Bell AH-1F Cobra - McMinnville, Oregon
Posted by: BruceS
N 45° 12.205 W 123° 08.603
10T E 488739 N 5005557
Bell AH-1F Cobra attack helicopter on the grounds of the Evergreen Aviation Museum in McMinnville, Oregon.
Waymark Code: WM62ER
Location: Oregon, United States
Date Posted: 03/21/2009
Views: 7
From information sign:
Bell AH-1F Cobra 1965
General History:
First flown in 1965, the Bell AH-1 Cobra series of helicopters were designed to provide fast, mobile, close air support for troops on the ground. Utilizing numerous components from the UH-1 Iroquois ("Huey") helicopter already in service, the Cobra first entered combat during the Vietnam War and was incredibly successful.
Based on lessons learned in combat, the Cobra design was updated with many improvements such as armor plating, armored glass, a higer performance engine, and sensors that allowed it to operate in all weather conditions. Later models of the Cobra such as this AH-1F were equipped with TOW missiles for anti-tank operations. Cobras have served with the Army, the Marines and many foreign air forces, and variants continue in active service to this day.
This aircraft is on loan from the U.S. Army Tank & Automotive Command.
Specifications:
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Type:
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Attack Helicopter
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First Flight:
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September 7, 1965
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Rotor Diameter:
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44 feet
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Length
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44.7 feet
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Height:
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13.5 feet
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Weight, Empty:
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6,479 pounds
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Weight, Loaded:
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10,000 pounds
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Power:
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1x AVCO Lycoming T53-L-703 turboshaft
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Normal Crew:
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2 |
Typical Armament:
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1 M197 3-barreled 20 mm cannon
14-38 Hydra 70 2.75 (70mm) rockets
4-8 TOW Missiles
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Performance: |
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Cruise Speed:
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635 miles per hour
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Top Speed:
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141 miles per hour
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Rate of Climb:
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1,620 feet per minute
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Range:
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315 miles
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Service Ceiling:
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12,200 feet
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