AH-1 <i>Cobra</i> Attack Helicopter

The AH-1 was created from the need for a dedicated attack helicopter. Prior to its introduction, the Army used UH-1's that had been modified to fill the role of Arial Rocket Artillery (ARA). The AH-1 changed Close Air Support (CAS) for the foreseeable future. Carrying as many as four different weapons systems, the Cobra could apply needed munitions to fit a variety of targets. To complement its offensive profile, the AH-1 was equipped with gun sights built into the gunner's flight helmet. One of the most amazing attributes of the AH-1 was that when viewed from the frontal aspect the fuselage measured a mere three feet wide. Operating in a woodland setting, this small profile made the AH-1 extremely hard to spot.

Vehicle Specifications

Armament: 1 x 7.62 mm, 1 x 40 mm, TOW missiles, and rockets.

Maximum effective weapons range: 3,000 m (plus)

Crew: 2

Weight: 6,598 lbs

Speed: 141 mph

Production: 1,124

Year entering service: 1965 . This historical marker was erected by Mississippi Armed Forces Museum Camp Shelby. It is in Camp Shelby in Forrest County Mississippi