The Bell Huey Cobra was the very first purpose-designed helicopter gunship to become operational and to see combat. Designed in the mid-1960s as an "interim solution" for an armed escort and close-support weapon to support the US Army in the Vietnam War, it is still being manufactured and improved in the 21st century, making it a success far beyond the wildest dreams of its creators. In this title Chris Bishop discusses the origins of the Huey Cobra, the innovations to its design throughout the years and its major combat uses in numerous theatres, including Vietnam, the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s, US Persian Gulf escort operations, Lebanon 1983, Panama 1989, the Gulf War 1991 and in the current conflict in Iraq. “Of the many helicopter books I own, I have to say that this book is one of the most informative. I highly recommend this book to all helicopter enthusiasts from novice to experts for its history, rich photography and a great addition to any library.” ― Joe Szcyzgielski, AeroScale Chris Bishop has worked in packaging and book publishing since the early 1980s. He has written many books on military subjects, including 'Bell UH-1 Huey “Slicks” 1962–75'. Jim Laurier is a native of New England and lives in New Hampshire. He attended Paier School of Art in Hamden, Connecticut, from 1974–78, and since graduating with Honours, he has been working professionally in the field of Fine Art and Illustration. He has been commissioned to paint for the US Air Force and has aviation paintings on permanent display at the Pentagon.