Our next project, the Bell "Cobra" Helicopter had already arrived at the restoration building when we reported for duty Wednesday AM. We knew it was in-transit but not quite sure of the arrival date.

  The Cobra dates back to the 1960's when the need was recognized for a light, fast, armed escort helicopter designed specifically to carry weapons and be able to target them accurately. The Cobra was developed from the UH-1 "Huey" for the US Army in the mid-sixties. The AH-1 featured a narrow, low-profile, tandem-seat fuselage using the then already proven rotor, transmiussion and powerplant of the "Huey".

  First flown in 1965, production Cobras were in service by 1967 and saw extensive use in Vietnam. They were used for armed reconnaissance, escort missions and assist for ground troops. They provided cover while wounded were loaded into transport helicopters. The Cobra continued to serve the U.S. for the next 34 years. The last AH-1 Cobra flight left from the Wheeler U.S. Army airfield in Hawaii in 1999. It was retired to be replaced by the Kiowa Warrior helicopter.

  With the beginning of the new year, work begins on the Cobra. First order was a thorough cleaning with a pressure wash and the removal of rusted screws to be replace with those made of stainless steel.