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AH-1W Super Cobra vs Ka-50 Hokum "Black Shark"

AH-1W Super Cobra vs Ka-50 Hokum "Black Shark" at a glance — top speed 350 vs 315 km/h, range 587 vs 460 km, max takeoff weight 6,690 vs 10,800 kg, built 222 vs 19 units.

Bell AH-1W Super Cobra military helicopters side profile drawing
🇺🇸 AH-1W Super CobraFull specs
Kamov Ka-50 Hokum "Black Shark" military helicopters side profile drawing
🇷🇺 Ka-50 Hokum "Black Shark"Full specs
Specifications
AH-1W Super Cobra Ka-50 Hokum "Black Shark"
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR
Category Military Helicopters Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Bell Kamov
First flight -- 17 June 1982
Year introduced 1986 1995
Number produced 222 units 19 units
Average unit price -- $16 million
Wing area 140.7 m² -- m²
Wingspan 13.9 m 14.5 m
Height 4.2 m 4.9 m
Length 17.7 m 16.0 m
Maximum speed 350 km/h 315 km/h
Operational range 587 km 460 km
Service ceiling 3,700 m 5,500 m
Max. takeoff weight 6,690 kg 10,800 kg
Empty weight 4,627 kg 7,700 kg
Total thrust 2 x 1,260 kW 2 x 1,641 kW
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the AH-1W Super Cobra or Ka-50 Hokum "Black Shark"?
The AH-1W Super Cobra is faster with a maximum speed of 350 km/h compared to the Ka-50 Hokum "Black Shark"'s 315 km/h, a difference of 35 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AH-1W Super Cobra or Ka-50 Hokum "Black Shark"?
The AH-1W Super Cobra has a longer range at 587 km compared to the Ka-50 Hokum "Black Shark"'s 460 km.
Which can fly higher, the AH-1W Super Cobra or Ka-50 Hokum "Black Shark"?
The Ka-50 Hokum "Black Shark" has a higher service ceiling at 5,500 meters (18,044 ft) compared to the AH-1W Super Cobra's 3,700 meters (12,139 ft).
Which is heavier, the AH-1W Super Cobra or Ka-50 Hokum "Black Shark"?
The Ka-50 Hokum "Black Shark" has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 10,800 kg compared to the AH-1W Super Cobra's 6,690 kg.
Which is larger, the AH-1W Super Cobra or Ka-50 Hokum "Black Shark"?
The AH-1W Super Cobra is longer at 17.7 meters compared to the Ka-50 Hokum "Black Shark"'s 16.0 meters.
Which entered service first, the AH-1W Super Cobra or Ka-50 Hokum "Black Shark"?
The AH-1W Super Cobra entered service first in 1986, 9 years before the Ka-50 Hokum "Black Shark" which entered service in 1995.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the AH-1W Super Cobra or Ka-50 Hokum "Black Shark"?
The AH-1W Super Cobra has been produced in greater numbers with 222 units compared to 19 units of the Ka-50 Hokum "Black Shark".