The original AH-1 helicopter was conceived for the US Army by Bell Helicopter as an efficient, tank-killing weapons platform. Lexington's AH-1S Cobra was manufactured in 1977 as part of the new production Cobras that featured the use of flat surface, non-glint canopies, laser range finders, radar jammers and infra-red suppressors on the engines. It was equipped to fire the anti-tank missile system using the helmet sight subsystem (HSS) in which the power turret in the nose moved as the gunner moved his head, aiming the gun just by looking at the target.
The Bell AH-1S was used primarily as close air support for ground troops and as armed escorts for troop-laden helicopters being sent into action. Highly maneuverable, heavily armed, the Cobra was well designed for its mission.
The AH-1S Cobra displayed on Lexington served with the 101st Airborne Division in Sinai and with the 7th Combat Aviation Brigade in Panama. In September 1993, following a hard landing that resulted in structural damage, the aircraft was removed from the Army's inventory.
In September 1994, the Cobra was donated to the USS Lexington Museum by Corpus Christi Army Depot (CCAD) and the Aviation & Troop Support Command (ATCOM).
This A-4 is on loan from the National Museum of Naval Aviation at Pensacola, Florida.
Click on a plane to view it's description.
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