• The AH-1 is fully capable of performing its attack mission in all weather conditions.

   The AH-1 Cobra was the world's first dedicated (that is, specifically designed) armed attack helicopter. The need for an armed gunship to protect unarmed helicopters had quickly become apparent during the early months of the Vietnam conflict, when many helicopters were lost to ground fire. The AH-1, being fast, heavily armed, and highly maneuverable, proved itself a powerful combatant throughout the rest of the war. Its precedent-setting design has led to many other variations (including some with two engines) and a number of other armed helicopters have been developed by different manufacturers.