The Bell AH-1 Cobra is a single-engine attack helicopter developed and manufactured by the American Rotorcraft manufacturer Bell Helicopter.
A member of the prolific Huey family, the AH-1 is also referred to as the Huey Cobra or Snake.
The AH-1 was rapidly developed as an interim gunship in response to the United States Army’s needs in the Vietnam War.
On 7 September 1965, the Model 209 prototype performed its maiden flight; after rapidly gaining the support of various senior officials, quantity production of the type proceeded rapidly with little revision.
During June 1967, the first examples of the AH-1 entered service with the US Army and were promptly deployed to the Vietnam theatre.
It commonly provided fire support to friendly ground forces, escorted transport helicopters, and flew in “hunter killer” teams by pairing with Hughes OH-6A Cayuse scout helicopters.