The Bell AH-1 Cobra is a single-engine attack helicopter introduced in 1967 as a dedicated armed escort intended to provide close air support to improve the survivability of transport helicopters. The Cobra features a tandem cockpit, stub wings for weapons, and a chin-mounted gun turret. Its pilot flew from the higher rear seat while its gunner operated from the lower forward position which provided greater visibility, with both crew members typically being certified to pilot the aircraft, exchanging control quickly as needed in the course of a mission.
This particular Cobra, with serial number 67-15475, was assigned to the 7th Squadron of the 1st Air Cavalary in Vietnam for her entire tour of duty. She has five Purple Hearts from enemy ground fire, with blood from both pilots and weapons officers in her cockpit; despite this, she always returned her crew alive.