AH-1 Cobra vs AH-2 Rooivalk

Overview

The AH-1 Cobra and the AH-2 Rooivalk are both Military Helicopters, manufactured by Bell and Denel respectively.

Top speed is 277 km/h for the AH-1 Cobra vs 309 km/h for the AH-2 Rooivalk. The AH-1 Cobra has an operational range of 570 km vs 740 km for the AH-2 Rooivalk. The AH-1 Cobra operates at altitudes up to 6,096 m compared to 6,096 m for the AH-2 Rooivalk.

The AH-1 Cobra has been produced in 1,116 units vs 12 for the AH-2 Rooivalk. Unit cost is $13M for the AH-1 Cobra vs $40M for the AH-2 Rooivalk. The AH-1 Cobra first flew 25 years before the AH-2 Rooivalk (1965 vs 1990).

American attack helicopter, distinguished for its service in the Vietnam War, designed for rapid frontline response and anti-armor operation.
Bell AH-1 Cobra Helicopter profile drawing
Origin country πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ United States
Category Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Bell
First flight 7 September 1965
Year introduced 1967
Number produced 1116 units
Average unit price $13 million
South African attack helicopter, designed during the late 20th century, extensively deployed for peacekeeping missions in Africa.
Denel AH-2 Rooivalk Helicopter profile drawing
Origin country πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ South Africa
Category Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Denel
First flight 15 January 1990
Year introduced 2011
Number produced 12 units
Average unit price $40 million
Wingspan 13.4 m β—‰
Height 4.4 m β—‰
Length 17.8 m β—‰
Maximum speed 277 km/h β—‰
Operational range 570 km β—‰
Service ceiling 6,096 m β—‰
Max. takeoff weight 8,391 kg β—‰
Empty weight 5,579 kg β—‰
Total thrust 2 x 671 kW β—‰
Wingspan 15.6 m β—‰
Height 5.2 m β—‰
Length 18.7 m β—‰
Maximum speed 309 km/h β—‰
Operational range 740 km β—‰
Service ceiling 6,096 m β—‰
Max. takeoff weight 8,750 kg β—‰
Empty weight 5,730 kg β—‰
Total thrust 2 x 710 kW β—‰

Performance Radar Chart

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?
The AH-2 Rooivalk has a higher service ceiling at 6,096 meters (20,000 ft) compared to the AH-1 Cobra's 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.