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AH-1 Cobra vs AH-1W Super Cobra

AH-1 Cobra vs AH-1W Super Cobra at a glance — top speed 277 vs 350 km/h, range 570 vs 587 km, max takeoff weight 8,391 vs 6,690 kg, built 1,116 vs 222 units.

Bell AH-1 Cobra military helicopters side profile drawing
🇺🇸 AH-1 Cobra
Bell AH-1W Super Cobra military helicopters side profile drawing
🇺🇸 AH-1W Super Cobra
Specifications
AH-1 Cobra AH-1W Super Cobra
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Helicopters Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Bell Bell
First flight 7 September 1965 --
Year introduced 1967 1986
Number produced 1116 units 222 units
Average unit price $13 million --
Wing area -- m² 140.7 m²
Wingspan 13.4 m 13.9 m
Height 4.4 m 4.2 m
Length 17.8 m 17.7 m
Maximum speed 277 km/h 350 km/h
Operational range 570 km 587 km
Service ceiling 6,096 m 3,700 m
Max. takeoff weight 8,391 kg 6,690 kg
Empty weight 5,579 kg 4,627 kg
Total thrust 2 x 1,342 kW 2 x 1,260 kW
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the AH-1 Cobra or AH-1W Super Cobra?
The AH-1W Super Cobra is faster with a maximum speed of 350 km/h compared to the AH-1 Cobra's 277 km/h, a difference of 73 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AH-1 Cobra or AH-1W Super Cobra?
The AH-1W Super Cobra has a longer range at 587 km compared to the AH-1 Cobra's 570 km.
Which can fly higher, the AH-1 Cobra or AH-1W Super Cobra?
The AH-1 Cobra has a higher service ceiling at 6,096 meters (20,000 ft) compared to the AH-1W Super Cobra's 3,700 meters (12,139 ft).
Which is heavier, the AH-1 Cobra or AH-1W Super Cobra?
The AH-1 Cobra has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 8,391 kg compared to the AH-1W Super Cobra's 6,690 kg.
Which is larger, the AH-1 Cobra or AH-1W Super Cobra?
The AH-1 Cobra is longer at 17.8 meters compared to the AH-1W Super Cobra's 17.7 meters.
Which entered service first, the AH-1 Cobra or AH-1W Super Cobra?
The AH-1 Cobra entered service first in 1967, 19 years before the AH-1W Super Cobra which entered service in 1986.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the AH-1 Cobra or AH-1W Super Cobra?
The AH-1 Cobra has been produced in greater numbers with 1,116 units compared to 222 units of the AH-1W Super Cobra.