Bell AH-1 SuperCobra

The navalized attack helicopter built for enhanced power and survivability.

US Navy AH-1W Super Cobra © U.S. Navy

Overview

Bell United States ICAO: SUCO 1966–Onward Active $10.7 million (2007)

The Bell AH-1 SuperCobra is an upgraded twin-engine development of the original Cobra. Introduced in the 1970s, it was primarily designed for U.S. Marine Corps service. The aircraft provided improved performance and redundancy.

Live Fleet Activity (SUCO)

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Specifications

Units
Engine
2 × General Electric T700-GE-401
Engine type
Turboshaft
Power
2 × 1,690 shp · 1,260 kW
Avionics
Northrop Grumman
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
3
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
58 ft 1 in  ·  17.70 m
Tail height
14 ft 7 in  ·  4.44 m
Fuselage diameter
7 ft 3 in  ·  2.20 m
Wing span
44 ft 0 in  ·  13.40 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
14,700 lb  ·  6,700 kg
Max landing weight
14,700 lb  ·  6,700 kg
Max payload
4,550 lb  ·  2,050 kg
Fuel capacity
460 gal · 1,700 L · 1,400 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
190 kt  ·  219 mph  ·  352 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
—
Range
317 nm  ·  360 mi  ·  590 km
Fuel burn
—
Ceiling
15,000 ft  ·  4,600 m
Rate of climb
1,614 ft/min  ·  8 m/s
Takeoff distance
—
Landing distance
—
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AH-1W Super Cobra assigned to HMLA.

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Operational Context

Bell AH-1 SuperCobra — twin-engine attack helicopter

The SuperCobra first flew in 1971 and entered service in 1975. It incorporated twin engines for improved safety and power compared with earlier single-engine Cobras. The helicopter retained the narrow tandem cockpit and weapon systems configuration.

Powered by two General Electric T700 turboshaft engines producing approximately 1,690 shaft horsepower each depending on variant, the SuperCobra cruises at around 145 knots (269 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight exceeds 15,000 pounds (6,804 kg). Armament includes missiles, rockets, and cannon systems.

The SuperCobra served in numerous conflicts and evolved into later attack helicopter models. It remains in service with some operators. The aircraft extended the Cobra lineage into the modern era.