Difference between revisions of "AH-1W (China)"

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 +
{{About
 +
| about = Chinese attack helicopter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other variants
 +
| link = AH-1 (Family)
 +
}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=ah_1w_china
 
|code=ah_1w_china
Line 6: Line 11:
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the helicopter, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the helicopter in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the helicopter, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the helicopter in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Chinese attack helicopter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Alpha Strike"]].
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''', commonly referred to by its nickname 超級眼鏡蛇 (Super Cobra), is one of the main attack helicopters of the ROCA. To upgrade the ROCA against any potential risks, Taiwan imported a number of AH-1Ws from the US to form the basis of their new attack helicopter brigades in 1992. With upgrades in the 2010s and an abundance of spare parts for up to 12 years, these helicopters are likely to continue being the main component of their helicopter fleet alongside the AH-64E Apache Guardian purchased in the early 2010s.
 +
 
 +
Introduced in [[Update "Alpha Strike"]], the AH-1W has a number of welcome features, such as an onboard autocannon for soft targets, AIM-9Ls, and a large payload of Hellfire missiles. While it might not be as fast or effective in terms of air defence as its PLAGF counterparts, it still boasts high speed and good manoeuvrability, and can serve as a more flexible alternative to the Z-9 series. Additionally, the AH-1W is equipped with a MAW system which will automatically release countermeasures if a heat-seeking missile is launched at the helicopter, and an IRCM system creates jamming for IR missiles' seeker heads.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 12: Line 19:
 
{{Specs-Heli-Flight}}
 
{{Specs-Heli-Flight}}
 
<!-- ''Describe how the helicopter behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe how the helicopter behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
−
''Describe how the helicopter behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
+
To further enhance the combat capabilities of the Super Cobra, instead of the standard single-engine on AH-1G/F/S, the Super Cobra has two instead; in this case, two General Electric T700-401 turboshaft engines for the AH-1W variant. This obviously make AH-1W vastly faster than its single-engine cousins and now, faster than its Z-9 Haitun counterparts in PLAGF service; it is heavier than the Z-9 series indeed as a dedicated attack helicopter, but it is not as heavy as "gunships" of Soviet Union/Russia, namely the Hind series.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
Line 23: Line 30:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Stock
 
! Stock
−
| ___ || ___ || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}}
+
|265||251|| rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}}
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Upgraded
 
! Upgraded
−
| ___ || ___
+
|309.6||284.8
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 33: Line 40:
 
{{Specs-Heli-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Heli-Armour}}
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the helicopter. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical systems.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the helicopter. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical systems.'' -->
−
''Examine the survivability of the helicopter. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical systems.''
+
The AH-1W is an armoured attack helicopter offering protection to the crew and engine:
 +
 
 +
* Composite boron carbide- Kevlar 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-1W compensates with its small size compared to the Mi-24 Hinds which are incredibly well armoured but are huge and much less nimble in comparison. However, the AH-1W does not protect all of its critical components, such as the fuel tanks, transmission, propeller shaft, and control surfaces, with armour plating, nor does it have armoured glass installed around the cockpit.
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
Line 63: Line 76:
 
{{Specs-Heli-Suspended}}
 
{{Specs-Heli-Suspended}}
 
<!-- ''Describe the helicopter's suspended armament: additional cannons under the winglets, any bombs, and rockets. Since any helicopter is essentially only a platform for suspended weaponry, this section is significant and deserves your special attention. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the helicopter's suspended armament: additional cannons under the winglets, any bombs, and rockets. Since any helicopter is essentially only a platform for suspended weaponry, this section is significant and deserves your special attention. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
−
''Describe the helicopter's suspended armament: additional cannons under the winglets, any bombs, and rockets. Since any helicopter is essentially only a platform for suspended weaponry, this section is significant and deserves your special attention. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.''
+
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 +
|-
 +
! !! width="11%" | 1 !! width="11%" | 2 !! width="11%" | 3 !! width="11%" | 4
 +
| rowspan="7" width="25%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_Tzefa_A.png]]</div>
 +
|-
 +
! [[M197 (20 mm)|20 mm M197]] cannons (300 rpg)
 +
| 1 || 1* || 1* || 1
 +
|-
 +
! [[FFAR Mighty Mouse]] rockets
 +
| 7, 19 || 7, 19 || 7, 19 || 7, 19
 +
|-
 +
! [[Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP]] rockets
 +
| 4 || 4 || 4 || 4
 +
|-
 +
! [[AGM-114B Hellfire]] missiles
 +
| 2, 4 * || || || 2, 4 *
 +
|-
 +
! [[BGM-71D TOW-2]] missiles
 +
| 2, 4 * || || || 2, 4 *
 +
|-
 +
! [[AIM-9L Sidewinder]] missiles
 +
| 1 || || || 1
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="6" | * Air-to-ground missiles cannot be equipped with gunpods on the adjacent hardpoint
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
 
{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
 
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 +
 
* Without load
 
* Without load
 
* 2 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
 
* 2 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
Line 77: Line 119:
 
* 4 x 20 mm M197 cannons (300 rpg = 1,200 total)
 
* 4 x 20 mm M197 cannons (300 rpg = 1,200 total)
 
{{Navigation-End}}
 
{{Navigation-End}}
 +
 +
Thanks to the FCS upgrade for the AH-1W series, aside from conventional loadouts identical to AH-1S, AH-1W can now carry AAMs like AIM-9L while carrying more advanced AGM-114B Hellfire, as well as higher caliber Zuni rockets for ground attacks; leaving it more flexible than previous Cobra series.
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
Line 83: Line 127:
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->'''Pros:'''
−
''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''
 
  
−
'''Pros:'''
+
* Pleasing armaments
−
*
+
** Fixed autocannon for taking down "soft" targets, a lacking feature for most PLAGF helicopters
 +
** Powerful AIM-9L for higher kill-probability
 +
** Sufficient secondary loadout for different tactics
 +
* TVD for target acquisition
 +
* More protected than PLAGF counterpart at similar tier
 +
* IRCM equipment for more survivability
 +
* Faster than Z-9 series
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Less agile than PLAGF counterparts due to the weight
 +
* Lacks more advanced optics with high magnification
 +
* Only two AAMs available which calls for careful, planned launches for best chances
 +
* Early wire-guided ATGM hinders combat capability
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the helicopter in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the helicopter in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
−
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the helicopter in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''
+
By 1990s, ROCA only has UH-1H assembled by AIDC as their fleet of helicopters mostly for transport purpose; in view of the establishment of PLAGF Aviation Corps and modernization of ROCA for the potential outbreak of cross-strait war, ROCA "Army Aviation Command and Training Center" ('''陸軍航空指揮部暨航空訓練中心''') started the introduction of attack helicopters in 1992 alongside with their two new army aviation brigades and their [[OH-58D (China)|OH-58D]]. The deal was approved in February with 42 AH-1Ws and further 21 helicopters were delivered in 2001, totaled at 63 helicopters imported from US.
 +
 
 +
Although two helicopters (515; 526) and 4 of their crews were lost throughout its service in ROCA, due to the extremely high cost to replace all AH-1W with more advanced AH-64E and having sufficient spare parts for up to 12 years of use as disclosed in mid-2010s, the AH-1W will now serve alongside with its long-time partner OH-58D at Taichung Xinshe airfield by the '''602nd Aviation Brigade, Army Aviation and Special Forces Command''' to defend Central Taiwan if the worst scenario happens.
 +
 
 +
=== [[wt:en/news/8811-development-ah-1w-super-cobra-the-venomous-marine-en|Devblog]] ===
 +
As the AH-1 Cobra entered service with the Army, the USMC expressed their interest in acquiring Cobras for their own use. However, these Cobras would have to be twin-engined and possess a more capable primary armament to meet the Marines' service requirements. Despite initial hesitation from the Department of Defense, the Marines received the go-ahead and proceeded with awarding Bell with a contract to produce 49 AH-1J Sea Cobras in May 1968.
 +
 
 +
Similarly to the Army, the USMC also perceived the AH-1 as an interim vehicle, until a more suitable replacement could be found. Whilst this replacement would come to the Army in the form of the AH-64 Apache, the USMC's request to upgrade their fleet with a naval version of the Apache would be met with disapproval by the Congress in 1981, thus forcing the Marines to look into other options. The decision was therefore made to upgrade the existing fleet with new AH-1W Super Cobras, which featured an improved fire control system and the ability to carry more advanced ordnance.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
Line 104: Line 164:
 
* ''reference to the series of the helicopter;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the helicopter;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
+
 
−
* ''reference to the series of the helicopter;''
+
;Related development
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
 
 +
* [[AH-1 (Family)]]
 +
** [[AH-1W]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
Line 112: Line 174:
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
−
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
−
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
−
* ''other literature.''
 
  
 +
* [[wt:en/news/8811-development-ah-1w-super-cobra-the-venomous-marine-en|[Devblog] AH-1W Super Cobra: The Venomous Marine]]
 +
 +
{{AirManufacturer Bell}}
 
{{China helicopters}}
 
{{China helicopters}}

Latest revision as of 04:04, 2 September 2024

Introducing Wiki 3.0
This page is about the Chinese attack helicopter AH-1W (China). For other variants, see AH-1 (Family).
␗AH-1W
ah_1w_china.png
GarageImage AH-1W (China).jpg
␗AH-1W
China flag.png China
VI Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
10.0 11.0 10.7
Class:
Research:390 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:1 010 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png

Description

The ␗AH-1W, commonly referred to by its nickname 超級眼鏡蛇 (Super Cobra), is one of the main attack helicopters of the ROCA. To upgrade the ROCA against any potential risks, Taiwan imported a number of AH-1Ws from the US to form the basis of their new attack helicopter brigades in 1992. With upgrades in the 2010s and an abundance of spare parts for up to 12 years, these helicopters are likely to continue being the main component of their helicopter fleet alongside the AH-64E Apache Guardian purchased in the early 2010s.

Introduced in Update "Alpha Strike", the AH-1W has a number of welcome features, such as an onboard autocannon for soft targets, AIM-9Ls, and a large payload of Hellfire missiles. While it might not be as fast or effective in terms of air defence as its PLAGF counterparts, it still boasts high speed and good manoeuvrability, and can serve as a more flexible alternative to the Z-9 series. Additionally, the AH-1W is equipped with a MAW system which will automatically release countermeasures if a heat-seeking missile is launched at the helicopter, and an IRCM system creates jamming for IR missiles' seeker heads.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 1 000 m287 km/h
Max altitude6 000 m
Engine2 х General Electric T700-GE-401C
Take-off weight7 t

To further enhance the combat capabilities of the Super Cobra, instead of the standard single-engine on AH-1G/F/S, the Super Cobra has two instead; in this case, two General Electric T700-401 turboshaft engines for the AH-1W variant. This obviously make AH-1W vastly faster than its single-engine cousins and now, faster than its Z-9 Haitun counterparts in PLAGF service; it is heavier than the Z-9 series indeed as a dedicated attack helicopter, but it is not as heavy as "gunships" of Soviet Union/Russia, namely the Hind series.

Characteristics Max speed
(km/h at _,___ m) 		Max altitude
(metres)
AB RB
Stock 265 251 6000
Upgraded 309.6 284.8

Survivability and armour

IRCM
Protects against IR-guided missiles
Crew2 people
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear420 km/h

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

  • Composite boron carbide- Kevlar 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-1W compensates with its small size compared to the Mi-24 Hinds which are incredibly well armoured but are huge and much less nimble in comparison. However, the AH-1W does not protect all of its critical components, such as the fuel tanks, transmission, propeller shaft, and control surfaces, with armour plating, nor does it have armoured glass installed around the cockpit.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB8 404 → 14 328 Sl icon.png
RB3 956 → 6 744 Sl icon.png
SB5 132 → 8 750 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications296 000 Rp icon.png
436 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 700 Ge icon.png
Crew training290 000 Sl icon.png
Experts1 010 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 600 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 010 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
100 / 240 / 320 % Sl icon.png
226 / 226 / 226 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods cd 98 main rotor.png
Replacing helicopter blades
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
440 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods heli flak jacket.png
Flak jacket
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods heli structure.png
Helicopter frame
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
440 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
24 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
35 000 Sl icon.png
620 Ge icon.png
Mods heli false thermal targets.png
MAW
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods ammo.png
t_160_belt_pack
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods counterMeasures.png
IRCM
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
440 Ge icon.png
Mods atgm heli preset.png
TOW-2 4
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
440 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods thermal sight.png
NVD
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods weapon.png
t_160_new_gun
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon block rocket large.png
LAU-10/A
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods atgm heli preset.png
AGM-114
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods gunpods.png
Gun pod GPU-2/A.
Research:
24 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
35 000 Sl icon.png
620 Ge icon.png
Mods air to air missile.png
AIM-9L
Research:
24 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
35 000 Sl icon.png
620 Ge icon.png
Mods atgm heli preset.png
AGM-114 2
Research:
24 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
35 000 Sl icon.png
620 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Night vision devices
Improves visibility by enhancing natural light or active illumination.
Thermal imager
Allows to see thermal radiation in the infrared range day and night
Ballistic Computer
CCIP (Guns) CCIP (Rockets) CCIP (Bombs)
Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon RedXCross.png

Offensive armament

Main article: M197 (20 mm)

The AH-1W (China) is armed with:

  • A choice between two presets:
    • 1 x 20 mm M197 cannon (750 rpg) + 60 x countermeasures
    • 1 x 20 mm M197 cannon + 60 x countermeasures + IRCM

Suspended armament

The AH-1W (China) can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

1 2 3 4
Hardpoints Tzefa A.png
20 mm M197 cannons (300 rpg) 1 1* 1* 1
FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets 7, 19 7, 19 7, 19 7, 19
Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets 4 4 4 4
AGM-114B Hellfire missiles 2, 4 * 2, 4 *
BGM-71D TOW-2 missiles 2, 4 * 2, 4 *
AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles 1 1
* Air-to-ground missiles cannot be equipped with gunpods on the adjacent hardpoint
Default weapon presets
  • Without load
  • 2 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
  • 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
  • 16 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
  • 4 x BGM-71D TOW-2 missiles
  • 8 x BGM-71D TOW-2 missiles
  • 4 x AGM-114B Hellfire missiles
  • 8 x AGM-114B Hellfire missiles
  • 4 x 20 mm M197 cannons (300 rpg = 1,200 total)

Thanks to the FCS upgrade for the AH-1W series, aside from conventional loadouts identical to AH-1S, AH-1W can now carry AAMs like AIM-9L while carrying more advanced AGM-114B Hellfire, as well as higher caliber Zuni rockets for ground attacks; leaving it more flexible than previous Cobra series.

Usage in battles

Describe the tactics of playing in a helicopter, the features of using the helicopter in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Pleasing armaments
    • Fixed autocannon for taking down "soft" targets, a lacking feature for most PLAGF helicopters
    • Powerful AIM-9L for higher kill-probability
    • Sufficient secondary loadout for different tactics
  • TVD for target acquisition
  • More protected than PLAGF counterpart at similar tier
  • IRCM equipment for more survivability
  • Faster than Z-9 series

Cons:

  • Less agile than PLAGF counterparts due to the weight
  • Lacks more advanced optics with high magnification
  • Only two AAMs available which calls for careful, planned launches for best chances
  • Early wire-guided ATGM hinders combat capability

History

By 1990s, ROCA only has UH-1H assembled by AIDC as their fleet of helicopters mostly for transport purpose; in view of the establishment of PLAGF Aviation Corps and modernization of ROCA for the potential outbreak of cross-strait war, ROCA "Army Aviation Command and Training Center" (陸軍航空指揮部暨航空訓練中心) started the introduction of attack helicopters in 1992 alongside with their two new army aviation brigades and their OH-58D. The deal was approved in February with 42 AH-1Ws and further 21 helicopters were delivered in 2001, totaled at 63 helicopters imported from US.

Although two helicopters (515; 526) and 4 of their crews were lost throughout its service in ROCA, due to the extremely high cost to replace all AH-1W with more advanced AH-64E and having sufficient spare parts for up to 12 years of use as disclosed in mid-2010s, the AH-1W will now serve alongside with its long-time partner OH-58D at Taichung Xinshe airfield by the 602nd Aviation Brigade, Army Aviation and Special Forces Command to defend Central Taiwan if the worst scenario happens.

Devblog

As the AH-1 Cobra entered service with the Army, the USMC expressed their interest in acquiring Cobras for their own use. However, these Cobras would have to be twin-engined and possess a more capable primary armament to meet the Marines' service requirements. Despite initial hesitation from the Department of Defense, the Marines received the go-ahead and proceeded with awarding Bell with a contract to produce 49 AH-1J Sea Cobras in May 1968.

Similarly to the Army, the USMC also perceived the AH-1 as an interim vehicle, until a more suitable replacement could be found. Whilst this replacement would come to the Army in the form of the AH-64 Apache, the USMC's request to upgrade their fleet with a naval version of the Apache would be met with disapproval by the Congress in 1981, thus forcing the Marines to look into other options. The decision was therefore made to upgrade the existing fleet with new AH-1W Super Cobras, which featured an improved fire control system and the ability to carry more advanced ordnance.

Media

Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.

See also

Related development

External links


Bell Aircraft Corporation
Aircraft 
Fighters  P-39N-0 · P-39Q-5
  P-400
  P-63A-10 · P-63A-5 · P-63C-5 · ␠Kingcobra
Jet Fighters  P-59A
Export  ▂P-39K-1 · ▂Pokryshkin's P-39N-0 · ▂P-39Q-15 · ▄P-39Q-25
  ▂P-63A-5 · ▂P-63A-10 · ▂P-63C-5 · ▄P-63C-5
Helicopters 
Attack  AH-1F · AH-1G · AH-1Z · AH-1W
  OH-58D
Utility  UH-1B · UH-1C · UH-1C XM-30
Export/Licensed  ▅UH-1B · ◄UH-1D
  Tzefa A · Tzefa B · Tzefa D/E · ▅AH-1S early · ▅AH-1S · ▅AH-1S Kisarazu · ␗AH-1W
  ␗OH-58D
See Also  Fuji Heavy Industries · Agusta

China helicopters
Attack/Utility  Z-9W · Z-9WA · Z-10 · Z-11WA · Z-19 · Z-19E
  ␗OH-58D (USA)
Attack  ␗AH-1W (USA)
Utility  SA.342L Gazelle (France)
Pakistan  ▄Mi-35M

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