Original Bell Model 209 (AH-1G Cobra prototype) with retractable skids?

**Pioneer** · 26 Jan 11,, 11:49

G'day gents

I am trying to obtain video / film footage of the original Bell Model 209 (AH-1G Cobra) prototype (N209J), which had fully retractable skids (see attached picture!)
Have have searched the web in vain trying to find video/film footage that shows the retractable / deployment sequence of the skids sequence!

Thanks in advance

Regards
Pioneer

**~~denizkuvetleri~~** · 27 Jan 11,, 14:30

I think he was refering to this:

**Pioneer** · 28 Jan 11,, 06:57

Thank you denizkuvetleri, you are 100% correct!!
Thanks for posting the picture, as I have no idea on how to post pics!!

I am most intrigued as to how the skids deploy and retract!
Also does anyone know as to why Bell, refrained from using such an arrangement in the production version?

Regards
Pioneer

**Maxor** · 29 Jan 11,, 00:37

Weight expense and the US military has always liked to have gear to autorotate onto, which you will be unlikely to have time to extend in the event of an event requiring autorotation.