AH-1G Cobra (start of production)
In March 1965, Bell began development of a close air support combat helicopter based on the Model 204 (UH-1B/-1C Iroquois). It was planned to provide the US Army with a test helicopter that would combine the new narrow fuselage with a small cross-section and the tandem seat, power plant, main rotor and transmission of the UH-1C helicopter. Designated as the Model 209, it was tested starting in December of that year, with orders for two pre-production models and 110 production units in April 1966. Later designated the AH-1G and named the Huey Cobra, it entered service with the US Army in June 1967 and saw combat action in Vietnam in September. The US Army was supplied with 1,127 AH-1Gs, including TH-1G training helicopters. The serial AH-1G helicopter, which became the basis for further modifications, had a single-screw design with a tail rotor, one GTE and a ski landing gear. The fuselage was an all-metal, semi-monocoque type. The cabin is two-seater, the gunner's and pilot's seats are located one behind the other. The floor level in the gunner's compartment (located in front of the pilot) is 0.25 m lower. The lantern with flat glasses minimizes glare and increases the space above the pilot's head, the helicopter is equipped with an advanced autonomous system of emergency reset of windows and doors. Light steel armor is used to protect the crew and the most critical areas of the structure and components from fire from the ground. The design of the tail boom is reinforced to withstand 23 mm shells. The helicopter's airframe is painted to reduce visual and infrared signatures.
