GlobalMilitary.net Open-source military intelligence Updated daily
Head-to-head

AH-1W Super Cobra vs AH-2 Rooivalk

AH-1W Super Cobra vs AH-2 Rooivalk at a glance — top speed 350 vs 309 km/h, range 587 vs 740 km, max takeoff weight 6,690 vs 8,750 kg, built 222 vs 12 units.

Bell AH-1W Super Cobra military helicopters side profile drawing
🇺🇸 AH-1W Super CobraFull specs
Denel AH-2 Rooivalk military helicopters side profile drawing
🇿🇦 AH-2 RooivalkFull specs
Specifications
AH-1W Super Cobra AH-2 Rooivalk
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇿🇦 South Africa
Category Military Helicopters Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Bell Denel
First flight -- 15 January 1990
Year introduced 1986 2011
Number produced 222 units 12 units
Average unit price -- $40 million
Wing area 140.7 m² -- m²
Wingspan 13.9 m 15.6 m
Height 4.2 m 5.2 m
Length 17.7 m 18.7 m
Maximum speed 350 km/h 309 km/h
Operational range 587 km 740 km
Service ceiling 3,700 m 6,096 m
Max. takeoff weight 6,690 kg 8,750 kg
Empty weight 4,627 kg 5,730 kg
Total thrust 2 x 1,260 kW 2 x 1,420 kW
Performance Radar Chart
Explore further
Change comparison vs
Related Comparisons
AH-1W Super Cobra vs Mi-8 Hip AH-1W Super Cobra vs Mi-17 Hip-H AH-1W Super Cobra vs 206 JetRanger AH-1W Super Cobra vs UH-60 Black Hawk AH-1W Super Cobra vs MD-500 AH-1W Super Cobra vs Mi-24 Hind

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the AH-1W Super Cobra or AH-2 Rooivalk?
The AH-1W Super Cobra is faster with a maximum speed of 350 km/h compared to the AH-2 Rooivalk's 309 km/h, a difference of 41 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AH-1W Super Cobra or AH-2 Rooivalk?
The AH-2 Rooivalk has a longer range at 740 km compared to the AH-1W Super Cobra's 587 km.
Which can fly higher, the AH-1W Super 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-1W Super Cobra's 3,700 meters (12,139 ft).
Which is heavier, the AH-1W Super Cobra or AH-2 Rooivalk?
The AH-2 Rooivalk has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 8,750 kg compared to the AH-1W Super Cobra's 6,690 kg.
Which is larger, the AH-1W Super Cobra or AH-2 Rooivalk?
The AH-2 Rooivalk is longer at 18.7 meters compared to the AH-1W Super Cobra's 17.7 meters.
Which entered service first, the AH-1W Super Cobra or AH-2 Rooivalk?
The AH-1W Super Cobra entered service first in 1986, 25 years before the AH-2 Rooivalk which entered service in 2011.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the AH-1W Super Cobra or AH-2 Rooivalk?
The AH-1W Super Cobra has been produced in greater numbers with 222 units compared to 12 units of the AH-2 Rooivalk.