During the Vietnam War, the Bell UH-1 transported troops but was vulnerable to enemy fire. In response, Bell developed the Cobra gunship, armed with miniguns, grenade launchers, and missiles.

Manufactured by Bell Helicopter (now known as Bell Textron Inc.)—the same company that made the ubiquitous Huey helicopter of Vietnam War fame—the chopper’s official name is the Bell AH-1 ...

2 Originating from a concept demonstrator delivered to the U.S. Army in 1962 based upon a UH-1 Huey, the AH-1W Super Cobra is the world’s first attack helicopter. Marines have been flying the AH ...