Originally developed as a helicopter gunship for use in Vietnam, the Cobra AH1E demonstrated remarkable versatility and power. Built in 1968 and retired in 1999, it served in Germany, South Korea, and the U.S.A. Made by Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. in Ft. Worth, Texas, it had two seats in tandem, with the pilot in the rear and the gunner in front. Its specifications included a climb rate of 1,925 feet per minute, a maximum altitude of 14,755 feet, a loaded weight of 9,500 and an empty weight of 6,073, and dimensions of 53 ft. in length, 9 ft. 5 in. in width, and 13 ft. 6 in. in height. Its maximum speed was 138 mph, powered by a Lycoming T53 1100 hp. engine, with a maximum range of 359 miles. Its armor was light plating 5 mm thick, and its armament included one M197 three barrel 20 mm gun mounted under the nose with a 750 round ammo container, underwing attachment for TOW missiles, eight Hellfire missiles, and one AIM-9L Sidewinder missile. It could also be equipped with rocket launchers, an AN ALE 39 Chaff system, and SUU-4 1 Flaire dispensers. It was delivered from Fort Drum, New York to American Legion Post 42, Charlotte, MI on Sept. 11, 2004.