AH-1 Cobra vs SH-3 Sea King

The AH-1 Cobra and the SH-3 Sea King are both Military Helicopters, manufactured by Bell and Sikorsky respectively. Top speed is 277 km/h for the AH-1 Cobra vs 267 km/h for the SH-3 Sea King. The AH-1 Cobra has an operational range of 570 km vs 1,005 km for the SH-3 Sea King. The AH-1 Cobra operates at altitudes up to 6,096 m compared to 4,481 m for the SH-3 Sea King. The AH-1 Cobra has been produced in 1,116 units vs 1,300 for the SH-3 Sea King. Unit cost is $13M for the AH-1 Cobra vs $25M for the SH-3 Sea King. The SH-3 Sea King first flew 6 years before the AH-1 Cobra (1959 vs 1965).

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 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Bell
First flight 7 September 1965
Year introduced 1967
Number produced 1116 units
Average unit price $13 million
American amphibious helicopter, enlisted for anti-submarine warfare during the Cold War, renowned for Apollo space missions recovery.
Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King Helicopter profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Sikorsky
First flight 11 March 1959
Year introduced 1961
Number produced 1300 units
Average unit price $25 million
Wingspan 13.4 m â—‰
Height 4.4 m â—‰
Length 17.8 m â—‰
Maximum speed 277 km/h â—‰
Operational range 570 km â—‰
Service ceiling 6,096 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 8,391 kg â—‰
Empty weight 5,579 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 671 kW â—‰
Wingspan 19.0 m â—‰
Height 5.1 m â—‰
Length 16.7 m â—‰
Maximum speed 267 km/h â—‰
Operational range 1,005 km â—‰
Service ceiling 4,481 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 10,002 kg â—‰
Empty weight 5,382 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 522 kW â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the AH-1 Cobra or SH-3 Sea King?
The AH-1 Cobra is faster with a maximum speed of 277 km/h compared to the SH-3 Sea King's 267 km/h, a difference of 10 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AH-1 Cobra or SH-3 Sea King?
The SH-3 Sea King has a longer range at 1,005 km compared to the AH-1 Cobra's 570 km.
Which can fly higher, the AH-1 Cobra or SH-3 Sea King?
The AH-1 Cobra has a higher service ceiling at 6,096 meters (20,000 ft) compared to the SH-3 Sea King's 4,481 meters (14,701 ft).
Which is heavier, the AH-1 Cobra or SH-3 Sea King?
The SH-3 Sea King has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 10,002 kg compared to the AH-1 Cobra's 8,391 kg.
Which is larger, the AH-1 Cobra or SH-3 Sea King?
The AH-1 Cobra is longer at 17.8 meters compared to the SH-3 Sea King's 16.7 meters.
Which is more expensive, the AH-1 Cobra or SH-3 Sea King?
The SH-3 Sea King is more expensive at approximately $25 million per unit compared to the AH-1 Cobra at $13 million.
Which entered service first, the AH-1 Cobra or SH-3 Sea King?
The SH-3 Sea King 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 SH-3 Sea King?
The SH-3 Sea King has been produced in greater numbers with 1,300 units compared to 1,116 units of the AH-1 Cobra.