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AH-1 Cobra vs SA316 Alouette III

AH-1 Cobra vs SA316 Alouette III at a glance — top speed 277 vs 210 km/h, range 570 vs 540 km, max takeoff weight 8,391 vs 2,200 kg, built 1,116 vs 2,000 units.

Bell AH-1 Cobra military helicopters side profile drawing
🇺🇸 AH-1 Cobra
SA316 Alouette III military helicopters side profile drawing
🇫🇷 SA316 Alouette III
Specifications
AH-1 Cobra SA316 Alouette III
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇫🇷 France
Category Military Helicopters Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Bell Sud Aviation
First flight 7 September 1965 28 February 1959
Year introduced 1967 1961
Number produced 1116 units 2000 units
Average unit price $13 million $1.5 million
Wingspan 13.4 m 11.0 m
Height 4.4 m 3.0 m
Length 17.8 m 10.0 m
Maximum speed 277 km/h 210 km/h
Operational range 570 km 540 km
Service ceiling 6,096 m 3,200 m
Max. takeoff weight 8,391 kg 2,200 kg
Empty weight 5,579 kg 1,143 kg
Total thrust 2 x 1,342 kW 1 x 713 kW
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the AH-1 Cobra or SA316 Alouette III?
The AH-1 Cobra is faster with a maximum speed of 277 km/h compared to the SA316 Alouette III's 210 km/h, a difference of 67 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AH-1 Cobra or SA316 Alouette III?
The AH-1 Cobra has a longer range at 570 km compared to the SA316 Alouette III's 540 km.
Which can fly higher, the AH-1 Cobra or SA316 Alouette III?
The AH-1 Cobra has a higher service ceiling at 6,096 meters (20,000 ft) compared to the SA316 Alouette III's 3,200 meters (10,498 ft).
Which is heavier, the AH-1 Cobra or SA316 Alouette III?
The AH-1 Cobra has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 8,391 kg compared to the SA316 Alouette III's 2,200 kg.
Which is larger, the AH-1 Cobra or SA316 Alouette III?
The AH-1 Cobra is longer at 17.8 meters compared to the SA316 Alouette III's 10.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the AH-1 Cobra or SA316 Alouette III?
The AH-1 Cobra is more expensive at approximately $13 million per unit compared to the SA316 Alouette III at $1.5 million.
Which entered service first, the AH-1 Cobra or SA316 Alouette III?
The SA316 Alouette III entered service first in 1961, 6 years before the AH-1 Cobra which entered service in 1967.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the AH-1 Cobra or SA316 Alouette III?
The SA316 Alouette III has been produced in greater numbers with 2,000 units compared to 1,116 units of the AH-1 Cobra.