AH-1J Sea Cobra
The Marines also operated armed Hueys in Vietnam, and ordered their own version of the Cobra in May 1968. The USMC desired a twin engine AH-1G; thus, the SEA COBRA (AH-1J) was developed. Featuring the Pratt and Whitney Twinpac T400 engine (two 900-hp turboshaft engines coupled together) giving an overall increase in installed power, the AH-1J Sea Cobra included a new nose turret gun, the three barrel XM-197 20mm and other improvements. While development and production of the first 49 ordered were under way, the Marines obtained 38 AH-1Gs from the Army.
The Marines depend on attack helicopters to provide close-in fire support coordination in serial and ground escort operations. Such support is required during amphibious ship-to-shore movements and subsequent shore operations within the objective area. AH-1 is designed for the following tasks:
- Armed escort for helicopters carrying personnel and cargo
- Landing zone fire suppression support
- Visual armed reconnaissance
- Target marking and direction for high-performance attack aircraft
- Convoy escort and fire suppression for ground units
- Operations from air capable ships
- Point target attack of threatening armor
- Self-defense and protection of helicopters carrying personnel and cargo from threatening air-to-air weapon-equipped helicopters
After initial training of Marines by the Army, Marine Huey Cobras first became operational in April 1969 with VMO-2 in Vietnam. In December 1969, the AH-1Gs were transferred to HML-367. After flight tests beginning that same month and subsequent BIS trials, the first AH-1Js joined them in February 1971, entering combat the following month. AH-1Js, including those of HMA-369, participated in Southeast Asia operations until final withdrawal and continued as the Marine's attack helicopter afterwards, a total of 67 being delivered. The Marine AH-1Gs became the reserve helicopter attack squadron's aircraft.
