Royal Marines Cobra AH.2, Operation Corporate, May 1982-Finished Pics and Backstory

[AeroplaneDriver]

As promised, better pics now that my busy week of late nights is over. 

Shown as 3 Commando Brigade Air Squadron Cobra AH.2 during the Falklands War/Operation Corporate in Spring 1982.

The Royal Marines deployed eight Cobras as part of the war effort, with four each deployed aboard the Landing Platforms HMS Fearless and Intrepid (though the eight routinely rotated aboard the carriers Hermes and Invincible). 

The AH.2 was an upgrade to the off the shelf AH-1G ordered as the Cobra AH.1.  AH.2 modifications included the M-197 cannon in the nose, IR reducing exhaust, TOW missile capability, and updated avionics. 

This model depicts XX122, "F for Frank" as it appeared on May 10, preparing for a mission to escort Wessex helicopters landing Marines from 3Cdo.  For escort missions the Cobra routinely carried the M60 Vulcan cannon installation on the left wing along with a 12.7mm minigun pod.  On the right wing rocket pods were typically carried. 

British Cobras carried both the RAF and RN Matra rocket pods, but with the RAF pods found unsuitable for the intense electromagnetic environment aboard the carriers the RN 2in rocket pods were needed for the Harrier force.  Once the USA threw full support behind Britain a number of M158 and M159 rocket pods along with 70mm FFAR rockets were provided to Britain. 

This model appears with an M159 19-round pod on the inner right station , but instead of an outer pod it carries a FIM-92 Stinger missile. 

A number of Stingers were provided to the UK by the US and most went to Special Forces operating on the islands.  However an enterprising REME Corporal named Wallace Barnes came up with a system to rig the Stinger to a Cobra pylon. This was a rudimentary system with the battery pack and argon cooling bottle remaining attached to the missile and external cabling to the gunner position enabling sighting and launch. 

Three of the eight Cobras were modified to carry Stinger, but the SAS were reluctant to part with their toys so only four total missiles were made available.  This aircraft scored the only Royal Marine air-to-air kill since World War Two on May 10 when it engaged an Argentine Pucara at short range when the latter unexpectedly appeared over a ridge line. This was the only air to air kill by a helicopter in the war (and in fact in British military history). 

[Wardukw]

Lovely build mate.. I can see the lads quite happily flying that   

[Old Wombat]

Nice!

Standing Order to all pilots: Do NOT fire both guns simultaneously!

[NARSES2]

That's really nice sir   

[PR19_Kit]

Very smart indeed. And 100% believable too. 

[Dizzyfugu]

That came out very nicely! 

[DogfighterZen]

What a beauty! Excellent work!

[AeroplaneDriver]

Nice!

Standing Order to all pilots: Do NOT fire both guns simultaneously!

Why not??  A most efficient way of going backwards!

[su27rules]

              

[Joe C-P]

I can dig it.   

[Rheged]

A lovely model and a logical, believable backstory.   Whiffery at its best!

[philp]

Nice idea, great back story and excellent build.     

[Old Wombat]

Nice!

Standing Order to all pilots: Do NOT fire both guns simultaneously!

Why not??  A most efficient way of going backwards!

In a spin!  

[DogfighterZen]

Nice!

Standing Order to all pilots: Do NOT fire both guns simultaneously!

Why not??  A most efficient way of going backwards!

In a spin!  

That way there could only be one of those in the gun's range. Imagine it firing while spinning... Nothing would be safe around it.

[AeroplaneDriver]

Nice!

Standing Order to all pilots: Do NOT fire both guns simultaneously!

Why not??  A most efficient way of going backwards!

In a spin!  

That's what that funny little propeller on the back is for!!