AH-1G

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VTOL | Rank 5 USA
AV-8A Harrier Pack
This page is about the aircraft AH-1G. For other uses, see AH-1 (Family).
AH-1G
ah_1g.png
GarageImage AH-1G.jpg
AH-1G
AB RB SB
8.7 8.0 8.0
Research:Free
Purchase:370 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The AH-1G is a rank V American attack helicopter with a battle rating of 8.7 (AB) and 8.0 (RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.81 "The Valkyries".

This helicopter, being the first Attack Helicopter in the American Tech Tree, is a manoeuvrable and powerful beast if used in the right hands. It has 7 armaments presets, most of which need to be researched. The AH-1G comes with one secondary weapon, in the form of 28 Mighty Mouse rockets.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 1 000 m277 km/h
Max altitude3 475 m
EngineLycoming Engines T53-L-13
Power1 100 hp
Take-off weight4 t

Despite having not the best flight performance of helicopters, it is still better than most counterparts. It can struggle to get off the ground, and the collective cannot be increased to 100% without causing a severe decrease in engine RPM. It is manoeuvrable at low and medium speed, and can get up to 255 km/h in a straight line at low level.

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 1,000 m)
Max altitude
(metres)
AB RB
Stock 261 255 3475
Upgraded 296 277

Survivability and armour

Crew2 people
Speed of destruction
Structural450 km/h
Gear420 km/h
  • 12 mm steel - engine
  • 20 mm composite boron-carbide - pilot/gunner seats
  • Self-sealing fuel tanks: 2 in central fuselage

The AH-1G is by no means the most survivable helicopter, with relatively weak armor and fuel tanks that are prone to catching on fire. However, if the helicopter removes the threat of AA before dealing with other targets and stays out if range of small tank mounted machine guns, it is very effective. When fighting the AH-1G, it is always a good bet to get the "High Ground" or altitude advantage of this vehicle. Try to strafe it and get around to its blinds spot, as it can't use the tail rotor effectively when moving. Always aim for the cockpit, as one the gunner is knocked out the turret becomes unusable. When coming up against a Cobra with gun pods, or and secondary weapons, know that the pilot can still fire these even if the Gunner in knocked out.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB8 121 → 12 303 Sl icon.png
RB2 393 → 3 625 Sl icon.png
SB3 609 → 5 467 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications74 200 Rp icon.png
167 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 000 Ge icon.png
Crew training105 000 Sl icon.png
Experts370 000 Sl icon.png
Aces1 500 Ge icon.png
Research Aces670 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
100 / 300 / 430 % Sl icon.png
190 / 190 / 190 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
3 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 800 Sl icon.png
185 Ge icon.png
Mods cd 98 main rotor.png
Replacing helicopter blades
Research:
5 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Research:
4 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
10 000 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods heli flak jacket.png
Flak jacket
Research:
3 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 800 Sl icon.png
185 Ge icon.png
Mods heli structure.png
Helicopter frame
Research:
5 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Research:
4 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
10 000 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
8 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
500 Ge icon.png
Mods weapon.png
M163_Minigun_new_gun
Research:
3 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 800 Sl icon.png
185 Ge icon.png
Mods gunpods.png
Gun pod M18A1
Research:
3 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 800 Sl icon.png
185 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods pilon block rocket.png
M200A1
Research:
3 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 800 Sl icon.png
185 Ge icon.png
Mods cannon.png
M129
Research:
5 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods gunpods.png
Gun pod XM-35
Research:
4 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
10 000 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods night vision device.png
NVD
Research:
4 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
10 000 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods weapon.png
grenade_launcher_M129_new_gun
Research:
8 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
500 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
ah_1g_xm35_belt_pack
Research:
8 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
500 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Night vision devices
Improves visibility by enhancing natural light or active illumination.

Offensive armament

The AH-1G is armed with:

  • A choice between two presets:
    • 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine guns (4,000 rpg = 8,000 total)
    • 2 x 40 mm M129 cannons (300 rpg = 600 total)

The AH-1G can carry up to 4 x 7.62 mm miniguns with a very generous ammo supply allowing it to put out an extremely dense amount of fire over an extended period. This should be used to the pilot's advantage when engaging enemy aircraft in the skies.

The standard armament of the AH-1G can be switched for a dual 40mm M129 grenade launcher (can be researched as a tier III modification). This is an excellent CQB weapon, and has much better penetration then the miniguns. However, the range is very short, it can't be used against aircraft, and it can be tricky to aim.

Suspended armament

The AH-1G can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • Without load
  • 28 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
  • 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
  • 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine guns (1,500 rpg = 3,000 total)
  • 1 x 20 mm M195 cannon (950 rpg)
  • 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine guns + 14 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
  • 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine guns + 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets

Unlike other AH series helicopters, the AH-1G can equip either two 7.62 mm Miniguns or one 20 mm Gatling gun as suspended armaments. The minigun can pack a real punch when engaging enemy helicopters due to their light armour, however, the one drawback will be the pilot will have to deal with the massive recoil from the fast rate of fire.

The AH-1G can also serve in a ground pounding role by equipping FFAR rockets that can reload quite quickly while still being able to defend itself with its turret miniguns. While the AH1G cannot carry as much ordinance as its Soviet counterparts, it can defend itself very well and even equip suspended armament such as rockets, something which the Soviet choppers cannot do until BR 9.7.

Usage in battles

A brief test fly screenshot

In helicopter battles, the AH-1G serves best in an anti-air role by combating other enemy helicopters. Due to being the only dedicated attack helicopter for the first half of the USA helicopter tree, it serves as the backbone for eliminating enemy air threats for US pilots until the AH-1F and AH-1Z become researchable.

The AH-1G is sluggish when it comes to climbing rate. This results in the vehicle being very maneuverable at low altitudes. Players should always save rockets for enemy vehicles that need it.

In-ground realistic battle, the AH-1G has the best loadout for 8.0 helicopter. The twin 40 mm grenade launcher is the best for dealing with tanks at a close range battle but should be very careful of any tanks or SPAA.

Pros and cons

Attack helicopter abilities of the AH-1G Cobra.

Pros:

  • Is the fastest starting helicopter
  • Two miniguns have a very high rate of fire
  • Fairly small target due to its small width dimension
  • Can equip several Hydra rocket pods, miniguns, and cannon as payload
  • Miniguns do not jam unlike conventional guns
  • Twin 40 mm grenade launchers are very effective against a tank, even at high ranks
  • Has the best CAS capability for a starting helicopter
  • 7.62 mm miniguns can destroy light pillboxes when fire for a prolonged time

Cons:

  • Limited traverse for the miniguns
  • Does not have any guided munitions
  • The 20 mm cannon gun pod has a lot of recoil which can throw your aim off
  • 40mm grenade has a slow travel speed, the pilot has to aim away from the enemy to hit
  • Slow climb rate if using a heavy payload
  • Stock 7.62 mm minigun is insufficient against anything other than light pillboxes

History

Brief test fly screenshot.

Parallel to the development of the UH-1 transport helicopter, Bell was actively conducting research on helicopter gunship designs. This resulted in the creation of the Model D255 "Iroquois Warrior", a mockup of a gunship design based on components from the UH-1B Huey. The mockup was presented to interested Army officials in June 1962, resulting in a proof-of-concept contract later that year. Following the contract award, Bell created the Model 207 "Sioux Scout", which was evaluated by the Army in early 1964.

Although impressed by the Model 207, the Army sought a larger and more powerful design, resulting in the creation of a new competition (AAFSS Advanced Aerial Fire Support System), of which Bell was not a part of. Instead, Bell independently continued developing and refining their gunship design, eventually creating the Model 209 - a design that was a combination of the Iroquois Warrior mockup and the concepts behind the Model 207.

Meanwhile, the ongoing Vietnam War sparked an urgent demand for dedicated attack helicopters. Although gunship versions of the UH-1 performed this role with relative success, the fact that they weren't initially intended for this role somewhat limited their effectiveness. Back in the States, the Army's ongoing competition produced no winning design as a result of technical and political difficulties. To quickly address their demand, the Army started looking for an interim design to act as a stopgap measure in 1965.

Soon after testing of the Model 209 concluded in September 1965, the Army decided to award Bell with a manufacturing contract later that year. The contract officially put the Model 209 into production under the Army designation of UH-1H Huey Cobra but was later redesignated to AH-1G Cobra.

The AH-1G Cobra entered service with the U.S. Army in 1967, participating mainly through the remainder of the Vietnam War as well as other conflicts. The AH-1G was retired from active service in the early 1980s, being replaced by newer models of the Cobra. The AH-1G also served with the Spanish Navy 1971 - 1985. And with the Israeli Armed forces from 1974 -1977.

- From Devblog

Media

Images
Videos

See also

Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
  • Agusta A129 Mangusta

External links


Bell Aircraft Corporation
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
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