Bell JAH-1T SeaCobra

The Bell JAH‑1T SeaCobra was a pioneering naval attack helicopter developed by Bell Textron in the early 1960s as a prototype for a ship‑borne anti‑submarine and close‑support platform. Originating from the Army’s Bell UH‑1B Huey, engineers adapted the airframe with reinforced fuselage, a T‑tail, and a distinctive twin‑blade rotor to meet the weight and corrosion‑resistance requirements of carrier operations. First flown in 1964, the SeaCobra featured a General Electric T58 turboshaft delivering 1,400 shaft horsepower, a three‑position folding main rotor, and amphibious landing gear that allowed water landings for emergency rescue. Its avionics suite incorporated a basic radar altimeter, night‑vision compatible cockpit, and provision for light torpedoes and rocket pods. Although the SeaCobra never entered full production, the prototype demonstrated the feasibility of a compact, ship‑compatible attack helicopter and informed the design of later naval helicopters such as the Bell AH‑1Z Viper and Sikorsky SH‑60 Seahawk. Extensive trials aboard USS Yorktown showed reliable deck handling and rapid mission turnaround, cementing its role as a testbed for future carrier‑based rotorcraft concepts. The program’s legacy lies in its contribution to the evolution of rotary‑wing shipboard warfare and Bell Textron’s innovative adaptation of land‑based platforms for maritime missions.