Military Helicopters
Bell OH-58D Kiowa Warrior
ICAO: B06
Overview
The Bell AH-1 Cobra was developed as a dedicated attack helicopter during the Vietnam War. Derived from the UH-1 Huey, it featured a narrow fuselage and tandem cockpit. The aircraft entered service in the late 1960s.
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Specifications
Units
- Engine
- 1 × Lycoming T53-L-13
- Engine type
- Turboshaft
- Power
- 1,100 shp · 820 kW
- Avionics
- —
- Wing tips
- No winglets
- Seats
- 2
- Crew
- —
- Cabin width
- —
- Cabin height
- —
- Cabin length
- —
- Exterior length
- 52 ft 6 in · 16.00 m
- Tail height
- 13 ft 5 in · 4.08 m
- Fuselage diameter
- 3 ft 6 in · 1.06 m
- Wing span
- 44 ft 0 in · 13.40 m
- Baggage volume
- —
- Gross weight
- —
- Empty weight
- —
- Max takeoff weight
- 9,500 lb · 4,300 kg
- Max landing weight
- —
- Max payload
- —
- Fuel capacity
- Max cruise speed
- 149 kt · 171 mph · 276 km/h
- Maximum speed
- —
- Cruise speed
- —
- Approach speed
- —
- Range
- 310 nm · 360 mi · 570 km
- Fuel burn
- —
- Ceiling
- 11,400 ft · 3,500 m
- Rate of climb
- 1,230 ft/min · 6 m/s
- Takeoff distance
- —
- Landing distance
- —
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Operational Context
Bell AH-1 Cobra — dedicated attack helicopter
The AH-1 first flew in 1965 and entered service in 1967. It was designed to provide armed escort and close air support for ground forces. The helicopter features a slim profile and chin-mounted gun turret.
Powered by a Lycoming T53 turboshaft engine producing approximately 1,400 shaft horsepower depending on variant, the AH-1 cruises at around 140 knots (259 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight exceeds 10,000 pounds (4,536 kg). Armament typically includes rockets, cannon, and anti-tank missiles.
The Cobra served extensively in Vietnam and later conflicts. It established the modern attack helicopter concept. Numerous upgraded variants followed in U.S. and export service.
Sources and references used for research and fact-checking.