Bell AH-1S Cobra

History

First Production AH-1S (Step 1, 100 aircraft, Mar 77-Sep 78) was the new production Cobra featuring a new Bell-designed seven-plane semiflat crew canopy, an improved T-shapped instrument and control panel layout arranged to enhance nape-of-the-earth (NOE) flight, and new composite rotor blades. The Production AH-1S was equipped to fire the XM65 airborne TOW/Cobra anti-tank missile system using the M128 helmet sight subsystem (HSS). The Production AH-1S was equipped with an upgraded AlliedSignal’s Engines T53-L-703 1800 shp turbo shaft engine, gearbox, and transmission that were lacking in the AH-1Q. The Production AH-1S mounted the new M28A3 armament subsystem with M134 minigun and M129 grenade launcher and retained the 2.75-inch rocket system. The M28A3 was converted from existing stocks of M28A1 armament subsystems. This new version was first fielded with the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina in August 1977. The new flat panel canopy could identify the Production AH-1S.

Up-gunned AH-1S (Step 2, 98 new production aircraft, Sep 78-Oct 79), or Enhanced Cobra Armament System (ECAS) new production Cobra, featured a new 20mm/30mm universal gun turret and retained the M65 TOW/Cobra missile system. The new M97A1 universal turret was fitted with the three-barrel M197 20mm automatic gun with automatic compensation for off-axis gun firing. Since this aircraft lacked the rocket management system (RMS) it could not use the 2.75 inch rocket system that was standard on all other model Cobras. The tapered tips on the new fiberglass main rotor blades could identify the Up-gunned AH-1S.

AH-1S Modernized Cobra (Step 3, 530 aircraft, Nov 79-Jun 81). Of 530 Modernized Cobras, 387 were converted for old AG-1G Cobras and 143 were from new Production aircraft.

The Modernized Cobra featured a new fire control system with a pilot's M76 Head-Up Display (HUD), M136 Helmet Sight Subsystem (HSS), laser range finder and tracker, and M26 Fire Control Computer (FCC). The modernization program also added an M143 Air Data Subsystem (ADS). The installation of the M147 Rocket Management Subsystem (RMS) permitted use of the standard 2.75-inch rocket system, in addition to the M65 TOW/Cobra missile system, and the M197 20mm gun on the new M97A2 universal turret. The Modernized AH-1S could mount M158 seven-tube, M200 19-tube, M260 seven-tube, or M261 19-tube rocket launchers. The Modernized AH-1S Cobra had an infrared jammer mounted on the top of the engine fairing and a hot metal plus plume infrared suppressor extending from the back of the engine. The air data sensor mounted above the right side of the canopy could identify the Modernized AH-1S.

The Bell AH-1S, Cobra was used primary close air support for ground troops ‘in country’ and covering troop helicopters being sent into action. Highly maneuverable, heavily armed, the Cobra was well designed for its mission.

The Rhode Island Army Nation Guard donated the Cobra to the Quonset Air Museum.

Specifications

Description

Manufacturer: Bell Helicopter Company
Designation: AH-1
Version: S
Nickname: Cobra
Type: Close Support Attack Helicopter
U.S. Army Serial Number: 66-15317

Dimensions

Fuselage Length: 53 ft 1 in
Height: 13 ft 6.25 in
Rotor Diameter: 44 ft
Wing span: 10 ft 4 in

Weights

Empty Weight: 6,598 lbs.
Gross Weight: 10,000 lbs.

Propulsion

Power plant: Single Lycoming T53-L-13 Turboshaft Engine
Horsepower: 1800 hp

Performance

Range: 315 miles
Cruise Speed: 141 mph
Max. Speed: 172 mph
Ceiling: 12,200 ft

Armament

XM-28 turret subsystem incorporating a 7.62 mm minigun with 4,000 rounds of ammunition and a SM-129 40 mm grenade launcher with 300 rounds.

Stub-wing pylons capable of carrying rocket pods, mini-gun or Tow air to surface rockets.