I got a chance to get some close shots of the USFS Cobra over the weekend. This thing is really jam-packed with stuff. There’s probably about 20 antennas total. The Pilot said they bought 20 of them from the Army, but he didn’t think they will ever use them all.
lol never saw that one before, nice… \i think the only difference between the E and P models was a weapons upgrade. E model was made 78-79 and the P model 77-78. E model was given 2.75 FFAR (Hydra-70 rockets) and a M97 turret with a M-197 gun. Compared to the P Models M28 turret and a M-134/M-129 gun. Unfortunatly its hard to tell on this photo
I had heard a few years ago that the fire service was contemplating the purchase of several Cobras. Is anyone out there with me in wondering why the Cobra was chosen as a command and control platform? What factors went into eleminating say, the 212 or all those OV-10’s out there, which are far better C&C platforms. That aside, beautiful paint on those birds, look to be in excellent condition. Great pics, thanks. Is there a model in the works?
I actually had to look it up to find out… It is 69-16422. It was supposedly in use at Rochester Int. AP until May 01. Not sure what that means. Supposedly it’s military designation was officially AH-1F. Not sure if it’s fair to consider it that now though.
