History:
The Bell AH-1 SuperCobra is a twin-engine attack helicopter based on the US Army's AH-1 Cobra. The twin Cobra family includes the AH-1J SeaCobra, the AH-1T Improved SeaCobra, and the AH-1W SuperCobra. The AH-1W is the backbone of the United States Marine Corps's attack helicopter fleet.In the early 1980s, the U.S. Marine Corps sought a new navalized helicopter, but was denied funding to buy the AH-64 Apache by Congress in 1981. The Marines in turn pursued a more powerful version of the AH-1T. Other changes included modified fire control systems to carry and fire AIM-9 Sidewinder and AGM-114 Hellfire missiles. The new version was funded by Congress and received the AH-1W designation. At least 266 were delivered.
AH-1 Cobras continue to operate with the U.S. Marine Corps. USMC Cobras were also used in operations throughout the 1990s. USMC Cobras have also served in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and in Operation Iraqi Freedom in the ongoing conflict in Iraq. While new replacement aircraft were considered as an alternative to major upgrades of the AH-1 fleet, Marine Corps studies showed that an upgrade was the most affordable, most supportable and most effective solution for the Marine Corps light attack helicopter mission. (From Wikipedia)
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Model Review:
I recently received the Marine Camo version of the AH-1W SuperCobra and let me tell you, wow I am very impressed.
This particular model was made by 21st Century Toys under their Motorworks Wal-Mart brand. It was available for $39.99 in the mid 2000's and can still be found MIB on eBay, though for a high premium.
The model I received was open, but came with everything except the original pilot (21st CIA Operative). The helicopter also comes with a small case that fits under the cockpit and can carry the pilots belongings.
The overall detail on this model is very VERY good, all the rivets are modeled in great detail. There are a decent amount of functioning panels to open and close, and the cockpit canopy is removable so you can place your figures inside relatively easy.
21st Century did a fine job with the paint application, and mine has no noticeable flaws anywhere on it. The Marine Camouflage comes off as cool looking and practical. The weapons and rotors have some pre-done weathering on them which looks nice as well.
The helicopter is LARGE, but on the skinny side, so it will not take up a whole table-top, and with its two rotor blades, you can display it completely in a 'relatively' small space compared to other 1:18 helicopters.
If I had to find a gripe about the AH-1W SuperCobra, it would be that it is a very fragile model. It is NOT a toy, and should not be treated harshly. There are small parts which can break off rather easily. To be fair, my cat knocked the helicopter off the top of the car onto a concrete surface 4 feet down and it survived 
One rotor snapped, and a few other cosmetic damages, but super-glue fixed it all!
Overall, I would rate this model as a SOLID A. It looks great, has great features, and would be a solid addition to anyone's collection.
Thank you, picture gallery follows.
[AH-1W Gallery]
Pictures Courtesy: Cold Slither
[ May 06, 2009: Message edited by: NSA ]
[ May 07, 2009: Message edited by: Paul Pratt ]
[ May 07, 2009: Message edited by: Paul Pratt ]
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the Bored lives FOREVER.
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posted May 06, 2009 22:37
posted May 06, 2009 22:59
i superglued it back on and its passable.
