US Marines retire Bell AH-1W Super Cobra

The United States Marine Corps (USMC) officially retired the Bell AH-1W “Super Cobra”.  The final flight for the Super Cobra was held on October 14 at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base, New Orleans.  

This is after 933,614 flight hours for a period of 34 year career. Super Cobras were utilized in operations like Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom.

“The AH-1W Super Cobra has served admirably and leaves a remarkable legacy of on-time, on-target attack helicopter support for our Marines,” program manager for Light/Attack Helicopter Programs (PMA-276) Colonel David Walsh said, as quoted by Bell.

According US Marines,  the Super Cobra is passing its legacy and mission to the “Zulu” variant, the AH-1Z Viper.

“Although the AH-1W chapter is closing, the AH-1Z Viper stands ready with even greater capability to support our Marines for years to come,” Colonel Walsh said.