Bell 309 KingCobra

The Bell Model 309 KingCobra was an experimental attack helicopter that Bell Helicopter developed from the AH-1 Cobra. Bell built two prototypes, one with a Pratt and Whitney Canada T400 Twin Pac dual turboshaft system like that of the AH-1J but with a stronger drivetrain allowing the full 1,800 shp, and the other with a single Lycoming T55-L-7C turboshaft of 2,000 shp. The twin-engine KingCobra first flew on 10 September 1971 and the single-engine machine in January 1972. It was one of several unsolicited alternatives that Bell and Sikorsky offered the Army while the Lockheed AH-56 Cheyenne ran into development trouble, and a sensor system for night and bad weather fighting was fitted beneath its extended nose.