite web |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/analysis-2019-world-air-forces-directory-454126/ |title= World Air Forces 2019 |publisher= Flightglobal Insight |year= 2019 |access-date= 3 April 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190123181847/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/analysis-2019-world-air-forces-directory-454126/ |archive-date= 23 January 2019 |url-status= live}}</ref>
;{{ROC-TW}}
[[File:ROCA Bell AH-1W Super Cobra (209) Aoki-1.jpg|thumb|An AH-1W Super Cobra with the [[Republic of China Army]]]]
* [[Republic of China Army]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2019"/>
;{{TUR}}
* [[Turkish Navy]]<ref name= "turk transfer2022">{{cite web |url= https://en.rayhaber.com/2022/04/turk-deniz-kuvvetleri-ah-1w-super-cobralari-teslim-aldi |title= Turkish Navy Receives AH-1W Super Cobras |access-date= 21 April 2022}}</ref>

===Former===
;{{flagdeco|Iran|1964}} [[Imperial Iran]]
* [[Air force history of Iran|Imperial Iranian Air Force]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1977/1977%20-%202046.html|title=World Air Forces 1977 pg. 52|publisher=flightglobal.com|access-date=10 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140814054748/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1977/1977%20-%202046.html|archive-date=14 August 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

;{{KOR}}
* [[Republic of Korea Army]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.asiae.co.kr/article/2012051413450850191 |title=Eight AH-1J Sea Cobras in South Korean Army  |date=16 May 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://bemil.chosun.com/nbrd/bbs/view.html?b_bbs_id=10159&pn=0&num=16824 |title=South Korean Army AH-1J Sea Cobra }}</ref>

;{{USA}}
* [[United States Marine Corps]] (AH-1J and AH-1W variants)<ref name="World Air Forces 2019"/>
** [[HMLA-167]]<ref>{{cite web|url= http://hma1369.tripod.com/167.html|title= Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167 HML/A-167 "Warriors"|publisher= tripod.com|access-date= 12 February 2013|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150503014258/http://hma1369.tripod.com/167.html|archive-date= 3 May 2015|url-status= live}}</ref>
** [[HMLA-169]]<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/usmc/hmla-169.htm |title= Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron-169 [HMLA-169] |publisher= globalsecurity.org |access-date= 12 February 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130122141744/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/usmc/hmla-169.htm |archive-date= 22 January 2013 |url-status= live}}</ref>
** [[HMLA-267]]<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/usmc/hmla-267.htm |title= Marine Light/Attack Helicopter Squadron-269 [HML/A-267] |publisher= globalsecurity.org |access-date= 12 February 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130122145745/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/usmc/hmla-267.htm |archive-date= 22 January 2013 |url-status= live}}</ref>[[File:JTAC proficiency training 141218-Z-NI803-232.jpg|thumb|right|An AH-1W provides close air support during training exercise]]
** [[HMLA-269]]<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/usmc/hmla-269.htm |title= Marine Light/Attack Helicopter Squadron-269 [HML/A-269] |publisher= globalsecurity.org |access-date= 12 February 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121106230953/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/usmc/hmla-269.htm |archive-date= 6 November 2012 |url-status= live}}</ref>
** [[HMLA-367]]<ref>{{cite web |url= http://hma1369.tripod.com/367.html |title= MARINE LIGHT ATTACK HELICOPTER SQUADRON 367 HMLA-367 "Scarface" |publisher= tripod.com |access-date= 12 February 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140202173825/http://hma1369.tripod.com/367.html |archive-date= 2 February 2014 |url-status= live}}</ref>
** [[HMLA-369]]<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/usmc/hmla-369.htm |title= Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron-369 [HMLA-369] |publisher= globalsecurity.org |access-date= 12 February 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130122185414/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/usmc/hmla-369.htm |archive-date= 22 January 2013 |url-status= live}}</ref>
** [[HMLA-467]]<ref>{{cite web |url= http://hma1369.tripod.com/467.html |title= Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 467 HMLA-467 Sabers |publisher= tripod.com |access-date= 12 February 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150503013245/http://hma1369.tripod.com/467.html |archive-date= 3 May 2015 |url-status= live}}</ref>
** [[HMLA-469]]<ref>{{cite web |url= http://hma1369.tripod.com/469.html |title= Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469 HMLA-469 "Vengeance" |publisher= tripod.com |access-date= 12 February 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120120133923/http://hma1369.tripod.com/469.html |archive-date= 20 January 2012 |url-status= live}}</ref>
** [[HMLA-773]]<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/usmc/hmla-773.htm |title= Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron-773 [HMLA-773] |publisher= globalsecurity.org |access-date= 12 February 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20111021072335/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/usmc/hmla-773.htm |archive-date= 21 October 2011 |url-status= live}}</ref>
** [[HMLAT-303]]<ref>{{cite web |url= http://hma1369.tripod.com/303.html |title= Marine Light Attack Helicopter Training Squadron 303 HMLA/T-303 "Atlas" |publisher= tripod.com |access-date= 12 February 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150503013526/http://hma1369.tripod.com/303.html |archive-date= 3 May 2015 |url-status= live}}</ref>

==Aircraft on display==
[[File:Cavanaugh Flight Museum December 2019 69 (Bell AH-1J SeaCobra).jpg|thumb|AH-1J at the [[Cavanaugh Flight Museum]]]]
[[File:Bell AH-1J Sea Cobra 2 (4685837287).jpg|thumb|AH-1J at the [[Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum]]]]

===South Korea===
;AH-1J
*29066 – [[War Memorial of Korea]]

===United States===
;AH-1J
*157771 – Prairie Aviation Museum in [[Bloomington, Illinois]]{{CN|date=July 2022}}
*157784 – [[Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum]] at MCAS Miramar, [[San Diego, California]]{{CN|date=July 2022}}
*159210 – [[Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum|Patriot's Point Naval & Maritime Museum]], [[Charleston, South Carolina]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=AH-1J Sea Cobra |url=https://www.patriotspoint.org/things-to-do/aircraft/ah-1j-sea-cobra |access-date=2025-07-02 |website=Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum |language=en}}</ref>
*159211 – Kalamazoo / [[Battle Creek, Michigan]]{{CN|date=July 2022}}
*159212 – [[Yankee Air Museum]], [[Belleville, Michigan]]{{CN|date=July 2022}}
*159218 – New York Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum Pier 86, [[New York, New York]]{{CN|date=July 2022}}

;AH-1W
* 160820 – National Museum of the Marine Corps, [[Quantico, Virginia]]{{CN|date=July 2022}}
* 160825 – Pima Air and Space Museum, [[Tucson, Arizona]]{{CN|date=July 2022}}
* 161017 – Hickory Aviation Museum, [[Hickory, North Carolina]]{{CN|date=July 2022}}
* 162558 – Barbers Point Aviation Museum, [[Oahu, Hawaii]]{{CN|date=July 2022}}
* 163944 – MAG-24 Headquarters, MCAS Kaneohe Bay, [[Hawaii]]{{CN|date=July 2022}}
* 164578 – Naval Aviation Museum, NAS Pensacola, [[Florida]]{{CN|date=July 2022}}
* 165329 – Joint Base McGuire, [[New Jersey]]{{CN|date=July 2022}}
* 165359 – [[HX-21]] Hangar, NAS Patuxent River, [[Maryland]]{{CN|date=October 2025}}
* 165367 – MCAS Kaneohe Bay, [[Hawaii]]{{CN|date=July 2022}}
* 165369 – MCAS Camp Pendleton, [[California]]{{CN|date=July 2022}}
* 165395 – MCAS Yuma, [[Arizona]]{{CN|date=July 2022}}

==Specifications <!-- () -->==
===AH-1J SeaCobra===
[[File:Bell AH-1J SeaCobra orthographical image.svg|right|400px]]
{{Aircraft specs
|ref= ''Bell AH-1 Cobra'',<ref name=Verier_p184>Verier 1990, p. 184.</ref> ''Modern Fighting Aircraft''<ref name= Richardson_Append>Richardson 1987, p. Appendix.</ref>
|prime units?= kts
<!--   General characteristics
-->
|crew= 2
|length ft= 53
|length in= 5
|length note= with both rotors turning
::::{{cvt|45|ft|9|in|0}} for fuselage only
|width ft= 10
|width in= 9
|width note= for stub wings only
|height ft= 13
|height in= 5
|height note=
|empty weight lb= 6,610
|empty weight note=
|gross weight lb=
|gross weight note=
|max takeoff weight lb= 10,000
|max takeoff weight note=
|fuel capacity=
|more general=
<!--   Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number= 1
|eng1 name= [[Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6T|P&W Canada T400-CP-400]] (PT6T-3 Twin-Pac)
|eng1 type= [[turboshaft]] engine
|eng1 shp= 1,530
|eng1 note= (de-rated from {{cvt|1800|shp|0}} for drivetrain limitations)

|rot number= 1
|rot dia m=<!-- helicopters -->
|rot dia ft= 43
|rot dia in= 11
|rot area sqft= 1,514.97
|rot area note=<br />
* '''Blade section''': Wortmann FX 69-H-098<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 |publisher=  UIUC |work= Airfoil Data |place= [[Illinois |IL]] |access-date= 16 April 2019}}</ref>
<!--   Performance
-->
|max speed kts= 152
|max speed note=
|cruise speed kts=
|cruise speed note=
|never exceed speed kts= 190
|never exceed speed note=
|range nmi= 311
|range note=
|combat range nmi=
|combat range note=
|ferry range nmi=
|ferry range note=
|endurance=<!-- if range unknown -->
|ceiling ft= 10,500
|ceiling note=
|g limits=<!-- aerobatic -->
|climb rate ftmin= 1,090
|climb rate note=
|time to altitude=
|disk loading lb/sqft=
|disk loading note=
|fuel consumption lb/mi=
|power/mass=
|more performance=
<!--   Armament
-->
|armament=
* [[20 mm caliber|20 mm (0.787 in)]] [[M197 electric cannon|M197]] [[Gatling gun#M61 Vulcan, Minigun, and other designs|3-barreled Gatling cannon]] in the [[U.S. Helicopter Armament Subsystems#AH-1 Cobra|M97 turret]] (750 rounds ammo capacity)
* 2.75 in (70 mm) [[Mk 4/Mk 40 Folding-Fin Aerial Rocket|Mk 40]], or [[Hydra 70]] rockets in 7 or 19 rounds pods
* 5 in (127 mm) [[Zuni (rocket)|Zuni]] rockets – up to 16 rockets in 4-round LAU-10D/A launchers
* [[AIM-9 Sidewinder]] anti-aircraft missiles – one mounted on each hardpoint

|avionics=
}}

===AH-1W SuperCobra===
[[File:Bell AH-1W SuperCobra orthographical image.svg|right|400px]]

{{Aircraft specs
|ref= ''Verier'',<ref name=Verier_p184/> ''Modern Fighting Aircraft'',<ref name=Richardson_Append/> ''International Directory of Military Aircraft''<ref name="FrawleyMilitary 148">Frawley 2002, p. 148.</ref>
|prime units?= kts
<!--   General characteristics
-->
|crew= Two (pilot, co-pilot/gunner (CPG))
|length ft= 58
|length in= 0
|length note= with both rotors turning
::::{{cvt|45|ft|7|in|0}} for fuselage only
|width ft= 10
|width in= 9
|width note= for stub wings only
|height ft= 13
|height in= 9
|height note=
|empty weight lb= 10,200
|empty weight note=
|gross weight lb=
|gross weight note=
|max takeoff weight lb= 14,750
|max takeoff weight note=
|fuel capacity=
|more general=
<!--   Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number= 2
|eng1 name= [[General Electric T700|General Electric T700-401]]
|eng1 type= [[turboshaft]] engine
|eng1 shp= 1,690
|eng1 note= (de-rated from {{cvt|1800|shp|0}} for drivetrain limitations)
|rot number= 1
|rot dia m=<!-- helicopters -->
|rot dia ft= 45
|rot dia in= 7
|rot area sqft= 1,514.97
|rot area note=<!-- <br />
*'''Blade section''': -->
<!--   Performance
-->
|max speed kts= 190
|max speed note=
|cruise speed kts=
|cruise speed note=
|never exceed speed kts= 190
|never exceed speed note=
|range nmi= 317
|range note=
|combat range nmi=
|combat range note=
|ferry range nmi=
|ferry range note=
|endurance=<!-- if range unknown -->
|ceiling ft= 12,200
|ceiling note=
|g limits=<!-- aerobatic -->
|climb rate ftmin= 1,620
|climb rate note=
|time to altitude=
|disk loading lb/sqft=
|disk loading note=
|fuel consumption lb/mi=
|power/mass=
|more performance=
<!--   Armament
-->
|armament=
* [[20 mm caliber|20 mm (0.787 in)]] [[M197 electric cannon|M197]] [[Gatling gun#M61 Vulcan, Minigun, and other designs|3-barreled Gatling cannon]] in the [[U.S. Helicopter Armament Subsystems#AH-1 Cobra|A/A49E-7 turret]] (750 rounds ammo capacity)
* 2.75 in (70 mm) [[Hydra 70]] or [[Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System|APKWS II]]<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.navair.navy.mil/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.NavairNewsStory&id=4972 |title= Marine helicopters deploy with laser-guided rocket |publisher= NAVAIR.Navy.mil |date= 17 April 2012 |access-date= 11 July 2013 |archive-date= 3 October 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121003182837/http://www.navair.navy.mil/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.NavairNewsStory&id=4972 }}</ref> rockets – Mounted in LAU-68C/A (7 shot) or LAU-61D/A (19 shot) launchers
* 5 in (127 mm) [[Zuni (rocket)|Zuni]] rockets – 8 rockets in two 4-round LAU-10D/A launchers
* [[BGM-71 TOW|TOW missiles]] – Up to 8 missiles mounted in two 4-round XM65 missile launchers, one on each outboard hardpoint
* [[AGM-114 Hellfire]] missiles – Up to 8 missiles mounted in two 4-round M272 missile launchers, one on each outboard hardpoint
* [[AGM-65 Maverick]] missiles - Up to 2 missiles mounted on hardpoints{{cn|date=June 2025}}
* [[AIM-9 Sidewinder]] anti-aircraft missiles – 1 mounted on each outboard hardpoint (total of 2)
}}

==See also==
{{Portal|Aviation}}
{{aircontent
|see also=
* [[U.S. Helicopter Armament Subsystems#AH-1 Cobra|U.S. Helicopter Armament Subsystems, AH-1]]
|related=
* [[Bell 309 KingCobra]]
* [[Bell AH-1 Cobra]]
* [[Bell AH-1Z Viper]]
* [[Bell UH-1N Twin Huey]]
* [[Bell UH-1Y Venom]]
* [[Bell YAH-63]]
* [[Panha 2091]]
* [[IAIO Toufan]]
|similar aircraft=
* [[AgustaWestland Apache]]
* [[Agusta A129 Mangusta]]
* [[Boeing AH-64 Apache]]
* [[CAIC Z-10]]
* [[Denel Rooivalk]]
* [[Eurocopter Tiger]]
* [[HAL Prachand]]
* [[Harbin Z-19|Harbin WZ-19]]
* [[Kamov Ka-50]]
* [[TAI/AgustaWestland T129 ATAK]]
|lists=
* [[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= Bishop |first1= Chris |title= Huey Cobra Gunships |publisher= Osprey Publishing |date=  2006 |isbn= 1-84176-984-3}}
* {{cite book |last1= Bishop |first1= Tom Cooper & Farzad |title= Iran-Iraq War in the air, 1980–1988 |date= 2000 |publisher= Schiffer Publisher |location= Atglen |isbn= 978-0-7643-1669-2}}
* {{cite book |last= Donald |first= David |title= Modern Battlefield Warplanes |publisher= AIRtime Publishing Inc |date= 2004 |isbn= 1-880588-76-5}}
* {{cite book |last= Frawley |first= Gerard |title= The International Directory of Military Aircraft |publisher= Aerospace Publications Pty Ltd |date= 2002 |isbn= 1-875671-55-2}}
* {{cite book |last= Gunston |first= B. |author2= Spick, M. |title= Modern Fighting Helicopters |location= New York |publisher= Crescent Books |year= 1986 |pages= [https://archive.org/details/modernfightinghe00bill/page/104 104–05] |isbn= 0-517-61349-2 |url= https://archive.org/details/modernfightinghe00bill/page/104}}
* {{cite book |title= International Air Power Review, Volume 12 |publisher= AIRtime Publishing |year= 2004 |isbn= 1-880588-77-3}}
* {{cite book |last= Neville |first= Leigh |title= Special Forces in the War on Terror (General Military) |publisher= Osprey Publishing |date= 2015 |isbn= 978-1-4728-0790-8}}
* {{cite book |last= Nolan |first= Keith William |title= Into Laos: The Story of Dewey Canyon Ii/Lam Son 719 |date= 1986 |publisher= Presidio Press |isbn= 0-4402-0044-X}}
* {{cite book |last= Richardson |first= Doug |title= Modern Fighting Aircraft, Volume 13, AH-1 Cobra |location= New York |publisher= Prentice Hall |date= 1987 |isbn= 0-13-020751-9}}
* {{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 |last= Verier |first= Mike |title= Bell AH-1 Cobra |publisher= Osprey Publishing |date= 1990 |isbn= 0-85045-934-6}}
* {{cite book |last1= Williams |first1= Anthony G.|last2= Gustin |first2= Emmanuel |title= Flying Guns of the Modern Era |date= 2004 |publisher= Crowood Press |location= Marlborough |isbn= 978-1-86126-655-2}}

==External links==
{{commons|AH-1 Cobra}}
* [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/ah-1.htm AH-1 Cobra page] and [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/report/1992/BRM.htm AH-1W Air Combat Maneuver Training on GlobalSecurity.org]
* [http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/ah-1.htm AH-1W Super Cobra page on fas.org]
* [http://www.globalaircraft.org/planes/ah-1_cobra.pl AH-1 Cobra page on GlobalAircraft.org]
* [http://www.aircav.com/aircav.html AH-1 Cobra briefing room on AirCav.com]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20140831033633/http://www.rotorhead.org/military/ah1.asp AH-1 HueyCobra page on Rotorhead.org]
* [http://www.midwaysailor.com/photos/cobra.html AH-1 Cobra Photo Galleries on MidwaySailor.com]

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

{{DEFAULTSORT:Bell AH-1 Supercobra}}
[[Category:Bell aircraft|H-001, A]]
[[Category:United States military helicopters]]
[[Category:1970s United States attack aircraft]]
[[Category:1970s United States helicopters]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1969]]
[[Category:Single-turbine helicopters]]
[[Category:Twin-turbine helicopters]]
[[Category:Attack helicopters]]
[[Category:Single-rotor helicopters]]
[[Category:Aircraft with skid landing gear]]