The AH-1W Super Cobra is a later development of the twin-engined AH-1 Cobra, optimized for service with the U.S. Marines. This helicopter will soon be available as part of the next major update in two trees!
AH-1W Super Cobra: An Attack Helicopter for the USA and China at Rank VI
Features:
- Twin-engine design.
- Effective ordnance options.
- Thermal vision device.
- Good maneuverability.
Vehicle History
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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.
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Meet the AH-1W Super Cobra!
The AH-1W Super Cobra is coming to the American and Chinese helicopter tree in the Alpha Strike major update! Today, we’ll talk about what advantages its different engine gives, plus its expanded arsenal of ordnance options compared to the AH-1F. Let’s take a look!
The first and most visible difference of the AH-1W is its different engine setup. Instead of being powered by a single Lycoming T53 engine, this helicopter is powered by two General Electric T700-GE-401C turboshaft engines. This allows it to reach a slightly higher top speed of over 280 km/h in level flight!
There’s some additions to the AH-1W’s weaponry options. Firstly, it’s able to fire two AIM-9L air-to-air missiles, which are excellent against aircraft that may be trying to destroy you while you attempt to take out ground vehicles. In addition to Mighty Mouse rockets, the AH-1W can carry Zuni rocket pods as well, plus up to 4 x 20 mm cannons on wing pylons. And lastly, there’s anti-tank guided missiles in the form of the famous TOW 2 with a launch range of about 4 km, and the AGM-114B Hellfire air-to-ground missile that has great penetration and a launch range up to 8 km. In total, 8 of them can be mounted on this helicopter.
That wraps today’s blog! The AH-1W Super Cobra will soon be coming to the USA and China’s helicopter tree in the Alpha Strike major update, which is almost ready for release! Until that happens though, fun battles ahead!
