Who was the Cobra in Vietnam?
Background. The AH-1 Cobra is the world’s first dedicated armed attack helicopter. During the early months of the Vietnam War many helicopters were lost to ground fire. The need for an armed gunship to protect unarmed helicopters quickly became apparent.
Were there Cobra helicopters in Vietnam?
In August 1967, the AH-1G Cobra arrived in Vietnam. The Cobra was fast and deadly. From the rear cockpit, the pilot fired rockets from launchers fixed to the stub wings on either side; the copilot in the front operated a chin turret that held a minigun and grenade launcher.
Was the AH-1G used in Vietnam?
The U.S. Marine Corps used AH-1G Cobras in Vietnam for a short time before acquiring twin-engine AH-1J Cobras. AH-1 Cobras were deployed for Operation Urgent Fury, the invasion of Grenada in 1983, flying close-support and helicopter escort missions.
What are Cobras military?
Super Cobra helicopters form the backbone of the Marine Corps’ air-ground task force and act as on-call close air support platforms for Marines under fire. Cobras are also used for ground attack coordination, with pilots trained to call in artillery or mortars on positions while orbiting above the battlefield.
Who was the Cobra sniper?
Carlos Norman Hathcock II
Carlos Norman Hathcock II (May 20, 1942 – February 22, 1999) was a United States Marine Corps (USMC) sniper with a service record of 93 confirmed kills….
| Carlos Hathcock | |
|---|---|
| Hathcock in November 1996 | |
| Birth name | Carlos Norman Hathcock II |
| Nickname(s) | “White Feather” |
| Born | May 20, 1942 Little Rock, Arkansas, U.S. |
Is the AH-1 still in service?
The US Marine Corps retired the AH-1W SuperCobra in 2020, and continues to operate the AH-1Z Viper.
How many Cobra helicopters were used in Vietnam?
1,100
The Cobras began seeing combat in Vietnam in 1968 and remained in the fight through 1973, with more than 1,100 of the aircraft delivered during their time in the war.
Did the Apache replace the Cobra?
A small, thin, single-engine variant of the ubiquitous UH-1 “Huey” helicopter, the Cobra soldiered on well into the Cold War with the Army before being replaced with the AH-64 Apache.
Do the Marines still use cobras?
AH-1 Cobras continue to operate with the U.S. Marine Corps. USMC Cobras were also used in operations throughout the 1990s. USMC Cobras have also served in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and in Operation Iraqi Freedom in the conflict in Iraq.
Does the Army still use cobras?
In US Army service, the Cobra was progressively replaced by the newer and more capable Boeing AH-64 Apache during the 1990s, with the final examples being withdrawn during 2001.
Who was the deadliest sniper in Vietnam?
Charles Benjamin “Chuck” Mawhinney (born 1949) is a United States Marine who holds the Corps’ record for the most confirmed sniper kills, having recorded 103 confirmed kills and 216 probable kills in 16 months during the Vietnam War. Lakeview, Oregon, U.S.