As is pointed out the AH-1 [first model G] was considered a derivitive of the UH-1. You will note all models of the AH-1 fit in between UH-1 models up to the latest AH-1Z.
I’m constantly amazed by people’s “conspiracy” type theories on things. Have we bred such PC types that don’t want to read what was written as it was written.
The Cobra name was given to the AH-1 to in part reflect its SE Asian ‘breeding’ ie. Vietnam War. Plenty of real Cobras in that part of the world let me assure you and they are deadly and strike fast – exactly what the AH-1 was designed to do.
It grew out of the armed Huey. That is UH-1’s fitted with fixed forward firing weapons to support unarmed [only door guns] Slicks as well as provide close air support to ground forces.
UH-1A’s, B’s and C’s as well as D and H models operated as dedicated gunships. Their main limitation was carrying a large airframe [weight/drag]. Bring on a new forward fuselage and add it to the UH-1 tail boom/engine and rotor system add the weapons package and a turret firing 40mm granade launcher [later a mini gun] and bingo the AH-1 was born.
Bit like the Mossie really with different fittings to suit a wide variety of roles.
Nothing to do with Injuns!
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AH-1G HueyCobra
Initial 1966 production model gunship for the US Army, with one 1,400 shp (1,000 kW) Avco Lycoming T53-13 turboshaft.
JAH-1G HueyCobra
One helicopter for armament testing including Hellfire missiles and multi-barrel cannon.[18]
TH-1G HueyCobra
Two-seat dual-control trainer.[18]
Z.14 HueyCobra
Spanish Navy designation of the AH-1G.[18]
YAH-1Q
Eight AH-1Gs with XM26 Telescopic Sight Unit (TSU) and two M56 TOW 4-pack launchers.[8]
AH-1Q HueyCobra
Equipped with the M65 TOW/Cobra missile subsystem, M65 Telescopic Sight Unit (TSU), and M73 Reflex sight. All future versions will be equipped with the TSU and be equipped to fire the TOW missile subsystem.
YAH-1R
AH-1G powered by a T53-L-703 engine without TOW system.[8]
YAH-1S
AH-1Q upgrade and TOW system.[8]
AH-1S
The baseline AH-1S is an AH-1Q upgraded with a 1,800 shp (1,300 kW) T53-L-703 turboshaft engine. The AH-1S is also referred to as the “Improved AH-1S”, “AH-1S Modified”, or “AH-1S(MOD)” prior to 1988. (Prior to 1988, all upgraded aircraft were referred to as variants of the AH-1S.)[8]
AH-1P
100 production aircraft with composite rotors, flat plate glass cockpit, and improved cockpit layout for nap-of-earth (NOE) flight. The AH-1P is also referred to as the “Production AH-1S”, or “AH-1S(PROD)” prior to 1988. These improvements are considered Step 1 of the AH-1S upgrade program.[8]
AH-1E
98 production aircraft with the Enhanced Cobra Armament System (ECAS) featuring the M97A1 armament subsystem with a three-barreled M197 20 mm cannon. The AH-1E is also referred to as the “Upgunned AH-1S”, or “AH-1S(ECAS)” prior to 1988. These improvements are considered Step 2 of the AH-1S upgrade program.[8] AH-1E aircraft included the M147 Rocket Management Subsystem (RMS) to fire 2.75-inch (70 mm) rockets.[19]
AH-1F
143 production aircraft and 387 converted AH-1G Cobras. The AH-1F incorporates all Step 1 and 2 upgrades to the AH-1S as well an M143 Air Data Subsystem (ADS), a laser rangefinder and tracker, an infrared jammer mounted above the engine exhaust, and an infrared suppressing engine exhaust system. The AH-1F is also referred to as the “Modernized AH-1S”, “AH-1S Modernized Cobra”, or “AH-1S(MC)” prior to 1988.
Model 249
Experimental demonstrator version fitted with a four-bladed rotor system, an uprated engine and experimental equipment, including Hellfire missiles.[20]
Bell 309 KingCobra
Experimental version. One of two 309s produced was powered by a Lycoming T-55-L-7C engine.[21]
[edit] Twin-engine
For all twin-engine variants, such as AH-1J, AH-1T, AH-1W, and AH-1Z, see AH-1 SuperCobra.
Full details: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AH-1_Cobra
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