The first fully dedicated attack helicopter in the United States Arsenal was the AH1 cobra.

Though the U.S had experimented with helicopter-based attacks through the Korean War, this Vietnam era aircraft really brought the aircraft’s capabilities to the Forefront. The AH1 was a single engine helicopter developed by Bell.

It was around 53 feet in length and had a simple dual rotor functionality though it boasted a relatively low surface ceiling. It could achieve speeds of up to 220 miles per hour which allowed it to provide extensive reconnaissance and ground support for combat troops fighting in Triple Canopy jungles.

The average Cobra carried two mini gu.ns or grenade launchers at a time rocket launchers and a forward mounted Cannon or machine gu.n.