The AH-1W is a two-place, tandem-seat, twin-engine helicopter capable of land- or sea-based operations. The rear seat pilot is primarily responsible for maneuvering the aircraft. The front pilot controls the aircraft's weapons systems, but also has a full set aircraft controls. The AH-1W distinguished itself with its more powerful T700-GE-401 fully marinized engines and advanced electronic weapons capability. The AH-1W has significantly improved power available in high altitude, hot environment, and single engine performance. The Super Cobra is armed with a 20mm turret gun, and is qualified to carry TOW, HELLFIRE, Sidewinder, Sidearm missiles, and 5 inch or 2.75 inch rockets. The HELLFIRE Missile System increased ordnance delivery and firepower capabilities. The AH-1W Super Cobra provides full night-fighting capability with the AN/AWS-1(V)1 Night Targeting System (NTS). The AN/AWS-1(V)1 NTS further enhanced the AH-1W's warfighting capability by adding FLIR sensor, CCD TV sensor, Laser Designator/Rangefinder, Automatic Target Tracking and FLIR, and CCD TV video recording.

USMC Cobras participated in the Persian Gulf escort operations in the late 1980s, and sank three Iranian patrol boats.

During Operation Desert Storm in 1991, the AH-1W comprised less than 20% of the attack helicopter force deployed, yet flew more than 50% of the total attack force flight-hours. In the entire Desert Shield/Desert Storm campaign, Super Cobras flew more than three times the number of hours per aircraft per month than any other attack helicopter. During the "100 Hour War," its reliability and 92% mission readiness rate were superior to all other attack helicopters by as much as 24% without any factory-supported maintenance augmentation. Perhaps most impressive, was that this record was amassed under some of the most adverse environmental conditions ever endured in modern warfare. Temperatures consistently reached the 57-63°C (135-145°F) range. A mix of fine granite/limestone sand dust the consistency of talcum powder, was a constant threat to man and machine. The air was often filled with a black concoction of burning oil and blowing sand.
The final result was that Marine Corps crews and their AH-1W destroyed 97 tanks, 104 armored personnel carriers and vehicles, 16 bunkers and two antiaircraft artillery sites.

Marine Cobras provided support for the US humanitarian intervention in Somalia, during Operation Restore Hope in 1992-1993. They were also employed during the US invasion of Haiti in 1994. USMC Cobras were used in US military interventions in the former Yugoslavia in the 1990s, and assisted in the rescue of USAF Captain Scott O'Grady, after his F-16 was shot down by a SAM in June 1995.

The AH-1W is the backbone of the United States Marine Corps's attack helicopter fleet, but will be replaced in service by the AH-1Z Viper upgrade in the next decade.

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