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AH-1W Super Cobra vs AH-1Z Viper

AH-1W Super Cobra vs AH-1Z Viper at a glance — top speed 350 vs 411 km/h, range 587 vs 690 km, max takeoff weight 6,690 vs 8,391 kg, built 222 vs 195 units.

Bell AH-1W Super Cobra military helicopters side profile drawing
🇺🇸 AH-1W Super CobraFull specs
Bell AH-1Z Viper military helicopters side profile drawing
🇺🇸 AH-1Z ViperFull specs
Specifications
AH-1W Super Cobra AH-1Z Viper
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Helicopters Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Bell Bell
First flight -- 8 December 2000
Year introduced 1986 2010
Number produced 222 units 195 units
Average unit price -- --
Wing area 140.7 m² 168.0 m²
Wingspan 13.9 m 15.0 m
Height 4.2 m 4.4 m
Length 17.7 m 17.8 m
Maximum speed 350 km/h 411 km/h
Operational range 587 km 690 km
Service ceiling 3,700 m 6,100 m
Max. takeoff weight 6,690 kg 8,391 kg
Empty weight 4,627 kg 5,579 kg
Total thrust 2 x 1,260 kW 2 x 1,300 kW
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the AH-1W Super Cobra or AH-1Z Viper?
The AH-1Z Viper is faster with a maximum speed of 411 km/h compared to the AH-1W Super Cobra's 350 km/h, a difference of 61 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AH-1W Super Cobra or AH-1Z Viper?
The AH-1Z Viper has a longer range at 690 km compared to the AH-1W Super Cobra's 587 km.
Which can fly higher, the AH-1W Super Cobra or AH-1Z Viper?
The AH-1Z Viper has a higher service ceiling at 6,100 meters (20,013 ft) compared to the AH-1W Super Cobra's 3,700 meters (12,139 ft).
Which is heavier, the AH-1W Super Cobra or AH-1Z Viper?
The AH-1Z Viper has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 8,391 kg compared to the AH-1W Super Cobra's 6,690 kg.
Which is larger, the AH-1W Super Cobra or AH-1Z Viper?
The AH-1Z Viper is longer at 17.8 meters compared to the AH-1W Super Cobra's 17.7 meters.
Which entered service first, the AH-1W Super Cobra or AH-1Z Viper?
The AH-1W Super Cobra entered service first in 1986, 24 years before the AH-1Z Viper which entered service in 2010.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the AH-1W Super Cobra or AH-1Z Viper?
The AH-1W Super Cobra has been produced in greater numbers with 222 units compared to 195 units of the AH-1Z Viper.