> Approach Fuselage Kit  >  AH-1W SuperCobra Electric	Printable Version

AH-1W eSuperCobra AP104 This SuperCobra helicopter fuselage is another innovation by Approach Engineering for small electric models which gives modelers another unique fuselage to build and fly. The twin engines and high visibility canopy really set this SuperCobra fuselage apart from its single turbine little brother. Approach Engineering has creatively reproduced this fuselage for electric models like the Swift. AP104  AH-1W eSuperCobra Scale Fuselage Assembly Kit  $316.00

After success with AH-1G Cobra helicopters in Vietnam, the US Marine Corps ordered a twin engine version with several changes specified by the Navy. These included: a strengthened and longer tail fin, wider cord tail rotor, a rotor brake, Navy electronics and the 20mm XM197 three barrel cannon. The first twin engine AH-1J Cobra with air-to-air capability entered service in 1969 and was combat tested in Vietnam. The AH-1T SeaCobra improved on the original AH-1J design by lengthening the tail boom by 1 foot and redesigning the tail fin to move the tail rotor to the top of the fin. The AH-1W was the delivered to the Navy in March 1986 and was the evolution of the AH-1T with significant upgrades including: new General Electric T700-GE-401 turboshaft engines, upgraded transmission, improved drive systems, gearboxes and rotor mast assembly. The AH-1W was the first Cobra to carry both TOW and Hellfire missiles along with AIM-9L Sidewinder and AGM-122A Sidearm air-to-air missiles with a high weapons payload. The AH-1W provided the Navy with a high altitude weapons platform tasked for offensive and defensive fire support against ground and fixed wing attacks. The AH-1W was deployed in Desert Shield (1990-91) in Saudi Arabia and along side the Apache in operation Desert Storm (1991).

This AH-1W model has been designed for the Swift with a rotorspan up to 50" [127cm] and can accept similar sized electric mechanics. While each modeler decides how much detail is added, each kit includes the TSU (telescopic sight unit), 20mm three-barrel cannon, 7 tube FFAR rocket launchers and Tow missile launchers. New modelers should be aware that between receiving your new AH-1W eSuperCobra fuselage kit and finishing the model can take between 2 to 6 weeks, depending on how much time you can commit to building and finishing.