AH-1W Super Cobra

The AH-1W is a twin-engined upgraded and improved AH-1 flown by the United States Marine Corps (USMC). Super Cobras are also in service the Tawainese and Turkish militaries. The AH-1 'Whiskey Cobra' has enhanced avionics and can carry a wider range of weapons than the standard AH-1.

The AH-1W has been in service with the USMC since 1985. 4 Squadrons of Super Cobras accompianed the USMC's push into Kuwait during the 1991 Gulf War where they proved highly effective in the anti-armor role. 1 sortie alone resulted in 60 iraqi tanks destroyed.

It's projected that the Super Cobra will stay in service for another 10 years until it is completely replaced by the AH-1Z (a further set of upgrades to the AH-1, including 5-blade rotors, advanced sensors and countermeasures)

USMC AH-1W super cobra

AH-1W FEATURES 20mm M197 cannon turret with 110 degree field of fire wire-cutting blades postion around the cockpit to deal with the threat of high-tension wires - a real problem at low altitude aluminium bodywork twin engines (a must for operations over water) 2-blade steel/aluminium tail rotors night vision & electronic sensors allow for all-time / all-weather operations

AH-1W Super Cobra Specifications

The AH-1W's chin houses the Night Targeting System, Laser Designator and the Forward-Looking InfraRed (FLIR) sensor. The gunner uses this sensor suite to aim and fire the host of anti-tank missiles, rockets and 20mm cannon in a typical AH-1W loadout.

US Marines AH-1W Super Cobra armed with Hellfire laser-guided missiles and HYDRA rocket pods.