Mission

Roles for the U.S. Marine Corps:

Close Air Support
Armed Escort/Reconnaissance
Anti-Armor Operations
Control of Supporting Arms
Anti-Air Warfare

Description

Originating from a concept demonstrator delivered to the U.S. Army in 1962 based upon a UH-1 Huey, the AH-1 is the world’s first attack helicopter. Marines have been flying the AH-1W Super Cobra since 1986. The last AH-1W was delivered in 1998. The AH-1W is being replaced by the AH-1Z, starting in 2006 as part of a remanufacture program. The Last AH-1W is expected to be replaced in 2020. AH-1Ws are fielded in Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadrons, or HMLAs. Detachments from HMLAs deploy as part of the task-organized Aviation Combat Element of a Marine Air-Ground Task Force, the most common of which is the Marine Expeditionary Unit, or MEU.

Specifications

Fuselage Length: 44 feet, 10 inches
Overall Length: 58 feet
Height: 14 feet, 7 inches
Weight: 10,800 lbs (empty), 14,750 lbs (max gross)
Power Plant: 2 General Electric T700-GE-401 turboshaft engines
Sensor: Kollsman Night Targeting Systems (NTS)
Crew: 2
Contractor: Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc
*Standard day with external stores

Program Status

Acquisition Phase: Sustainment
Inventory: 87

Updated February 2023