AH-1W Super Cobra Flight Ops on USS Iwo Jima

AH-1W Super Cobra Flight Operation on USS Iwo Jima. HD Video by Gunnery Sgt. Chad Kiehl | 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit | Date: 09.04.2012. USS Iwo Jima, U.S. 5th Fleet are of responsibility (Sept 4, 2012) - An AH-1W Super Cobra with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducts flight operations aboard the USS Iwo Jima, September 4, 2012. The Cobras are part of the "Skid" detachment for VMM-261 (Rein) originally assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 269 based at Marine Corps Air Station New River, NC. The 24th MEU is deployed with Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve force for U.S. Central Command and is providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Gunnery Sgt. Chad R. Kiehl / Released). High Definition. HD Video.
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[@ravenleader5618]

Hey Merlin5by5, the AH-64D Longbow is NOT a flying compromise. It is a highly lethal death delivery system that the Marine Corp WANTED, but the Commanding General at the time, said no. There were several reasons, the main was cost. The Corp realized that they could get two AH-1 Cobras for each Apache. However, he did hand pick several Cobra pilots and sent them on a fact finding field trip.. lol, to Mesa, Az. Then on to Fort Hood , Tx where these pilots got to test drive the Longbow, and give their opinions about each. EVERYONE of them said they want to go back to Miramar in an AH-64D Longbow..! These guys fly the Cobra for a living, and ALL of them said they want the Apache..!! I personally love both, but the Apache can run circles around a Cobra all day long. There is one main distinction between the two. Their mission... The Cobra is a ground softener for the Marines on the ground. The Apaches were designed for one main mission.....SEAD. They were designed fir that land war in Europe we never fought with the Soviets... The Warthog was also designed for that theater as well.. The Longbow is an Armor Hunter.. The Cobra is not... !!!

[@okrajoe]

[@Merlin5by5]

I always thought the Apache was kinda effeminate next to a Cobra.
Looks like a flying compromise, put together by a gee whiz modeler.
Give me a cobra with an ex army ground pounder WO at the controls.
When you see a Snake pilot leaning out the window, and firing his 45
at the enemy, it kinda makes you smile a bit.

[@ravenleader5618]

Hey Merlin, the Cobra and the Apache are two very different flight models. The AH-64D Longbow, is an ARMOR HUNTER.! The Cobra IS NOT.! The AH-1's have a much different and limited role than their Army counterpart. The Apache is much faster and more maneuverable than the Cobra and has a more durable airframe. It also has a titanium bathtub that the crew sits in, to protect them and has more advanced avionics. The USMC, has always been behind the curve when it comes to advanced weaponry. They refused to ever use the M-1, now they have it. The didn't want the Apache, they finally did decide they wanted it, but the Commanding General of the 3rd MAW said NO! Too expensive for our close support role.!!! They are both ass kickers in their roles, but head to head......The Cobra would lose.!! Semper Fi.

[@shovel20]

Raven Leader Fuck Yeah! I still love them both. Children of the greatest helicopter the Iroquois. Don't you Marines use the UH-1N? The twin awesome beast.

[@MrBen527]

shovel20 Cool vid!