Bell AH-1G HueyCobra

The Bell AH‑1G Huey‑Cobra, developed by Bell Textron in the mid‑1960s, became the United States Army’s first dedicated attack helicopter. Derived from the proven UH‑1 Iroquois airframe, the AH‑1G entered service in 1967 after extensive combat trials in Vietnam, where it proved its value in close‑air‑support and anti‑armor roles. Powered by a single General Electric T58‑TE-8 turboshaft delivering 1,400 shaft horsepower, the aircraft could reach 190 knots and carry a payload of up to 1,500 pounds. Its signature armament suite included a 20 mm M197 three‑barrel cannon mounted in the nose, under‑wing pylons for rockets, Hellfire missiles and a gun pod, as well as provisions for external fuel tanks. The cockpit featured a tandem layout with day/night vision, a simple analog flight display, and a weapons officer’s station that allowed simultaneous gunnery and navigation. The AH‑1G’s rugged simplicity, ease of maintenance, and formidable firepower set the standard for future attack helicopters, influencing the design of the AH‑64 Apache and other modern gunships. Its legacy endures in the 300‑plus airframes still flown by civilian collectors and in its pivotal role shaping modern rotary‑wing combat doctrine.

Bell Textron

Bell AH-1G HueyCobra

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Design & Classification