Notes: The AH-1G Cobra is the former standard US attack helicopter, developed in Vietnam, and still in service with many western-aligned nations, as well as former US allies such as Iran. The AH-1G has a single engine. It is not equipped with the guidance equipment necessary for using ATGMs or the sensors necessary for using air-to-air missiles. No ejection seats are provided, and the aircraft is not capable of in-flight refueling.

The AH-1J SeaCobra was the first version for the US Marines. It uses a two engines instead of one, and though it was not initially capable of using the TOW ATGM, this capability was retrofitted later. The minigun and grenade launcher was replaced by a 3-barreled 20mm M-197 autocannon.

The AH-1Q is an AH-1G with additional sighting and armament systems to enable it to carry and use the TOW ATGM.

The AH-1S is the result of continual improvements in the AH-1G, in service with the US Army until the advent of the Apache. It is still in service with many present and former US allies, as well as Reserve and National Guard units. The rounded canopy glass was highly reflective, so it was replaced by flat glass panels. It was equipped to carry TOW ATGM.

The AH-1E is not, as the designation might lead you to believe, an earlier model of the Cobra. It is also known as the "upgunned AH-1S," and differs from the standard AH-1S primarily in the replacement of the minigun/grenade launcher chin turret with one mounting a 3-barreled 20mm M-197 autocannon, as on the SeaCobra. It has a composite rotor with diagonal tips.

Like the AH-1E, the AH-1F SuperCobra is not an early model of Cobra. It is a further upgraded AH-1E, also known as the "Modernized AH-1S." It has some of the latest attack helicopter hardware and computer software, and is capable of using Hellfire missiles.

The AH-1P is also a version of the AH-1S; it is an AH-1S equipped with a new composite rotor, improved instrument panel layout, inertial navigation, radar altimeter, and better radios.

The AH-1R is an AH-1G with a more powerful engine.

The AH-1T Improved SeaCobra is a version of the AH-1J, with more sophisticated combat equipment and a more powerful and fuel-efficient engine, and an armored cockpit and Kevlar anti-spall liner.

The AH-1T+ SuperCobra is an AH-1T with more powerful engines and the ability to use Hellfire missiles and air-to-air missiles.

The AH-1W SuperCobra is a version of the Cobra, used by the US Marines, who believe it is every bit as good as the Apache. It has all the improvements of the AH-1T, and has twin engines and an EW suite in addition to those improvements. The aircraft has no ejection seats and cannot be refueled in air.

The AH-1Z King Cobra has a 4-bladed rotor and upgraded avionics, including a fully computerized and integrated attack and defense suite, and GPS. Composite construction makes it considerably lighter.

Twilight 2000 Notes: The AH-1T+, AH-1E, AH-1P, and AH-1Z do not exist.

Notes: The AH-64 Apache is the US Army's primary attack helicopter, first used in combat in the 1989 conflict in Panama, and used to great effect during the 1991 Persian Gulf War. The Apache has also been exported to several NATO countries, to Kuwait, and to Israel. The helicopter has no ejection seats and is not capable of in-flight refueling. European Apaches are often armed with Mistral missiles.

The AH-64A is the first model, and the US Arm, Israel, and some other countries using the Apache intend to update their existing AH-64s to the AH-64D or AH-64D Longbow configuration. The primary armament of the Apache is the Hellfire missile, along with the M-230 Chaingun. The AH-64B is an AH-64 with a few modifications to make it more suitable for Desert Storm; these include a GPS receiver an improved autopilot, and more powerful and compact radios.

The AH-64C is called a "near AH-64D standard." They have an engine upgrade, and the airframe upgrades of the AH-64D, but not the radar or the fire control upgrades.

The AH-64 Longbow version of the Apache adds a mast above the rotor blades for sensors, and interfaces for reporting information and receiving information from higher headquarters. An additional 490-liter fuel tank may be added at the expense of 880 rounds of 30mm ammunition. It has a fully glass cockpit.

The WAH-64 is a British variant that is the same as the AH-64D Longbow (in game terms; internal components are different in some cases), except for the more powerful engines and strengthened airframe and rotor blades to take the extra power.

Notes: The Defender is a low-cost, no frills gunship sold to many third-world countries. An optional 80-liter internal fuel tank may be installed at the expense of passengers. The Defender is very nimble and accelerates rapidly. The Defender is not capable of aerial refueling and has no ejection seats.

The MD-500MD is the most basic version; it carries only a minigun in a nose sponson and has two hardpoints that may not mount missiles. The MD-500E Scout Defender is similar to the MD-500MD, but has a wider choice of weapons. The MD-500E TOW Defender is the same, but has the sighting and guidance equipment to use TOW missiles. The engine on the Scout and TOW Defenders is a bit less powerful. The MD-500MG Defender II is the "Cadillac" version; it has stub wings to allow two more hardpoints, and can potentially carry any sort of weapon or pod on its hardpoints. It has better sighting, optics, and avionics, and a more powerful engine.