AH-1+ SuperCobra
Developed as the AH-1T+ to remedy the performance shortfalls of the AT-1T under hot-and-high conditions, this model first flew in April 1980 as a converted AH-1T and entered service in 1987 with considerably-improved capabilities resulting from the installation of a much uprated powerplant of two General Electric T700-GE-401 turboshafts, each rated at 3,250 shp (2423 kW), and the combining gearbox of the Model 214ST that is able to handle a maximum of 3,380 shp (2520 kW).
The variant's other features include a modified rotor head, a new vibration-suppression system, an upgraded avionics suite including the Sanders ALQ-144 IR jammer and integrated APR-39 and APR-44 RWRs, and new subsystems such as a pilot's Kaiser HUD that is compatible with night vision goggles. In combination with the latest weaponry, this provides the US Marine Corps with a highly advanced close support and attack helicopter ideally suited to support of beach-head operations from forward airstrips or from assault ships lying just offshore.
The primary armament comprises eight BGM-71 TOW or AGM-114 Hellfire anti-tank missiles, supported by a pair of AIM-9L Sidewinder short-range AAMs and AGM-122 Sidearm anti-radar missiles for battlefield self-defense. The 84 helicopters were delivered from March 1986.
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