Born out of a need for an armed escort for US Airmobile forces in Vietnam, the Bell AH-1 Cobra went on to become the US Army's premier attack helicopter from Vietnam to the 1980s, when the Army began replacing the Cobra with the new AH-64 Apache (The Cobra is still in use with the USMC). In this title the AH-1 is presented in meticulous detail. Includes cockpits, engines, weapons, airframe and more. Also covers US Marine Corps version. Illustrated with 112 b/w and 96 color photos, 12 color drawings, and 9 b/w drawings.

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.

The Bell AH-1 was the first helicopter designed and built exclusively for combat. First flown in 1965, the AH-1, with its characteristic streamlined silhouette and stub wings, quickly became an indispensable asset and feared opponent. Development continued over the years and even today much improved and higher performance versions are still in service around the world. Design, development, and construction are discussed, as well as modifications made during production and the addition of night combat capabilities. Operational use in Vietnam, Operations Desert Shield/Storm, as well as current day combat are extensively covered. AH-1 use by other armed forces around the world such as Spain, Israel, Japan, Taiwan, Turkey, and others is described as well.

Describes the AH-1W Super Cobra helicopter, including its history, equipment, weapons, tactics, and future use. Includes photo diagram.

Flies the reader into combat with the same elite air cavalry unit portrayed in the film "Apocalypse Now"

The aeroscouts of the 1st Infantry Division had three words emblazoned on their unit patch: Low Level Hell. It was then and continues today as the perfect concise definition of what these intrepid aviators experienced as they ranged the skies of Vietnam from the Cambodian border to the Iron Triangle. The Outcasts, as they were known, flew low and slow, aerial eyes of the division in search of the enemy. Too often for longevity’s sake they found the Viet Cong and the fight was on. These young pilots (19-22 years old) “invented” the book as they went along. Praise for Low Level Hell “An absolutely splendid and engrossing book. The most compelling part is the accounts of his many air-to-ground engagements. There were moments when I literally held my breath.”—Dr. Charles H. Cureton, Chief Historian, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine (TRADOC) Command “Low Level Hell is the best ‘bird’s eye view’ of the helicopter war in Vietnam in print today. No volume better describes the feelings from the cockpit. Mills has captured the realities of a select group of aviators who shot craps with death on every mission.”—R.S. Maxham, Director, U.S. Army Aviation Museum

"Amazing photography accompanies engaging information about AH-1W Super Cobras. The combination of high-interest subject matter and light text is intended for students in grades 3 through 7"--Provided by publisher.