Cobra Attack Helicopter At Yanks Air Museum

(Staff photo by Jennifer Cappuccio Maher, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

Read the original full article at Redland Daily Facts written by Sandra Emerson on May 12, 2018.

For two years, in 2017 and 2018, Yanks Air Museum had the AH-1 Cobra attack helicopter stationed outside for display and for purchased schedule rides. The helicopter, provided by Army Aviation Heritage Foundation, was a popular attraction at Yanks and helped educate the public about the service of the men and women who served our country. The helicopter, also named the Black Pearl, added a unique perspective to aviation history during its appearance in the museum’s collection.

“The purpose of displaying the aircraft and having people fly in it is to convey the history of Army aviation, primarily.”

Steve Lund, officer in charge of the Southern California detachment of the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation.

History of AH-1 Cobra Attack Helicopter

• The aircraft is best known for helping make air warfare possible for the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War until the 1980s and 90s.
• Built in 1967, the Cobra was developed from the Huey transport helicopter.
• It was the first purpose built helicopter gunship to enter military service and originally built according to military specifications.
• It was the backbone of the Army’s attack aviation until it was replaced by the AH-64 Apache.
• It has since been demilitarized and certified under Federal Aviation Administration rules to meet civilian requirements for flying and carrying passengers.