The AH-1G combat helicopter has conceived as a fire support helicopter. Due to its firepower, the term “aerial artillery” coined during the Vietnam War, was often applied to it. The main armament mounted on a turret in the nose part of the helicopter was a six-barrelled Minigun 7.62 mm machine gun with a clip of 4,000 rounds and an M129 40 mm grenade launcher with 300 rounds of ammunition. Other types of weapons were also used.
In 1972, the Vietnamese began to use the Soviet “Strela” man-portable anti-aircraft system to attack low-flying targets. They were very successful against helicopters, including Cobras. Some helicopters were equipped with a device that diverted hot gases from the working engine upwards to protect them from the homing heads mounted on the Arrows. And as practice showed, this had the necessary effect. To capture helicopters modified in this way, the sensitivity of the Arrow’s homing head was insufficient.
During the war in Southeast Asia, the Cobras demonstrated excellent survivability and proved themselves to be a reliable and powerful ground support aircraft.
Model Features- Accurate copy of the prototype
- The kit includes parts for a helicopter variant with increased protection against portable anti-aircraft systems
- Three version decal sheet is included
Markings Available- AH-1G 68-17074 “the GLADIATOR", С Troop. 16th Cav. CanTho, January 1972
- АН-1G 68-15031 "Pandora's Box", 238th AWC, Vietnam, 1971
- АН-1G 68-15012 "#1 Du Me Mi", F Troop, 4th Cav, Phu Bai, 1972
Model Information- Scale: 1:32
- Number of Parts: 241 pieces
- Length: 422 mm
- Width: 106 mm
- Includes detailed assembly instructions
- Highly detailed sprues with high accuracy made from quality plastic
- Box size: 410 x 260 x 100 mm