War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

AH-1F

2020-10-05T19:46:09Z

U75604530: /* Flight performance */

{{Specs-Card|code=ah_1f}}
{{About
| about = American attack helicopter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = AH-1 (Family)
}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{Break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American attack helicopter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.81 "The Valkyries"]].

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===

The AH-1F has a single turboshaft T53-L-703 power plant, which provides up to 1800 shp (transmission limited to 1290) & 210 kgf with a mass of 350 kg. This turboshaft engine is able to push the AH-1F to speeds in excess of 277 km/h whilst carrying wing mounted armaments.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Characteristics
|-
! colspan="3" | ''Stock''
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 1,000 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
|-
! AB !! RB
|-
| 258 || 247 || 3,475 
|-
! colspan="3" | ''Upgraded''
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 1,000 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
|-
! AB !! RB
|-
| 288 || 277 || 3,475 
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===

The AH-1F is an armoured attack helicopter offering protection to the crew and engine:

* Composite boron carbide seat enclosures, for both of the crew, with a thickness of 20 mm.
* A steel seat, which offers a thickness of 12 mm for the pilot only.
* Steel plate covers, offering 12 mm of thickness over the turboshaft engine.

The AH-1F compensates with its small and nimble size compared to the [[Mi-24_(Family)|Mi-24 Hind's]] which are incredibly well armoured but are huge and slow in comparison. However, the AH-1F does not protect all of its critical components, such as: fuel tanks, transmission, propeller shaft & control surfaces with armour plating. Nor does it have armoured glass installed around the cockpit.

== Armaments ==
=== Offensive armament ===

{{main|M197 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 1 x 20 mm M197 cannon, chin turret (750 rpg)

=== Suspended armament ===

[[File:AH-1F_SandShark1.jpg|420px|thumb|right|The '''{{PAGENAME}}''' engaged in combat, firing a TOW missile]]
{{main|FFAR Mighty Mouse|BGM-71 TOW|M134 Minigun (7.62 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

* Without load
* 28 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine guns
* 14 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine guns
* 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine guns
* 4 x BGM-71 TOW missiles
* 8 x BGM-71 TOW missiles
* 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 4 x BGM-71 TOW missiles
* 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 8 x BGM-71 TOW missiles
* 4 x BGM-71 TOW missiles + 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine guns
* 8 x BGM-71 TOW missiles + 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine guns

== Usage in battles ==

When playing the AH-1F, select the helipad which is in the ideal tactical location for your playstyle. Climb to around 1500 meters, find a target, then descend on to them. It is critically important that you engage them from the rear of side. This way, it reduces their awareness of you, since they will be looking forward, this will help you by making the adversary become disoriented when attacked. This will give you a stealthy advantage, like a ninja.
Advancing onto the target, come in as fast as possible, then slow down quickly, by raising the noise of the helicopter up. When slowed down, Engage the sight stabilizer and fire the tow missile and guide it onto the target.

If the target starts moving, rolling or starts trying to evade, keep the missile on the target and adjust to what your adversary is doing. Until you see an explosion, the target going down in flames whilst the reward and notification are showing up.

If out of the range, the missile will self-detonate and could give your position away, if your adversary looks around.

{{Notice|Remember, you only have around one and a half miles before the missiles will detonate by themselves, so you can only carry either 4 or 8 BG-71 Tow missiles at a time.|!}}

To overcome this, with enough time spent playing with the BG-71 missiles, you will be able to determine when you are within range based on your experience. This also applies to any other type of missile in the game too.

When engaging in Close quarters combat with other helicopters, the biggest threats are air-to-air missiles. Since the AH-1F only offers limited protection against them with countermeasures with its IRCM module. This means you need to stay alert, active & on the lookout for fast moving dots. If you see a small fast dot heading towards you, make very sharp abrupt turns, change height at the same time while turning and rolling.

{{Notice|These are the biggest threats to you in battle, since they can carry air-to-air missiles.|!!}}

*[[AH-1Z|AH-1Z Viper]]
*[[Mi-24P|Mi-24P Hind]]
*[[Mi-24V|Mi-24V Hind]]
*[[Mi-35M]]
*[[Ka-50]]
*[[SA.341F_Gazelle|SA.341F Gazelle]]
*[[SA.342M_Gazelle|SA.342M Gazelle]]
*[[EC-665 Tiger HAD]]
*[[EC-665 Tiger HAP]]
*[[EC-665 Tiger UHT]]

{{Notice|Do keep in mind that you may be able to shoot down missiles with the installed 20 mm triple rotary M197 cannon.|!}}

When engaging other helicopters, the triple barrel rotary cannon makes short work of any adversary. Make sure to load it with the air target belt, aim for critical elements of the rival helicopters such as cockpit, engine and fuel tanks. Now if you have equipped your helicopter with the additional 2 x M134 miniguns 7.62 mm machine guns, Bring your target in front of you and open fire. They will obliterate the target and send it smoking to the ground, they have up to 3000 rounds in total. That’s 1,500 Rounds per mini gun, in addition to the 750 cannon rounds for the M197, that is potentially up to 3,750 rounds!

====Ground forces====

Playing the AH-1F in ground forces, it is recommended to load up the 8x BG-71 Tow missiles & 38x FFAR Might mouse missiles. The BG-71 will give you the penetration at range in order to terminate tankers and with safety from the Anti-Aircraft Missile equipped anti-air vehicles. It is a wise tactic that Anti-Aircraft Missile equipped anti-air vehicles to be terminated first. Then once terminated, move into the battlefield and dominate the tanks with the 38 x FFAR Might mouse missiles, which can cause a lot of damage and could potentially terminate up to 38 tanks with well-placed shots.

The ideal tactic is to utilise the helicopter and the terrain. Such as maps which have forests and lots of tree lines, stay low over the trees and select your targets based on the threat to yourself first, then the impact to the team.

For example, if you have seen no enemy SPAA vehicles or other helicopters, climb in height, hover, then fire one or two missiles. Then quickly break off the hover and move to another part of the map, this way it allows you to stay undetected, remain stealthy and become a major threat to the enemy team.

Handling radar and Surface to Air missiles, when an enemy missile equipped SPAA is achieving a lock on, you will be notified with red arrows on the screen saying radar. To break the lock start rolling, gaining speed and the arrows will go away. If you are not successful, keep a close watch around the helicopter. At this, you will see white smoke coming from the ground, make very sharp abrupt turns. Change height at the same time while turning and rolling to avoid the missile.

{{Notice|Keep a close watch out for airplanes and other attack helicopters!|!!!}}

=== Modules ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Tier
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
! Survivability
! colspan="3" | Weaponry
|-
| I
| Compressor
|
| Flak jacket
| Offensive 20 mm
|
|
|-
| II
|
|
| Helicopter frame
| New 20 mm cannons
| M200A1
| IRCM
|-
| III
| Engine
| Replacing helicopter blades
| NVD
| Gun pod M18A1
| TOW
|
|-
| IV
|
|
| Cover
| New 7 mm MGs
| TOW 4
|
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* 20 mm gun performs better against heavy armour than the 7.62 mm minigun.
* Great manoeuvrability
* Very agile, with secondary load outs installed
* Great acceleration, very quick
* Good secondary weapon loadout

'''Cons:'''

* No flares
* Cannot equip air-to-air missiles
* 3 km range on its air-to-ground missiles

== History ==

The AH-1F was born as the last iteration of the single engine variant of the Cobra helicopters. The development of this model can be traced back to the AH-1Q Huey Cobra, which was basically an [[AH-1G]] with several systems attached to it, such as the XM65 TOW missile subsystem (which allowed it to operate the [[BGM-71 TOW]]), M73 reflex sight and a Telescopic Sight Unit (TSU). All 92 of the AH-1Q's were AH-1G's that had been modified. After this model was tested, it was determined that the helicopters lacked the horsepower to perform NOE flight and a few upgrades such as a new more powerful T53-L-703 engine with a 1800 hp output, and several electronic changes were made to it. By this moment, it was known as AH-1S (Mod) or Modified. Eventually, all of the AH-1Q's were reworked and updated to AH-1S (Mod) or later variants.

The AH-1S had also several modernizations, known as "Step" modernizations. The AH-1S Step I (Also known as AH-1P) modernization program with the upgrades listed above, and a new cockpit that included composite materials to enhance protection. The AH-1S Step 2 (Also known as AH-1E) introduced the Enhanced Cobra Armament System (ECAS), which included the 20 mm M197 rotary cannon, fitted into a M97A1 turret system.

The AH-1F Included both the Step I and II upgrades, alongside upgrades on its armament system, a laser rangefinder, an IR suppressor mounted on the engine exhaust, and a IR dazzler, mounted on top of the engine. One Prototype Model 249, a AH-1S with a 4 bladed main rotor system, was created to be sold to US Army as an armed scout for the Apache Helicopter with advanced sighting systems that could also carry Hellfire missiles but was not purchased. The Model 249 was also offered to Germany as a proposed Attack helicopter but was also not purchased.

== Media ==


;Images
<div><ul>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:AH-1F WTWallpaper 001.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:AH-1F WTWallpaper 002.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:AH-1F WTWallpaper 003.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:AH-1F WTWallpaper 004.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:AH-1F WTWallpaper 005.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:AH-1F WTWallpaper 006.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:AH-1F WTWallpaper 007.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
</ul></div>

;Skins
<div><ul>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:AH1F_S_USARMY.jpg|thumb|none|300px|Standard camouflage initially available for the '''{{PAGENAME}}''' in-game.]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:AH1f_SandShark_SV.jpg|thumb|none|300px|''Sand Shark'' Camouflage - purchasable for 200 Golden Eagles]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:AH1F_IDF.jpg|thumb|none|250px|''Tzefa'' of the Israeli Air Force - Semi-historical camouflage: Marketplace]] </li>
</ul></div>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|6QZAY1EtkFU|'''The Shooting Range #110''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 05:44 discusses the AH-1 Cobra.}}

== See also ==


;Related development

* Bell [[AH-1 (Family)|AH-1]] SuperCobra
* Bell [[AH-1Z]] Viper
* Bell [[UH-1 (Family)|UH-1]] Iroquois

;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* Agusta [[A-129_International|A129]] Mangusta

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/5709-development-mi-24-and-ah-1f-rotorcraft-icons-en|[Devblog] Mi-24 and AH-1F: Rotorcraft Icons]]

{{AirManufacturer Bell}}
{{USA helicopters}}
[[Category:Countermeasures]]

AH-1F

2020-10-05T19:41:19Z

U75604530: /* History */

{{Specs-Card|code=ah_1f}}
{{About
| about = American attack helicopter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = AH-1 (Family)
}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{Break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American attack helicopter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.81 "The Valkyries"]].

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===

The AH-1F has a single turboshaft T53-L-703 power plant, which provides up to 1300 bhp & 210 kgf with a mass of 350 kg. This turboshaft engine is able to push the AH-1F to speeds in excess of 277 km/h whilst carrying wing mounted armaments.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Characteristics
|-
! colspan="3" | ''Stock''
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 1,000 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
|-
! AB !! RB
|-
| 258 || 247 || 3,475 
|-
! colspan="3" | ''Upgraded''
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 1,000 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
|-
! AB !! RB
|-
| 288 || 277 || 3,475 
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===

The AH-1F is an armoured attack helicopter offering protection to the crew and engine:

* Composite boron carbide seat enclosures, for both of the crew, with a thickness of 20 mm.
* A steel seat, which offers a thickness of 12 mm for the pilot only.
* Steel plate covers, offering 12 mm of thickness over the turboshaft engine.

The AH-1F compensates with its small and nimble size compared to the [[Mi-24_(Family)|Mi-24 Hind's]] which are incredibly well armoured but are huge and slow in comparison. However, the AH-1F does not protect all of its critical components, such as: fuel tanks, transmission, propeller shaft & control surfaces with armour plating. Nor does it have armoured glass installed around the cockpit.

== Armaments ==
=== Offensive armament ===

{{main|M197 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 1 x 20 mm M197 cannon, chin turret (750 rpg)

=== Suspended armament ===

[[File:AH-1F_SandShark1.jpg|420px|thumb|right|The '''{{PAGENAME}}''' engaged in combat, firing a TOW missile]]
{{main|FFAR Mighty Mouse|BGM-71 TOW|M134 Minigun (7.62 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

* Without load
* 28 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine guns
* 14 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine guns
* 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine guns
* 4 x BGM-71 TOW missiles
* 8 x BGM-71 TOW missiles
* 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 4 x BGM-71 TOW missiles
* 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 8 x BGM-71 TOW missiles
* 4 x BGM-71 TOW missiles + 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine guns
* 8 x BGM-71 TOW missiles + 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine guns

== Usage in battles ==

When playing the AH-1F, select the helipad which is in the ideal tactical location for your playstyle. Climb to around 1500 meters, find a target, then descend on to them. It is critically important that you engage them from the rear of side. This way, it reduces their awareness of you, since they will be looking forward, this will help you by making the adversary become disoriented when attacked. This will give you a stealthy advantage, like a ninja.
Advancing onto the target, come in as fast as possible, then slow down quickly, by raising the noise of the helicopter up. When slowed down, Engage the sight stabilizer and fire the tow missile and guide it onto the target.

If the target starts moving, rolling or starts trying to evade, keep the missile on the target and adjust to what your adversary is doing. Until you see an explosion, the target going down in flames whilst the reward and notification are showing up.

If out of the range, the missile will self-detonate and could give your position away, if your adversary looks around.

{{Notice|Remember, you only have around one and a half miles before the missiles will detonate by themselves, so you can only carry either 4 or 8 BG-71 Tow missiles at a time.|!}}

To overcome this, with enough time spent playing with the BG-71 missiles, you will be able to determine when you are within range based on your experience. This also applies to any other type of missile in the game too.

When engaging in Close quarters combat with other helicopters, the biggest threats are air-to-air missiles. Since the AH-1F only offers limited protection against them with countermeasures with its IRCM module. This means you need to stay alert, active & on the lookout for fast moving dots. If you see a small fast dot heading towards you, make very sharp abrupt turns, change height at the same time while turning and rolling.

{{Notice|These are the biggest threats to you in battle, since they can carry air-to-air missiles.|!!}}

*[[AH-1Z|AH-1Z Viper]]
*[[Mi-24P|Mi-24P Hind]]
*[[Mi-24V|Mi-24V Hind]]
*[[Mi-35M]]
*[[Ka-50]]
*[[SA.341F_Gazelle|SA.341F Gazelle]]
*[[SA.342M_Gazelle|SA.342M Gazelle]]
*[[EC-665 Tiger HAD]]
*[[EC-665 Tiger HAP]]
*[[EC-665 Tiger UHT]]

{{Notice|Do keep in mind that you may be able to shoot down missiles with the installed 20 mm triple rotary M197 cannon.|!}}

When engaging other helicopters, the triple barrel rotary cannon makes short work of any adversary. Make sure to load it with the air target belt, aim for critical elements of the rival helicopters such as cockpit, engine and fuel tanks. Now if you have equipped your helicopter with the additional 2 x M134 miniguns 7.62 mm machine guns, Bring your target in front of you and open fire. They will obliterate the target and send it smoking to the ground, they have up to 3000 rounds in total. That’s 1,500 Rounds per mini gun, in addition to the 750 cannon rounds for the M197, that is potentially up to 3,750 rounds!

====Ground forces====

Playing the AH-1F in ground forces, it is recommended to load up the 8x BG-71 Tow missiles & 38x FFAR Might mouse missiles. The BG-71 will give you the penetration at range in order to terminate tankers and with safety from the Anti-Aircraft Missile equipped anti-air vehicles. It is a wise tactic that Anti-Aircraft Missile equipped anti-air vehicles to be terminated first. Then once terminated, move into the battlefield and dominate the tanks with the 38 x FFAR Might mouse missiles, which can cause a lot of damage and could potentially terminate up to 38 tanks with well-placed shots.

The ideal tactic is to utilise the helicopter and the terrain. Such as maps which have forests and lots of tree lines, stay low over the trees and select your targets based on the threat to yourself first, then the impact to the team.

For example, if you have seen no enemy SPAA vehicles or other helicopters, climb in height, hover, then fire one or two missiles. Then quickly break off the hover and move to another part of the map, this way it allows you to stay undetected, remain stealthy and become a major threat to the enemy team.

Handling radar and Surface to Air missiles, when an enemy missile equipped SPAA is achieving a lock on, you will be notified with red arrows on the screen saying radar. To break the lock start rolling, gaining speed and the arrows will go away. If you are not successful, keep a close watch around the helicopter. At this, you will see white smoke coming from the ground, make very sharp abrupt turns. Change height at the same time while turning and rolling to avoid the missile.

{{Notice|Keep a close watch out for airplanes and other attack helicopters!|!!!}}

=== Modules ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Tier
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
! Survivability
! colspan="3" | Weaponry
|-
| I
| Compressor
|
| Flak jacket
| Offensive 20 mm
|
|
|-
| II
|
|
| Helicopter frame
| New 20 mm cannons
| M200A1
| IRCM
|-
| III
| Engine
| Replacing helicopter blades
| NVD
| Gun pod M18A1
| TOW
|
|-
| IV
|
|
| Cover
| New 7 mm MGs
| TOW 4
|
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* 20 mm gun performs better against heavy armour than the 7.62 mm minigun.
* Great manoeuvrability
* Very agile, with secondary load outs installed
* Great acceleration, very quick
* Good secondary weapon loadout

'''Cons:'''

* No flares
* Cannot equip air-to-air missiles
* 3 km range on its air-to-ground missiles

== History ==

The AH-1F was born as the last iteration of the single engine variant of the Cobra helicopters. The development of this model can be traced back to the AH-1Q Huey Cobra, which was basically an [[AH-1G]] with several systems attached to it, such as the XM65 TOW missile subsystem (which allowed it to operate the [[BGM-71 TOW]]), M73 reflex sight and a Telescopic Sight Unit (TSU). All 92 of the AH-1Q's were AH-1G's that had been modified. After this model was tested, it was determined that the helicopters lacked the horsepower to perform NOE flight and a few upgrades such as a new more powerful T53-L-703 engine with a 1800 hp output, and several electronic changes were made to it. By this moment, it was known as AH-1S (Mod) or Modified. Eventually, all of the AH-1Q's were reworked and updated to AH-1S (Mod) or later variants.

The AH-1S had also several modernizations, known as "Step" modernizations. The AH-1S Step I (Also known as AH-1P) modernization program with the upgrades listed above, and a new cockpit that included composite materials to enhance protection. The AH-1S Step 2 (Also known as AH-1E) introduced the Enhanced Cobra Armament System (ECAS), which included the 20 mm M197 rotary cannon, fitted into a M97A1 turret system.

The AH-1F Included both the Step I and II upgrades, alongside upgrades on its armament system, a laser rangefinder, an IR suppressor mounted on the engine exhaust, and a IR dazzler, mounted on top of the engine. One Prototype Model 249, a AH-1S with a 4 bladed main rotor system, was created to be sold to US Army as an armed scout for the Apache Helicopter with advanced sighting systems that could also carry Hellfire missiles but was not purchased. The Model 249 was also offered to Germany as a proposed Attack helicopter but was also not purchased.

== Media ==


;Images
<div><ul>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:AH-1F WTWallpaper 001.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:AH-1F WTWallpaper 002.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:AH-1F WTWallpaper 003.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:AH-1F WTWallpaper 004.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:AH-1F WTWallpaper 005.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:AH-1F WTWallpaper 006.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:AH-1F WTWallpaper 007.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
</ul></div>

;Skins
<div><ul>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:AH1F_S_USARMY.jpg|thumb|none|300px|Standard camouflage initially available for the '''{{PAGENAME}}''' in-game.]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:AH1f_SandShark_SV.jpg|thumb|none|300px|''Sand Shark'' Camouflage - purchasable for 200 Golden Eagles]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:AH1F_IDF.jpg|thumb|none|250px|''Tzefa'' of the Israeli Air Force - Semi-historical camouflage: Marketplace]] </li>
</ul></div>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|6QZAY1EtkFU|'''The Shooting Range #110''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 05:44 discusses the AH-1 Cobra.}}

== See also ==


;Related development

* Bell [[AH-1 (Family)|AH-1]] SuperCobra
* Bell [[AH-1Z]] Viper
* Bell [[UH-1 (Family)|UH-1]] Iroquois

;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* Agusta [[A-129_International|A129]] Mangusta

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/5709-development-mi-24-and-ah-1f-rotorcraft-icons-en|[Devblog] Mi-24 and AH-1F: Rotorcraft Icons]]

{{AirManufacturer Bell}}
{{USA helicopters}}
[[Category:Countermeasures]]

AH-1G

2020-10-05T19:10:48Z

U75604530: /* Media */

{{Specs-Card|code=ah_1g}}
{{About
|about=aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
|usage=other uses
|link=AH-1 (Family)
}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} USA attack helicopter {{Battle-rating}}. This helicopter was introduced in [[Update 1.81 "The Valkyries"]].

This helicopter, being the first Attack Helicopter in the American Tech Tree, is a maneuverable and powerful beast if used in the right hands. It has 7 armaments presets, most of which need to be researched. The AH-1G comes with one secondary weapon, in the form of 28 Mighty Mouse rockets.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===


Despite having not the best flight performance of helicopters, it is still better than most counterparts. It can struggle to get off the ground, and the collective cannot be increased to 100% without causing a severe decrease in engine RPM. It is maneuverable at low and medium speed, and can get up to 255 km/h in a strait line at low level.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Characteristics
|-
! colspan="4" | ''Stock''
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 1,000 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
|-
! AB
! RB
|-
| 261 || 255 || {{Specs|ceiling}}
|-
! colspan="4" | ''Upgraded''
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 1,000 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
|-
! AB
! RB
|-
| ? || ? || {{Specs|ceiling}}
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===


* 12 mm steel - engine
* 20 mm composite boron-carbide - pilot/gunner seats

The AH-1G is by no means the most survivable helicopter, with relatively weak armor and fuel tanks that are prone to catching on fire. However, if the helicopter removes the threat of AA before dealing with other targets and stays out if range of small tank mounted machine guns, it is very effective. When fighting the AH-1G, it is always a good bet to get the "High Ground" or altitude advantage of this vehicle. Try to strafe it and get around to its blinds spot, as it can't use the tail rotor effectively when moving. Always aim for the cockpit, as one the gunner is knocked out the turret becomes unusable. When coming up against a Cobra with gun pods, or and secondary weapons, know that the pilot can still fire these even if the Gunner in knocked out.

== Armaments ==
=== Offensive armament ===

{{main|M134 Minigun (7.62 mm)|M129 (40 mm)}}
The AH-1G can carry up to 4 x 7.62 mm miniguns with a very generous ammo supply allowing it to put out an extremely dense amount of fire over an extended period. This should be used to the pilot's advantage when engaging enemy aircraft in the skies.

The standard armament of the AH-1G can be switched for a dual 40mm M129 grenade launcher (can be researched as a tier III modification). This is an excellent CQB weapon, and has much better penetration then the miniguns. However, the range is very short, it can't be used against aircraft, and it can be tricky to aim.

=== Suspended armament ===

{{main|FFAR Mighty Mouse|M195 (20 mm)|M134 Minigun (7.62 mm)}}

* 28 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine gun (3,000 rpg)
* 1 x 20 mm M195 cannon (1,500 rpg)
* 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine gun (3,000 rpg) + 14 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine gun (3,000 rpg) + 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets

Unlike other AH series helicopters, the AH-1G can equip either two 7.62 mm Miniguns or one 20 mm Gatling gun as suspended armaments. The minigun can pack a real punch when engaging enemy helicopters due to their light armour, however, the one drawback will be the pilot will have to deal with the massive recoil from the fast rate of fire.

The AH-1G can also serve in a ''ground pounding'' role by equipping '''FFAR''' rockets that can reload quite quickly while still being able to defend itself with its turret miniguns. While the AH1G cannot carry as much ordinance as its Soviet counterparts, it can defend itself very well and even equip suspended armament such as rockets, something which the Soviet choppers cannot do until BR 9.7.

== Usage in battles ==

[[File:AH-1G Test fly.jpg|thumb|292x292px|A brief test fly screenshot]]
[[File:AH-1G .jpg|alt=Brief test fly screenshot.|thumb|292x292px]]
In helicopter battles, the AH-1G serves best in an anti-air role by combating other enemy helicopters. Due to being the only dedicated attack helicopter for the first half of the USA helicopter tree, it serves as the backbone for eliminating enemy air threats for US pilots until the AH-1F and AH-1Z become researchable.

The AH-1G is sluggish when it comes to climbing rate. This results in the vehicle being very maneuverable at low altitudes. Players should always save rockets for enemy vehicles that need it.

In-ground realistic battle, the AH-1G has the best loadout for 8.0 helicopter. The twin 40 mm grenade launcher is the best for dealing with tanks at a close range battle but should be very careful of any tanks or SPAA.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Two miniguns have a very high rate of fire
* Fairly small target due to its small width dimension
* Can equip several Hydra rocket pods, miniguns, and cannon as payload
* Miniguns do not jam unlike conventional guns
* Twin 40mm grenade launchers are very effective against a tank, even at high ranks
* Has the best CAS capability for a starting helicopter

'''Cons:'''

* Limited traverse for the miniguns
* Does not have any guided munitions
* The 20 mm cannon gun pod has a lot of recoil which can throw your aim off
* 40mm grenade has a slow travel speed, the pilot has to aim away from the enemy to hit
* Slow climb rate if using a heavy payload
* Stock 7.62mm minigun is insufficent against anything other than helicopters

== History ==

Parallel to the development of the UH-1 transport helicopter, Bell was actively conducting research on helicopter gunship designs. This resulted in the creation of the Model D255 “Iroquois Warrior”, a mockup of a gunship design based on components from the UH-1B Huey. The mockup was presented to interested Army officials in June 1962, resulting in a proof-of-concept contract later that year. Following the contract award, Bell created the Model 207 “Sioux Scout”, which was evaluated by the Army in early 1964.

Although impressed by the Model 207, the Army sought a larger and more powerful design, resulting in the creation of a new competition (AAFSS Advanced Aerial Fire Support System), of which Bell was not a part of. Instead, Bell independently continued developing and refining their gunship design, eventually creating the Model 209 - a design that was a combination of the Iroquois Warrior mockup and the concepts behind the Model 207.

Meanwhile, the ongoing Vietnam War sparked an urgent demand for dedicated attack helicopters. Although gunship versions of the UH-1 performed this role with relative success, the fact that they weren’t initially intended for this role somewhat limited their effectiveness. Back in the States, the Army’s ongoing competition produced no winning design as a result of technical and political difficulties. To quickly address their demand, the Army started looking for an interim design to act as a stopgap measure in 1965.

Soon after testing of the Model 209 concluded in September 1965, the Army decided to award Bell with a manufacturing contract later that year. The contract officially put the Model 209 into production under the Army designation of UH-1H Huey Cobra but was later redesignated to AH-1G Cobra.

The AH-1G Cobra entered service with the U.S. Army in 1967, participating mainly through the remainder of the Vietnam War as well as other conflicts. The AH-1G was retired from active service in the early 1980s, being replaced by newer models of the Cobra. The AH-1G also served with the Spanish Navy 1971 - 1985. And with the Israeli Armed forces from 1974 -1977.

''- From [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5730-development-ah-1g-cobra-strike-fast-strike-hard-en Devblog]''

== Media ==


;Images
<div><ul>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:AH-1G WTWallpaper 001.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:AH-1G WTWallpaper 002.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:AH-1G WTWallpaper 003.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:AH-1G WTWallpaper 004.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:AH-1G WTWallpaper 005.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:AH-1G WTWallpaper 006.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
</ul></div>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|6QZAY1EtkFU|'''The Shooting Range #110''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 05:44 discusses the AH-1 Cobra.}}

== See also ==


;Related development

* Bell [[AH-1 (Family)|AH-1]] SuperCobra
* Bell [[AH-1Z]] Viper
* Bell [[UH-1 (Family)|UH-1]] Iroquois

;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* Agusta [[A-129_International|A129]] Mangusta

== External links ==


* [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5730-development-ah-1g-cobra-strike-fast-strike-hard-en [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> AH-1G Cobra: Strike Fast, Strike Hard]

{{AirManufacturer Bell}}
{{USA helicopters}}