The AH-1 Cobra

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Chariots of Fire

This thrilling artwork by Joe Kline depicts a pair of Huey Cobra gunships beginning a right break onto a target during the Vietnam War, as an OH-6A light observation helicopter scouts the jungle below. Click on the thumbnail to see a larger view, then click your browser's BACK button to return here.

The Defense of An Loc

Click on the thumbnail for a larger view, then click the BACK button on your browser to return here. The text watermark in the upper left is for copyright notice only, and does not appear on the print.

There are episodes in the history of warfare which define the turning point and change the way wars are fought.

On April 13th, 1972, The North Vietnamese launched a fierce attack with approximately 40 tanks and supporting troops upon the provincial capital of An Loc, eighty miles north of Saigon. The town was defended by South Vietnamese troops and a small contingent of American advisors, commanded by Col. William Miller, US Army.

The defenders were quickly overwhelmed and the situation described became desperate. A column of Soviet made T-54 tanks had penetrated the defenses to within a few yards of the American Command Bunker.

Fortunately, the 1st Calvary Division, Battery F, 79th Artillery, otherwise known as the Blue Max, was on station. Two AH-1 Cobra Attack Helicopters responded, crewed by CWO Barry McIntyre, Major Larry McKay, 1/Lt. Steve Shields, and Capt. Bill Causey and were armed with the newly developed HEAT 2.75" rockets, which had never been tested in combat.

In a daring and entirely untried maneuver, the Cobras rolled in and attacked the three enemy T-54's that had approached to within a few yards of Col. Miller's Command Bunker. The first 2.75" rockets launched by McIntyre and McKay destroyed the lead tank, halted the attack, and began what can be accurately described as a rout by the Blue Max.

With this bold action, McIntyre and McKay became the first helicopter pilots in history to destroy an enemy tank and demonstrated the lethal capability of the Attack Helicopter as a weapon that would entirely change the face of war.

In The Defense of An Loc artist Dru Blair brings to life this turning point in history. The three T-54's threatening Col. Miller's bunker are seen at the moment that the first pair of rockets impact on the lead tank. The product of extensive research. The Defense of An Loc was assembled from interviews with eyewitnesses and aerial and ground photos taken during the battle.

The 25" x 29" prints are a Limited Edition of only 750. The Defense of An Loc is reproduced on 100 lb. Museum Quality Archival Acid Free stock, and each 25" x 29" is individually inspected and signed by the artist. A Certificate of Authenticity is provided with each of the full-size prints.

In addition, each 25" x 29" print is countersigned by Lt. Col. McKay (RET) and CWO McIntyre, "Serpent 6", the crew who were responsible for the first successful helicopter attach upon an armored force, and Col. William Miller, "Tunnel 10". US Army (RET), the senior ground commander at An Loc.

"This has to count among the two most difficult paintings I have ever attempted due to the challenge of obtaining complete photo reference. I ended up assembling the scenario from a dozen aerial and half dozen ground shots to complete the painting. It took over a year to finalize this piece, but I thought it significant in the history of helicopters." ~Dru Blair-1994

Sketches of the Bell Huey Cobra by Thomas Maloney

The Bell Huey Cobra is one of Tom's favorite subjects. Choose from three different sketches, each with incredible detail. Shown here (top left) is a Bell AH-1W Super Cobra, flying with his wingman.

Click on any of the images to see a larger view, then click your browser's BACK button to return here. Here on the middle right is the Bell AH-1W Super Cobra in flight.

Shown here in the lower left is the older variant, the Bell AH-1G Cobra--complete with nose art--flying alongside a Hughes OH-6A Cayuse. These two warbirds worked extensively together in Vietnam. Be sure to select your specific print when ordering!

Click Here to See More Artwork of the AH-1 Cobra During Take-Off

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