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AH-1 Cobra vs AH-2 Rooivalk

AH-1 Cobra vs AH-2 Rooivalk at a glance — top speed 277 vs 309 km/h, range 570 vs 740 km, max takeoff weight 8,391 vs 8,750 kg, built 1,116 vs 12 units.

Bell AH-1 Cobra military helicopters side profile drawing
🇺🇸 AH-1 CobraFull specs
Denel AH-2 Rooivalk military helicopters side profile drawing
🇿🇦 AH-2 RooivalkFull specs
Specifications
AH-1 Cobra AH-2 Rooivalk
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇿🇦 South Africa
Category Military Helicopters Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Bell Denel
First flight 7 September 1965 15 January 1990
Year introduced 1967 2011
Number produced 1116 units 12 units
Average unit price $13 million $40 million
Wingspan 13.4 m 15.6 m
Height 4.4 m 5.2 m
Length 17.8 m 18.7 m
Maximum speed 277 km/h 309 km/h
Operational range 570 km 740 km
Service ceiling 6,096 m 6,096 m
Max. takeoff weight 8,391 kg 8,750 kg
Empty weight 5,579 kg 5,730 kg
Total thrust 2 x 1,342 kW 2 x 1,420 kW
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the AH-1 Cobra or AH-2 Rooivalk?
The AH-2 Rooivalk is faster with a maximum speed of 309 km/h compared to the AH-1 Cobra's 277 km/h, a difference of 32 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AH-1 Cobra or AH-2 Rooivalk?
The AH-2 Rooivalk has a longer range at 740 km compared to the AH-1 Cobra's 570 km.
Which can fly higher, the AH-1 Cobra or AH-2 Rooivalk?
Both the AH-1 Cobra and AH-2 Rooivalk have a service ceiling of 6,096 meters (20,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the AH-1 Cobra or AH-2 Rooivalk?
The AH-2 Rooivalk has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 8,750 kg compared to the AH-1 Cobra's 8,391 kg.
Which is larger, the AH-1 Cobra or AH-2 Rooivalk?
The AH-2 Rooivalk is longer at 18.7 meters compared to the AH-1 Cobra's 17.8 meters.
Which is more expensive, the AH-1 Cobra or AH-2 Rooivalk?
The AH-2 Rooivalk is more expensive at approximately $40 million per unit compared to the AH-1 Cobra at $13 million.
Which entered service first, the AH-1 Cobra or AH-2 Rooivalk?
The AH-1 Cobra entered service first in 1967, 44 years before the AH-2 Rooivalk which entered service in 2011.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the AH-1 Cobra or AH-2 Rooivalk?
The AH-1 Cobra has been produced in greater numbers with 1,116 units compared to 12 units of the AH-2 Rooivalk.