| vf_node_pictures_all | title (item) | field_cer_web | field_cer_navbox | g_geofield | field_t_coordinates | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Bell AH-1J | |||||
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Bell AH-1 Cobra | harci helikopterek, United States helicopter designations, Army/Air Force and Tri-Service systems - Hubschrauber der US-Streitkräfte, Bell Aircraft and Bell Helicopter/Bell Textron aircraft - Luftfahrzeuge des Herstellers Bell Helicopter - Самолёты / Вертолёты Bell Aircraft и Bell Helicopter |
Although their numbers frequently dwindled to fewer than 50 operational examples due to combat attrition, incidents, and requirements of periodic maintenance, IRIAA’s AH-1Js remained the most important means of close air support for army and IRGC troops throughout the war with Iraq. While still retaining their camouflage pattern in dark yellow-sand and dark earth over, and pale grey under, most began receiving standardised service titles: ‘IRIAA’ was usually retained on the boom, while the Farsi-version was applied below the pilot’s (rear) cockpit, together with the new crest of the Havaniruz. Principal armament of AH-1Js consisted of the 20mm M197 gun and M260 (17 tubes, illustrated here) and M261 (7 tubes) launchers for 3.75in (68mm) unguided rockets. Frequent clashes with Iraqi helicopters and fighter-bombers led to some experimentation with installation of AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles, on adapters and rails illustrated on the inset. (Artwork by Tom Cooper)