Bell AH-1 Cobra

This article is about the single-engine models of the Bell Cobra family. For the twin-engine models, see Bell AH-1 SuperCobra. For an overview of the whole Huey family of aircraft, see Bell Huey family.
AH-1 HueyCobra/Cobra
A Bell AH-1G HueyCobra in flight
Role Attack helicopter
Manufacturer Bell Helicopter
First flight 7 September 1965
Introduction 1967
Status In service
Primary users United States Army (historical)
Japan Ground Self-Defense Force
Republic of Korea Army
Royal Jordanian Air Force
Produced 1967–present
Number built 1,116
Unit cost
US$11.3 million (1995) (AH-1 HueyCobra)[1]
Developed from Bell UH-1 Iroquois
Variants Bell AH-1 SeaCobra/SuperCobra
Bell 309 KingCobra

The Bell AH-1 Cobra (company designation: Model 209) is a two-blade, single engine attack helicopter manufactured by Bell Helicopter. It was developed using the engine, transmission and rotor system of the Bell's UH-1 Iroquois. The AH-1 is also referred to as the HueyCobra or Snake.

The AH-1 was the backbone of the United States Army's attack helicopter fleet, but has been replaced by the AH-64 Apache in Army service. Upgraded versions continue to fly with the militaries of several other nations. The AH-1 twin engine versions remain in service with United States Marine Corps (USMC) as the service's primary attack helicopter. Surplus AH-1 helicopters have been converted for fighting forest fires. The United States Forest Service refers to their program as the Firewatch Cobra. Garlick Helicopters also converts surplus AH-1s for forest firefighting under the name FireSnake.[2]

Development

Background

Closely related with the development of the Bell AH-1 is the story of the Bell UH-1 Iroquois—predecessor of the modern helicopter, icon of the Vietnam War and one of the most numerous helicopter types built. The UH-1 made the theory of air cavalry practical, as the new tactics called for US forces to be highly mobile across a wide area. Unlike before, they would not stand and fight long battles, and they would not stay and hold positions. Instead, the plan was that the troops carried by fleets of UH-1 "Hueys" would range across the country, to fight the enemy at times and places of their own choice.[3]

It soon became clear that the unarmed troop helicopters were vulnerable against ground fire from Việt Cộng and North Vietnamese troops, particularly as they came down to drop their troops in a landing zone. Without friendly support from artillery or ground forces, the only way to pacify a landing zone was from the air, preferably with an aircraft that could closely escort the transport helicopters, and loiter over the landing zone as the battle progressed. By 1962 a small number of armed UH-1As were used as escorts, armed with multiple machine guns and rocket mounts.[4]

The massive expansion of American military presence in Vietnam opened a new era of war from the air. The linchpin of US Army tactics were the helicopters, and the protection of those helicopters became a vital role.[5]

Iroquois Warrior, Sioux Scout and AAFSS

Bell Model 207 Sioux Scout
Main article: Bell 207 Sioux Scout

Bell had been investigating helicopter gunships since the late 1950s, and had created a mockup of its D-255 helicopter gunship concept, named "Iroquois Warrior". In June 1962, Bell displayed the mockup to Army officials, hoping to solicit funding for further development. The Iroquois Warrior was planned to be a purpose-built attack aircraft based on the UH-1B components with a new, slender airframe and a two-seat, tandem cockpit. It featured a grenade launcher in a ball turret on the nose, a 20 mm belly-mounted gun pod, and stub wings for mounting rockets or SS.10 anti-tank missiles.[6]

The Army was interested and awarded Bell a proof of concept contract in December 1962. Bell modified a Model 47 into the sleek Model 207 Sioux Scout which first flew in July 1963. The Sioux Scout had all the key features of a modern attack helicopter: a tandem cockpit, stub wings for weapons, and a chin-mounted gun turret. After evaluating the Sioux Scout in early 1964, the Army was impressed, but also felt the Sioux Scout was undersized, underpowered, and generally not suited for practical use.[7]

The army's solution to the shortcomings of the Sioux Scout was to launch the Advanced Aerial Fire Support System (AAFSS) competition.[7] The AAFSS requirement gave birth to the Lockheed AH-56 Cheyenne, a heavy attack helicopter with high speed capability. It proved to be too sophisticated, and was canceled after 10 years of development in 1972. The Army sought greater survivability in a conventional attack helicopter.[7]

Model 209

Bell 209 prototype of the AH-1 Cobra series, with skids retracted (FAA no. N209J)

At the same time, despite the Army's preference for the AAFSS–for which Bell Helicopter was not selected to compete–Bell stuck with their own idea of a smaller and lighter gunship.[7] In January 1965 Bell invested $1 million to proceed with a new design. Mating the proven transmission, the "540" rotor system of the UH-1C augmented by a Stability Control Augmentation System (SCAS), and the T53 turboshaft engine of the UH-1 with the design philosophy of the Sioux Scout, Bell produced the Model 209.[7] Bell's Model 209 largely resembled the "Iroquois Warrior" mockup.[8]

In Vietnam, events were also advancing in favor of the Model 209. Attacks on US forces were increasing, and by the end of June 1965 there were already 50,000 US ground troops in Vietnam.[7] 1965 was also the deadline for AAFSS selection, but the program would become stuck in technical difficulties and political bickering. The U.S. Army needed an interim gunship for Vietnam and it asked five companies to provide a quick solution. Submissions came in for armed variants of the Boeing-Vertol ACH-47A, Kaman HH-2C Tomahawk, Piasecki 16H Pathfinder, Sikorsky S-61, and the Bell 209.[7]

On 3 September 1965 Bell rolled out its Model 209 prototype, and four days later it made its maiden flight, only eight months after the go-ahead. In April 1966, the model won an evaluation against the other rival helicopters. Then the Army signed the first production contract for 110 aircraft.[7] Bell added Cobra to the UH-1's Huey nickname to produce its HueyCobra name for the 209. The Army applied the Cobra name to its AH-1G designation for the helicopter.[9]

The Bell 209 demonstrator was used for the next six years to test weapons and fit of equipment. It had been modified to the match AH-1 production standard by the early 1970s. The demonstrator was retired to the Patton Museum at Fort Knox, Kentucky and converted to approximately its original appearance.[8]

Into production

The Bell 209 design was modified for production. The retractable skids were replaced by simpler fixed skids. A new wide-blade rotor was featured. For production, a plexiglass canopy replaced the 209's armored glass canopy which was heavy enough to harm performance.[8] Other changes were incorporated after entering service. The main one of these was moving the tail rotor from the helicopter's left side to the right for improved effectiveness of the rotor.[10]

The U.S. Marine Corps was interested in the Cobra and ordered an improved twin-engined version in 1968 under the designation AH-1J. This would lead to more twin-engine variants.[11] In 1972, the Army sought improved anti-armor capability. Under the Improved Cobra Armament Program (ICAP), trials of eight AH-1s fitted with TOW missiles were conducted in October 1973. After passing qualification tests the following year, Bell was contracted with upgrading 101 AH-1Gs to the TOW-capable AH-1Q configuration.[12] Following AH-1Q operational tests, a more powerful T53 engine and transmission were added from 1976 resulting in the AH-1S version. The AH-1S was upgraded in three steps, culminating with the AH-1F.[7][13]

Operational history

For AH-1J, AH-1T, AH-1W, AH-1Z and other twin-engine variants, see Bell AH-1 SuperCobra.
Bell AH-1G over Vietnam
AH-1Q Cobra in Fort Hood, Texas

United States

By June 1967, the first AH-1G HueyCobras had been delivered. Originally designated as UH-1H, the "A" for attack designation was soon adopted and when the improved UH-1D became the UH-1H, the HueyCobra became the AH-1G. The AH-1 was initially considered a variant of the H-1 line, resulting in the G series letter.[14]

AH-1 Cobras were in use by the Army during the Tet offensive in 1968 and through to the end of the Vietnam War. Cobras provided fire support for ground forces, escorted transport helicopters and other roles, including aerial rocket artillery (ARA) battalions in the two Airmobile divisions. They also formed "hunter killer" teams by pairing with OH-6A scout helicopters. A team featured one OH-6 flying slow and low to find enemy forces. If the OH-6 drew fire, the Cobra could strike at the then revealed enemy.[8] On 12 September 1968, Capt. Ronald Fogleman was flying an F-100 Super Sabre when the aircraft was shot down and he ejected 200 miles north of Bien Hoa. Fogleman became the only pilot to be rescued by holding on to an Army AH-1G's deployed gun-panel door.[15] Bell built 1,116 AH-1Gs for the U.S. Army between 1967 and 1973, and the Cobras chalked up over a million operational hours in Vietnam;[7] the number of Cobras in service peaked at 1,081.[16] Out of nearly 1,110 AH-1s delivered from 1967 to 1973 approximately 300 were lost to combat and accidents during the war.[8][17] The U.S. Marine Corps used AH-1G Cobras in Vietnam for a short time before acquiring twin-engine AH-1J Cobras.[14]

AH-1T Cobras were deployed for Operation Urgent Fury, the invasion of Grenada in 1983, flying close-support and helicopter escort missions, two of the four available lost to anti-aircraft fire while attacking Fort Frederick. Army Cobras participated in Operation Just Cause, the U.S. invasion of Panama in 1989.[8]

During Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in the Gulf War (1990–91), the Cobras and SuperCobras deployed in a support role. The USMC deployed 91 AH-1W SuperCobras and the US Army 140 AH-1 Cobras; these were operated from forward, dispersed desert bases. Three AH-1s were lost in accidents during fighting and afterward. Cobras destroyed many Iraqi armored vehicles and various targets in the fighting.[8]

Army Cobras provided support for the US humanitarian intervention during Operation Restore Hope in Somalia in 1993. They were also employed during the US invasion of Haiti in 1994. US Cobras were also used in operations later in the 1990s.[8]

The US Army phased out the AH-1 during the 1990s and retired the AH-1 from active service in March 1999, offering them to NATO allies.[7][18] The Army retired the AH-1 from reserves in September 2001. The retired AH-1s have been passed to other nations and to the USDA Forest Service.[7] The AH-1 continues to be in service with the US military, by the US Marine Corps, which operate the twin-engine AH-1W SuperCobra and AH-1Z Viper.

Israel

Israeli Air Force Tzefa helicopters

The Israeli Air Force named its Cobras as the "Tzefa" (Hebrew: צפע‎, for Viper).[19] Since the mid-1970s Lebanon has been Israel's most active front; IAF Cobras had been fighting there for more than 20 years.

Cobra helicopters were also used widely by the Israeli Air Force in the 1982 Lebanon War to destroy Syrian armor and fortification. IAF Cobras destroyed dozens of Syrian ground vehicles. The Cobras were also used in major operations against Hezbollah in Operations "Accountability" and "Grapes of Wrath" in southern Lebanon.

Israel retired its fleet of some 33 AH-1 Cobras in late 2013 due to budget cuts. The attack helicopter role was taken up entirely by the squadrons of Israeli AH-64 Apache helicopters, and the fleet of unmanned aerial vehicles took over the role of patrolling combat zones. The Cobra fleet was older than the Apaches and responsible for some fatal crashes, and more expensive to maintain than UAVs and more vulnerable for pilots to MANPADS fired by guerrilla groups.[20] In late 2014, Israel transferred some 16 Cobras to the Jordanian Air Force, adding to their existing fleet, for border security in response to threats posed by Islamic State militants or other insurgent groups.[21]

Japan

Japan manufactured 89 AH-1S Cobras which were licensed by Fuji Heavy Industries from 1984 to 2000.[22] The type is used by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, and are Step 3 models, which are roughly the equivalent to the United States Army's AH-1Fs. The engine is the T53-K-703 turboshaft, which Kawasaki Heavy Industries produced under license.[8]

Jordan

Jordan obtained 24 AH-1Fs in the late 1980s, and in 2001 obtained nine additional ex-US Army Cobras. In 2010 Jordan transferred 16 AH-1F helicopters to Pakistan, under a US-sponsored support program that provided Islamabad with 40 AH-1 refurbished helicopters.[23]

The Royal Jordanian Air Force has at least one squadron of Cobras currently in service, and is supposed to have used them in combat in Iraq and Syria.

Turkey

Turkey bought ten AH-1Ws in the early 1990s, and supplemented them with 32 ex-US Army Cobras. The US Army Cobras included some TAH-1P trainers and the rest were brought up to AH-1F version. Turkish Cobras have seen actual combat in operations against Kurdish insurgents near the Iraqi border. Some Cobras have been lost in these operations.[23]

Pakistan

Pakistan was supplied with 20 AH-1S gunships by the U.S. from 1984 to 1986,[24] these were later upgraded with the C-NITE thermal imaging package.[25] AH-1s were used as Pakistan's main gunship helicopters against insurgents during the Balochistan conflict. The ongoing War in North-West Pakistan has seen Pakistani AH-1s in action against Taliban and Al Qaeda fighters as well as their tribal allies. The U.S. delivered 12 AH-1Fs to Pakistan in 2007,[24] with 14 more AH-1F Cobras supplied in 2010.[26]

Pakistan had 35 AH-1F helicopters in use in 2013.[27] Maintaining these aircraft has been difficult, but possible through commercial channels. Additionally, the U.S. Government has given $750,000 to update a portion of Pakistan Army Aviation's existing AH-1F/S Cobra fleet.[28] Turkey has also supplied spare parts of Cobra helicopters to Pakistan free of cost.[29] Pakistan has repeatedly sought Bell AH-1 SuperCobra attack helicopters from the U.S. to supplement and replace its current AH-1 Cobras.[25] Pakistan has lost 3 aircraft in recent years.[30][31][32] Attempts to acquire the AH-1Z Viper or AH-64 Apache from the U.S. have been rejected, so Pakistan turned to buying other foreign attack helicopters to replace its aging AH-1F fleet. Possible candidates included the Turkish TAI T-129, the Chinese CAIC Z-10, and the Russian Mi-35 Hind.[33] In November 2014, Russia approved the sale of Mi-35M helicopters to Pakistan.[34] In April 2015, China delivered three Z-10s to Pakistan.[35] During the same month, the US State Department approved the sale of 15 AH-1Zs and associated equipment to Pakistan.[36]

U.S. Forest Service

In 2003, the U.S. Forest Service acquired 25 retired AH-1Fs from the U.S. Army.[7] These have been designated Bell 209 and are being converted into Firewatch Cobras with infrared and low light sensors and systems for real time fire monitoring.[37][38] The Florida Division of Forestry has also acquired 3 AH-1Ps from the U.S. Army. These are called Bell 209 "Firesnakes" and are equipped to carry a water/fire retardant system.[7]

Variants

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force AH-1S
U.S. Forest Service Bell 209 on the Bar Complex Fire in California
AH-1P front cockpit (restoration)
AH-1P rear cockpit (restoration)

Single-engine

Bell 209
Original AH-1G prototype with retractable skid landing gear. This model number is also used by the FAA for the civilian registration of former U.S. Army AH-1s used in firefighting service.
AH-1G HueyCobra
Initial 1966 production model gunship for the US Army, with one 1,400 shp (1,000 kW) Avco Lycoming T53-13 turboshaft.
JAH-1G HueyCobra
One helicopter for armament testing including Hellfire missiles and multi-barrel cannon.[39]
TH-1G HueyCobra
Two-seat dual-control trainer.[39]
Z.14 HueyCobra
The Spanish Navy purchased eight new-build AH-1Gs, designating the type the "Z-14". These were equipped with the M35 20 mm cannon system, and were used to support coastal patrol boats. Four of these were lost in accidents. The remaining helicopters were retired in 1985 with three sent back to the US, and one kept in storage in Spain.[39][40]
YAH-1Q
Eight AH-1Gs with XM26 Telescopic Sight Unit (TSU) and two M56 TOW 4-pack launchers.[8]
AH-1Q HueyCobra
Equipped with the M65 TOW/Cobra missile subsystem, M65 Telescopic Sight Unit (TSU), and M73 Reflex sight. All future versions will be equipped with the TSU and be equipped to fire the TOW missile subsystem.
YAH-1R
AH-1G powered by a T53-L-703 engine without TOW system.[8]
YAH-1S
AH-1Q upgrade and TOW system.[8]
AH-1S
The baseline AH-1S is an AH-1Q upgraded with a 1,800 shp (1,300 kW) T53-L-703 turboshaft engine. The AH-1S is also referred to as the "Improved AH-1S", "AH-1S Modified", or "AH-1S(MOD)" prior to 1988. (Prior to 1988, all upgraded aircraft were referred to as variants of the AH-1S.)[8]
QAH-1S
A target drone conversion of the AH-1S by Bell-Bristol Aerospace under a joint US and Canadian development program started in 1994. Honeywell further modified the QAH-1S into the Hokum-X by installing systems and hardware to allow it to simulate the Russian Kamov Ka-50 attack helicopter. Three Hokum-Xs were completed from 1998-2001.[41][42]
AH-1P
100 production aircraft with composite rotors, flat plate glass cockpit, and improved cockpit layout for nap-of-earth (NOE) flight. The AH-1P is also referred to as the "Production AH-1S", or "AH-1S(PROD)" prior to 1988. These improvements are considered Step 1 of the AH-1S upgrade program.[8]
AH-1E
98 production aircraft with the Enhanced Cobra Armament System (ECAS) featuring the M97A1 armament subsystem with a three-barreled M197 20 mm cannon. The AH-1E is also referred to as the "Upgunned AH-1S", or "AH-1S(ECAS)" prior to 1988. These improvements are considered Step 2 of the AH-1S upgrade program.[8] AH-1E aircraft included the M147 Rocket Management Subsystem (RMS) to fire 2.75-inch (70 mm) rockets.[43]
AH-1F
143 production aircraft and 387 converted AH-1G Cobras. The AH-1F incorporates all Step 1 and 2 upgrades to the AH-1S. It also featured Step 3 upgrades: a head-up display, a laser rangefinder, an infrared jammer mounted above the engine exhaust, and an infrared suppressing engine exhaust system, and the M143 Air Data Subsystem (ADS). The AH-1F is also referred to as the "Modernized AH-1S", "AH-1S Modernized Cobra", or "AH-1S(MC)" prior to 1988.[44]
Model 249
Experimental demonstrator version fitted with a four-bladed rotor system, an uprated engine and experimental equipment, including Hellfire missiles.[45]
Bell 309 KingCobra
Experimental all-weather version based on the AH-1G single-engine and AH-1J twin-engine designs.[46] Two Bell 309s were produced; the first was powered by a PW&C T400-CP-400 Twin-Pac engine set and the second was powered by a Lycoming T-55-L-7C engine.[47]

Twin-engine

For all twin-engine variants, such as AH-1J, AH-1T, AH-1W, and AH-1Z, see Bell AH-1 SuperCobra.

Operators

For operators of AH-1J, AH-1T, AH-1W, and other AH-1 twin-engine variants, see AH-1 SuperCobra

Red Bull (Flying Bulls) TAH-1F at Berlin Tempelhof Airport
Three Israeli AH-1F Cobras over Masada
USFS Bell 209 at Fox Field during the California wildfires of October 2007
 Bahrain
 Israel
 Japan
 Jordan
 Pakistan
 South Korea
 Spain
 Thailand
 Turkey
 United States

A small number of former military helicopters are operated by civil organizations for display and demonstration, for example by Red Bull.[56]

Aircraft on display

Specifications

AH-1G HueyCobra

Data from Modern Military Aircraft,[57] Verier,[58] Modern Fighting Aircraft[59]

General characteristics

Performance

Armament

AH-1F "Modernized" Cobra

Data from Verier,[58] Modern Fighting Aircraft[59]

General characteristics

Performance

Armament

See also

Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
Related lists

References

Notes
  1. ↑ Military aircraft prices
  2. ↑ Stephens, Ernie. "Recycling helicopters from military service to public service." Rotor & Wing, November 2008. Retrieved on 12 October 2009.
  3. ↑ Wheeler 1987, pp. 62-64.
  4. ↑ Wheeler 1987, pp. 57-62, 64-65.
  5. ↑ Wheeler 1987, pp. 60-61.
  6. ↑ Verier 1990, pp. 12-17.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Donald and March 2004.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Bishop 2006.
  9. ↑ Verier 1990, pp. 30–31.
  10. ↑ Verier 1990, p. 44.
  11. ↑ Verier 1990, pp. 86-88.
  12. ↑ RD&A, Sect 135 - Army Historical Summary: FY74
  13. ↑ Verier 1990, pp. 57, 59-61.
  14. 1 2 Donald 2004, p. 166.
  15. ↑ F-100 Super Sabre Flew Most Missions in Vietnam - Defensemedianetwork.com, 12 September 2013
  16. ↑ Webster & Pedrotty et al. "Historical and Architectural Overview of Military Aircraft Hangars" page 5-23 United States Air Force Air Combat Command, September 1999. Accessed: April 15, 2014.
  17. ↑ Verier 1990, p. 35.
  18. ↑ Army retires Cobras from active force. U.S. Army, 31 March 1999.
  19. ↑ Walter J. Boyne (January 2013). "Airpower Classics" (PDF). Air Force Magazine (Air Force Association): 84.
  20. 1 2 Drones gain ground in Israel after Cobra helicopters cut - Reuters.com, 28 May 2014
  21. ↑ Israel gives Jordan helicopters for border security - U.S. source - Reuters.com, 23 July 2015
  22. ↑ "Apache wins Japan deal". Flight International, 4 September 2001.
  23. 1 2 http://www.airvectors.net/avcobra_2.html#m5
  24. 1 2 "SIPRI". armstrade.sipri.org. Retrieved 2013-04-15.
  25. 1 2 "Pakistan Wants More Helicopter Gunships". January 2, 2010. Retrieved 14 June 2013.
  26. ↑ "US transfers Cobra helicopters to Pakistan". GEO News. 16 March 2010. Retrieved June 13, 2013.
  27. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "World Air Forces 2013" (PDF). Flightglobal Insight. 2013. Retrieved 12 February 2013.
  28. ↑ "US delivers Cobra gunships to Pakistan". The Nation (Pakistan). 17 March 2010. Retrieved 14 June 2013.
  29. ↑ "Turkey to provide Cobra spare parts free of charge". Daily Times (Pakistan). January 25, 2010. Retrieved June 14, 2013.
  30. ↑ "Pakistan Army". Retrieved 13 June 2013.
  31. ↑ "Top Pakistan army officer dies in helicopter crash". Global Times. February 11, 2010. Retrieved June 13, 2013.
  32. ↑ "Pakistani Army’s AH-1 Cobra helicopter crashes injuring pilots". Voice of Russia. 28 October 2013. Retrieved 30 October 2013.
  33. ↑ Pakistani Cobra Crash Further Stresses Tired Fleet - Defensenews.com, 27 June 2014
  34. ↑ Pakistan Wins Approval To Purchase Mi-35 Helo - Defensenews.com, 13 November 2014
  35. ↑ http://tribune.com.pk/story/863869/chinese-thunderbolt-helciopters-may-replace-american-cobras-in-pakistan/
  36. ↑ http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/air-space/strike/2015/04/07/pakistan-ah-1z-deal-dsca-hellfire-taliban-tribal-area-waziristan/25409157/
  37. ↑ Firewatch Helicopter page. U.S. Forest Service, 2004. Archived 2 April 2015 at the Wayback Machine.
  38. ↑ "Shasta-Trinity National Forest - Home" (PDF). fs.fed.us. Retrieved 1 April 2015.
  39. 1 2 3 Donald 1997, p. 112.
  40. ↑ Goebel, Greg. International Cobra Sales. Vectorsite.net, 1 December 2008.
  41. ↑ "Bristol Aerospace Hokum-X". Jane's Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Targets, Jane's Information Group, 2006. (subscription article dated 14 December 2006)
  42. ↑ "Honeywell QAH-1S". Jane's Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Targets, Jane's Information Group, 2006. (subscription article dated 3 February 2006)
  43. ↑ McGowen, Stanley S. Helicopters: An Illustrated History of Their Impact, p. 159. Santa Barbara, Calif.: ABC-CLIO, 2005. ISBN 1-85109-468-7.
  44. ↑ Bishop 2006, p. 11.
  45. ↑ Verier 1990, pp. 72-76.
  46. ↑ Verier 1990, pp. 57.
  47. ↑ Richardson 1987, pp. 8–9.
  48. ↑ "Israel halts AH-1 sales talks with Nigeria". flightglobal.com. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
  49. ↑ "South Korean Army Bell-AH-1S". Demand media. Retrieved 12 February 2013.
  50. ↑ "arma aerea de la armada española". Retrieved 12 February 2013.
  51. ↑ "World Military Aircraft Inventory". 2014 Aerospace Source Book. Aviation Week and Space Technology, January 2014.
  52. ↑ "Cobra Gold: The US Army's Smart Retirement Program". defenseindustrydaily.com. Retrieved 12 February 2013.
  53. ↑ "USFS Fire Watch program". firewatchcobra.com. Retrieved 12 February 2013.
  54. ↑ "USFS Bell AH-1F Cobra (209)". Demand media. Retrieved 12 February 2013.
  55. ↑ "B-209 "FireSnake" helicopter". floridaforestservice.com. Retrieved 12 February 2013.
  56. ↑ "Bell Cobra TAH-1F". flyingbulls.at
  57. ↑ Gunston, Bill: The Illustrated Encyclopedia of the World's Modern Military Aircraft, p. 205. , New York, NY USA: Crescent Books, ca. 1978. ISBN 978-0-517-22477-9.
  58. 1 2 Verier 1990, p. 184.
  59. 1 2 Richardson 1987, p. Appendix.
  60. ↑ U.S. Army Helicopter Weapon Systems Archived 22 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine.
Bibliography

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