Stability Control Augmentation System for the AH-1G Cobra
In the July 2022 issue of our Centaur Newsletter we asked for stories/memories of those with experiences with the Cobra, Stability Control Augmentation System. Please send in yours.
It was a great invention that assisted the pilots of this new combat helicopter to fly and shoot more easily. However, there were some quirks, that if not understood by the pilot, could mean real trouble.
see Army Training Film with explanation of SCAS
Carl Betsill (Avionics) explains the SCAS
Carl Betsill tells the story of where a SCAS short caused the Cobra to make a right turn!
Tom Meeks: First, I didn’t have any maintenance problems with the SCAS during my tenure as a maintenance officer. Not major problems anyway. It was considered a red X condition.
I do remember that when we got our first Cobras, I had the SCAS go off a couple of times but don’t remember anything major. Know we talked and after that I went out and tried hovering and flying the aircraft without SCAS engaged. It was a bit squirrelly at a hover but after a few minutes, though, it wasn’t that hard to control. I do remember when I tried a rocket run with it off it was harder to control and line up on a target. Figured I would not try that for real unless I had to in an engagement.
The only thing that really scared me was when we flew UH-1Charlie models at night and the difference made that kinda hairy, specifically the dive angles. Really loved everything about flying the Cobra. Things that we didn’t know about were going on but I was totally ignorant about them until much later.
Ken Mick looses his SCAS during Easter Offensive battle
Bruce Powell talks about SCAS as a green instructor pilot
A great article on the difference between SCAS and SAS
