Bell created the AH-1W Super Cobra as an assault helicopter specifically for the United States Marine Corps (USMC). It is based on the AH-1 Cobra and developed from the AH-1T. Its main layout is similar to that of the AH-1 Cobra. The United States Marine Corps took delivery of the Super Cobra in 1986, and it is still in use today. During the conflict in the Persian Gulf, this gunship was deployed. During the engagement, a total of 48 AH-1W attack helicopters were put into service. These gunships were responsible for the destruction of 16 bunkers, 97 tanks, 104 armored personnel carriers, and 2 anti-aircraft sites. During that a, the United States Marine Corps did not suffer a single loss of helicopter.

The main role of this attack helicopter is to provide close in fire support for landing forces during amphibious assaults and subsequent land operations. It also escorts transport helicopters with troops.

The Super Cobra has a slim fuselage with a fighter-type cockpit. The pilot sits high in the rear with a co-pilot/gunner lower in the front directing the fire of a wide range of ωєαρσиs mounted on lateral stub wings or under the nose. The front seat also has a full set of flight controls. The cockpit is surrounded by armor protection.

The AH-1W Super Cobra can fly and provide fire support in both day and night environment. Its avionics, engines and ωєαρσиs were substantially upgraded comparing with the previous version. It is fitted with a night targeting system, which includes a Forward-Looking Infra-Red (FLIR), low-light TV camera, laser rangefinder and an autotrack system.

The Super Cobra is powered by two General Electric T700-GE-401 turboshaft engines, developing 1 725 shp each. The second engine offers additional backup, as in case of failure or damage, the helicopter can still limp back home with one engine working. This gunship is extremely maneuverable. It has a simple and tough landing skids instead of complex retractable undercarriage.

There is a turret under the nose of the helicopter. It is armed with a three-barreled 20 mm cannon and carries 750 rounds of αммυиιтισи. The cannon fires at a rate of 675 rounds per minute. The turret can pivot to both sides of the helicopter, as well as up and down. This turret is controlled by the co-pilot/gunner, seated at the front. Also the pilot in the rear can fire the turret, if it is locked in the forward position. The Super Cobra can carry additional pods with miniguns on stub wings.

The Super Cobra is also armed with Hellfire or TOW anti-tank guided missiles. It can actually carry both types of missiles on the same mission. Other ωєαρσиs of this helicopter are pods with various unguided rockets, cluster munitions, various bombs, AIM-9 Sidewinder and AIM-92 Stinger short-range air-to-air missiles, and AGM-122 Sidearm anti-radiation missiles. This gunship also has provision for AGM-65 Maverick air-to-ground missiles.

Fuel is contained within two fuselage fuel cells. Up to 4 more external tanks with fuel can be carried for extended range.