Quote:
Originally Posted by Rochard
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.
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Read the whole article. It addresses Vietnam too.
"The combat record of the helicopter in Vietnam was different from subsequent battlefields. That was true by virtue of the limitations of the Viet Cong-NVA firing accuracy, the limitations of their weaponry - including quantity - and the visual limitations of the jungle or forests which served to protect the helicopters flying overhead."
"The harsh reality is that today the helicopter is a terrible choice of troop transport or firepower against any competent or well-equipped force - of any size
Whether in Mogadishu 10 years ago or Iraq today, the helicopter equation has changed for the worse. Typically, the adversary's ground arms are more available. And whether by luck or skill, the effectiveness of enemy ordnance is far greater than that experienced in Vietnam."
The Helicopter's Grim Future in Modern Combat
Iraq had some anti-AA stuff, yes, but its military lacked will and training, and under these conditions the desert environment favoured US troops. Especially as Iraq didn't have that good airforce combined with other measures; those can for example be used to sink the ships you mentioned. In Falkland it was noticed that ships are quite vulnerable even for a tad potent enemy.
Some SAM missile ground stations are not that much alone.
" After this episode, the Iraqis made no more air efforts of their own, only sending most of their jets to Iran in hopes that they might someday get their air force back. Iran never returned the jets."
Gulf War air campaign - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
LOL. Fucking good use to have jets in Iran.
