Bell YAH63

In 1972, the U.S. Army requested proposals for a new Advanced Attack Helicopter (AAH) intended for the all-weather anti-armor role. Preliminary designs were submitted by Boeing, Bell, Hughes, Lockheed and Sikorsky, and in 1973 both Bell and Hughes were awarded contacts for two prototypes. Bell's Model 409 was designated YAH-63, and Hughes' Model 77 became the YAH-64. The YAH-63 was based largely on the earlier King Cobra. In accordance with the Army's specifications, the YAH-63 was powered by the same engines and carried the same armaments as those used in the competing Hughes YAH-64. The first prototype made its first flight in 1975, but crashed during test the following year. The aircraft was repaired and along with the second prototype, entered the fly-off against the YAH-64. As the Army did not want to divert Bell AH-1 production, the YAH-64 was selected as the winning AAH design. In 1976, both the YAH-63 prototypes were returned to Bell