Scarface AH1G Cobra Restoration Project - Army S/N 68-17023.

The Brevard Veterans Council of Brevard County Florida has just received delivery from the Army of an AH-1F Cobra that originally served with VMO2 and HML367. In the coming weeks it will be repainted in Scarface colors and markings to look as it might have looked in December 1969 begin flying the AH1G. It is unflyable and dematerialized and will be mounted on a steel pylon at the BVC’s Veterans Center Museum on Merrit Island, Florida.

The Brevard Veterans Council (BVC) requests information and photographs that will help them to make the repainting of the aircraft as historically correct as possible. Additionally they would like to know the history of this specific aircraft throughout its service life with the Marines and then with the Army. The only identifying number for the aircraft is Army S/N 68-17023. Pilots and maintenance personnel are requested to check their records for this number. If you know anything about the history of Army S/N 68-17023 please contact us.

Condition of Aircraft: The aircraft was converted at the Bell Factory to an AH-1F from the AH-1G. This was a substantial conversion that alters the appearance of the AH-1G in many ways including: main rotor, tail rotor, turret with 20mm Gattling gun, pylons with TOW missles and 2.75” rocket pods, nose, and angular canopy. The BVC does not consider it feasible to make the structural changes required to convert it back to an AH-1G.

History of Aircraft: BVC’s research has determined that the ac was delivered to HML 367 in September of 1969. After the war it remained for a time with the Corps, apparently with some squadron other then HML 367. It was finally returned to the Army where it ended its service after the factory conversion to an AH-1F.

About the Brevard Veterans Council. The BVC is an organization made up of individual veteran members and association members representing over 70 different leading veterans organizations operating in Brevard County, Florida. The Council has a grounds and musuem called the Veterans Memorial Center (VMC) located on Merritt Island, Brevard Country, Florida that includes a park-like facility provided by the county, a building with meeting rooms, a library, and a museum. BVC’s neighor on Merritt Island is the Kennedy Space Center, so this is an outstanding place for a memorial installation and museum that will help to preserve the legacy of all who served in the AH1G Cobra and especially to once again show the face of the Scarface Cobra!

The BVC last year installed a reburbished UH-1H from the Army, and mounted it on a pedestal on the lawn of the center. The Huey was one of H Troop, 17th Cav, 1st Aviation Brigade, and served in RVN. It also served with Air America and participated in the evacuation of American and allies from Vietnam in 1975. The BVC’s volunteers reassembled and painted the aircraft in the markings and colors that it carried when it served with H Troop in Vietnam. Several members of H Troop attended the ceremony.

Schedule: This project is on a fast track. The aircraft was delivered just last week to Merrit Island and next week they plan apply the base coat of Marine green over the Army OD that it currently wears. The only thing that could be faster would be if men like Gunnery Sgt Fredrick Douglas were in charge of the project as they were in 1969. So, if you want to participate and assist with info, pictures, stories, or advice – please respond ASAP.

CONTACT INFO: Mark Byrd
or
Maurice Meisner,
email: cocoakyme@clf.rr.com
Maurice Meisner, helicopter committee chairman
Veterans Memorial Center
Merritt Island , Florida

Cobra Dedication

😀 The Cobra is ready to be hoisted up on the pole for dedication. The dedication will be on August 14, 2004 @ 1000hrs. at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center located on Merritt Island, Florida. Everyone in POP-A-SMOKE is invited to attend. I am especially looking forward to seeing any members of Scarface at the dedication. I have worked on getting this bird properly painted. I can be contacted for further information by email at "earshml367usmc@att.net" or by phone at (321) 727-0357.

Semper Fi
Terry McGovern
Scarface Ordnance
WE PUT THE VENOM IN THE COBRA
RVN 69-71
USMC 67-71