Quote:
Originally Posted by aka123
"The final issue regarding helicopters on the battlefield comes down to an unpleasant premise. The United States may not always be conducting war with a third-world country. It is clear that any competent army armed with sophisticated anti-aircraft weaponry or aviation assets, will quickly drive our fleet of attack and reconnaissance helicopters from the sky, rendering them to a marginal role as a vehicle used for air evacuation and mop-up operations. "
The Helicopter's Grim Future in Modern Combat |
I do not believe helicopters are on their way out. Having the weapons to take down a helicopter and the ability is two different things. All countries have anti aircraft measures; Vietnam did in the 1960s/1970s including the Type 63 and the ZSU 57 - deadly for helicopters for sure, yet helicopters were an important part of the war. Iraq had a massive anti aircraft ability, but the very first strike of the Iraq war destroyed any attempt at anti aircraft defense.
While targeting measures are much more sophisticated, it works both ways. An anti aircraft missile system can target a helicopter from a longer distance but at the very same time land based missile systems are tracked in real time and can be taken out by ships at sea.
Ironically, the best anti aircraft defense might be the old school Stingers. No one knows where one might pop up, turn it on, shoot, walk away before any action can be taken.
Helicopters have evolved to a point now where they are more like planes.
