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AH-1 Cobra vs AH-1Z Viper

AH-1 Cobra vs AH-1Z Viper at a glance — top speed 277 vs 411 km/h, range 570 vs 690 km, max takeoff weight 8,391 vs 8,391 kg, built 1,116 vs 195 units.

Bell AH-1 Cobra military helicopters side profile drawing
🇺🇸 AH-1 CobraFull specs
Bell AH-1Z Viper military helicopters side profile drawing
🇺🇸 AH-1Z ViperFull specs
Specifications
AH-1 Cobra AH-1Z Viper
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Helicopters Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Bell Bell
First flight 7 September 1965 8 December 2000
Year introduced 1967 2010
Number produced 1116 units 195 units
Average unit price $13 million --
Wing area -- m² 168.0 m²
Wingspan 13.4 m 15.0 m
Height 4.4 m 4.4 m
Length 17.8 m 17.8 m
Maximum speed 277 km/h 411 km/h
Operational range 570 km 690 km
Service ceiling 6,096 m 6,100 m
Max. takeoff weight 8,391 kg 8,391 kg
Empty weight 5,579 kg 5,579 kg
Total thrust 2 x 1,342 kW 2 x 1,300 kW
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the AH-1 Cobra or AH-1Z Viper?
The AH-1Z Viper is faster with a maximum speed of 411 km/h compared to the AH-1 Cobra's 277 km/h, a difference of 134 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AH-1 Cobra or AH-1Z Viper?
The AH-1Z Viper has a longer range at 690 km compared to the AH-1 Cobra's 570 km.
Which can fly higher, the AH-1 Cobra or AH-1Z Viper?
The AH-1Z Viper has a higher service ceiling at 6,100 meters (20,013 ft) compared to the AH-1 Cobra's 6,096 meters (20,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the AH-1 Cobra or AH-1Z Viper?
Both the AH-1 Cobra and AH-1Z Viper have a maximum takeoff weight of 8,391 kg.
Which is larger, the AH-1 Cobra or AH-1Z Viper?
Both the AH-1 Cobra and AH-1Z Viper are 17.8 meters long.
Which entered service first, the AH-1 Cobra or AH-1Z Viper?
The AH-1 Cobra entered service first in 1967, 43 years before the AH-1Z Viper which entered service in 2010.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the AH-1 Cobra or AH-1Z Viper?
The AH-1 Cobra has been produced in greater numbers with 1,116 units compared to 195 units of the AH-1Z Viper.