The AH-1G performed very well during the Vietnam War, however, new times demanded new requirements. A large-scale upgrade programme was launched, resulting in a whole family of new models as the modernisation stages proceeded. The most advanced single-engined version of the Cobra was the AH-1F, incorporating all the latest developments - a more powerful engine, advanced navigation systems, and electronic warfare equipment. A total of around 150 AH-1Fs were built and another approximately 300 were converted from previous modifications. Helicopters of this type were actively used in the 1991 Gulf War.

Introduced in Update 1.81 "The Valkyries", the AH-1F features a number of upgrades, including a head-up display, IRCM mounted above the engine exhaust, and an infrared suppressor within the engine exhaust system. As a dedicated attack helicopter, it is outfitted with stub wings that can carry BGM-71 TOW missiles or Hydra-70 rockets, a chin-mounted gun turret, and an armoured tandem cockpit. As one of the first Cobras to be outfitted with thermal imaging equipment, the AH-1F can quickly locate opponents in a crowded area and target enemy armour with its TOW/TOW-2 missiles. However, it does lack countermeasures to decoy SAMs and AAMs.