Transport Helicopters used as Attack Helicopters

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Transport helicopters used in the attack mode...

My favorite type of helicopters. Such ones as the UH-1M, Mi-8AMTSh, Mi-171Sh, IAR-330L, AH-60L, ACH-47, and others...

IAR-330L Puma SOCAT

Following the way of the modernization, Romanian Air Force has running an upgrade program for the local built IAR-330L Puma, which is the backbone of its helicopter fleet. The contract to carry out the program was awarded to Elbit in October 1996, for 24 IAR-330L Puma helicopters. The Romanian manufacturer of the helicopters, IAR S.A. Brasov is collaborating with Elbit on the upgrade program named SOCAT - Sistem Optic de Cautare si lupta AntiTanc (Antitank Optronic Search and Combat System).
The first prototype was exhibited at the Paris Air Show in June 1997 in the static display. The first flight of the prototype took place on 26 May 1998 and a second prototype had also been built. The cost of the whole program is about US $100 million. Initial phase of the program is worth US$20 million for delivery of a first batch of helicopters.
The upgrade covers anti-armor, Close Air Support (CAS), Battlefield Air Interdiction (BAI), air defense, armed reconnaissance, command and control as well as assault escort missions. The first helicopter was delivered in October 2000 to the 61st Helicopter Airbase of the Romanian Air Force.
The upgrade new equipment is based on an architecture built around the MIL-STD-1553B databus and a Helicopter Multi-Role Computer and the main components of the system include:
- HMRC - Helicopter Multi-Role Computer
- NVG - Night Vision Goggles
- MFD Multi Function Displays
- MIDASH - Helmet-Mounted Displays Helmet-Mounted Sight System
- MFCD - Multi Function Color Displays
- EOP - Electro-Optical Payload
- DTS - Data Transfer System -
- EGI - Embedded GPS/Inertial navigation system
- Target acquisition and weapons systems control
- CIU - Cockpit Interface Unit
- UHF/VHF radio communication system
- HOCAS - Hands On Cyclic And Stick
- Radar & Laser Warning Receiver - SPS40V2
- Chaff & flare dispensers

The upgrade provides capability to fire different types of point target standoff fire and forget antitank missiles (e.g. X-5) and air-to-air missiles as well as 57 mm and 70 mm rockets. Upgrade also includes Giat Industries THL20 20 mm turreted gun to be installed under the chin. The helicopter is now operational and the first aircraft have been delivered to 61st Helicopter Airbase.

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Mi-171Sh

Mi-171Sh belongs to new generation of battle helicopters, it is the embodiment of all the positive features of its prototype of Mi-17 combat-transport helicopter.

It is used highly precised arm of "Shturm-V" complex and the working off the ballistic missiles of "air-to-air" type is carried out. Mi-171Sh is intended for highly effected tanks, boats, destroying weapon emplacement and enemy infantry. It is also capable of destroying ground targets, transporting cargo in the cargo cabin and on external sling.

The machine can be used in battle air-mobile operations: the helicopter's increased firepower ensures efficient neutralization of the enemy's centers of resistance immediately before launching airborne assault.

The helicopter can be quickly changed into any version during pre-flight preparation procedure. With design documents developed for combat Mi-171Sh helicopter, any Mi-17/171 or its deviates already in operation can be equipped with high-precision weapons

The helicopter is equipped for application of the following armament:
"Shturm-V" integrated system with guided missiles "Ataka" and "Shturm";
B8V20-A units with unguided missiles of S-8 type;
UPK-23-250 unified canon containers;
PKT machine guns, caliber 7,62 mm, installed on nose and rear machine guns pods;
AKM (RPK, PK) machine guns, caliber 7,62 mm, installed on swivel mount.

CREW
Men 3
TAKE-OFF WEIGHT
Maximum, kg 13000
Normal, kg 11100
FLIGHT RANGE
With additional fuel tanks, km 610
Without additional fuel tanks, km 815
POWER PLANT RATING
Contingency, h.p. 2200x2
Take-off, h.p. 2000x2
Normal h.p. 1700x2
Cruising, h.p. 1500x2

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The Mi-8AMTSh Combat-Transport Helicopter is intended for engaging ground targets such as tanks, fast boats, weapon emplacements, infantry troops, etc., as well as aerial targets. It is also equipped to transport cargoes in the cargo cabin and on external sling. Due to its enhanced fire power Mi-8AMTSh can take part in air mobile combat operations suppressing remaining centres of resistance just before launching airborne assault.
The helicopter can be configured into combat, troop-carrying, transport and ambulance versions. The conversion from one configuration to another is done quickly in field conditions.
Mi-8AMTSh Combat Version
The Mi-8AMTSh COMBAT VERSION is armed with guided missiles, rockets and guns. Two beam girders with 3 hardpoints each can accommodate all kinds of weapons. Each point holds BD3-57 KRVM Racks on which missile launchers, gun pods, and rocket packs can be mounted. Weapon suspension variants are given in the table. Combat Mi-8AMTSh also can carry assault troops, their number depending on the weapons mix selected.
Design documentation is available to upgrade any helicopter of Mi-8 type or its derivatives already in operation to Mi-8AMTSh combat version.
The Mi-8AMTSh weapons system include SHTURM-V air-to-ground and IGLA-V air-to-Air guided missiles, rockets and guns.
1. SHTURM-V Missile System can fire SHTURM or ATAKA ATGMs which boast high noise/ECM immunity, high reliability, supersonic speed with, as a consequence, very short flight time to target. The SHTURM-V Missile System comprises target acquisition and fire control equipment, data transmitter, ballistics data computer, launchers and ATGMs.
2. IGLA-V Missile System is designed to engage aerial targets at any aspect ratio. Aimed at the target by manoeuvring the helicopter the missiles can be fired one by one or in salvoes at closing or escaping targets. The IGLA-V Missile System comprises fire control equipment, automatic launcher, AAMs with IR homing heads.
3. Rockets are intended for hitting area and separate targets including hardened concrete emplacements. The rocket system comprises B8-V20A Pods with S-8 Rockets, pilot's sight, and fire control unit.
4. Gun armament is used against aerial and ground targets including troops. Two UPK-23-250 Universal Gun Pods with 23 mm Gsh-23 Guns can be fitted on the helicopter. Its aft hemisphere is protected by PKT Machine Gun with remote control and independent power supply. The helicopter is equipped with 6 pivot mounts for small arms.
Fire results (guns, guided missiles) are photo-recorded.
Survivability
The crew and gunner are protected with special armour plates mounted on the floor, in the forward lower hemisphere and rear section of the cockpit as well as on the floor of the gunner's station in the cargo cabin clamshell doors.
Increased combat survivability of the helicopter is ensured with engine exhaust heat shields, chaff dispensers against missiles with IR/radar homing heads.
The helicopter is equipped with UP-23-160 universal device for weapons boresighting at station.
At customers' request the Mi-8AMTSh helicopter can be additionally equipped with global positioning system, search light, and night vision devices.
Version
TROOP-CARRYING VERSION is intended for use in air mobile operations, practice jumps, etc. The number of fully equipped and armed assault troops on board (a squad or more) depends on the type of the weapons selected.
TRANSPORT VERSION is capable of carrying all kinds of cargo inside the cargo cabin or on the external sling. Inside cabin are accommodated cargoes with dimensions up to 5.34 x 2.29 m and weight up to 4,000 kg. Bulky cargoes are transported with removed cargo cabin clamshell doors.
To carry cargo on the external sling the helicopter is fitted with strain gauge. Cargo can be released from the sling either by pilot in the cockpit or operator in the cargo cabin. Maximum load capacity of the external sling is 4,000 kg.
AMBULANCE VERSION is capable of carrying 12 wounded on standard-size stretchers evacuated from battlefield or disaster area, and one medical orderly.
Basic Characteristics

Take-off weight, kg:
maximum 13,000
normal 11,100
empty 8,493
Max payload, kg:
interior 4,000
exterior 4,000
Mainrotor diameter, m 21.294
Dimensions (w/u rotors), m:
length 18,407
width 6,424
height 4,756
Flight speed, km/h:
maximum 250
cruise 230
Service celling (ISA, H=0), m 3,980
Hovering celling (ISA), m 6,000
Ferry range, km 1,065
Power plant:
type TV-117VM
q-ty x power, hp 2 x 2,000
Troop carrying capacity, persons 24
Crew, persons 3
SHTURM-V Missile System:
Firing range, m:
with SHTURM Missiles 800 ... 5,000
with ATAKA Missiles 800 ... 5,800
Min launch altitude, m 10
Ammunition load, msls up to 8
Helicopter's manoeuvring during missile guidance, deg:
in yaw -60 ... +60
in pitch -15 ... +20
Warheads:
SHTURM shaped charge, single
ATAKA shaped charge, tandem
Armour piercing capability, mm:
SHTURM 560 ... 600
ATAKA (against ERA) 800
IGLA-V Missile System:
Firing range, m 500 ... 5,200
Airspeed at missile firing, km/h 0 ... 100
Ammunition load, msls 2 ... 8
Aiming and tracking time by one missile within 1 min
Target seeker passive IR
Rockets:
Range of fire, m 1,300 ... 4,000
Ammunition load, pods 4 (each containing 20 rockets)
Gun armament:
Range of fire, m 700 ... 1,500
Ammunition load, pods 500 (250 in each pod)

Weapons mix options
Weapon designation Racks numbered
1 2 3 4 5 6
B8V20 rocket pod (B8) B8 B8 - - B8 B8
Gsh-23 gun pod (GP) - GP - - GP -
Rocket pod+gun pod B8 GP - - GP B8
SHTURM ATGM (SH) SH - - - - SH
SHTURM ATGM+B8 SH B8 - - B8 SH
SHTURM+GP SH GP - - GP SH
IGLA AAM (I) - I - - I -
IGLA+SHTURM SH I - - I SH
IGLA+B8V20 B8 I - - I B8
Round-the-Clock Operations Upgrade

To ensure round-the-clock employment of the helicopter the following items can be installed:

flight-control, navigation, and indication integrated system;
GOES-331 (331,332) observation and sighting system;
GEO-ONV1 night-vision goggles.
Cockpit lighting equipment will be adapted for operation of night-vision goggles.

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UH-1M

History

The first three UH-1Ms were equipped with the Hughes INFANT (Iroquois Night Fighter and Night Tracker) system which used a low-light-level TV (LLLTV) and Infared searchlight to aim the M21 armament subsystem. The M134 minigun was equipped with flash suppressors and used a 9:1 ratio of ball to tracer ammunition because the normal ratio of 5:1 and muzzle flash blinded the LLLTV camera. The three aircraft were evaluated from December 1969 to February 1970 by the 227th Assault Helicopter Battalion of the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). The INFANT equipped UH-1M was moderately successful when flown with two conventional gunships and a Command and Control Slick. The INFANT was used to find and mark the target for the other gunships, but it was felt the AC-130A Hercules was a more capable aircraft for night operations

The UH-1M was also equipped with the AN/AAQ-5 Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) fire control system, a component developed for use on the AH-1G (SMASH) Cobra. The AN/AAQ-5 provided a televised thermal image that enabled the crew to detect, identify, and fire on ground targets during day or night operations. The M21 armament subsystem was integrated with the AN/AAQ-5 FLIR in positioning and fire control aspects.

The UH-1M could be armed with an M5 40mm grenade launcher and M60D 7.62mm or M213 .50 Cal. pintle-mounted door guns on the M59 armament subsystem

The Quonset Air Museum’s Huey was acquired as surplus from the U.S. Army, at Westover AFB, Chicopee Massachusetts. The 143rd Tactical Airlift Group, Air National Guard station in Rhode Island, transported it back to the museum on June 23, 1993 by C-130 transport aircraft.

This aircraft has been documented as having served with the 57th Aviation Company in Vietnam as a gun ship.

Specifications

Description

Manufacturer: Bell Helicopter Company
Designation: UH-1
Version: M
Name: Iroquois
Nickname: Huey
Type: Utility/general purpose/gun ship
Army Serial No.: 66-15083

Dimensions

Fuselage Length: 42 ft 7 in
Height: 12 ft 7 in
Rotor Diameter: 48 ft

Weights

Empty Weight: 5,071 lb.
Gross Weight: 9,499 lb.
Max. Weight: 9,500 lb.

Propulsion

Power plant: Single Lycoming T53-L-13
Horsepower: 1,400 each

Performance

Range: 382 miles
Max. Speed: 148 mph
Ceiling: 11,500 ft

Armament
M-21 arms system
Flash suppressor tipped M-134 mini-guns.

Here are some armed up UH-1s of different models...

Aussie UH-1H
El Salavador UH-1M
South Vietnamese UH-1H
South Vietnamese UH-1H
American UH-1M during the 2nd Indochina War
CIA UH-1M flown by mixed Thai/Hmong crews during Laos

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French H-34 back in Algeria
El Salvadorian UH-1M
AUH-76 from the Philippines
ACH-47
ACH-47

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AH-60L / S-70 Battle Hawk
The new version of the Black Hawk helicopters, designated Battle Hawk, was offered by Sikorsky to the Australian Army's Air 87 armed reconnaissance helicopter program. "Team Battle Hawk", led by Sikorsky is also comprised of other leading technology companies such as General Electric, Rockwell Collins, GIAT and Hamilton Standard. Sikorsky and Elbit Systems intend to offer Black Hawk helicopter upgrades to other users with an operational requirement of adapting their fleet to attack missions.

Elbit Systems Ltd. signed a teaming agreement with Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation of Stratford, CT, for the upgrading and conversion of Black Hawk helicopters to armed reconnaissance and attack applications. Under the agreement Elbit Systems will provide the Helmet Mounted Display, Targeting Sensor, Stores Management Computers and other components of the upgraded configuration and will be responsible for the weapons integration.

The Elbit Systems' MIDASH (Modular Integrated Display and Sight Helmet) will provide the Battle Hawk with the flight and weapons symbology for day and night operations. The Toplite II Targeting Sensor has FLIR (Forward-Looking Infrared), day time TV and a Laser Designator and Rangefinder for search and weapon designation.

Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation is a world leader in helicopter design and manufacturing. More than 2400 Black Hawk helicopters supplied by Sikorsky are flown by 25 operators around the world in a range of military applications. Elbit Systems has extensive experience in upgrading helicopters for customers worldwide, such as the Sikorsky CH-53 for the Israeli Air Force and the PUMA helicopter for the Romanian Air Force, as well as in developing advanced avionics for various platforms, such as the Boeing Osprey V-22, the Israeli Air Force Panther naval helicopter, and other numerous types of helicopters in the U.S., Israel and worldwide.

A representation of the Battle Hawk helicopter, incorporating the MIDASH helmet and the Toplite II Targeting Sensor, was displayed at ``Australian International Airshow '99'' in Avalon, Australia. The Rooivalk was on the Australian Army's Air 87 evaluation list, with the Boeing AH-64D Apache, the Eurocopter Tiger and Agusta A 129 Scorpion. The last three made the Army's short list, but the Rooivalk, with the Bell AH-1Z Viper and Sikorsky Battle Hawk, was eliminated. The Eurocopter Tiger, an armed reconnaissance helicopter in the 6000 kg class, was selected under the Air 87 program for service with the Australian Army.

The Sikorsky S-70 Battle Hawk helicopter -- with a turreted 20mm cannon -- brings true battlefield versatility to the Australian Army's AIR-87 Armed Reconnaissance program. The Battlehawk being offered to the Australian Army is a variant of the Blackhawk helicopter for the armed reconnaissance and attack applications. It is based on the UH-60L aircraft in service today with the U.S. Army, and incorporates numerous improvements to the UH-60A -- on which Australia's S-70A-9 Army Blackhawk, is based.

Among the most significant improvements is the change from T700-GE-700 engines with 1,560 shp each to T700-GE-701C engines with 1,890 shp each and an uprated 3,400 shp gearbox to handle them. Other improvements also include better electromagnetic and corrosion protection and a 9,000 lb rated cargo hook. With these improvements, the Battlehawk helicopter is able to meet the AIR-87 mission requirements, along with an additional 1,000 to 1,500 lb payload capability for fuel, weapons reload, external load or other payloads for mission flexibility.

It has Blackhawk survivability features that have been battlefield-proven in Grenada, Panama, Somalia, Haiti, Turkey, Bosnia, Colombia and Desert Storm. The Battlehawk helicopter has dash speed and agility capabilities that few dedicated attack helicopters can match and none can exceed.

The major Battlehawk weapons feature is the 20mm GIAT THL 20 turreted gun. Its location under the cabin provides a rugged, simple integration. The gun can be slaved to the Elbit Systems Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) cueing, or to the Elbit Systems Toplite II Targeting Sensor Line of Sight. Ammunition is stored in the cabin and fed to the gun through one 90-degree bend, versus up to seven such bends with nose-mounted gun turrets, providing unparalleled accessibility, feed and ease of reload.

Past weapons integration on the Blackhawk using the External Stores/Weapons System (ESWS) have included Hellfire missiles, 2.75-inch Rockets, Stinger Missiles and various gun pods including 7.65 mm, 20mm and 30mm cannon. One current operational configuration has dual 30mm chain guns, dual 7.65mm machine guns and Hellfire missiles and rockets, more than doubling the firepower of existing attack helicopters. The ESWS also can accommodate up to four 230 gallon external fuel pods.

The Elbit Systems MIDASH (Modular Integrated Display and Sight Helmet) provides highly accurate helmet tracking, flight and weapons symbology for day and night operations. It features state-of-the-art image intensifiers for night pilotage. It is lighter and more ergonomically designed with a larger field of view (FOV) than existing HMD systems. The Elbit Systems Toplite II Targeting Sensor System has FLIR, Daytime TV and laser Designator and Rangefinder for search and weapon designation.

The Battlehawk helicopter has a full "glass" cockpit with Rockwell Collins active matrix color LCD Multifunction Displays and CDUs. They result in a significantly smaller instrument panel with 27 degrees visibility over the nose, 12 degrees more than most attack pilot cockpits. The narrower panel also improves lateral and downward visibility using chin windows nonexistent on current attack helicopters. The HMDs and HOCAS (Hands on Collective and Stick) features of the Battlehawk helicopter enable either pilot or copilot to perform piloting, search, comm or weapons tasks while maintaining "eyes up, hands on."

The Battlehawk helicopter's 400 cubic foot cabin, along with it's performance capabilities, enable it to carry additional munition reloads, thus reducing the need to return to a forward rearming point and dramatically increasing the firepower that it can deliver, a real force multiplier. With its 9,000 lb cargo hook, it can carry the munitions for several aircraft, essentially bringing along it's own re-arming facility, another real force multiplier. The cabin also provides significant mission flexibility such as search and rescue or team insertion that dedicated attack helicopters cannot perform.

From a logistics viewpoint, the Battlehawk helicopter approach offers the ADF a significant advantage since it shares a high degree of commonality with the existing S-70A-9 BlackHawk and S-70B-2 Seahawk helicopters already fielded in Australia.

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Mexican Bell 212
Chinese Mi-171
Chinese Mi-171
ACH-47

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There was that Israeli Yas'ur (Sikorsky 65) which was tested with some sort of heavy missile with a range of some 25 kilometres. A bit of lazy googling didn't find me any info, but i'm sure it's around.

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Arthur.......... lazy impossible.... :confused:

It was the Nimrod laser guided anti tank missile...

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Using transport helicopters is more often a necessity given the small budgets most airforces have. Additionally these are also given a armed capability inorder to support SHBO (Special HeliBorne Ops).

Most commonly armament is restricted to MGs and Rockets. Sometimes freefall GPs. With regards to the Mi-17 it is only a recent trend to give it a Hind makeover.

http://forum.keypublishing.co.uk/attachment.php?attachmentid=81267

Never knew PAF had Mi-17s, though all belonged to PA. Whats that white 'thing' below the left exhaust? and what is the pair of 'pads' below the bubble windows? And WTF is that cylindrical sensor mounted near the nose wheel? Note square windows.

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Using transport helicopters is more often a necessity given the small budgets most airforces have. Additionally these are also given a armed capability inorder to support SHBO (Special HeliBorne Ops).

That's why I love them. They provide small air forces with some degree (well more then some) of rotary wing fire support and provide special forces with a mutli role combat helicopter. CSAR is also something these armed birds can do as well as escort, anti tank and gunship missions.

Never knew PAF had Mi-17s

Pretty sure those are actually PA, just I captioned lazy...

Most commonly armament is restricted to MGs and Rockets. Sometimes freefall GPs.

Yeah that FAS UH-1M is actually carrying a bomb in one of the shots next to the 7.62mm Gatling gun.

With regards to the Mi-17 it is only a recent trend to give it a Hind makeover.

More then likely taking note of how many users arm their Mi-17/Mi-8s for combat operations rather then just as transports.

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Pretty sure those are actually PA, just I captioned lazy...

It reads "Pakistan Air Force" on the tail ;-)

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Never knew PAF had Mi-17s, though all belonged to PA. Whats that white 'thing' below the left exhaust?

Quess what? Air-conditioning is the right answer! To keep the VIPs cozy. The machine has square windows, ergo it is a VIP transport.


and what is the pair of 'pads' below the bubble windows?

Floats.


And WTF is that cylindrical sensor mounted near the nose wheel?

Search reflector ;)

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my my flex you DO know some stuff ;-)

Has to be the most Macho VIP transport Ive ever seen :D

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my my flex you DO know some stuff ;-)

Has to be the most Macho VIP transport Ive ever seen :D

Well, well, armored Mercs ain't nothing special even in the third world ;)

One has to agree that Pakistani officials know how to spend some cash ;) Air-conditioning, floats, anti-flutters, IR-jammer, GPS, six underwing packs for loooonger rides plus Conolly-leather and DVD ;) And now imagine this luxury wagon would take some Ataka ATGMs. Could be used for discovery rides for children of Pakistani officials. Today's topic, dear children, is how to wipe out an Indian T-90 ;)

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Always thought the Ka-29 Helix variant looked the business myself:

http://www.airwar.ru/image/i/sh/ka29-i.jpg
http://www.internetelite.ru/aircrafts/ka-29-yuri-alenichev-rus-air-ru.jpg
http://www.internetelite.ru/aircrafts/ka-29-gun001.jpg
http://www.internetelite.ru/aircrafts/ka-29-kenduffey.jpg

The most heavily armed Black Hawk in service is the MH-60L DAP:

http://images.janes.com/defence/land_forces/gallery/fortbragg/images/5a3.jpg

Though the Navy is getting into the act by arming both the MH-60R Strikehawk and MH-60S Knighthawk (AHWS upgrade) with eight Hellfires:

http://www.vtol.org/news/MH60SAHWS.jpg
http://www.sikorsky.com/Images/SAC_Sikorsky_Aircraft_Corporation/US-en/SH60R.jpg