The Bell AH-1 Cobra is an attack helicopter that was developed from the famed UH-1 Iroquois, or “Huey,” iconic for its role in the Vietnam War. The AH-1, sometimes referred to as the “HueyCobra” or “Snake,” used the same engine, transmission, and rotor system as the Huey. But in modifying the HueyCobra for an attack role, the fuselage was narrowed, stub wings were added (for weapons loadouts), a gun turret was mounted in the chin, and an armored tandem cockpit was added. 

After its rapid development to meet the Army’s glaring need for an armed escort for transport helicopters, the HueyCobra made its first flight in 1965. Production was initiated shortly thereafter, with limited revisions, allowing the HueyCobra to enter service in 1967—in time for the Vietnam War’s escalation in the late 1960s. The HueyCobra would serve with the Army for over thirty years, while a variant, the AH-1 “SuperCobra” would serve with........

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