AH-1W Super Cobra Helicopter

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 helicopter 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 more Super Cobra photos »

AH-1W SUPER COBRA 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.

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