Aeronaves y UAV

AH-1W Super Cobra

Also known as
  • AH-1W
  • AH-1W Super Cobra attack helicopter
  • Bell AH-1W Super Cobra
  • Bell AH-1W SuperCobra
  • AH-1W SuperCobra
  • Super Cobra
  • SuperCobra
  • Whiskey Cobra
  • Whisky Cobra
  • AH-1T+
  • AH-1T+/T700

El Bell AH-1W Super Cobra fue el helicóptero de ataque bimotor del U.S. Marine Corps entre mediados de la década de 1980 y 2020, sirviendo de puente entre el AH-1T SeaCobra y el AH-1Z Viper. NAVAIR identifica a Bell como contratista y describe el tipo como una aeronave HMLA con motores T700, un sistema de puntería nocturna y un peso bruto máximo de 14.750 lb, mientras que fuentes oficiales de los Marines y la Armada documentan el uso en combate del AH-1W desde Desert Storm e Irak hasta Afganistán y Operation Odyssey Lightning en Libia.

AH-1W Super Cobra, Helicóptero de ataque de los Marines, Aeronaves y UAV
Image source: Marine AH-1W Super Cobra Tallil AB Iraq.jpg

Role in Conflicts

1990 Gulf War
Fire SupportAnti-Armor

Las unidades Marine AH-1W/SuperCobra volaron misiones de apoyo de fuego y antiblindaje durante Desert Storm, incluidos ataques de HMLA-369 cerca de al-Khafji con Hellfire, TOW, cohetes y cañón de 20 mm.

2016 U.S. Campaign Against ISIS in Libya
Fire Support
Side
United States and Libyan Government of National Accord

Durante Operation Odyssey Lightning, los AH-1W Super Cobra de los Marines realizaron ataques de precisión lanzados desde buques en apoyo de fuerzas alineadas con el GNA que combatían a ISIS en Sirte; la historia de HMLA-269 dice que su destacamento disparó 164 misiles AGM-114 Hellfire durante la operación.

Profile / Specs

Profile

Origin
Estados Unidos
Built by
Bell
Type
Helicóptero de ataque de los Marines
Service note
Década de 1980-2020
Produced
1986-1998
Number built
179 aeronaves estadounidenses de nueva construcción más 43 modernizaciones de AH-1T reportadas por Pima; NAVAIR informó por separado 195 AH-1W de producción.
Developed from
AH-1T Cobra
Developed into
AH-1Z Viper

Specifications

Tripulación
2
Motores
Dos turboejes General Electric T700, 1.680 hp cada uno
Velocidad máxima
218 mph
Alcance
317 millas
Peso cargado
14.750 lb
Diámetro del rotor
48 ft
Armamento
Hellfire, Sidearm, Sidewinder, cohetes de 2,75 pulgadas y un cañón M197 de 20 mm
Variants

El AH-1W se sitúa en la línea Cobra bimotor de los Marines después del AH-1J Sea Cobra y el AH-1T Improved Sea Cobra. Comenzó como el esfuerzo de remotorización AH-1T+/T700 y fue sucedido en el servicio de los Marines por el AH-1Z Viper de cuatro palas.

VariantConfigurationDesignation notes
AH-1J Sea CobraPrimer Cobra bimotor de los Marines

Pima describe el AH-1J como el Cobra bimotor del Marine Corps ordenado en 1968 y puesto en servicio a comienzos de la década de 1970.

Sources: Bell AH-1W - Pima Air & Space

AH-1T Improved Sea CobraDesarrollo alargado del AH-1J

Pima describe el AH-1T como un Sea Cobra alargado con transmisión mejorada y motores más potentes; el artículo de aniversario del AH-1W de NAVAIR dice que el AH-1W surgió de instalar motores T700 en un AH-1T.

Sources: Bell AH-1W - Pima Air & Space, Marines' AH-1W Super Cobra turns 20 | NAVAIR

AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter, Attack helicopter, Aircraft & UAVsAH-1Z Viper attack helicopterFour-bladed successor

NAVAIR says the Marine Corps replaced the AH-1W with the AH-1Z Viper, and Bell says remanufactured AH-1Ws continued the platform line as AH-1Zs.

Sources: AH-1W Super Cobra | NAVAIR, United States Marines Retire Bell AH-1W After 34 Years of Service

AH-1Z Viper attack helicopterSucesor de cuatro palas

NAVAIR dice que el Marine Corps reemplazó el AH-1W por el AH-1Z Viper, y Bell dice que los AH-1W remanufacturados continuaron la línea de la plataforma como AH-1Z.

Municiones transportadas

NAVAIR describe el conjunto de armas del AH-1W Super Cobra como integrado por TOW, Hellfire, Sidearm, Sidewinder, cohetes de 2,75 pulgadas, un cañón de 20 mm y otras municiones guiadas de precisión.

Carried itemItem typeCarriage evidence
AGM-114 Hellfire missile family, Air-to-surface missile family, MunitionsAGM-114 Hellfire missile familyFamilia de misiles aire-superficie

NAVAIR incluyó Hellfire en el conjunto de armas del AH-1W, y la historia de Redstone Arsenal lista el AH-1W de la Armada como plataforma de lanzamiento HELLFIRE.

Sources: Marines' AH-1W Super Cobra turns 20 | NAVAIR, HELLFIRE History | Redstone Arsenal

Hydra-70 rocket system, 2.75-inch air-launched rocket family, MunitionsHydra-70 rocket systemSistema de cohetes de 2,75 pulgadas

NAVAIR incluyó cohetes de 2,75 pulgadas en el conjunto de armas del AH-1W, y General Dynamics describe Hydra-70 como una familia de cohetes de 2,75 pulgadas instalable en aeronaves Cobra.

Sources: Marines' AH-1W Super Cobra turns 20 | NAVAIR, HYDRA-70 Rocket | General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems

APKWS / WGU-59 guided rockets, Guided rocket munition family, MunitionsAPKWS / WGU-59 guided rocketsCohete de 2,75 pulgadas guiado por láser

NAVAIR describe APKWS II como una conversión guiada del cohete Hydra de 2,75 pulgadas y dice que la capacidad operacional inicial fue declarada en helicópteros AH-1W y UH-1Y en 2012.

Sources: APKWS | NAVAIR

AIM-9 Sidewinder missile, Short-range air-to-air missile family, MunitionsAIM-9 Sidewinder missileMisil aire-aire de corto alcance

NAVAIR incluyó Sidewinder en el conjunto de armas del AH-1W, y su página del AIM-9M identifica el empleo de Sidewinder en aeronaves AH-1 de la Armada y los Marines.

Sources: Marines' AH-1W Super Cobra turns 20 | NAVAIR, AIM-9M Sidewinder | NAVAIR

BGM-71 TOW, Heavy anti-tank guided missile, Infantry WeaponsBGM-71 TOWMisil guiado antitanque

NAVAIR incluyó TOW entre las armas del AH-1W después del esfuerzo de desarrollo del AH-1T remotorizado.

Sources: Marines' AH-1W Super Cobra turns 20 | NAVAIR

20mm M197 rotary cannon, 20 mm three-barrel externally powered Gatling aircraft cannon, Aircraft & UAVs20mm M197 rotary cannonCañón rotativo de 20 mm

NAVAIR incluyó el cañón de 20 mm en el conjunto de armas del AH-1W, y la entrada de catálogo del M197 cubre el cañón de tres tubos de la familia Cobra.

Sources: Marines' AH-1W Super Cobra turns 20 | NAVAIR

Timeline

AH-1W Super Cobra Key Events

  1. Primer vuelo del AH-1T remotorizado

    Bell dice que el prototipo AH-1T+ que se convirtió en el AH-1W voló por primera vez en el centro de investigación de vuelo de Bell en Arlington, Texas.

    Sources: United States Marines Retire Bell AH-1W After 34 Years of Service

  2. Primera entrega del AH-1W

    Bell dice que entregó los primeros AH-1W al Marine Corps el 27 de marzo de 1986.

    Sources: United States Marines Retire Bell AH-1W After 34 Years of Service

  3. Los SuperCobra entran en combate en Desert Storm

    Helicópteros Marine AH-1 SuperCobra de HMLA-369 despegaron el primer día de Desert Storm y atacaron puestos de observación iraquíes y, más tarde, blancos blindados o de apoyo cerca de al-Khafji.

    Sources: The Desert War | Marine Corps University

  4. Último AH-1W entregado

    NAVAIR afirma que Bell siguió el prototipo con AH-1W de producción y entregó la última aeronave en julio de 1998.

    Sources: Marines' AH-1W Super Cobra turns 20 | NAVAIR

  5. Comienza el reemplazo por el AH-1Z

    NAVAIR dice que el reemplazo del AH-1W por el AH-1Z comenzó en 2006 como parte de un programa de remanufactura.

    Sources: AH-1W Super Cobra | NAVAIR

  6. Carga de Hellfire en Operation Odyssey Lightning

    DVIDS documentó a Marines cargando misiles AGM-114 Hellfire en un AH-1W Super Cobra a bordo del USS San Antonio durante Operation Odyssey Lightning.

    Sources: Operation Odyssey Lightning AH-1W Hellfire loading

  7. Último vuelo del AH-1W de los Marines

    Marines.mil dice que el AH-1W Whiskey Super Cobra realizó su último vuelo sobre Nueva Orleans después de 933.614 horas de vuelo, pasando la misión al AH-1Z Viper.

    Sources: AH-1W Whiskey Sundown | Marines.mil

Media

AH-1W Super Cobra Videos

AH-1W Super Cobra Images

AH-1W Super Cobra, Helicóptero de ataque de los Marines, Aeronaves y UAV - view 1
Source: AH-1W Super Cobra assigned to HMLA 167.jpg
AH-1W Super Cobra, Helicóptero de ataque de los Marines, Aeronaves y UAV - view 2
Source: USMC AH-1W Super Cobra fire FFAR.jpg
AH-1W Super Cobra, Helicóptero de ataque de los Marines, Aeronaves y UAV - view 3
Source: US Navy 081028-N-4236E-157 AH-1W Super Cobra bilateral training exercise.jpg
Related Weapon Systems
AH-1W Super Cobra attack helicopter, Marine attack helicopter, Aircraft & UAVsAircraft & UAVsAH-1W Super Cobra attack helicopterMarine attack helicopterThe Bell AH-1W Super Cobra was the U.S. Marine Corps' twin-engine attack helicopter between the mid-1980s and 2020, bridging the AH-1T SeaCobra and the AH-1Z Viper. NAVAIR lists Bell as contractor and describes the type as an HMLA aircraft with T700 engines, a night targeting system, and a 14,750 lb maximum gross weight, while official Marine and Navy sources document AH-1W combat use from Desert Storm and Iraq to Afghanistan and Operation Odyssey Lightning in Libya.
AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter, Attack helicopter, Aircraft & UAVsAircraft & UAVsAH-1Z Viper attack helicopterAttack helicopterThe Bell AH-1Z Viper is a two-seat U.S. Marine Corps attack helicopter developed from the AH-1W Super Cobra for the H-1 upgrade program. NAVAIR describes it as the AH-1W replacement, with a four-bladed composite rotor, integrated fire-control system, six wing stores stations, and 85 percent parts commonality with the UH-1Y; official Marine Corps and Navy sources place AH-1Z-equipped elements in the 2016 Operation Inherent Resolve deployment.
AH-64 Apache attack helicopter, Twin-engine attack helicopter, Aircraft & UAVsAircraft & UAVsAH-64 Apache attack helicopterTwin-engine attack helicopterThe AH-64 Apache is a U.S. twin-engine attack helicopter family designed by Hughes Helicopters and continued through McDonnell Douglas and Boeing production. Built around a two-person crew, nose-mounted sensors, a 30 mm chain gun, rockets, and guided missiles, it has direct source-backed combat use from Desert Storm and Iraq to Afghanistan, Sinai, Yemen, Gaza, Lebanon, anti-ISIS operations, and recent U.S. operations against Iran.
20mm M197 rotary cannon, 20 mm three-barrel externally powered Gatling aircraft cannon, Aircraft & UAVsAircraft & UAVs20mm M197 rotary cannon20 mm three-barrel externally powered Gatling aircraft cannonThe 20mm M197 is a lightweight three-barrel Gatling aircraft cannon derived from the M61A1 Vulcan family for helicopter, light-aircraft, naval, turret, pod, and pintle installations. General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems markets the current M-197 and lists it on Marine Corps AH-1J, AH-1T, AH-1W, and AH-1Z aircraft, while FAS, DVIDS, Defense Media Network, and official Navy history sources document M197-equipped AH-1W and MH-60S context across Gulf War, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Operation Inherent Resolve service.
AH-64E Apache attack helicopter, Twin-engine attack helicopter, Aircraft & UAVsAircraft & UAVsAH-64E Apache attack helicopterTwin-engine attack helicopterThe AH-64E Apache is Boeing's Echo-model Apache variant, developed from the AH-64D Block III remanufacture program and built around improved engines, sensors, networking, and a two-person attack-helicopter weapons station. Direct source-backed conflict records place AH-64E aircraft with U.S. Army units in Operation Inherent Resolve, the 2001 War in Afghanistan's Operation Freedom's Sentinel phase, and Operation Epic Fury during the 2020 United States-Iran Conflict.
F/A-18 Hornet (Tactical), Carrier-capable multirole strike fighter, Aircraft & UAVsAircraft & UAVsF/A-18 Hornet (Tactical)Carrier-capable multirole strike fighterThe F/A-18 Hornet (Tactical) is the National Naval Aviation Museum's label for the original McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 A-D Hornet family, a twin-engine carrier-capable strike fighter that entered Marine Corps service in 1983 and U.S. Navy service in 1984. NAVAIR describes the Hornet as the nation's first all-weather fighter and attack aircraft; its documented combat record spans Libya, Desert Storm, Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq, and later coalition campaigns.
MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter, Multi-mission maritime helicopter, Aircraft & UAVsAircraft & UAVsMH-60S Sea Hawk helicopterMulti-mission maritime helicopterThe MH-60S Sea Hawk is a U.S. Navy multi-mission helicopter derived from the Black Hawk/Seahawk family for shipboard logistics, search and rescue, special warfare support, mine-countermeasures, and armed maritime missions. NAVAIR describes the aircraft as sharing the MH-60R common cockpit while replacing legacy H-46D, H-3, and HH-1N roles; during Operation Epic Fury in the 2020 United States-Iran Conflict, MH-60S aircraft were documented aboard USS Abraham Lincoln handling flight-deck movements, cargo transport, and at-sea support.

Sources

AH-1W Super Cobra | NAVAIRPublisher: NAVAIR | Note: Supports AH-1W identity, Bell contractor, Marine HMLA fielding, replacement by AH-1Z, delivery timeline, T700 engines, Night Targeting System, crew, and dimensional/weight specifications. | Accessed: 2026-07-13The Desert War | Marine Corps UniversityPublisher: Marine Corps University | Note: 1990 Gulf War: documents Marine AH-1 SuperCobra combat missions around al-Khafji, including Hellfire, TOW, rockets, and 20 mm cannon fire against Iraqi observation posts, armored vehicles, mortar tubes, ammunition trucks, and other targets. | Accessed: 2026-07-13AH-1W Super Cobra - National Naval Aviation MuseumPublisher: National Naval Aviation Museum | Note: 1990 Gulf War: used by Marine Corps squadrons in Operation Desert Storm, where the museum credits AH-1Ws with destroying Iraqi tanks and armored vehicles. 2001 War in Afghanistan and 2003 Iraq War: documents that the displayed AH-1W was a combat veteran of service in Afghanistan and Iraq. Also supports close-air-support role and offensive armament summary. | Accessed: 2026-07-13Skid duo proves lethal in Afghanistan skiesPublisher: 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit | Note: 2001 War in Afghanistan: documents 22nd MEU AH-1W Super Cobra operations in Afghanistan, including escort, reconnaissance, and firefight support against Taliban and anti-coalition forces in June 2004. | Accessed: 2026-07-13HMLA-167 squadron historyPublisher: U.S. Marine Corps 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing | Note: 2003 Iraq War: documents HMLA-167 providing 7 AH-1Ws and 2 UH-1Ns to HMLA-269 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. | Accessed: 2026-07-13HMLA-269 squadron historyPublisher: U.S. Marine Corps 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing | Note: Supports AH-1W direct conflict-use context in the 2003 Iraq War and the 2016 U.S. Campaign Against ISIS in Libya through HMLA-269 Iraq deployments, Afghanistan detachment context, Operation Odyssey Lightning support, and 164 Hellfire missiles delivered against ISIL-L in Sirte. | Accessed: 2026-07-13ARG/MEU Team Flexed Combat Power During Operation Odyssey LightningPublisher: United States Navy | Note: 2016 U.S. Campaign Against ISIS in Libya: documents USS San Antonio conducting precision air strikes with AH-1W Super Cobra helicopters during combat operations supporting Operation Odyssey Lightning and GNA-aligned forces in Sirte. | Accessed: 2026-07-13Operation Odyssey Lightning AH-1W Hellfire loadingPublisher: Defense Visual Information Distribution Service | Note: 2016 U.S. Campaign Against ISIS in Libya: public-domain image and caption documenting U.S. Marines attaching AGM-114 Hellfire missiles to an AH-1W Super Cobra aboard USS San Antonio in support of Operation Odyssey Lightning precision strikes near Sirte. | Accessed: 2026-07-13United States Marines Retire Bell AH-1W After 34 Years of ServicePublisher: Bell | Note: Supports AH-1W retirement, first flight and delivery dates, Bell production context, final fleet hours, and AH-1W remanufacture into AH-1Z Vipers. | Accessed: 2026-07-13AH-1W Whiskey Sundown | Marines.milPublisher: U.S. Marine Corps | Note: Supports the final AH-1W Whiskey Super Cobra flight over New Orleans on October 14, 2020, the 933,614 flight-hour total, and transition to the AH-1Z Viper. | Accessed: 2026-07-13HYDRA-70 Rocket | General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical SystemsPublisher: General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems | Note: Supports Hydra-70 as a 2.75-inch rocket family fired from seven- and 19-tube launchers and mountable on Cobra aircraft. | Accessed: 2026-07-13APKWS | NAVAIRPublisher: NAVAIR | Note: Supports APKWS II as a guided conversion of the Hydra 2.75-inch rocket and AH-1W/UH-1Y initial operational capability in 2012. | Accessed: 2026-07-13AIM-9M Sidewinder | NAVAIRPublisher: NAVAIR | Note: Supports Sidewinder as a short-range air-to-air missile employed on Navy and Marine AH-1 aircraft. | Accessed: 2026-07-13Marines' AH-1W Super Cobra turns 20 | NAVAIRPublisher: NAVAIR | Note: Supports AH-1W background, Marine Corps close-air-support role, AH-1T+/T700 development path, and the weapons fit including TOW, Hellfire, Sidearm, Sidewinder, 2.75-inch rockets, and a 20-mm gun. | Accessed: 2026-07-13Bell AH-1W - Pima Air & SpacePublisher: Pima Air & Space Museum | Note: Supports manufacturer background, service entry and retirement, crew, dimensions, speed, range, and engine data for the AH-1W. | Accessed: 2026-07-13HELLFIRE History | Redstone ArsenalPublisher: U.S. Army | Note: Supports the HELLFIRE program's approval for use with the COBRA helicopter (AH-1W). | Accessed: 2026-07-13Marine AH-1W Super Cobra Tallil AB Iraq.jpgPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Image provenance page for a public-domain U.S. Air Force photo showing an AH-1W Super Cobra armed with AGM-114 Hellfire missiles and 2.75-inch rockets. | Accessed: 2026-07-13AH-1W Super Cobra assigned to HMLA 167.jpgPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Image provenance page for a public-domain U.S. Navy photo of an AH-1W Super Cobra assigned to HMLA-167. | Accessed: 2026-07-13USMC AH-1W Super Cobra fire FFAR.jpgPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Image provenance page for a U.S. Marine Corps photo of an AH-1W Super Cobra firing 2.75-inch FFAR rockets. | Accessed: 2026-07-13US Navy 081028-N-4236E-157 AH-1W Super Cobra bilateral training exercise.jpgPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Image provenance page for a public-domain U.S. Navy photo of an AH-1W Super Cobra participating in a bilateral training exercise in the Middle East. | Accessed: 2026-07-13