Flying CH-46s, we liked having the Cobras as escort, as they would get to the LZ well ahead of us. Standard Hueys could barely keep up with us.
Did not know (why would I?) that helos were so dissimilar in flight characteristics. Very few Cobras during my time. Good thing in a way, we were not trained on the gun system. Any moron could rearm rocket pods.
The funny thing is just how different choppers that are similar size and configuration are to fly. The Mi-24 Hind reportedly flies more than a bit like the Cobra in a straight line and for minor deviations but while its large directional change capabilities at speed are not that great, it’s reportedly ridiculous at lower speeds and altitudes for a chopper as big as it is.
Then again, the Russians have guys that will take a monster like the Hind down low in an extreme close air support mission... as in “don’t raise your head, the gunship’s pylon will take your head off if you do” low:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gv3iHs8_2GY
Low pass starts at 0:17, slow mo replay starts at 2:35. That’s one huge helicopter, moving fast *below* rooftop height.