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AH-1 Cobra vs AH-6 Little Bird

AH-1 Cobra vs AH-6 Little Bird at a glance — top speed 277 vs 282 km/h, range 570 vs 430 km, max takeoff weight 8,391 vs 1,610 kg, built 1,116 vs 1,420 units.

Bell AH-1 Cobra military helicopters side profile drawing
🇺🇸 AH-1 CobraFull specs
Boeing AH-6 Little Bird military helicopters side profile drawing
🇺🇸 AH-6 Little BirdFull specs
Specifications
AH-1 Cobra AH-6 Little Bird
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Helicopters Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Bell Boeing
First flight 7 September 1965 27 February 1963
Year introduced 1967 1980
Number produced 1116 units 1420 units
Average unit price $13 million $7.5 million
Wingspan 13.4 m 8.4 m
Height 4.4 m 2.6 m
Length 17.8 m 9.2 m
Maximum speed 277 km/h 282 km/h
Operational range 570 km 430 km
Service ceiling 6,096 m 4,877 m
Max. takeoff weight 8,391 kg 1,610 kg
Empty weight 5,579 kg 896 kg
Total thrust 2 x 1,342 kW 1 x 239 kW
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the AH-1 Cobra or AH-6 Little Bird?
The AH-6 Little Bird is faster with a maximum speed of 282 km/h compared to the AH-1 Cobra's 277 km/h, a difference of 5 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AH-1 Cobra or AH-6 Little Bird?
The AH-1 Cobra has a longer range at 570 km compared to the AH-6 Little Bird's 430 km.
Which can fly higher, the AH-1 Cobra or AH-6 Little Bird?
The AH-1 Cobra has a higher service ceiling at 6,096 meters (20,000 ft) compared to the AH-6 Little Bird's 4,877 meters (16,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the AH-1 Cobra or AH-6 Little Bird?
The AH-1 Cobra has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 8,391 kg compared to the AH-6 Little Bird's 1,610 kg.
Which is larger, the AH-1 Cobra or AH-6 Little Bird?
The AH-1 Cobra is longer at 17.8 meters compared to the AH-6 Little Bird's 9.2 meters.
Which is more expensive, the AH-1 Cobra or AH-6 Little Bird?
The AH-1 Cobra is more expensive at approximately $13 million per unit compared to the AH-6 Little Bird at $7.5 million.
Which entered service first, the AH-1 Cobra or AH-6 Little Bird?
The AH-1 Cobra entered service first in 1967, 13 years before the AH-6 Little Bird which entered service in 1980.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the AH-1 Cobra or AH-6 Little Bird?
The AH-6 Little Bird has been produced in greater numbers with 1,420 units compared to 1,116 units of the AH-1 Cobra.