Pakistan Army Aviation Cobra (some facts and figures)

[HAIDER]

Recently we discuss number of time about procurement of Cobra. So, i collect different web reports just for analysis and discussion. Analyze all these report and count the Cobra. From independent resources to govt info desk. Including US embassy press release.
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AH-1W Super Cobra

Bell AH-1 Cobra, originally called the Bell 209, is a two bladed main rotor attack helicopter derived from the UH-1 light utility helicopter. AH-1G HueyCobra was the original model developed for the US Army and employed during the Vietnam war. The primary mission for this aircraft was to escort UH-1 troops transports. AH-1G was powered by a single T53 turboshaft engine and approximately 1,100 aircraft were delivered beginning in 1966. In 1973 Bell introduced the AH-1Q anti-armor variant capable of firing TOW missiles.

Due to AH-1Q operational shortfalls the US Army developed a further version named the AH-1S which included several variants such as the AH-1S(MOD) or AH-1S(MC). In the late 1980s the US Army renamed these AH-1S variants as the AH-1E, AH-1F, AH-1P and AH-1S. These variants feature different origins and equipment as well as performance. Currently, AH-1F is the most valuable AH-1 aircraft operated by the US Army. US Army's AH-1 are equipped with eight TOW missiles, rockets and a nose-mounted 20mm gun.

In parallel to the US Army AH-1 development, the US Marine Corps (USMC) ordered the AH-1J Sea Cobra in the late 1960s. AH-1J, which was more suitable for naval operations than AH-1G, was powered by two T400 turboshaft engines. Iran ordered 202 AH-1Js. AH-1T was an improved variant of AH-1J powered by T400-WV-402 engines and introduced in 1974. In the 1980s Bell developed an improved variant of AH-1T powered by two T700-GE-401 engines called the AH-1T. Subsequently this model was renamed as the AH-1W Super Cobra or Whiskey Cobra.

AH-1W Super Cobra can be equipped with eight Hellfire anti-tank missiles, rockets, two AIM-9L air-to-air missiles, two AIM-122 Sidearm anti-radiation missiles and a nose-mounted 20mm gun. The USMC deployed its AH-1Ws to Iraq during the Gulf War (1990-91) and operation Iraqi Freedom (2003). It is by far the most sophisticated model of AH-1 helicopter family excluding four bladed AH-1Z King Cobra which can be deemed as a brand new aircraft. AH-1W was proposed to Romania as the AH-1RO Dracula with a production license agreement. AH-1RO future is uncertain.



AH-1W Super Cobra - Contracts, Orders & Sales

AH-1F Cobra; items: 12; transferred from United States of America to Pakistan in 2004
Items: 12

AH-1W Super Cobra / AH-1E AH-1F AH-1G HueyCobra AH-1J Sea Cobra

[HAIDER]

Saturday, 04 October , 2003, 16:11

Washington: Pakistan is likely get 60 attack helicopters from the US by the year-end. The Bush Administration has approved the sale, The Dawn has reported.

The helicopters, that will include the 'Cobra' gun ships, the paper said in its report, while adding that these copters would be used to help Pakistan fight Taliban and Al Qaeda activists hiding in the country's tribal belt.

According to the report, Islamabad believes that the differences over the US' request for Pakistani troops for Iraq will not delay their delivery.

It may be noted that both Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Zafarullah Khan Jamali have been strongly raising the issue of the arms imbalance vis-a-vis India.

After his talks with Jamali in Washington on Thursday, US Secretary of State Colin Powell had told a group of Pakistani journalists that the US would play its role in maintaining "the balance of power in South Asia."

Jamali is believed to have told Powell that India's recent military purchases from Israel and other sources had 'grossly disturbed' the balance of power in the region.

The Jamali-Powell talks focused mainly on the situation in Iraq and Afghanistan where US troops are facing a sudden resurgence in terrorist attacks, diplomatic sources said.ANI

http://sify.com/news/international/f...hp?id=13276614

[HAIDER]

Saturday February 03, 2007 (0513 PST)
ISLAMABAD: The U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan, Ryan C. Crocker, handed over on Friday eight night capable Cobra attack helicopters, AH1-F, to the Pakistan Army at the Qasim Airbase, near Islamabad. These helicopters are part of a $ 50 million foreign military sales program that will provide the Pakistan Army with 20 refurbished helicopters.

Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Crocker recounted Pakistan`s contribution to the War on Terror and reaffirmed a long-term and strategic U.S. commitment to Pakistan. "We understand and appreciate the very real sacrifices that Pakistan is making in the War on Terror. The majority of important al Qaeda arrests have occurred because of Pakistan`s cooperation," the Ambassador remarked.

Ambassador Crocker said that Pakistan has posted 80,000 troops to the Afghan border and has killed more than 700 militants in anti-terror operations and has regrettably lost more than 400 brave Pakistanis in actions related to the War on Terror.

These completely refurbished Cobra AH1-F Attack helicopters will provide the Pakistan Army with a superior capability to conduct night operations. The Cobra is a modern and versatile helicopter with a fully integrated weapon system, capable of delivering a variety of weapons. These eight Night Capable (C-NITE Equipped) cobras will augment Pakistan`s current fleet of 19 Cobras previously acquired from the U.S.

The Ambassador said that these helicopters are important weapons in our common fight against terrorism. He said that the U.S. is also committed to Pakistan`s security. The sale of F-16s to Pakistan late last year and the delivery of these Cobra helicopters demonstrate the long-term commitment of the United States to all aspects of our strategic partnership with Pakistan, he added.

Ambassador Crocker reiterated that because the governments of Pakistan and the United States have cooperated closely on counter-terrorism, the U.S. Administration opposed provision in legislation currently in the U.S. Congress that could restrict assistance to Pakistan based on a certification requirement. Such conditionality would be counterproductive to the strategic relationship between the United States and Pakistan, he added.
Pakistan News Service - PakTribune

[HAIDER]

Saturday, Feb 03, 2007

ISLAMABAD: The United States on Friday handed over eight Cobra helicopter gunships to Pakistan.

The gunships are the first lot of a total 40 Cobras that the U.S. is gifting to Pakistan as part of the five-year security assistance programme that began in 2003.

Handing over the helicopters to the Pakistan Army Aviation at a ceremony in Rawalpindi, the U.S. Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker described Pakistan as a strategic partner for his country and hoped that this partnership would continue.
The Hindu : International : Cobra copters for Pakistan

[HAIDER]

02/02/2007

Crocker Reaffirms Long-term and Strategic U.S. Commitment to Pakistan)

Islamabad – The U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan, Ryan C. Crocker, handed over on Friday eight night capable Cobra attack helicopters, AH1-F, to the Pakistan Army at the Qasim Airbase, near Islamabad. These helicopters are part of a $ 50 million foreign military sales program that will provide the Pakistan Army with 20 refurbished helicopters.

Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Crocker recounted Pakistan’s contribution to the War on Terror and reaffirmed a long-term and strategic U.S. commitment to Pakistan. "We understand and appreciate the very real sacrifices that Pakistan is making in the War on Terror. The majority of important al Qaeda arrests have occurred because of Pakistan’s cooperation," the Ambassador remarked.

Ambassador Crocker said that Pakistan has posted 80,000 troops to the Afghan border and has killed more than 700 militants in anti-terror operations and has regrettably lost more than 400 brave Pakistanis in actions related to the War on Terror.

These completely refurbished Cobra AH1-F Attack helicopters will provide the Pakistan Army with a superior capability to conduct night operations. The Cobra is a modern and versatile helicopter with a fully integrated weapon system, capable of delivering a variety of weapons. These eight Night Capable (C-NITE Equipped) cobras will augment Pakistan’s current fleet of 19 Cobras previously acquired from the U.S.

The Ambassador said that these helicopters are important weapons in our common fight against terrorism. He said that the U.S. is also committed to Pakistan’s security. The sale of F-16s to Pakistan late last year and the delivery of these Cobra helicopters demonstrate the long-term commitment of the United States to all aspects of our strategic partnership with Pakistan, he added.

Ambassador Crocker reiterated that because the governments of Pakistan and the United States have cooperated closely on counter-terrorism, the U.S. Administration opposed provision in legislation currently in the U.S. Congress that could restrict assistance to Pakistan based on a certification requirement. Such conditionality would be counterproductive to the strategic relationship between the United States and Pakistan, he added.

[HAIDER]

Transfer part of $235m project to build Army Aviation’s capacity

Staff Report

RAWALPINDI: The US formally handed over 26 Bell-412 helicopters and four completely refurbished Cobra helicopters to the Pakistan Army at a ceremony held here on Monday.

US Ambassador Anne Patterson handed the helicopters over to Defence Secretary Kamran Rasool.

Rasool thanked the US government and said that the induction of these helicopters into the army would significantly enhance their operational capabilities.

Speaking at the formalising ceremony of the final acceptance and transfer of 25 Bell-412 helicopters to the army at Qasim Airbase, Patterson praised Pakistan Army Aviation and said that the induction of these helicopters would strengthen their efforts to fight extremism and bring peace and stability to the region. She said the day marked a new chapter in Army Aviation’s history.

“This event demonstrates the continued commitment of the US to cooperation with Pakistan,” Patterson said. “Our military assistance programme are for the long term. They are the foundation for cooperation and engagement, and a way to strengthen our bonds as partners and allies.”

Army Aviation helped: In 2004, Pakistan and the US embarked on a long-term $235 million project to help build Army Aviation’s capability. During the first phase of the project, Pakistan leased the helicopters while the US provided the resources, funding, training and support to help Pakistan establish a strong and reliable helicopter fleet.

“Today we celebrate the beginning of Phase-II. The Pakistan Army now takes ownership of these helicopters,” the senior American diplomat said. “The US will continue to provide support and training as Pakistan establishes a helicopter force capable of enhancing combat operations, providing security, and engaging in medical evacuations and humanitarian relief throughout the region.”

Earlier, Maj Gen Syed Taqi Naseer Rizvi, director general of Army Aviation, said he hoped the helicopters would “go a long way in fortifying the country’s capability to effectively combat the menace of terrorism,” AP reported.

Daily Times - Leading News Resource of Pakistan

[fatman17]

Haider - we have already discussed this topic and specifically the number of Cobras in the PAA inventory.
to recap...
19 original operating out of 20 delivered in the mid-80s. AH-1S config now being upgraded to AH-1F
20 used AH-1F being delivered (12 arrived) 8 to follow by June-08. so total will be 39 by mid next year.
20 airframes are being stripped and delivered to be used as strategic spares.