AH-1G Cobra Attack Helicopter

Our Aircraft

The Cobra was developed out requirement of the Army to have a specialized aircraft for specialized fire suppression and armed escort during the Vietnam War. The Bell UH-1 "Huey" was modified and dedicated to this role, but the Huey’s aircraft design was not ideal for this mission. The first Cobras reached Vietnam in August 1966. They were armed with a variety of weapons systems depending on the mission. Usually 2.75" rocket pods were mounted to the stub wings and a minigun and grenade launcher in the nose. AH-1 Cobras were often teamed with the OH-6 "LOACH" observation helicopter to seek out and destroy enemy personnel and equipment in Vietnam. After the Vietnam war Cobras were improved and modified to carry anti tank missiles. In Europe, until the fall of the Soviet Union, Cobras served as the NATOs first line defense against the overwhelming numbers of Soviet tanks. The AH-1 also served in the Gulf War as a potent attack helicopter.

OUR AIRCRAFT - Serial No. 67-15737

Accepted by the Army in 1968, this AH-1G Cobra was sent to Vietnam and assigned in April 1969 to the 101st Airborne Division (Air Mobile) where it served in B Troop, 2/17th Air Cavalry Squadron until December 1971. The aircraft spent its entire time in Vietnam (4/69-12/71) with B Troop where it accumulated 1680 combat flying hours. In January 1972 Cobra # 67-15737 was returned to the United States and continued serving with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Mobile) at Fort Campbell, KY until December 1975. The aircraft was transferred to the Texas Army National Guard where it served until severely damaged in an accident.

In August 1987 the aircraft was sold as “surplus residue” to Garlick Helicopters of Hamilton, MT. Garlick Helicopters commenced an extensive and lengthy rebuild and restoration/ upgrade of the aircraft that was completed with the aircraft receiving F.A.A. certification in August 1990. As part of the restoration process, the aircraft’s power plant was upgraded to the more powerful T53-L-703 engine (1800 shp) that provides an additional 400 shp than the original Vietnam era engine. The aircraft has appeared in multiple television events and motion pictures including with actor Clint Eastwood. In September 2002 the aircraft was acquired for use by the AAHF Sky Soldiers Demonstration Team to serve as a flying memorial to the thousands of veterans who served their country with the AH-1 Cobra.

THIS IS THE ONLY KNOWN FLYING AH-1G COBRA WITH COMBAT EXPERIENCE IN VIETNAM.

The AAHF has restored the external appearance of Cobra # 67-15737 to what the aircraft looked like in Vietnam from 1969 to 1970 when it was crewed by Aircraft Commander 1LT Jay White and Crew Chief SGT Steve Liubakki. The AAHF appreciates the assistance received from Jay and Steve in ensuring the authenticity of this unique and rare aircraft.


Specifications

Crew: 2 Pilots (pilot and pilot/gunner)

Powerplant: Lycoming T53-L-703 (1800 shp)

Cruise Speed: 140 Kt

Range: 315 miles

Armament: 2.75 " rocket pods

Nose mounted minigun

Nose mounted grenade launcher