Difference between revisions of "AH-1F"
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{{About | {{About | ||
| about = American attack helicopter '''{{PAGENAME}}''' | | about = American attack helicopter '''{{PAGENAME}}''' | ||
| usage = other versions | | usage = other versions | ||
| link = AH-1 (Family) | | link = AH-1 (Family) | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | {{Specs-Card | ||
+ | |code=ah_1f | ||
+ | |images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}} | ||
}} | }} | ||
== Description == | == Description == | ||
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the helicopter, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the helicopter in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' --> | <!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the helicopter, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the helicopter in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' --> | ||
− | + | The '''Bell AH-1F HueyCobra''' is the fifth variant of the [[AH-1 (Family)|Bell AH-1 Cobra attack helicopters family]]. It is a single-engine attack helicopter designed and built by the American rotorcraft company Bell Helicopter, and served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. In general, the AH-1F was built as an interim gunship to meet the demands of the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. By 1972, the U.S. Army had begun pursuing stronger anti-armour capabilities. In October 1973, eight [[AH-1S]] armed with TOW missiles were tested as part of the Improved Cobra Armament Program (ICAP). The next year, after passing qualification evaluations, Bell was contracted to modify 101 AH-1Gs to the TOW-capable AH-1Q (Israel: [[Tzefa B]]) configuration. Additional Cobra variants were quickly created, with both new-build models and early production versions being modified to incorporate the improvements. Existing Cobras received upgrades in three stages, eventually leading to the AH-1F variant. The U.S. Army also chose in March 1978 to purchase an additional 100 new-build AH-1F variants. | |
− | + | ||
− | The ''' | + | Introduced in [[Update 1.81 "The Valkyries"]], the AH-1F was an upgraded variant of the AH-1S by including a head-up display (HUD), a laser rangefinder (LR), an infrared countermeasure (IRCM) mounted above the engine exhaust, an infrared (IR) suppressor within the engine exhaust system, and the M143 Air Data Subsystem (M143 ADS). As a dedicated attack helicopter, it was outfitted with stub wings for various armaments, a chin-mounted gun turret, and an armoured tandem cockpit from which a gunner (front) and pilot (rear) operated it. Its design was inspired by the requirement for a dedicated armed escort for transport helicopters, allowing the latter to be more survivable in contested locations. As the AH-1F was one of the first Cobras to be outfitted with thermal imaging equipment, it can quickly locate opponents in a crowded area and target enemy armour with its TOW/TOW-2 missiles. For lightly armoured targets, Hydra-70 M247 rockets are also available. |
== General info == | == General info == | ||
=== Flight performance === | === Flight performance === | ||
+ | {{Specs-Heli-Flight}} | ||
<!-- ''Describe how the helicopter behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' --> | <!-- ''Describe how the helicopter behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' --> | ||
− | The AH-1F has a single turboshaft T53-L-703 power plant, which provides up to | + | The AH-1F has a single turboshaft T53-L-703 power plant, which provides up to 1800 shp (transmission limited to 1290) & 210 kgf with a mass of 350 kg. This turboshaft engine is able to push the AH-1F to speeds in excess of 277 km/h whilst carrying wing mounted armaments. |
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! | + | ! rowspan="2" | Characteristics |
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 1,000 m) | ! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 1,000 m) | ||
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres) | ! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres) | ||
Line 28: | Line 29: | ||
! AB !! RB | ! AB !! RB | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | | 258 || 247 || | + | ! Stock |
+ | | 258 || 247 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! | + | ! Upgraded |
− | + | | 288 || 277 | |
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | | 288 || 277 | ||
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
=== Survivability and armour === | === Survivability and armour === | ||
+ | {{Specs-Heli-Armour}} | ||
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the helicopter. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical systems.'' --> | <!-- ''Examine the survivability of the helicopter. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical systems.'' --> | ||
The AH-1F is an armoured attack helicopter offering protection to the crew and engine: | The AH-1F is an armoured attack helicopter offering protection to the crew and engine: | ||
Line 49: | Line 46: | ||
* Steel plate covers, offering 12 mm of thickness over the turboshaft engine. | * Steel plate covers, offering 12 mm of thickness over the turboshaft engine. | ||
− | The AH-1F compensates with its small and nimble size compared to the [[Mi-24_(Family)|Mi-24 | + | The AH-1F compensates with its small and nimble size compared to the [[Mi-24_(Family)|Mi-24 Hinds]] which are incredibly well armoured but are huge and slow in comparison. However, the AH-1F does not protect all of its critical components, such as: fuel tanks, transmission, propeller shaft & control surfaces with armour plating. Nor does it have armoured glass installed around the cockpit. |
+ | |||
+ | === Modifications and economy === | ||
+ | {{Specs-Economy}} | ||
== Armaments == | == Armaments == | ||
+ | {{Specs-Heli-Armaments}} | ||
+ | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | ! colspan="3" | [[Ballistic Computer]] | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | ! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}} | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | |} | ||
=== Offensive armament === | === Offensive armament === | ||
− | <!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the | + | {{Specs-Heli-Offensive}} |
+ | <!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the helicopter, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in battle, also what ammunition belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' --> | ||
{{main|M197 (20 mm)}} | {{main|M197 (20 mm)}} | ||
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with: | The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with: | ||
+ | |||
* 1 x 20 mm M197 cannon, chin turret (750 rpg) | * 1 x 20 mm M197 cannon, chin turret (750 rpg) | ||
=== Suspended armament === | === Suspended armament === | ||
− | <!-- ''Describe the | + | {{Specs-Heli-Suspended}} |
− | + | <!-- ''Describe the helicopter's suspended armament: additional cannons under the winglets, any bombs, and rockets. Since any helicopter is essentially only a platform for suspended weaponry, this section is significant and deserves your special attention. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' --> | |
− | |||
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance: | The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance: | ||
+ | |||
+ | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%" | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | ! !! width="11%" | 1 !! width="11%" | 2 !! width="11%" | 3 !! width="11%" | 4 | ||
+ | | rowspan="4" width="20%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_AH-1G_(Israel).png]]</div> | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | ! [[Hydra-70 M247]] rockets | ||
+ | | 7, 19 || 7, 19 || 7, 19 || 7, 19 | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | ! [[BGM-71C Improved TOW]] missiles | ||
+ | | 2, 4 || || || 2, 4 | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | ! [[BGM-71D TOW-2]] missiles | ||
+ | | 2, 4 || || || 2, 4 | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | |} | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}} | ||
+ | {{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}} | ||
* Without load | * Without load | ||
− | * 28 x | + | * 28 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets |
− | * 76 x | + | * 76 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets |
− | + | * 4 x BGM-71C Improved TOW missiles | |
− | + | * 8 x BGM-71C Improved TOW missiles | |
− | + | * 4 x BGM-71D TOW-2 missiles | |
− | * 4 x BGM- | + | * 8 x BGM-71D TOW-2 missiles |
− | * 8 x BGM- | + | {{Navigation-End}} |
− | * | ||
− | * | ||
− | |||
− | |||
== Usage in battles == | == Usage in battles == | ||
− | <!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in a helicopter, the features of using helicopter in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' --> | + | <!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in a helicopter, the features of using the helicopter in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' --> |
When playing the AH-1F, select the helipad which is in the ideal tactical location for your playstyle. Climb to around 1500 meters, find a target, then descend on to them. It is critically important that you engage them from the rear of side. This way, it reduces their awareness of you, since they will be looking forward, this will help you by making the adversary become disoriented when attacked. This will give you a stealthy advantage, like a ninja. | When playing the AH-1F, select the helipad which is in the ideal tactical location for your playstyle. Climb to around 1500 meters, find a target, then descend on to them. It is critically important that you engage them from the rear of side. This way, it reduces their awareness of you, since they will be looking forward, this will help you by making the adversary become disoriented when attacked. This will give you a stealthy advantage, like a ninja. | ||
Advancing onto the target, come in as fast as possible, then slow down quickly, by raising the noise of the helicopter up. When slowed down, Engage the sight stabilizer and fire the tow missile and guide it onto the target. | Advancing onto the target, come in as fast as possible, then slow down quickly, by raising the noise of the helicopter up. When slowed down, Engage the sight stabilizer and fire the tow missile and guide it onto the target. | ||
Line 108: | Line 134: | ||
{{Notice|Do keep in mind that you may be able to shoot down missiles with the installed 20 mm triple rotary M197 cannon.|!}} | {{Notice|Do keep in mind that you may be able to shoot down missiles with the installed 20 mm triple rotary M197 cannon.|!}} | ||
− | When engaging other helicopters, the triple barrel rotary cannon makes short work of any adversary. Make sure to load it with the air target belt, aim for critical elements of the rival helicopters such as cockpit, engine and fuel tanks. | + | When engaging other helicopters, the triple barrel rotary cannon makes short work of any adversary. Make sure to load it with the air target belt, aim for critical elements of the rival helicopters such as cockpit, engine and fuel tanks. |
====Ground forces==== | ====Ground forces==== | ||
Line 121: | Line 147: | ||
{{Notice|Keep a close watch out for airplanes and other attack helicopters!|!!!}} | {{Notice|Keep a close watch out for airplanes and other attack helicopters!|!!!}} | ||
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=== Pros and cons === | === Pros and cons === | ||
Line 167: | Line 152: | ||
'''Pros:''' | '''Pros:''' | ||
− | * 20 mm | + | |
+ | * 20 mm is effective against light armor | ||
* Great manoeuvrability | * Great manoeuvrability | ||
* Very agile, with secondary load outs installed | * Very agile, with secondary load outs installed | ||
Line 174: | Line 160: | ||
'''Cons:''' | '''Cons:''' | ||
+ | |||
* No flares | * No flares | ||
* Cannot equip air-to-air missiles | * Cannot equip air-to-air missiles | ||
− | * 3 km range on its air-to-ground missiles | + | * 3.75 km range on its air-to-ground missiles |
== History == | == History == | ||
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the helicopter in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' --> | <!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the helicopter in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' --> | ||
− | The AH-1F was born as the last iteration of the single engine variant of the Cobra helicopters. The development of this model can be traced back to the AH-1Q | + | The AH-1F was born as the last iteration of the single engine variant of the Cobra helicopters. The development of this model can be traced back to the AH-1Q Huey Cobra, which was basically an [[AH-1G]] with several systems attached to it, such as the XM65 TOW missile subsystem (which allowed it to operate the [[BGM-71 TOW]]), M73 reflex sight and a Telescopic Sight Unit (TSU). All 92 of the AH-1Q's were AH-1G's that had been modified. After this model was tested, it was determined that the helicopters lacked the horsepower to perform NOE flight and a few upgrades such as a new more powerful T53-L-703 engine with a 1800 hp output, and several electronic changes were made to it. By this moment, it was known as AH-1S (Mod) or Modified. Eventually, all of the AH-1Q's were reworked and updated to AH-1S (Mod) or later variants. |
− | The AH-1S had also several modernizations, known as "Step" modernizations. The AH-1S Step I (Also known as AH-1P) modernization program | + | The AH-1S had also several modernizations, known as "Step" modernizations. The AH-1S Step I (Also known as AH-1P) modernization program with the upgrades listed above, and a new cockpit that included composite materials to enhance protection. The AH-1S Step 2 (Also known as AH-1E) introduced the Enhanced Cobra Armament System (ECAS), which included the 20 mm M197 rotary cannon, fitted into a M97A1 turret system. |
− | The AH-1F Included both the Step I and II upgrades, alongside upgrades on its armament system, a laser rangefinder, an IR suppressor mounted on the engine exhaust, and a IR dazzler, mounted on top of the engine. | + | The AH-1F Included both the Step I and II upgrades, alongside upgrades on its armament system, a laser rangefinder, an IR suppressor mounted on the engine exhaust, and a IR dazzler, mounted on top of the engine. One Prototype Model 249, a AH-1S with a 4 bladed main rotor system, was created to be sold to US Army as an armed scout for the Apache Helicopter with advanced sighting systems that could also carry Hellfire missiles but was not purchased. The Model 249 was also offered to Germany as a proposed Attack helicopter but was also not purchased. |
== Media == | == Media == | ||
− | <!--Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.-- | + | <!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' --> |
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;Skins | ;Skins | ||
− | + | ||
− | < | + | * [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=ah_1f Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.] |
− | + | ||
− | + | <gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="100"> | |
− | < | + | File:AH1F_S_USARMY.jpg|Standard camouflage initially available for the {{PAGENAME}} in-game |
+ | File:AH1f_SandShark_SV.jpg|''Sand Shark'' Camouflage - purchasable for 200 Golden Eagles | ||
+ | File:AH1F_IDF.jpg|''Tzefa'' of the Israeli Air Force - Semi-historical camouflage: Marketplace | ||
+ | </gallery> | ||
+ | |||
+ | ;Images | ||
+ | <gallery mode="packed" heights="150"> | ||
+ | File:AH-1F WTWallpaper 001.jpg | ||
+ | File:AH-1F WTWallpaper 002.jpg | ||
+ | File:AH-1F WTWallpaper 003.jpg | ||
+ | File:AH-1F WTWallpaper 004.jpg | ||
+ | File:AH-1F WTWallpaper 005.jpg | ||
+ | File:AH-1F WTWallpaper 006.jpg | ||
+ | File:AH-1F WTWallpaper 007.jpg | ||
+ | </gallery> | ||
;Videos | ;Videos | ||
− | {{Youtube-gallery|6QZAY1EtkFU|'''The Shooting Range #110''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 05:44 discusses the AH-1 Cobra.}} | + | {{Youtube-gallery|zYbcq-KOpFE|'''AH-1 Cobra Ultimate Review''' - ''Bob Dickinson''|6QZAY1EtkFU|'''The Shooting Range #110''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 05:44 discusses the AH-1 Cobra.}} |
== See also == | == See also == | ||
Line 213: | Line 204: | ||
* ''reference to the series of the helicopter;'' | * ''reference to the series of the helicopter;'' | ||
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' --> | * ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' --> | ||
+ | |||
;Related development | ;Related development | ||
− | * Bell [[AH-1 (Family)|AH-1]] | + | * Bell [[AH-1 (Family)|AH-1]] Cobra |
− | |||
− | |||
;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era | ;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era | ||
− | * Agusta [[A- | + | * Agusta [[A-129 International|A129]] Mangusta |
== External links == | == External links == | ||
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:'' | <!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:'' | ||
* ''topic on the official game forum;'' | * ''topic on the official game forum;'' | ||
− | |||
* ''other literature.'' --> | * ''other literature.'' --> | ||
+ | |||
* [[wt:en/news/5709-development-mi-24-and-ah-1f-rotorcraft-icons-en|[Devblog] Mi-24 and AH-1F: Rotorcraft Icons]] | * [[wt:en/news/5709-development-mi-24-and-ah-1f-rotorcraft-icons-en|[Devblog] Mi-24 and AH-1F: Rotorcraft Icons]] | ||
{{AirManufacturer Bell}} | {{AirManufacturer Bell}} | ||
{{USA helicopters}} | {{USA helicopters}} | ||
− |
Latest revision as of 22:09, 6 November 2023
This page is about the American attack helicopter AH-1F. For other versions, see AH-1 (Family). |
Contents
Description
The Bell AH-1F HueyCobra is the fifth variant of the Bell AH-1 Cobra attack helicopters family. It is a single-engine attack helicopter designed and built by the American rotorcraft company Bell Helicopter, and served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. In general, the AH-1F was built as an interim gunship to meet the demands of the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. By 1972, the U.S. Army had begun pursuing stronger anti-armour capabilities. In October 1973, eight AH-1S armed with TOW missiles were tested as part of the Improved Cobra Armament Program (ICAP). The next year, after passing qualification evaluations, Bell was contracted to modify 101 AH-1Gs to the TOW-capable AH-1Q (Israel: Tzefa B) configuration. Additional Cobra variants were quickly created, with both new-build models and early production versions being modified to incorporate the improvements. Existing Cobras received upgrades in three stages, eventually leading to the AH-1F variant. The U.S. Army also chose in March 1978 to purchase an additional 100 new-build AH-1F variants.
Introduced in Update 1.81 "The Valkyries", the AH-1F was an upgraded variant of the AH-1S by including a head-up display (HUD), a laser rangefinder (LR), an infrared countermeasure (IRCM) mounted above the engine exhaust, an infrared (IR) suppressor within the engine exhaust system, and the M143 Air Data Subsystem (M143 ADS). As a dedicated attack helicopter, it was outfitted with stub wings for various armaments, a chin-mounted gun turret, and an armoured tandem cockpit from which a gunner (front) and pilot (rear) operated it. Its design was inspired by the requirement for a dedicated armed escort for transport helicopters, allowing the latter to be more survivable in contested locations. As the AH-1F was one of the first Cobras to be outfitted with thermal imaging equipment, it can quickly locate opponents in a crowded area and target enemy armour with its TOW/TOW-2 missiles. For lightly armoured targets, Hydra-70 M247 rockets are also available.
General info
Flight performance
The AH-1F has a single turboshaft T53-L-703 power plant, which provides up to 1800 shp (transmission limited to 1290) & 210 kgf with a mass of 350 kg. This turboshaft engine is able to push the AH-1F to speeds in excess of 277 km/h whilst carrying wing mounted armaments.
Characteristics | Max Speed (km/h at 1,000 m) |
Max altitude (metres) | |
---|---|---|---|
AB | RB | ||
Stock | 258 | 247 | 3475 |
Upgraded | 288 | 277 |
Survivability and armour
The AH-1F is an armoured attack helicopter offering protection to the crew and engine:
- Composite boron carbide seat enclosures, for both of the crew, with a thickness of 20 mm.
- A steel seat, which offers a thickness of 12 mm for the pilot only.
- Steel plate covers, offering 12 mm of thickness over the turboshaft engine.
The AH-1F compensates with its small and nimble size compared to the Mi-24 Hinds which are incredibly well armoured but are huge and slow in comparison. However, the AH-1F does not protect all of its critical components, such as: fuel tanks, transmission, propeller shaft & control surfaces with armour plating. Nor does it have armoured glass installed around the cockpit.
Modifications and economy
Armaments
Ballistic Computer | ||
---|---|---|
CCIP (Guns) | CCIP (Rockets) | CCIP (Bombs) |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Offensive armament
The AH-1F is armed with:
- 1 x 20 mm M197 cannon, chin turret (750 rpg)
Suspended armament
The AH-1F can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hydra-70 M247 rockets | 7, 19 | 7, 19 | 7, 19 | 7, 19 | |
BGM-71C Improved TOW missiles | 2, 4 | 2, 4 | |||
BGM-71D TOW-2 missiles | 2, 4 | 2, 4 |
Default weapon presets | |
---|---|
|
Usage in battles
When playing the AH-1F, select the helipad which is in the ideal tactical location for your playstyle. Climb to around 1500 meters, find a target, then descend on to them. It is critically important that you engage them from the rear of side. This way, it reduces their awareness of you, since they will be looking forward, this will help you by making the adversary become disoriented when attacked. This will give you a stealthy advantage, like a ninja. Advancing onto the target, come in as fast as possible, then slow down quickly, by raising the noise of the helicopter up. When slowed down, Engage the sight stabilizer and fire the tow missile and guide it onto the target.
If the target starts moving, rolling or starts trying to evade, keep the missile on the target and adjust to what your adversary is doing. Until you see an explosion, the target going down in flames whilst the reward and notification are showing up.
If out of the range, the missile will self-detonate and could give your position away, if your adversary looks around.
![]() |
Remember, you only have around one and a half miles before the missiles will detonate by themselves, so you can only carry either 4 or 8 BG-71 Tow missiles at a time. |
To overcome this, with enough time spent playing with the BG-71 missiles, you will be able to determine when you are within range based on your experience. This also applies to any other type of missile in the game too.
When engaging in Close quarters combat with other helicopters, the biggest threats are air-to-air missiles. Since the AH-1F only offers limited protection against them with countermeasures with its IRCM module. This means you need to stay alert, active & on the lookout for fast moving dots. If you see a small fast dot heading towards you, make very sharp abrupt turns, change height at the same time while turning and rolling.
![]() |
These are the biggest threats to you in battle, since they can carry air-to-air missiles. |
- AH-1Z Viper
- Mi-24P Hind
- Mi-24V Hind
- Mi-35M
- Ka-50
- SA.341F Gazelle
- SA.342M Gazelle
- EC-665 Tiger HAD
- EC-665 Tiger HAP
- EC-665 Tiger UHT
![]() |
Do keep in mind that you may be able to shoot down missiles with the installed 20 mm triple rotary M197 cannon. |
When engaging other helicopters, the triple barrel rotary cannon makes short work of any adversary. Make sure to load it with the air target belt, aim for critical elements of the rival helicopters such as cockpit, engine and fuel tanks.
Ground forces
Playing the AH-1F in ground forces, it is recommended to load up the 8x BG-71 Tow missiles & 38x FFAR Might mouse missiles. The BG-71 will give you the penetration at range in order to terminate tankers and with safety from the Anti-Aircraft Missile equipped anti-air vehicles. It is a wise tactic that Anti-Aircraft Missile equipped anti-air vehicles to be terminated first. Then once terminated, move into the battlefield and dominate the tanks with the 38 x FFAR Might mouse missiles, which can cause a lot of damage and could potentially terminate up to 38 tanks with well-placed shots.
The ideal tactic is to utilise the helicopter and the terrain. Such as maps which have forests and lots of tree lines, stay low over the trees and select your targets based on the threat to yourself first, then the impact to the team.
For example, if you have seen no enemy SPAA vehicles or other helicopters, climb in height, hover, then fire one or two missiles. Then quickly break off the hover and move to another part of the map, this way it allows you to stay undetected, remain stealthy and become a major threat to the enemy team.
Handling radar and Surface to Air missiles, when an enemy missile equipped SPAA is achieving a lock on, you will be notified with red arrows on the screen saying radar. To break the lock start rolling, gaining speed and the arrows will go away. If you are not successful, keep a close watch around the helicopter. At this, you will see white smoke coming from the ground, make very sharp abrupt turns. Change height at the same time while turning and rolling to avoid the missile.
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Keep a close watch out for airplanes and other attack helicopters! |
Pros and cons
Pros:
- 20 mm is effective against light armor
- Great manoeuvrability
- Very agile, with secondary load outs installed
- Great acceleration, very quick
- Good secondary weapon loadout
Cons:
- No flares
- Cannot equip air-to-air missiles
- 3.75 km range on its air-to-ground missiles
History
The AH-1F was born as the last iteration of the single engine variant of the Cobra helicopters. The development of this model can be traced back to the AH-1Q Huey Cobra, which was basically an AH-1G with several systems attached to it, such as the XM65 TOW missile subsystem (which allowed it to operate the BGM-71 TOW), M73 reflex sight and a Telescopic Sight Unit (TSU). All 92 of the AH-1Q's were AH-1G's that had been modified. After this model was tested, it was determined that the helicopters lacked the horsepower to perform NOE flight and a few upgrades such as a new more powerful T53-L-703 engine with a 1800 hp output, and several electronic changes were made to it. By this moment, it was known as AH-1S (Mod) or Modified. Eventually, all of the AH-1Q's were reworked and updated to AH-1S (Mod) or later variants.
The AH-1S had also several modernizations, known as "Step" modernizations. The AH-1S Step I (Also known as AH-1P) modernization program with the upgrades listed above, and a new cockpit that included composite materials to enhance protection. The AH-1S Step 2 (Also known as AH-1E) introduced the Enhanced Cobra Armament System (ECAS), which included the 20 mm M197 rotary cannon, fitted into a M97A1 turret system.
The AH-1F Included both the Step I and II upgrades, alongside upgrades on its armament system, a laser rangefinder, an IR suppressor mounted on the engine exhaust, and a IR dazzler, mounted on top of the engine. One Prototype Model 249, a AH-1S with a 4 bladed main rotor system, was created to be sold to US Army as an armed scout for the Apache Helicopter with advanced sighting systems that could also carry Hellfire missiles but was not purchased. The Model 249 was also offered to Germany as a proposed Attack helicopter but was also not purchased.
Media
- Skins
- Images
- Videos
See also
- Related development
- Bell AH-1 Cobra
- Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
- Agusta A129 Mangusta
External links
Bell Aircraft Corporation | |
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Aircraft | |
Fighters | P-39N-0 · P-39Q-5 |
P-400 | |
P-63A-10 · P-63A-5 · P-63C-5 · ␠Kingcobra | |
Jet Fighters | P-59A |
Export | ▂P-39K-1 · ▂Pokryshkin's P-39N-0 · ▂P-39Q-15 · ▄P-39Q-25 |
▂P-63A-5 · ▂P-63A-10 · ▂P-63C-5 · ▄P-63C-5 | |
Helicopters | |
Attack | AH-1F · AH-1G · AH-1Z · AH-1W |
OH-58D | |
Utility | UH-1B · UH-1C · UH-1C XM-30 |
Export/Licensed | ▅UH-1B · ◄UH-1D |
Tzefa A · Tzefa B · Tzefa D/E · ▅AH-1S early · ▅AH-1S · ▅AH-1S Kisarazu · ␗AH-1W | |
␗OH-58D | |
See Also | Fuji Heavy Industries · Agusta |
USA helicopters | |
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Attack | |
Black Hawk | MH-60L DAP |
Choctaw | H-34 |
Cobra | AH-1F · AH-1G · AH-1Z |
SuperCobra | AH-1W |
Kiowa | OH-58D |
Little Bird | AH-6M |
Apache | YAH-64 · AH-64A · ▃AH-64A Peten · AH-64A (GR) · AH-64D |
Utility | |
Huey | UH-1B · UH-1C · UH-1C XM-30 |