First recorded destruction of a tank by a helicopter (Bell AH-1G Cobra)

Thursday, April 13, 1972 - An Lộc, Vietnam

 

Description

Four T-54A tanks of the People's Army of Viet Nam (PAVN) were destroyed by US Army AH-1G Cobras of Battery F, 79th Artillery, 1st Cavalry Division ("Blue Max") during the battle of An Lộc. The tanks were destroyed by a new 2.75" High Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) missile, developed for use by the AH-1G.

A few days later on May 2, during the same battle, the first recorded destruction of a tank by a guided missile fired by a helicopter occurred. Another T-54A was destroyed, this time by an XM-26 TOW fired by a US Army NUH-1B "Huey."

 

Aircraft related to this milestone
Bell AH-1G Cobra

Attribution