Osprey Combat Aircraft 41 : US Army AH-1 Cobra Units in Vietnam

Bell's AH-1 Cobra was the first dedicated helicopter gunship to reach frontline service anywhere in the world. Developed as a private venture by the manufacturer, and based on the mechanics of the ubiquitous UH-1 Huey, the Cobra proved to be a huge success once introduced into combat with the US Army in 1966. Built as a key weapon in the Advanced Aerial Fire Support System concept of 1965, the AH-1 was one of the few aircraft to reach the combat zone after actual combat experience went into its design. The AH-1 helped reduce the losses being suffered by vulnerable troop transport helicopters by providing effective fire suppression during airmobile operations. This book explores its history, technology and crews. Text by Jonathan Bernstein with illustrations by Jim Laurier.

Contents

• Interim Solutions
• 1967 Year of the Snake
• Flying Horses
• Crescendo
• Evaluation - Problems & Progress
• Divisional Units
• Year of Change - 1969-70
• Winding Down
• Last Ones Out