US Army AH-1 Cobra Units in Vietnam

An illustrated combat history of Bell’s AH-1 Cobra, the first dedicated helicopter gunship to reach frontline service anywhere in the world.

The US Army AH-1 was the world's first purpose-built attack helicopter, and was used by the US Army in the Vietnam War. This manual discusses the history, technology and crew of the AH-1, and includes first-hand accounts, archival footage and scale plans of all major US Army AH-1 variants.Bells AH-I Cobra was the first dedicated helicopter gunship to reach frontline service anywhere in the world. Developed as a private venture by the manufacturer, and based on the mechanical of the ubiquitous UH-I Huey, the Cobra proved a huge success once introduced into combat with the US Army in 1966. Built as a key weapon in the Advanced Aerial Fire Support System concept of 1965, the AH-I was one of the few aircraft to reach the combat zone after actual combat experience went into its design. The AH-I helped reduce the losses being suffered by vulnerable troop transport helicopters by providing effective fire suppression during airmobile operations. This book explores its history, technology and crew.