BELL AH-1W SUPERCOBRA - ROC ARMY - WHISKEY COBRA #538 - FORCES OF VALOR FOV-820003B-2

Bell AH-1W SuperCobra - ROC Army - Whiskey Cobra #538 - Forces of Valor FOV-820003B-2 (FV-820003B-2)

The US Marines determined in the 80s to fly a helicopter suited for naval operations, seeking the AH-1T after Congress rejected funding for the AH-64 Apache. The AH-1T was a powerful aircraft, featured an overhaul to the fire control system, and was suited for carrying AIM-9 Sidewinders and AGM-114 Hellfire missiles. Congress complied and the helicopter was redesignated as the AH-1W. 42 of the aircraft were ordered by Taiwan in 1984, and they arrived between ‘93-’97, with another 21 ordered later in ‘97. The aircraft was assigned to the ROC Army Aviation Training Centre as well as two other brigades.

The AH-1 was developed as an answer to the US Army’s need for a dedicated gunship helicopter. The aircraft took to the skies in 1965 and was perfectly suited as an excellent swift fire support vehicle. The aircraft was equipped with a powerful 3-barrel 20mm Gatling gun fitted in a chin turret, and also utilized rockets, cannon, miniguns, and missiles as necessary. Although the helicopters were withdrawn from service in the 90s, the aircraft is currently being used by the US Forest Service for firefighting operations.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Composed of durable die-cast metal w/plastic pieces
• High-quality surfacing and paneling
• Pad printing renders brilliant precise lines with no overspray or mistakes!
• Includes crew figures
• Intricately constructed engine
• In-flight styled display stand