The Bell Cobra attack helicopter prototype was built on company funds as a bit of speculation; more than 50 years later (it first flew in September of 1965… only 8 months after go-ahead), it clearly turned out to be a good decision. And while modern Cobras such as the AH-1Z “Viper” are doubtless far more advanced and capable, the very first Cobra prototype still looks sci-fi slick. Especially considering that it was built with retractable skids, a feature not included on production Cobras. The added weight, cost, complexity and reduced internal volume did not make up for the reduced drag… but it just looked *awesome.* The prototype was also fitted with a ventral extension to the tailfin that turned out unnecessary. The AH-1Z looks like a bulldozer compared to the prototype.
Give the Cobra prototype larger wings, install small, modern, powerful cruise missile turbofans in each wing root, an overall gloss black paint job with a white underside and a kick-ass 1980’s synthesized theme song… and you’d really have something.