Ah-1 Cobra Attack Helicopter Pilot's Flight Operating Instructions

Ah-1 Cobra Attack Helicopter Pilot's Flight Operating Instructions
Author: Headquarters Department of the Army
Publisher: Periscope Film LLC
Total Pages: 366
Release: 2011-05
Genre: Transportation
ISBN: 9781935700647

During the Vietnam War fleets of transport helicopters provided U.S. forces with an unprecented level of mobility and proved the concept of air cavalry . But without adequate support, helicopters such as the Bell UH-1 proved vulnerable to enemy ground fire. The solution was to develop a helicopter gunship. Bell s first foray into the category was rejected by the Army, but after Lockheed s AH-56 failed to meet critical goals, Bell answered the call with a new design. Equipped with a tandem cockpit, stub wings for weapons and a chin-mounted gun turret, Bell s Model 209 protoype was smaller and lighter than the AH-56, and used proven components from the UH-1. Developed in less than nine months, the 209 performed well and easily won the Army competition. In April 1966 the Army placed its first order for 110 aircraft, now designated the AH-1 Cobra or HueyCobra (but also widely known by the nickname Snake ). Over 1100 would eventually be built, including twin-engine SeaCobra and SuperCobra versions for the Marine Corps. After entering service in June of 1967, Cobras provided extensive support in Vietnam as fire support platforms, and achieved over a million operational hours. Cobras also flew in Operation Desert Shield, Desert Storm and in Somalia before being retired in the late 1990s. They continue to fly for the Marine Corps, NATO allies and elsewhere. They also serve in a civil role as fire fighting helicopters. Created by Bell and the U.S. Army, this pilot s flight operating manual profiles the AH-1F Cobra. Over 300 pages long, this unclassified document is reprinted here in its entirety."

US Army AH-1 Cobra Units in Vietnam

US Army AH-1 Cobra Units in Vietnam
Author: Jonathan Bernstein
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Total Pages: 96
Release: 2012-11-20
Genre: History
ISBN: 178200744X

Bell's AH-1 Cobra was the first dedicated helicopter gunship to reach frontline service anywhere in the world. Developed as a private venture by the manufacturer, and based on the mechanics of the ubiquitous UH-1 Huey, the Cobra proved a huge success once introduced into combat with the US Army in 1966. Built as a key weapon in the Advanced Aerial Fire Support System concept of 1965, the AH-1 was one of the few aircraft to reach the combat zone after actual combat experience went into its design. The AH-1 helped reduce the losses being suffered by vulnerable troop transport helicopters by providing effective fire suppression during airmobile operations. This book explores its history, technology and crew.

Weapon of Choice

Weapon of Choice
Author: United States Department of Defense
Publisher: Good Press
Total Pages: 575
Release: 2024-01-18
Genre: History
ISBN:

The anthology 'Weapon of Choice' offers an unparalleled exploration into the multifaceted nature of warfare, through a compilation that showcases a diverse range of literary styles, from analytical essays to firsthand combat narratives. This collection stands out for its deep dive into the technological, psychological, and strategic dimensions of military tools and tactics across different historical periods and conflicts. The variance in literary forms enriches the anthology, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the complex relationship between warfare and societal evolution, making it a significant contribution to military literature. The authors, hailing from the United States Department of Defense and the Combat Studies Institute, bring a wealth of experience and insight to the collection. Their backgrounds in strategic studies, military history, and active-duty experiences offer authentic and varied perspectives on the theme of the anthology. Collectively, their work aligns with and contributes to understandings of military innovation and strategic thinking, shedding light on how different weapons have been chosen and utilized in the face of evolving challenges on the battlefield. 'Reader_of_Choice' invites readers on a comprehensive journey through the intellectual and practical dimensions of military weaponry. It is an invaluable resource for those interested in understanding the intricacies of warfare, the evolution of military technology, and the strategic decisions that have shaped conflicts around the world. This anthology not only serves an educational purpose but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the complex decisions involved in weapon selection and deployment, making it an essential read for students, historians, and military enthusiasts alike.

Weapon of Choice: The Operations of U.S. Army Special Forces in Afghanistan

Weapon of Choice: The Operations of U.S. Army Special Forces in Afghanistan
Author: Combat Studies Institute
Publisher: e-artnow
Total Pages: 565
Release: 2018-03-21
Genre: History
ISBN: 802724059X

This eBook edition of "Weapon of Choice: The Operations of U.S. Army Special Forces in Afghanistan" has been formatted to the highest digital standards and adjusted for readability on all devices. "Weapon of Choice" presents a history of the U.S. Army special operations forces in Afghanistan from 11 September 2001 to 15 May 2002, during America's global war on terrorism. The purpose of the book is not to resolve Army special operations doctrinal issues, to clarify or update military definitions, or to be the "definitive" history of the continuing unconventional war in Afghanistan. The purpose is to demonstrate how the war to drive the Taliban from power, help Afghan people, and assist the Afghan Interim Authority (AIA) rebuild the country afterward was successfully accomplished by majors, captains, warrant officers, and sergeants on tactical teams and aircrews at the lowest levels. Contents: Prelude to Terror Awakening the Giant "Subdue Without Fighting" Developing the SOF Campaign Top Draft Choices Committed to Middle East Exercises Civil Affairs to Islamabad, Pakistan Site Coordination With the Uzbeks at Karshi Kanabad Uncorking the Bottled Airlift Toppling the Taliban in Afghanistan, 19 October-7 December 2001 Jumping Into the Dark Showing American Power "Look, We Have to Get the Special Forces Teams Into Afghanistan!" On Horseback With Dostum A "Bump" and Missiles in the Abyss 500 Afghans Can Die, But Not One American Can Be Injured Al-Qaeda Uprising—Qala-i-Jangi The Karzai Way to Kandahar The Campaign in Transition, 8 December 2001-28 February 2002 Old Glory Flies Again in Kabul Taking Down al-Qaeda at the Mir Wais Hospital Politics, War, and Rapport End of Mission—Aerial Resupply in Afghanistan The New War Entering the Valley D-Day ANACONDA From the Viewpoint of Force Multipliers "Good Morrrrning, Afghannnnistan" Driving the Taliban From Power Transition and Combat Operations