AH-1Z Viper Super Charged Air Assault Helicopter

[@extraintelligence]

Just wanted to mention, the AH-1Z's chin gun is NOT fixed. It is housed in the A/A49E-7 turret, which has +/-110° of azimuth, 21° of elevation, and 50° of depression.

[@sheilaolfieway1885]

Does it come with multiple configurations for the chin guns like the older cobra models?

[@aa3680]

Yeah I thought it was odd that he said the cannon was fixed in place.

[@colhubbard9348]

I think he does it on purpose, every video he makes, has at least 1 error in the specs of the subject topic. Guess he does it to see how many people are actually watching his videos

[@tklube308]

@@sheilaolfieway1885 no, just the 20mm.

[@shize9ine]

@@colhubbard9348 9:20 - trying to get comment engagement for the algorithm.

[@timothywalsh1001]

I worked on the AH-1 Cobra. My favorite model is the ECAS (enhanced Cobra armament system). I also worked on the FMC, (fully modernized cobra) I wish the Army kept them and just modified them with continued upgrades. A glass cockpit, use of composites, and ofc.. a transmission capable of handling the T53-L703's power potential and the rigid 4 rotor system. The engine is capable of 2000+ hp but transmission could only handle 1450hp. We were still using TOW missiles, 2.75" rockets and the 20mm cannon. Hellfires were already required imo. ... I'm curious how well the old AH1s would be against Russia in Ukraine. We originally trained for a European conflict and then switched to "sandbox" terrain.. ... Fyi.. if you're not familiar with military aviation... the maintenance is insane !! Nothing is allowed to wear out. They are kept in like new condition

[@Sdp40fguy]

i worked for the a10

[@tango5814]

Umm ty for information i will give This to russia :)

[@DatoneADIsoldat]

@@tango5814this info is actually public and russia prob already knows this

[@phantom0456]

@@Sdp40fguy worked ON the A-10, but I never worked FOR the A-10. Your level of commitment is inspiring.

[@tklube308]

What sqdn were you in?

[@adamfrbs9259]

Man I'm 43, grew up during the release of the internet. But these videos are great, learn a bunch in a short time with clear, concise narration full of facts, no wasted words or time. Good photos and video too. It's like the old school History Channel, but faster and better.

[@coolbreeze2.0-mortemadfasc13]

Same. I’m 43 too and know exactly what you mean.

[@tuscarora5457]

I loved the Discovery Wings documentaries, way before the History Channel. The narrator always sounded so serious.

[@leehessey1154]

43 too I know what you mean

[@christopherchilders1049]

Spot on these videos are so well done

[@Legitpenguins99]

Good content but I find the narrators overly dramatic voice very obnoxious

[@GRosa250]

For anyone wondering what that object is that’s mounted on the post in front of the cockpit. It’s called a Low Airspeed Air Data System (LAADS). It utilizes a swivelling pitot probe and a digital air data computer to measure airspeed across the complete flight envelope.

[@scocon8658]

Cool! Much appreciated, thank you!

[@Stubby0266]

It was called ADS Air Data Sensor when I crewed them in the 80's.

[@matthewnewport2024]

Thank you!! I've been wondering what that was forever

[@matthewnewport2024]

Anyone know why it only has one. But the apache looks like it has two

[@Milano.5676]

Doesn't the weather of the blades affect it?

[@EricScott-jr8wl]

In Nam, 68-69, the sound of a Cobra was comforting to us Grunts. It was our A-10 of its day. One day going on R&R August of 69, I saw a fenced in area with shot up helos...one Cobra had a 51 caliber round in the side window, with blood on the window. It depressed me.

[@tklube308]

Thanks I worked on the J, T, & W model Cobras, and the N model Huey for 10 yrs in the Corps. HMA-269 & HMLA-369.

[@Nativeat1YT]

I had two of these helicopters fly above my house at tree top level do a u turn in the field behind me and then fly back the way they came. They were so close you could see the pilots looking down at me. Closest I've ever been to one of these things.

[@unbearifiedbear1885]

We occasionally get overflown by Chinook so low you can tell if the guy on the tail is having a good day or not 😂 Bro the sound goes *through* you lol

[@shifty1927]

I live about 20 mins north from Pax River Station in Southern Maryland. Alot of cool shit in the skies round here.

[@DoctorProph3t]

Where the hell did you live, Fellujah? 😂

[@Nativeat1YT]

@@DoctorProph3t lol, I live In North Carolina

[@DoctorProph3t]

@@Nativeat1YT I’m so sorry

[@ssaraccoii]

The Marines keep what works, and gets rid of what doesn’t. Perfect for their operations.

[@replynotificationsdisabled]

Speaks up in Osprey

[@atomicskull6405]

They got rid of the CH-46 and replaced it with the V-22 though...

[@camdenmiller7369]

@@atomicskull6405 V-22 does work in its role.

[@atomicskull6405]

@@camdenmiller7369 The problem is they try to shoehorn it into roles it's not suited for. It is *not* a full replacement for the phrogs.

[@onseki1774]

You can look at the M1911 as basically being the wet dream of every 19yo recon marine and their Gunners and S-3 guys, about every ten years the fastest units get a couple more thousand 1911s for morale and not much else

[@davidphillips8674]

I had the pleasure of being supported by a super cobra in Helmand, what a great machine

[@keirfarnum6811]

I’ll bet it made you feel much safer knowing that kind of firepower was there to defend you.

[@MRptwrench]

Proud USMC vet dad of a Camp Leatherneck vet. You are appreciated.

[@atomicskull6405]

As to why the marines didn't get the AH-64: Boeing developed a sea Apache and offered it to the USMC but the modifications necessary to make it operational off the marines small carriers and resistant to salt spray required removal of the chin turret and it was larger and more expensive than the cobra without adding much additional capability, and without the commonality with the UH-1 so the marines passed and went with an upgraded AH-1 instead.

[@artnull13]

Fortunately the right choice

[@DragonSt3alth]

That's all well and good, but then they got rid of the UH-1.

[@___Me_]

Was looking for this, thank you!

[@artnull13]

@@DragonSt3alth what do you mean? The US Marines use the UH-1Y Venom - still in service.

[@atomicskull6405]

@@DragonSt3alth No they didn't they upgraded it to the UH-1Y Venom which is basically the UH-1 with the same upgrades as the AH-1Z.

[@TheBattleRabbit860]

I was stationed on Marine Corps Air Station New River in MAG-26. My unit was the first to fully switch to MV-22 Osprey, however our sister unit MAG-29 had the Cobras and Hueys. It was amazing to watch all of those helicopters train and operate, both at home and in Iraq.

[@h00ligan64]

Thanks for your service sir

[@markplott4820]

but, the OSPREY is not a gunship a Single LAW rocket can take out a OSPREY. OSPREY are great for Cargo, Troops & Medevac .

[@TheBattleRabbit860]

@@markplott4820 You're right, it is a cargo and troop transport. I said my unit was ospreys and our sister unit, who did escort for out cargo/troop carrying/CASEVAC, has the Vipers and Venoms. Also, a law can take out most transport helo's, the Osprey is guarded by Vipers when picking up or dropping off, and good luck hitting one on the move.

[@TheBattleRabbit860]

@@h00ligan64 and it was a damn honor to do so.

[@h00ligan64]

@@TheBattleRabbit860 people now days run from that kind of thing. Had I not been a dumbass and I was a young-adult I would have joined the service oh, they wouldn't take me though because of my record. It sucks when you feel like that's the only thing that you would Excel at and you can't even do it. Worst regret of my life. I'll carry it forever.

[@Ravebiscuits]

Slim and packing firepower. My motivation to keep going to the gym!

[@wigon]

I have fond memories of training at Camp Bullis, Texas, and having an Army National Guard unit escort our convoy heading to Camp Bullis using the old AH-1S single engine Cobras back in the 90's. That was so cool. Motorists along the highway were freaked out seeing Cobra gunships flying so low along the highway. It looked spectacular. I get goosebumps remembering that. The AH-64 Apache was a good successor of the Cobra, but the AH-1S Cobra was vastly less expensive and I think that inexpensive single engine variants should have continued to be produced for National Guard units with just some minor upgrades in the event they had to be used overseas. These days however the military unfortunately tends to constantly push for buying the most expensive equipment instead of going for a tiered system with a ample fleet of low-cost aircraft and armor designed for low-intensity counter-insurgency warfare (but that can be quickly upgraded for near-peer warfare).

[@edgaraquino2324]

Nice video! The Super Snake!! You don't fix what ain't broken...just make it better! It's nice to see that solid airframes( see 2:55) are being reconfigured and not thrown aside...

[@BM-wc6bt]

The upgrade program went out after the first few models, due to the aging airframes of the older UH-1N and AH-1W. Many of them had been around since the 70’s/80’s. My old AH-1W started life in 1976/77 as an AH-1T model before being upfitted to the AH-1W in the late 80’s. And of the UH-1N’s….I know some were as old as the 1960’s some originally as single engine UH-1’s upfitted to the twin engine UH-1N Huey. At (06:34) they mention this and honestly, it was probably a good decision based on the age of the airframes.

[@TheBattleRabbit860]

We are the only branch to opt to improve what we have instead of replace it. Everyone loves to ride the AH-64's d**k, but they need to hover/slowly circle for their best effectiveness. AH-1's can strike and move with ease. Also, the Army should have stuck with the RAH-66 Comanche.

[@CharliMorganMusic]

Nah, the Apache is better, but it's more expensive. For one, there isn't a radar and the longbow system is what makes the Apache into the god-tier weapon system that it is.

[@BM-wc6bt]

@@CharliMorganMusic you obviously didn’t listen to the video very well. The AH-1Z can attach a longbow radar system, it just attached on a stub wing not above the main rotor (as on the Apache). But you also have to look at how these aircraft are used in combat….Cobras tend to be more mobile attack platforms, while Apaches generally stalk and then attack. When we worked with the Army previously we shared tactics and it’s wild how different we do things, but we both still do them well.

[@danroffee4904]

Common parts between the AH and UH helicopters is huge for deployments aboard ship, as well as the emphasis on salt water corrosion resistance.

[@kentbarnes1955]

Building a model of the Viper currently. Cool beast

[@SC0RCH3er]

Czech rep is replacing its Mi-24 (or rather Mi-35) and Mi-17 fleet for Viper and Venom, first order is supposed to be 4+8 and there is a large probability there will be other of 8+4. In all honesty this might be the smartest, smoothest and most economical aquisition in Czech army (maybe with the exception of small arms). They should be arriving this or next year...I am really excited seeing these in czech camo scheme.

[@Appreciation-Community]

hell of a steep learning curve

[@scoutdogfsr]

Sounds awesome. The Czech are quite the small arms manufacturers. Personally I think very highly of your country. I was one of the few Americans to visit during the end of the Soviet era. Your people were hesitant at 1st then they opened up and were some of the most genuine and kind people I've ever met!

[@SC0RCH3er]

@@scoutdogfsr Oh, cool, I hope you had a good time here! It depends on who and where, I feel it would have been a bit different during late 80s compared to now, because at the time I imagine a lot of people never came across many foreigners on casual basis so a bit of hesitation was probably normal, especially since secret police often messed with people.

[@scoutdogfsr]

@@SC0RCH3er EVERYONE thought I was planted to spy on them. Until I crused at cop in Spanish and three of them beat me on the street. After that happened people started to trust me. One hell of a way to gain trust my friend.

[@SC0RCH3er]

@@scoutdogfsr Yeah, STB often did "provocations" to get people they were interested in to trouble or to cooperate. So people were always a bit cautious with new people... Damn, that sounds pretty rough.

[@WinkelManBearPig]

The Cobra was always a badass Heli to any 80's kid. These upgraded models keep it that way in the next century.

[@endlessmountainoutdoors]

I was a CDQAR one AH-1W and all the Huey models. 99-2005. I sent the first Huey to Texas for the upgrade. It was sweet to hear they built completely new aircraft. Baddest helicopter in the the sky. The gun is not fixed and its the same as the AH-1W.

[@cooperjoynes1574]

Thanks so much! I’ve long wondered about the differences between the Comanche, Apache and the Cobra, which I now understand is commonly referred to as the Viper. Your documentaries are so educational. Keep up the good work!!

[@74charger44]

I was in the Marines back in the mid 80s. I was with HMT-303. A UH-1N and AH-1J squadron. The squadron was on deployment to MCAS Yuma, when at night 3 of us got word to go down to end of the runway and tow back a cobra that just made it in. That snake was the 1st delivery of the AH-1W. It just made it. When we brought it back we started to inspect it to see what was wrong. It was a major Hydraulic leak coming from one of the servos. HMA-169 took delivery of that snake. I remember being part of that ceremony and flyover when the W s started to trickle in.

[@BM-wc6bt]

And I was in during the mid 2000’s, just as I was getting out we took delivery of the new UH-1Y and the AH-1Z’s would soon be coming in the coming years. I loved the Whiskey and Novembers…I got to be on the last deployment of HMLA-269 that had our last 3 UH-1N’s that were decommissioned after we returned in 2013.

[@p.d8423]

I worked on Whiskey models during Desert Storm & in Somalia with HMLA 369. Tricky to work on with packed space.

[@gulfmarine8857]

@@p.d8423 L/cpl Peck here. I detached from 369 to join 169 for a Persian Gulf deployment.Same time...maybe a year earlier. Do you know Larry Hamm?

[@joshm3484]

Don't worry when it leaks, worry when it stops.

[@74charger44]

@@gulfmarine8857 No. Do you know Dennis Swanson?

[@noname2490]

It makes me smile that my Marine Corps has kept a reliable and deadly weapon for so long.

[@davidb8373]

As if they have any other choice

[@markplott4820]

Marine corps still have AV-8 harriers and the Brits still have Harriers . no need to Replace , with what Works.

[@CharliMorganMusic]

The Marine Corps would've loved to have the Apache, but like soany things, it wasn't in the budget

[@markplott4820]

@@CharliMorganMusic would the Marines have used the Comanchee if it were Produced ?

[@Ontheregz]

CHOP CHOP CHOP CHOP they are so LOUD! I worked across from mcas mirimar and when they would fly over , you knew what it was. My manager gave me a plane silhouette cheat sheet for plane spotting lol. We also had a free view of the air show every year 😂

[@durrellmartin5168]

I was stationed in korea, as an army aircraft armament tech. Our unit installed the first ir jammer on the ah1s in country. Didnt survive the first live test. Sucked a rock off tarmac and cracked the new "disco ball". One hell uv a helicopter!! Was proud to work in it. Never understood why we were stationed in front of the airfield. Dmz then us(12km) then airfield(20km).

[@bigsteve6200]

Outstanding ! The World's Finest US Marine Aviation. Swing with the Wing. Semper Fi

[@raymondyee2008]

The ultimate version of the Cobra. Just make sure it doesn’t fall into rogue nations that operate Cobras before.

[@HollywoodMarine0351]

Dark Skies: “F.L.I.R.” US Military community: We just say “flir”. 🙄

[@patrickodell7654]

Anyone who knows about flir

[@davidbalfour3390]

And thales hates it when you pronounce it thales. But when I'm a customer I always do.

[@ajstephen3977]

Even the civilian market using it just say "flir"

[@danielober884]

I worked on the AH1J which came back from Vietnam through to the AH1T. HMA169 1976-1982 Beautiful aircraft I miss the sounds and smell of JP5

[@speedracer2336]

Bad ass chopper, big upgrade from the Cobra.

[@kenhodgson3389]

I love all the Dark Vids ! For us pilot types we speek in Feet per Minute( FPM), Knots(KTS) , Nautical miles(NM) and feet for altitude I.E. 2500 ft, 35000 ft...metrics are used in very few places...China for one...Well Done on all your Dark Docs Keep them comming ! Converting is a PITA

[@davidb8373]

It’s all plagiarized from Wikipedia.

[@kenhodgson3389]

@UCj-5ogHl6EE4b1WD9rji5hg Joe you are correct RE: Metric system in the world..However, in the Aviation world ( flying) Feet is used in 90+% of the world. China and a fewer smaller countries use meters. It is the standard measurement...as is speaking English with controllers. I flew helicopters in the US Army ...and yes we used Klicks when refering to terrain maps etc...but in the aircraft, we referenced Knots for airspeed, Feet for altitude and nauticle miles for distance....Thank You for the reply !

[@MRptwrench]

So many Apache fans are not happy with the opening lines, but they're both awesome US attack helos. Different tools for different jobs. Yes, helos. As a young Marine, one of the moments that burned into my memory was witnessing the Warrant Officer jocks walking as demigods to or from their Cobras. When your a lower enlisted pouring out of the AAV or being transported to the LZ on a CH-47 or 53, those Cobras butterflying above or escorting the big helos was understood to be Super Necessary. I will always have much love for the Cobras. Fast movers are nice for dropping numbers on heads, but the Cobras could and did LOITER. And Cobra jocks are pretty good FACs/FOs in their own right.

[@thelifeofjp1996]

I work on these everyday in HMLA 469 17' - 19' as an Ordnanceman , waaaay easier than the AH-1W were. BUT before we upgraded, i had the chance to deploy to Daegu , South Korea 🇰🇷 for a month with the Whiskeys and let me tell u , hearing the whiskeys 2 blade rotors echoing off the foreign countries skyscrapers from the top of a mount that we hiked that day , was a awesome yet menacing sound that i will never forget.

[@nomercyinc6783]

it all started with the huey and thats amazing

[@noktrum2794]

What is the most awsome thing about Zulu cobra imo is the TopOwl helmet dysplay system - it allowes the pilot to see thrugh cokpit... in infrared... how cool is that?!

[@generalvictorironraven.1347]

84% parts commonality. That in and of it's self is quite impressive.

[@adamfrazer5150]

I adore many a fixed-wing but truthfully there's always been something magnetic about a chopper, the way it operates and moves through the air. 🤔 I've probably lost over a pint of drool over the course of my subscribership(🙍) here. 👍❤

[@wendiraeuchle6199]

beautiful airframe and still only 3' wide at the cockpit. Love the Cobra!

[@robingorenc9903]

Well I'm new here and i don't really know how things are done here, i hope we can be a good friend here and also learn to know more about our self?

[@zippymax1]

"Moreover." What a great word. I used it in my writing 35 years ago. I must start using it again. Moreover, it's as good as "furthermore."

[@John_Redcorn_]

Parenthetically, I agree.

[@thudthud5423]

I have a favorite word: "Whatever"

[@zippymax1]

@@thudthud5423 "Whatsoever she sitteth upon shall be unclean." --Leviticus 15:26

[@sarge420]

My #5 favorite airframe. F-117A (85-89), A-10, B1-B, EF-111 (89-92). Pheonominal byrd.

[@johnreynolds1527]

I've Always loved the Whiskey Super Cobra But that New Viper is Bad Ass .

[@alm5992]

I was a tree in Vietnam. 12th Vegetation Division. The amount of my comrades burned and shot during this conflict was horrendous. All I could do was stand there, frozen in fear- and in the ground with roots, when I saw an entire platoon get wiped out by one of these flying monsters. I still share the horrors to my saplings, today.

[@Nativeat1YT]

Tree seen this helicopter before it even existed, it must from the future, what's it like in the 2050s?

[@DaysOfFunder]

Oh leaf them alone. Lol

[@willw8011]

The front cannot can fully move. I read somewhere that the USMC and US Army are not using the TOW from helicopters anymore. I also heard that the TOW is supposed to be phased out of production. If I remember correctly, the USMC got the first AH-1 from the US Army, when the Army went to the AH-64. The USMC gets a lot of surplus from the US Army due to budget reasons. As far as the "best attack helicopter" that depends on the criteria used. The AH-1Z cost less to buy and maintain than an AH-64. The AH-1 also has less range and carries less ordinance than the AH-64. The USMC likes it due to its cost, similarity with the UH-1, and its size on a ship. Size is very important on a ship.

[@joseaklx300r6]

Back in 99' i was on my ait in maryland i spend my weekends inside cobra unit just walking around this birds love it

[@txvet7738]

This is the one thing that I like about USMC aviation, they were smart about their helicopter program. Unlike my beloved US Army aviation moving away from the UH/AH-1 platforms for the Apache and Blackhawk. The only thing we were smart with is my beloved CHINOOK! The best bird in the military bar none, no need to mess with perfection!!

[@destroyerarmor2846]

A Marine is a navy soldier.

[@txvet7738]

@@destroyerarmor2846 like my old man would say…”The Marines were there to guard the ship while they went to have fun at the bar!”

[@replynotificationsdisabled]

Someone's never jumped from either a Blackhawk or Chinook and it really shows.

[@txvet7738]

@@replynotificationsdisabled 101st so no jumping but repelling and as a CH47 crew chief we leave the jumping to you legs!

[@aolson8283]

I believe that the move to the 64 & 60 was a smart move for the Army. Both platforms provided a jump in capabilities over the AH/UH-1 as well increase in survivability, mainly due to the lessons learned from the AH/UH-1. The main reason often cited for the USMC no going with the 64/60 was cost and the USMC's limited budget.

[@jeremyweaver7689]

Saw a couple of these at Lake Havasu Airport, got a chance to radio Semper Fi to these guys.

[@peter-radiantpipes2800]

I see these a few times a week for years and always so cool. :)

[@josephpacchetti5997]

Impressive Aircraft, Thank you I'm subscribed to all the dark channels, And I watch them daily. 👍 🇺🇸

[@davidb8373]

It’s all plagiarized from Wikipedia.

[@user-ue5hg3hj2w]

Wow nice changes since I was crew chief on G model in 1969-70

[@tklube308]

Skipped right over the J model that I first worked on in HMA-269 back in '80. SKID KIDS

[@Idahoguy10157]

The USMC has chosen to stay with using the AH-1 series compared to the US Army’s AH-64. I suspect mostly for Marine logistics reasons.

[@Shoeg4zer]

Logistics and the AH1 is smaller than the Apache, so its easier to store on a ship.

[@Idahoguy10157]

@troy Ferrington … that too… The marines have kept the UH-1 and the AH-1 series in service for practical reasons.

[@atomicskull6405]

It's smaller and better suited to close air support and search and destroy missions. Boeing tried to sell the USMC a sea apache in the 90's instead of the zulu cobra but with all of the modifications needed to make it operational off the marines small ships it ended up being not much more capable than a super cobra still larger and heavier and without the parts commonality with the UH-1. And also the chin turret had to be removed so it was missiles only with no gun. The USMC politely passed and went with the AH-1Z Viper instead. I have to wonder what those boeing engineers were thinking, they HAD to know they were designing a turkey that didn't stand a chance of being accepted. Probably were instructed by the executives to make an apache that could operate off a USMC carrier but knew it was a dud.

[@ericgiebel498]

My Grandmother retired from Bell after 30 years of service. Needless to say, I grew up all things Bell

[@creoleDJ]

Loved seeing these choppers flying around New Orleans. If not for the Apache, this would still be THE combat chopper of the US, in my opinion

[@eltoro777]

You can run.. You'll just die tired... The viper is good God dam deadly piece of kit.

[@tonyroberts7481]

One of your better videos. Keep up the great work.

[@davidb8373]

It’s all plagiarized from Wikipedia and actual content creators. 3:45 “The existing two-blade semi-rigid, teetering rotor system was replaced with a four-blade, hingeless, bearingless rotor system. The four-blade configuration provides improvements in flight characteristics including increased flight envelope, maximum speed, vertical rate of climb, payload and reduced rotor vibration level.[10]” “The AH-1Z first flew on 8 December 2000.[11] Bell delivered three prototype aircraft to the United States Navy's Naval Air Systems Command at Naval Air Station Patuxent River in July 2002, for the flight test phase of the program. Low-rate initial production began in October 2003,[5] with deliveries running through 2018.[12] In late 2006, a contract was awarded to Meggitt Defense Systems to develop a new linkless 20 mm ammunition handling system to improve on the gun feed reliability of the existing linked feed system.[13]”

[@Samtzu]

Crewed one of the original AH-1's in 1968 in Phan Thiet..... it had NONE of the advanced features shown here. Two bladed main rotor, two bladed tail rotor, and "I guess we're aimed in the right direction" rocket sighting. The Cannon/Mini-gun nose turret could be moved and sighted, but that was it. No FLIR or helmet sighting. It had a dual hydraulic system but the lines were very close together so if one system was shot out, the other one probably was as well.... also, there was barely any room to work on the engine..... how things have changed.....

[@Defender78]

the AH-1G had no periscope? I always wondered what the clear lens at the front of the nose was.

[@Samtzu]

@@Defender78 Don't remember.... the last time I crewed one was back in '68 or '69..... I DO remember my name.... sometimes.... not early in the morning, though....

[@edwardgilmour9013]

at 7:43m in I like the use of Timber to brace the missile launchers.

[@the1HLT]

Yes! More military helicopters please! Great video!

[@xubious]

These things look so cool

[@Anarchy_420]

I'm sure its coincidence, lol most of your Vids are already apart of my Playlist😆👍 Not to mention I've used several of your past Vids to make my playlist ;)

[@Anarchy_420]

My playlist-- kzbin.info/aero/PLtqdBipLaOaIMbr4TyFs0l_GC6LtFVrU0

[@globetrotter7778]

A helicopter that carries Hellfires, Sidewinders, rockets and a gun ? Fairly intimidating.

[@archangelmichael1978]

As USAF (ret) I love this channel so much and enjoy your videos. You may be running out of ideas though. This helicopter video gave me the idea, perhaps you could do videos about fictional aircraft and their ties to reality. Perfect example for such a video idea. "The Story of AIRWOLF and the Bell 222." I think it's a great video idea. So many other legendary aircraft to cover as well, like the Top Gun F-14 and Top Gun 2 F-18. I hope it helps you out.

[@archangelmichael1978]

I chose Airwolf because looking back on everything in retrospect, whoever was the pilot of that Bell 222 was top of their game and Airwolf's stunts were nothing short of spectacular. Most normal people will never truly appreciate it for what it was, but whoever they hired to pilot that Bell 222, in the early episodes and seasons, was highly skilled.

[@anthonybowes9273]

Impressive to say the least a tankers nightmare

[@stephenle-surf9893]

Raised the question 🤔 when will the apache start to carry sidewinder?

[@skittlyscooter1779]

They CAN, but there is simply no need for them most of the time, atleast thats what the army thinks for now

[@E-Brightvoid]

Because it’s not supposed to be engaging with aircraft

[@zippymax1]

Isn't the sidewinder primarily for air-to-air jet combat? I suppose a helicopter could have the opportunity to attack a jet now and then--but jets generally fly at much higher altitude for long-distance jet combat. You can't pop a Viper up to 40,000 feet in ten seconds for sidewinder targetting and missile evasion. EDIT: Good question, though. I'm curious myself now. Everything I wrote above is quasi-ignorant-but-fun fluff.

[@extraintelligence]

The Apache typically carries the FIM-92 ATAS (the aircraft mounted version of the FIM-92 Stinger). It is smaller and has much shorter range, but since the Apache's role is ground support and attack, not aircraft interception, those trade-offs are acceptable.

[@monmonfiasco6391]

The Taiwanese Apache is always armed with Sidewinder

[@grantbovee]

thank you

[@bradolsen8629]

Awesome video keep up the good work

[@peteanderson2533]

Australia should of gotten these instead of those Tiger things.

[@rodgerbambauer123]

Was Marine helo aircrew in S.E. Asia. Was always a plus when Cobras were our escorts.

[@viktor_v-ughnda_vaudville_476]

These things look sooo badass and as much as I love the Apache and is a dominant weapons platform if I had the choice I’d fly the viper or I like to call it the cobra Zulu

[@southjerseymountain]

This was great. I'm building this model now and I have a great video/ pictures for reference. Thanks for your videos. New Jersey USA

[@JamesPiccone]

My father was a helicopter gunship pilot in Vietnam and flew Cobra gunships along with Huey C model gunships.

[@sheilaolfieway1885]

Do they handle diffrent? i imagine the passenger cabin on the huey alters the preformance a bit.

[@JamesPiccone]

@@sheilaolfieway1885 He's got a really cool web page with pictures on it he made devoted to his buddies but unfortunately it won't let me post it on here and keeps erasing my post. I never asked him that question though but I asked him what his favorite was to fly and he said the Huey c model gunship. He also flew "Loaches" OH-6

[@EARP87]

Nice work wey! i love your videos!

[@nopet-cu6wm]

These are pretty birds. The apache is is a sight to see but I have a soft spot for the vipers.

[@steveclark5357]

any 2 metals even of the same type has a dielectric charge , not just metals of diverse alloys

[@sciops5480]

one of my fav helicopter's

[@noyesphotography1979]

1st they are built right here at bell in amarillo tx. 2nd they also build them for other countries of which i have photos also, 3rd they are tested right here in amarillo tx also . 4th the gun is not fixed. 5th those future upgrades are already being put on them; also seen in my photos.

[@AndrewPenner]

I’ve loved the look of the cobra since I was a kid. Just a mean looking chopper. The only better looking chopper IMHO is the RAH-66 Comanche (RIP)

[@truckshackley373]

I remember reading about the Comanche in Popular Mechanics back in the day and always thought it was one sexy looking bird

[@Nelthalin]

Agreed! The most beautiful helicopter ever made. To bad it never went I to production. It really was a remarkable helicopter. But I also like the corba a lot and dit viper is also very nice. But not as nice as the RAH-66.

[@AndrewPenner]

@@truckshackley373 yup, me too

[@sheilaolfieway1885]

I've heard someone say that the Cobra is pretty much a huey without the passegner cabin, a stripped down huey... i'm sure there are some other minor diffrences but i would wager that the huey and cobra along with the venom and Viper, use the same parts in some or most of their construction

[@Shoeg4zer]

He addresses this in the video. There is 83% commonality between the Venom and Viper.

[@knoahbody69]

That's how they started out. They cut off the bulky cabin and replaced it. The USMC uses the Huey and the Cobra because they share 80% of their parts, making them easier to maintain. They don't have the manpower to maintain two supply chains like the Army.

[@briantaylor8197]

Having the fixed chin gun would be my only negative response. I wish the army would go with this platform than the Apatche. It would cut costs consideralaby. But no, that's not how our military works. Maybe if they would work together on budgets like it's done in war, they could have a lot more. I know, no need to say it. I served 6 years. Common sense is a rare thing. In some cases, nonexistant. We can dream.

[@jacktingle215]

I'm prejudiced. The Yankee & Zulu have GE propulsion installations I worked on. The Zulu rear view is the butchest helo outline ever.

[@ryanbollinger9279]

I love this stuff!!!

[@bearez1]

Wild Bill would be proud!

[@dflatt1783]

The 2nd best attack helicopter in the US's armory.

[@mrichar9]

so gorgeous

[@conmangamer]

I love your videos you have best aircraft videos

[@snakeplissken3825]

My pops flew forward observation in the wso pit for 5th legion in those things. 12 pound rockets, 40mm grenades, and I think and 2- 7 mike mike mini guns. SNAKES.

[@JcXtreme72]

I always like cobras more than apaches

[@vladimirpalik6697]

Same here. They just look proper and menacing.

[@scocon8658]

I enjoyed all the details explained in this video, and it surprised me to learn The Viper is now considered more technologically advanced than the AH-64 Apache (although I kinda doubt it and think this is more for potential buyers who don't want to spend so much $$$ on an AH-64). Despite the detailed description of an awesome weapon (technically only an upgraded 60-year-old design; not really brand-new, and we're not stupid enough to believe the hype) you missed something predominantly showing up in a lot of the footage: *What's with the coat-hanger on the nose?*

[@ToolinAroundTools]

Attack helicopter pilots result in a lot of unintended pregnancies.

[@DragonSt3alth]

I was going to say, everything that's on the AH-1Z is already on the AH-64 and has been for quite a while, the Longbow was originally a pod designed to sit above the main rotor of the Apache. It was adapted to be mounted on the Viper

[@scocon8658]

@@ToolinAroundTools Did you hear that story about 2 AH-64 pilots stationed in West Germany back in the 80's? They decided they had a taste for McDonald's so they headed on over to the nearest one... Landing their Apaches in the parking lot, buying some burgers n fries, and taking off! After that, they were grounded, so I sure hope they were lovin' it ;) Seems like some military combat pilots crave the occasional Top Gun moment.

[@mattwilliams9506]

I wondered the same thing when I first saw it. Then I started thinking in terms of pilot safety and how it gyrated with the attitude and angle of the chopper. It is a simple, but effective device if the pilot gets disoriented. They can glance at the positional “arrow” and prevent mishaps.

[@ancaplanaoriginal5303]

More technologically advanced than the AH-64A and D models (altough it lacks the Longbow capability) but the AH-64E is more advanced

[@Orphican]

YES! Thank you! I was hoping for this after your AH-1 Cobra video and you didn't disappoint!

[@andrewbusby1629]

Thank you for making this video, I work on these helicopters in the Marines and I love your channel. 🙏

[@dksl9899]

I was just watching the Star Wars Rebels series where the prototype B-Wing is flown by Hera; its designer boasts that it has a narrow attack profile and packs a huge punch. I immediately assumed that line was inspired by the AH-1.

[@ronaldschoolcraft8654]

Bell has been using 4-bladed rotors on their new helicopters since the early 1990s. The 406 (OH58D), 430, 407, etc.

[@theowlfromduolingo7982]

Video suggestions: - IL2-Sturmovik - SU-25 - FW-190 - A-10 Thunderbolt

[@tltnation878]

Always thought this aircraft was bad ass but damn 🙄. She is a stone cold killer.

[@michaelraw8299]

Loved it!

[@bertcombs9944]

Had these providing over watch in Iraq on my second tour during operation Matador, felt really better havin them over head and saw them really give it to the enemy

[@vaughanellis7866]

If they added the the bolt on laser guidance package to the 2.75-inch (70 mm) Hydra 70 rockets that were used successfully in Combat Dragon 2 in Iraq it would give the Viper a pin point capability that would keep collateral damage to a minimum

[@nikolausschug5727]

We have apkws.

[@vaughanellis7866]

@@nikolausschug5727 Never seen 'apkws' before but its probably the same thing.

[@nikolausschug5727]

@@vaughanellis7866 kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGGcY4BoarCYi6M Here's a quick video on it.

[@timmywitaburner3698]

Love your videos but notice u have done a video warthog a10?

[@streamofconsciousness5826]

370 km/ph, that's as fast as most fighters in ww2, and faster than any bomber.

[@wheelgun5102]

Uh 350 to 400 mph were the speed of fighters in WWII.

[@sussyamongus6754]

Dark skies be like, I will include a little bit of incorrect information in every video

[@justme_gb]

The gobs of comments correcting Dark boosts the algorithm. XD

[@davidb8373]

You would think he’d get it right since he just plagiarizes from Wikipedia and other sources.

[@glassboxes]

we know they got some better choppers sitting in a hangar under ground

[@John_Redcorn_]

They have already shown it. I forget what its called but this channel did vids on it