ela Cee (2 AH-1W SuperCobra-AH-64D Apache Mil-28N Havoc and Tiger HAP/HADEom Helmand Neil Dunrid; ige outlines the Bell AH-1W SuperCobra and its combat experience during a recent deployment to Afghanistan hen the frst operational ‘deployment of the aWz Zulu Viper put to sea ‘onboard the USS Makin Island JnNevember 201 it marked the beginning ofthe end to an Jimpressive carer for the AH-W Whiskey SuperCotra, the aircraft it wil eventualy replace. The AMIW SuperCobra has served withthe United States Marine Corps since its introduction Jn1986. The machine with its ‘nique appearance and astnctve ‘sound has somehow managed fo fing itset comfortably at home at ‘sea and in a range of operational theatres around the world ‘The story of the Whiskey harks back to the Vietnam War where the Marines had boon impressed by the performance ofthe US Army’ feet of Cobras as they chaked up an impressive ‘one milion operational hours Curing the confit. But the Marines needed a machine with two engines to boost safety of operation over water This decision resulted Inthe development ofthe fist ‘SeaCobras and Supercobres, lation went onto serve with distinction. atthe Beginning of the 1980s, the Marines looked into buying a naval version ofthe AH64 Apache, but the cost proved rather too high forthe Corps coffers andi was decided tat an Upgrade ofthe AHL to the ANN would offer the best value. Key to this was the more ‘powerful GE 7700 turboshatt fengine, which significantly improved the type's performance {and itting power ver previous versions. New sight systems, and night vision goggles finaly Gave the Marines 2 night-time attack capably, while the Night Targeting System Introduced across the feet in 1995 allowed the fring ofthe AGNeTia Helfire missile. This provided 2 ‘phenomenal Boost n capability over the older optically-tracked TOW missles previously carried. Since the types introduction, the Whiskey has been deployed to ‘Somali, Bosnia, Hit and iraq (for Operations Desert Storm and iraqi Freedom). During the latter the Cobra was recognised forts effectiveness in urban combat in particular during the batties forthe cities of Nasrivan and Fallujah. But it seems likly thatthe confit in Atgnanistan's Helmand province wil be the Whiskey’ lat ‘cobras were involved in (Operation Enduring Freedom from the very beginning of the invasion of Afghanistan supporting ground troops from Forward Operating Base (£08) Rhino in the south of the country, a former Soviet airbase at Bagram. But the falture of coalition forces to firmly quel the Taliban in southern Afghanistan meant that the Cobras were to return 25 part ofthe massive troop ‘surge ordered by President ‘Obama in 2008. In Afghanistan the Whiskeys operate with squadrons that ‘also fly the UH-1Y Venom, the Utility helicopter developed and designed to replace the elderly UH-INS which have served alongside the AH-1s for nearly three decades, but when fying (on operational missions, they rarely flew the two together. Winen the Marines began Using the Whiskey and the Yankee side-by-side over Iraq only then did the Corps truly realise the potential of the pairing, a relationship, Eee Above AMM form pro each Marin Expadnary Unt aa geply ators US Novy land salt Tp The AH lige i ted wt rer heANDAR47 02 mise marin rcee ANP Sa) pe rca aig ese, ANAPRA4} contra Move ar wring receive and ANA? laser maringrecte. The te’ tr wars te crew en & tects pase art. Nel Dupe Below A mechani gas tothe rw daring post ght spetos et Camp Baton nAghanstaneee that strengthened as the aircraft were deployed into ‘Afghanistan. "A lot of time was spent driling holes in the sky looking {around and we figured out that ifyou nad a Huey and a Cobra, {nat provides all the benefit Of the firepower the Cobra brings and all the extra sets of eyes in the Huey," explained LECol Matthew Mowery, Commanding Officer of Marine Light Attack Helicopter ‘Squadron 267 (HMLA-267) ‘Stingers’ In Afghanistan when AIR International visited the region. While the arival of the Zuiu is long overdue, Its finally in Sight, but the type is untikely fo see action in Afghanistan, which leaves the Whiskey to act {35 the backbone of the HMLA ‘squadrons there until coalition troops begin thelr pull-out in 2014 or 205. The development of the AH: Zand the UH-TY has taken more than a decade, and the Marine Corps’ specifications have been a challenge to meet. A key feature of the {wo aireraft is that they must share significant levels of commonality na bid to reduce the logistics chain required for both types and the level of training for ground engineers By using the same engines, drive tain anc avionies system, Bell has managed to deliver an impressive 84% commonality, between the two airrate, which reduces the number of spares ‘needed when the aircraft ‘eploy together on a Marine Expeditionary Unit for example However, the introduction of both aircraft has not been as ‘smooth as Bell would have iked ‘and the Zulu has found itseit left behind in terms of service ‘entry and numbers procured by Its more utilitarian counter the UH-1Y which now nas ‘multiple theatre deployments Under its belt on operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Indeed Marine commanders appreciate the oireratt so much thot Bell thas been instructed to build the Yankee at a ratio of 2:1 to the Zulu in order to get the aircratt Into service and finally reir the UH-IN from the inventory altogether. Yet the Whiskey s ‘managing to hold its own, even with an electriemonster'~ as some of the crews describe the Venom = acting as its number two ina formation. Bastion ona case suport mission. Sot James Richardson/US Marine Cors studoning. Each ofthe two MXT72 chal spensers hots 30 cartridges. Wel Duncige launcher Ne BungeFor HMLA267, ts Cobra crews had avast experience but those crews fing the Venom had only been tying the type fora few ‘months before the squacron began its deployment. Operating ‘out ofthe nw vast Camp Bastion ‘irtielsin the mide ofthe Dashite-Marga, while at Camp ‘Dwyer near Garmsi, the squadron deployed a fight of four Cobras to ‘support operations nthe south of the province “ie see ourselves as jacks of al trades and masters of them ‘al said Lt Col Mowery. "Every aviation asset inthe Marine Corps has a is of missions its supposed toe trained foc. you look at the ist it is two pages lng, some platforms have four missions, but 2s an HNLA squadron we have 20 03001 them. “We have so many roles, Including air-to-air = we can {add Sidewinder missles to the Cobras and are the only helicopters inthe US inventory that can do that. Most of our senior guys are even trained as FACS (Forward Air Controllers, however In Afghanistan we were ‘only ing one fifth of the tasks Wwe have Been trained toca. In Atghanistan the Cobras wore armed with a mix of 30mm cannon, unguided rockets and the AGM-14 laser-guided Helfce ‘missile, Missions included an equivatent of a quick reaction ‘alert during which crews would be on standby 24 hours a day ready to respond to situations In whicn troops were in contact with the enemy. The location (of Camp Bastion means that the helicopters are just afew ‘minutes’ fying time from ground nits operating inthe ‘green The Cobras also provided ‘escort and cover forthe ‘Dustott” Medevac UH-60s of the US Army cor the Pecro Casevac fights conducted by US Air Force HH 60 Pave Hawks. More commonly they would act as escort tothe lumbering CH-53ES and CH-530s carrying out transport missions between forward operating bases fron assault missions conducted ‘against Taliban positions known {25 ‘oliberate operations. ‘One ofthe advantages of the helicopters being close to the ‘operating areas is that they will be able todo five to six mission sets on one load of fuel. (One example involved a Cobra and Huey departing Camp Bastion to spend an hour of ‘over watch for some troops. Once airborne the Tactical Air ‘Command Centre immediately redircted the two helcopters {to.another location fo pick up SUPERCOBRA Beas =SUPERCOBRA 2g Se ‘ammunition, food and water for troops whe had been ina fire fight that morning The Cabra and Huey arrived during another firefight and both assumed the role of attack platforms providing cose ar Support. One soldier was then injured. He was evacuated to {field hospital by the Huey while the Cobra fired on enemy positions. White the operations in Helmand are very much Intemational withthe Involvement of British and Danish troops, the Cobras generally support the Marine Corps because oftheir close-knit Integration with the ground units Marine Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs) are able to confirm contacts using information dowmiinked from the orbiting Cobra’s AN/AWS-1CV)1 ‘Night Targeting System (NTS). This involves the JTAC using a tactical video downlink receiver fo confirm thatthe Cobra crew {are seeing the same target as. the JTAC. The information Is transmitted using Eli's Tactical Vigeo Data Link (TVDL) which was intaled on several ofthe deploying srcraftas part ofan Lrgent need statement. ‘Another too! that has proved foe a success in Afghanistan Js Apple's Pad tablet computer Capt lim Carson, an AH-IW Cobra ple, with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squacron 369 (HMLA-368) came up with the idea of using an iPad to locate troop compounds and search ‘out locations atthe tap of @ fereen thus reducing the 0 called ‘sensor to shooter time. Previously crews have had to carry a vast number of maps ‘covering Afghanistan to be age The Ata supercabas 97 tree Zonm cen saith Sei tt as ny System negates FUR soso or veo rear ei Die ‘able to work with troops on the ‘round in Afghanistan. Across te region ground forces use ‘2 numbering system forthe ‘compounds located within 2 particular grid reference and When aircrews have to locate them it can take quite a time tofind ther woy through the ‘cumbersome map packs ~ time they don't have when troops are under fir. “There ae hundreds of thousands of bulléings inthe area of operation. Essentially there is no room to carry al of the maps in the small cockpit. ‘ofthe Cobra, It can De areal Inconvenience to pull ther all ‘ut and reference thom during fight” explained Capt Michae! Christman, an AH-IW Cobra pil with HMLA267. ‘ne type of operation that hast received much publicity is the destruction of Tafoan repeater stations located onthe tops of ils and mountains. Officers describe their destruction as ‘a game of cat and ‘mouse’ - when one is located and destroyed, often with a Helre missile, the Taliban manages to {quickly setup another. Becouse Afghanistan basa fimited mobile {telephone infrastructure, the Taliban commanders in different valleys use the repeaters to ‘communicate with each other 2 form of command and control, s0 finding and eliminating them i 2 sey task for the Cobras HMLA squadrons he the rest of the Marin Aircraft Wing 0 which they are assigned, are deployed to afghanistan for six months at atime, but will have been preparing for theatre for up to si months prior tothe move. Once in theatre maintainers face 3 range of chalenges fo keep the srerat operational. Back home at MCAS Camp Pendleton in Catforna the entire squadron would probably have flown {round 300 hours in a month, but in Afghanistan the tempo Js considerably higher, ang the ‘squadron recorded 1000 flying hours in the first fortnight of operations. “Another challenge i that ‘maintainers find themselves at the end ofa parts supply chain spread across thousands of Imile. Furthermore they are no longer working in the shade of hangars cose to the creature comforts of Camp Penaleton but shade isa precious resource and ‘where very fine sand appears to (get into every nook and eranny ofthe aireratt. Temperatures Inside the closed cockpits can ‘reach 70°C causing problems for electronic systems, such as radios. As a result ground Crews have developed ingenious Solutions inlucing placing frozen bottles of water around the systems to coo! them down and Get them working again When HMLA:267 returned from “Afghanistan it began preparing ‘crews and ground crews to become the first HMLA unit inthe Marin Corps to convert entirely to the UH-1Y and the AH-12 The change from Whiskey to Zulu also means a chenge in the make-up ofthe squadrons Currently atypical HMLA unit ‘consists of 18 AH Cobras ‘and nine UH-1 Hueys but the rewly recognised capabilites lof the Yankee means that thelr ‘numbers will increase to 12 while the Cobras wil be reduced to 15 “The Whiskey is still a good platform but it's starting o show Its age - the metal on the frame Is weoring out. The helicopter was designed to have a 10,000: hour ifespan, which should have taken 25 years to reac, however its managed to doit in 15 years ‘The Zul is going tobe faster and carry more, but the real tenets going to be the sensors anal guss coc”) Concluded Mowery.AH-G4DLONGBOW he link Aeroperia Aviation, HAA) instigated programme inthe early Boing CH-47 Chinook, followed in the mié-990s by the Boeing AH-64A Apache, The Apache ‘eal provided the HAA with the ‘of being the types frst potentialy volatile region. ‘ir defences and naval support missions the Apache represents 2 formidable capabilty. Operating refueling points (FARP) manned by support teams the helicopter ‘component of Greece's frontine readiness and rapid reaction apabilty. This is now when the Ministry of Defence (timoD) signed a for 12 AH-6aAs, with an option an eight 1! model Apache, but ith certain customer-specitic ‘Greece utimately took up the option and between August Tagma Epthetikon Elikopteron (ist TEER, Ist Attack Helicopter Battalion), which formed at ‘Stefanovikio in central Gre Shortly before the first arrived. 'A follow-up order la not materialise the MMOD instead ‘ordering 12 next-generation AHService entry of the AH-64A Apache gave the Hellenic Army Aviation teeth, allowing its crews to learn how to fly and fightin an Ce ee ee UROL ey EET OSL SEL olesAPACHE an TION BRIGAD! Unit Equipment Estabihed ‘Stefanoviko- 1t Army Aviation Brigade HO SStTEEP ANA, UHH 1995; ‘2nd TEP AHLGADHA, UH-TH 2005, TeRTEAS ——ABZO0SVUH.IH, UTA 19 sas ABZOSAIUM-AH, NH300C, U-17A8, ‘A82068 Megara 2nd TEAS NHSOTTH, ABZOSAVUH-1H, A058, U-I7ANB 1977. STEAS ——CHATD,CHLA7S0, ABZI2. C120, C-12RAP 1998 Alexondra/mathias Sri TEAS ——ABZOSAVUHLTH, 87068, U-I7A/8 1982 ‘According to Colonel Theodoros ‘opetanics, “the Apache isthe best attack hecopter in the world and asa pilot you have to respect it With this arratt you Ihave fo keep reading and reacing. Learning to ty the Apache Is far easier than truly appreciating what can do and what i gives You in terms of options. Tht s the tough part. Te technological ‘advances on this aierat, which hhave moved on further withthe Dmodel require airerew to be able fo process and act upon {2 vast amount of information (uicky efficiently and safely. The process of learning now to fy te aircraft, manage its systems and appy battle tactics effectively i therefore ‘2 continual ene. Training never ‘ceases. Seventeen years on, this aircraft can stil surprise me in terms of ts performance ‘and capability especialy in Greece, where we have a unique ‘operational environment that [snot encountered by other ‘Apache operators. For example, {2 significant proportion of our Imissions are ever water It can De unpredictable at times, so you ‘always have tobe on your guard.” Clearly the Apache demands ‘much mare from its pilots than just the ability to fly and operate Its systems. It requires Tee’ {2 another senior Stefanovikio pilot put i. ‘Along witht atest Apache ‘acquisition the HAA recognised the need to enhance and develop Its base infrastructure and its command structure. The view from the contro ower at Stefanovkio confirms the extent ‘of developments undertaken since the arival of the frst Apache. In October 2008 new hangar facites were completed to house the AH-64As. Ina ‘region where temperature and ‘humility nave a big impact on ‘avionics, Ist TEEP is reaping the benefits ofthis latest, improvement. A senior Battalion ‘member commented: "We have ‘encountered 35-4096 fewer ‘electronic mattunctions since we moved our Apaches to the ‘new hangars. Connectors were ‘affected badly in the winter and breviously we had fo remove ‘some ofthe computer system connectors in order to eliminate condensation. ‘Megara has seen even more significant change, with work ‘on-going to ada new runway ‘2nd control tower, while new ‘rons, maintenance hangars ‘and Battalion headquarters hhave been completed fo prepare the base forthe arrival ofthe first NH80 Tactical Transport Helicopter (TTH), which arrived in June 201. The HAA created a mare ‘modern command structure for the Apache, which came Into force on January 2, 1998. Less than three months later, in March 1998, the it Army ‘Aviation Brigade was established (see table. Brigade structure comprises seven front-line battalions at the HAAS three ‘main ir bases. tefonoviko is hhome to brigade headquarters, nile the other bases are Megara and Alexancria/imathis, in horthern Greece. Each battalion Includes atleast one fixed-wing or helicopter ones Aeroscaton (Light Company). The AW-64DHA Apache Longbow = HA’ for Hellenic ‘Army = Isa generation beyond the original AH-64A. The HAA ties its examples in two configurations, with and without the millietre-wave AN/APG-78 fire control radar (FER). The AH-EADHA also features the modernised, rnose-mounted Lackheed Martin Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor (TADS/PNVS). The FCR has four modes. Air Targeting Mode (ATM) detects classifies and prioritizes fixe: {and rotary-wing threats; Ground Targeting Mode (GTM) detects, classifies, and prioritises ground and air targets; Terrain Profiling Mode (TPM) provides obstacle detection and adverse weather Information: and Built-in Test (BIT) Mode eftectivly checks radar and system performance, ‘aiding maintenance andAbove At 64a Apache ESIOM fh PU:898 ex 9°0597 pases he owe at Stetnoa who ew uy te aston Oppose tp The AH-6AOHA enn er) ae mar powerful ongns than he AHS 4A. ‘There supression system nthe exhast heaps rece he elope’ wueabty Bee Te terrain f Greve sea orate copter nth rors plenty of over om section ran arf owing ara, safety. FCR-equipped aircraft also feature an AN/APG-48A Integrated radar frequency interferometer (RFD Electronic ‘Support Target Acquisition ‘System, The RFI enhences ‘situational awareness and threat warning by passive detection of tir defence emissions. The FCR can scan an area (019.3 square miles (504m), detect up to 1024 targets, prieritise a maximum of 128 targets and, in around 30 ‘seconds, provide the crew with data on the 16 most dangerous. These can then be attacked using radar/INS-guided AGM- TAL Helfie air-to-ground ‘missiles. The FCR ean be used in concert with the TADS/PNVS, ‘or independently, by the pitt, Jina search for aerial targets, while the co-plot/gunner (CPG) Uses the TADS/PNVS fo look or ‘round targets ‘The HAA Is excited by the AN-6ADHAS ablity to detect, ‘lassity and prioritise stationary ‘and moving targets on the ‘ground and inthe alr and, having done so, tronster critical reaktime mission and targeting data to AH-64DHAs operating ‘alongside the FCR machine, ‘ther aircraft and ground troops. ‘The AH-SADHA features BAE ‘systems’ Helicopter integrated Defensive Aids System (HIDAS} HIDAS improves survivability, and situational awareness by detecting and identifying threats, prioritising them and automaticaly selecting the ‘appropriate countermeasures Fly integrated withthe ‘Apache's mission computers, HIDAS reduces reaction time and increases the efficiency and effectiveness of countermeasures. ‘Aso vita are the AH-64DHA'S data transter and enhanced mmission planning capabilities, lahich have been revolutionized through a combination of a date transfer module (OTM) and a system known as AMPS (Aviation Mission Planning System). Secure data transfer is achieved via the DTH, whieh i also used to upload pre-planned mission data including waypoints, targets, hazards, geographical images, cgital maps, no-iy zones, calsigns, frequencies and Secure codes, Before initaiing aircraft systems forthe mission The too for loading this Information into the AH-64DHA Is known as a Personal Computer Memory Card international ‘Associaton (PCMIA). Once foaded onto the card, data can either be downloaded int al the mission aera, or loaded into the first machine and then transmitted to them via DTM. The system reduces the time taken to manualy plot mission detals and, mportanty, helps fensure everyone Is working from the same plan. It also helps Improve operational tempo andPeco) Peat ran Pe raced Pence BO ame Pree Preier memenrtotien] Doers Picea ee ‘equipped helicopters to share ene ray nt rr eer Pea Pee eat eres error eee ars ea Pe ese roa eens avg orverar array ora Peer etree) Paes Er eas Cin oe rer An alternative solution could ee Pee ern re rood een] rein Prt Ae ue Rea ray Pa reas Pace ee erred eer eae ere) eared eerie nme ee eer Cor et rer tier) ares ee oe ad PN eee reas sa D ees Cameos rend eae are ‘approximately nine months. Soloing at the end of basic ees Pease erred eae epee ea er et Cee ny Pe ea era ete ee eee ey Peed ee eat eresCe ees Preeree naa) ns ere ay ee nn time taken in transition varies ee raed See ue eee Pear ds Pee vee y Pe mas ee) eae rear mee ert ere rnen nr ya Per rs ee eter Cree ee ered eet ey Cos ere ree ered ee neers arene eae eed eae eae wired eas five working days for further Peano ee een Pe eres er ery eer eure Seed ees ae eee transition lasted approximately ere eer eee a ee re a Des ee ats ere ‘Basie’ course. Ths takes around Ee ean! the air and 30 in the simulator Corer aro) renter Perr acs ee ed Eee Cee ern ener sree) Ba Cre eres Preyer aaltag ey eer era) See e erie ee ee ea uted Per Payee Headquarters the base is also home tothe Army Aviation Basic aeAPACHE ation Sigh/Plt Nt Vs Sensor mounted a he as the elope ‘ppste am to Te Hele apace fest are tected am mse het byte IS system, chee serve mounted he rot and mien fhe see wth ‘ctv, Accor motos Yds Pits wich ar orc par of ‘Rr opraonal ses and ing schoes Ground ro ads 2 Pi (TO) Ha echat ® MEIpo by btn varante he sche nba sors. The Sic aen an emaoy te ACM ek ad KF eon ote Hee Below: Cnet TeccbresKapeanes former commanding fe oft TEER nthe rar ocho of an AMAA Intermediate Maintenance Group, (One ofthe first Apache pilots at ‘Stefanovikio, Colonel Theodoros opetanios is uniquely qualified toprovide an update on the dircraft and ist TEEP's status, “Our Battalion currently has 19 AH-64A Apaches, whichis Similar in size to a US batalon We also have three Hueys, for transport and logistical support. We dd nave 20 Apaches, but tragiealy lst one of our areraft ‘and both experienced crew n an ident In mountainous terrain 2.5km {15 miles) from Kym, on the island of Evoia, fon the Sth) November 2008, Before that ‘we had had no incients in 14 years and 22,000 flying hours. Iwas avery dificult time, but the most important thing was that everyone pulled together to support each other and the bereaved, and to show that we hhave collective spr within the Battalion. Everyone was keen that we should My again soonater and we dis. Currenty we've flown close to 28,000 hours, with each eireraft having, on average, around 4,800 hours. “Our structure has developed along US principles, which means fotiowing strict guldetnes in terms of operating procedures, pilot traning, maintenance Schedules, aircraft numbers and pllot-to-areraft ratio; around 21 currently. However, we fly ‘more night missions, whic i fellected inthe motto of our nit ‘We own the night. Over time we have learned how to integrate our tactics with those of our ground forces, as well as to.adoptaiferent mentalities when operating overland and sea. The environment in Greece |s very aitferent to that of many nations operating the Apache and missions over the sea take time to get used ta. Tactical fights are quite special and ‘ur geography pleys 2 big port inthis. nthe main the HAA prefers to ty lower, exploiting the natural contours and features ofthe country. We fly naprf-the-earth to avoid being ocked onto. Batitils techniques are continually changing and the proliferation of portable air defence systems means we have to operate at the limit, use our terrain and work 28 a team. In goneral we aay ‘operate in two: to four-ship. formations, never alone. All the time we are acutely amare of our responsibilty to protect Hellenic territory. The border situation, especialy inthe north and east, requires us to be ready 100% ofthe time. This responsibilty brings us into contact with other nits and we are constantly exchanging ideas, whichis Useful for developing tactics ‘and making sure these become part of our standard procedures. (Ground troops know what we can 1, but i isn't always the case that they understand what we are realy doing, Heloing ground troops understand what we do, how we doit and, importantly, ‘how we can help them to achieve their mission, i vital We aso participate in multinational exercises and regularly tly In national joint exercises, Parmenion and Sarissa, for ‘example. in terms of our pilots ‘and maintenance crew, some ‘moved to 2nd TEEP to support the Battaion’s development, but ‘we remain 10086 manned.” Flying in such an environment creates its own problems, which fir and maintenance crews have ‘worked hard to overcome. Fiying ‘ver mountainous terran, with high temperatures and huricity levels that vary considerably {rom one place to another, ‘appears simple compared to the conditions encountered ‘over the sa. The Aegean Is renowned for its changeable and demanding weather conditions. Maintenance procedures hove been developed at Ist TEEP 50 that the environment does not influence operational capabity. Colonel Kapetanios confirmed thatthe Battalions operational requirement is 15 airraft, of Which Between nine and eleven ‘ore available to fly at any pont This includes aireratt maintained ‘on readiness. The Battalon’s dally serviceability record ‘of approximately 75-8056 is Impressive. In ferms of maintenance, both intermediate (AVIM) ‘and tecnica/sepot level ‘maintenance takes place at Stefanovikia. As one ofthe first plots to transition to the ‘Apache in the US, and now the Chiet Maintenance Test Plot ‘anda ist TEEP display ple with ‘ver 1700 hours on the Apache, Captain Ypolonagos Evangelos Pantsis knows the helicogter intimately and i wel qualified to ‘comment on some ofthe HAA's ‘environmenta maintenance features. "The Battalions ‘maintenance teams deserve ‘enormous credit fr the high serviceabiity levels achieves, As ‘APACHE regards missions over the S03, these require a srict regime of washing the engines after each flight. This involves using 2 solution called 883100 and an engine cleaning path unit, which sprays a combination of water ‘and solution info the engine, ahi is then rinsed with tered water. This procedure takes between 30 and 45 minutes in total and iti nckused within our ‘maintenance schedule. in terms Of the arrat's maintenance profile, basic maintenance is Undertaken attr every 25 fight hours, or 14 days, with additonal ‘maintenance undertaken ater 50,100 and 125 fight hours. Once the aircraft has Undertaken a further 250 fight hours, i will spend three months In the AVIM for systems checks Broadly speaking, each hour spent fying equals an average often maintenance hours. = with the plats, all Apache ‘round crew were trained in the US, both in aircraft maintenanceieee) Cee re een! co Pa Risa Rn Deed ee ree ered errs ree ered Pe erry’ variants be operated within each battation? Discussions with Pores reer ere ecg aa) ee ees eee) Cees eres The 2nd Attack Helicopter Ean Peon encty) November 20, 2006, witha eer ane ene aes pee ee eee Cr ree eee eee er) had commenced on August 22 ee ered eee eee eee) ee emt ara egret aan Presa Cee een Eco re Cay a ars nO peer ot place some three years ater for er are ere erm ay Pee core eer Pais gees rer ere ee Ene een Pr eenornerice roe ens Cee ears tee ei) aber sea) ema ee the unit focused on achieving ete ee eT Paper ne aoe eee eee aed Peed Creer ers ous tera era) Pores een 19 years inthe army fling eerie wr eter oe era erent Pe ae aS eer Pe ga ae es enero en Pernod oer ene) ar ee aaa Pe ay Perris Pra reer) eer) ese er key priority. We have many eet eer Peet eee Oe eee ee ay eee rere ere eh famiarise themselves with see ee eer oe) Cee Mees pee ee National Guard Aviation Training ered og rer Fort Rucker. Our pilots know are re eee eee ee er eee) Peels ey eer re) US standords on training and eR ad eet Perera eee ore screenree ee oer eee ere ee oud eo ein) cece eer ed ere ee ed oe es cee Perce ees peer rsnr eae aaa ene area eee Knowledge of the Apache to rates erate! Cae er Ce a) Ea eae) eee raed eer es Pe ore ey ee ern ern y you fly it plus systems that er ee een ra a Pears tee Pear However, when you assess the eee ir eras Rees cc eared eee pee nar rents eee two plots cooperating, not Pe a ane ete aie ey Coa aera eee an eT ae ea ay eters eee ad erat ened ea ate ee aa Pr mre rar) ee eas Cee eee Pea es omega eer Cea radiates Seg eee ayaa ea eee) eT eS eens Pte ae ee ers Carey eg eee eee ees ee acta) eee) arr en eae eer e c- a ey pre ems Pyar er ara eee een pene eed cre ee eet eee eee ra tte ea er Pecunia Cann piriHAVOC Alexander Mladenov rigially conceived back inthe 1980s as the straightforward Soviet response tothe MeDonneli Douglas AH-64A Apache the basic versions ofthe Kamov Ka-5O Hokum and Mii M28 Havoe were touted for their considerably Improved batteries survivability compared to that of the Mir24 Hind. This reitence was down fo thei extensive armour protection, ight-ritical system redundancy and increased agility. The helicopters were armed with modern anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM), but owing to the notably iower capabilty of Soviet/Russian targeting and ‘navigation systems compared fo those of the West, the ‘Soviet (Russian trom 1990) Imachines featured doy-only weapon systems. Their US rival ‘employed a day/night sensor ‘Suite from the outs. ‘Inthe early 2000s, the Veenno-vozdushaye sly Rossi (ussian Air Force, or VS) re-identitied the need for night= ‘attack capability, ater lessons were learned during the first Chechen wor (9993-1984) ‘and reatirmed in the second ‘Chechen war (19992000). ‘Now the new generation WWS's ‘Army Aviation Branch (AA VVS) attack helicopters were seen as Russia's equivalent to the AH {64D Longbow Apache. The old MirKamov rivalry was sparked ‘once again, but in the event, both the night-capable Mi2EN‘Above By Decembur 201 fewer tan 50 M-2ENe wae reprted the been iver the Rarsian Ar Force Amy hlstion Branch operates ty on trang centre ight 2a 9565 precy he Ran i ac Army eaters D> {cant rating ands Cenverson Cate at zh ef scon Th cee eet pot ad weap stm peat cme Van ate 3 sees Ne onda employment acts, ctu an precedes. M Lavo va Alacer Maeno Fight mice’ M26 33942 sen a ln dr rehearsal fh Ruslan A ace 100th anversaryarahown august 20. Rha Gens Fight bottom: Anew srk gry eamoatge ma nrouce byte Army Aton (ctate 201 a5 sun on this M2 operate byte Trae 334 Camb ‘and Kar52 have been selected for frontline service. In the early and mid1980s, ‘Mii Moscow Helicopter Pant (a MHP) bait two prototypes and two pre-series examples ofthe day-capable M26. The ‘ircrat follows the accepted ‘gunship configuration, with two Crew in tandem cockpits and was reported to have been the loser in he first round of the HAVOC competition against the Ka-50 ‘uring the 1980s. The prototype of the night- capable Mr28N, vehicle OP was built by Mi in 1994-1995 and flew for the fist time in November 1896, with ts highly integrated avionics suite incomplete. The second prototype, vehicle OP2 took to the ai forthe firs time in Maren 2004. The real advance inthe Mi28N development effort was reported ater 2003, when the Russian Ministry of Defence announced can =that by 2010 it intended to procure as many as 50 new: (generation attack helicopters The ist of three initia! production M!28Ns ordered by the Russian MoD (vehicle OF which wears the serial 32°) was then but at Rostvertol and took to the ar forthe first time on January 25, 2005. In October 2007, the Russian MoD approved fulrate production and by June 2008 (2s many as 12 production Standard Mi-2BNs had been elivered to the AA VVS, ten of them roling off the Rostvertol prediction line that year The Delicopter was now named Night Hunter. The first four MiZONs were ‘handed over tothe Russian MoD/ AA WS in a January 2008 ceremony. Earmarked for the Conversion training of instructors ‘and trontine plots, these Night Hunters were taken on strength by the AA VVS' 334th Combat Training and Aircrew Conversion Centre at Torzhok The first frontline Mi:Z6N ‘squadron falls within the 387th Air Base of the Army Aviation (AB AA) at Budyonnovsk, one of two AA VVS elite attack ‘and combat suppert helicopter Unit stationed in the Southern Miltary District (MD), not far from the troubled republic of Chechnya. Then stil krown 2s the 487th Independent Helicopter Regiment, the nit took its first Night Hunters ‘on strength in April 2008. By ‘mid-2010 it had ten eierat increased to 16 by late 201. The squadron declared ‘nian Hunter initial operating capability for daytime missions) inthe summer of 2010 and in 2o!t its pilots began mastering the art of night operations, 25 well as mountain flying techniques. The MoD's procurement plans called for no fewer than 50 Mi ONS to be taken on strength by the end of 2012, with 70 ‘more expected to follow through tnt 2018; uit price is said tobe in the region of US $24 milion. In October 2010, a batch Of eight Mr2aNS was formally ‘elivered tothe 393rd AB AA fat Korenovsk the second AA WS Southern MD elite attackand combat support helicopter unit. Although they are assigned to the 39370 AB AA, the Night Hunters are temporarily based at the Torzhok combat training centre since Korenovsk currently lacks the necessary support infrastructure, and commenced operations from Ter2hok in 2012. In eary January 20%2 the WvS announced thatthe attack squadron ofthe 378th AB AA at Vyazma, inthe Western MD, ‘would be the next unit to convert {othe MrZBN. It sto receive as ‘many as f2 Night Hunters and willbe operated alongside the Unit's Mr2av/Mi-2aP Hinds. The aircraft ae due tobe delivered in early 2013. ‘By December 2012, some 50 production-standard Mi2BNs were reported to have ole off {the Restverto lie, incuaing ten in. 2009,12in 2010 and tenn 20rt and 12in 2012, Two ofthe helicopters have been written off inaccidents. The fist crashed on Mi20W ued orcevcpennt nr MI MHP The ater starboard pion caries = wa topo tdi Snare cat vadicanéaraaror” — alunction as ted a sto of ‘Opposite bottom: A pac of Streets launcher units each fnaded wit fur 9439 igiav air 80mm rockets in the hover at the {mar mises an beset suspended unsere ote gat ayen ts evoaaiton _Gorohovets range near Mascon The pilot hed intended to fre an June 18,2008, felling an engine Export Version ant?tank guided missile. Original serial Yellow 43, the aircraft was returned to Rostverto for rebulls ‘and was due tobe back in service in 2072 The second Night Hunter loss cccurred on February 15, 2011, reportedly asa result of catastrophe failure ofthe Intermedlate gearbox. The helicopter, Blue O5, with just 2203 hours logged, belonged to the 387th AB AA and crashed near the base, killing its pilot Col Andrey Givantsev, one ofthe Unit's most experienced frontine [Nght Hunter erew. The Night Hunters delivered so far are in an initial production configuration with limited ‘operational capabiities. They lack the mast-mounted radar, integrated seit-defence suite (only chatftare dispensers are installed) and the helmet ‘mounted cueing system. All of these advanced systems remain In development and are slated for later adction to newly Bilt helicopters and retrofit to the In-service airframes, which are reported to have provision for thee instataton. The definitive Night Hunter configuration, with improved avionics and targeting suite dubbed Mi-28NM, is under ‘evelopment. 1 wil introduce the mast-mounted radar as, well as the fuly integrated Sseifprotection suite, an all-new {ay/nightoptronie targeting system, improved tight/ navigation avionies and new, can 6Mil Mi-28N longer-ranged ATGMS. It should be fielded by 20%6. The M'ZBNU is also under development, for fielding in 2013 2015. it features dual controls {and larger cockpits, for pilot ‘conversion training, Paanenin The Night Hunter is designed for anti-armour operations, the destruction of weil-defended and hardened targets, aria! mine laying, suppression of are targets, engaging of smal sea and river vessels and attacking lwfyng, low and high-speed arrat. The typical Russian attack concept cals for the aircraft to approach the target at high speed and treetep attitude then execute a rapid popup to acquire the target and fire weapens Ina shalow ave the Night Hunter lke the Hind, cannot effectively fire weapons from the hove: The hnefcopter'svunerabity in such an atfack is tempered through extensive armour protection of the arrame’s most yunerable areas alouing, atleast in theory, the Night Hunter to sustain much heavier combat damage than ts predecessor curing the low-level dle attack. The Mi2EN's cockpits are provided with Omen (04 inch) thick aluminium aly armour reinforced with ceramic plotes: itis advertised as beng capable ‘of withstanding hits from 20mm projectiles. The composite main ‘rotor blades ae designed to ‘sustain impacts from rounds of up 020mm caltre. The windshields {are from 2mm (17 inch tick ‘armoured glass, capable of withstanding 127mm hits, while the side windows ae 22mm (29 Inch thick an sais to be capable ‘of withstanding 262mm impacts. The gunner sits inthe forward cockpit, with the piloveommander behind, onan elevated seat; in contrast fo the M24, only the pit ofthe MiZBN has tight Controls. The elcopter has 2 five-biaded main rotor and lo else, X-shaped tal rote although 2 throe-bladed design was italy To increase the chances ‘of airerew surviving a erash Tanding, the cockpits feature 2 ‘new-technology safety system. Centre on 2vezde Pamir ‘energyabsorbing seats i includes an energy-attenuating Undercarriage and jetisonable cockpit doors, main rotor blades ‘and stub wings. Mil sources beast tat the seathundercariage ‘combination enabies the crew fo survive escent rates of upto amAe (40"t/s00, Impact forces ‘being reduced from 58-609 to ust 2g, The M-28N prototypes, pre prodicton and nto production ‘aircraft are powered by two 22194shp (16364H) Klimov TV3: IITVMA turbeshatts,instaled in widetyspaced nacelles above ‘each wingroot. The air intakes are provided with foreign obect debris ‘and dust protection devices. From 2010, production aircraft ‘received the mere powerful Klimov V-2500-02 engine rated at 12,400shp (17ESKIN. Fuels held Inselfsealing blader tanks for 2 ‘capacity of 500 litres (330 Imp 920 internally, hile up to four ‘557-tre (123 imp ga external fuel tanks can be caried on the wing pyons. Mission avionics ‘The Mi28N introduced an al digital BREO-28N integrated ‘vionies suit with nightvision/ ‘alk-weather capability and a total of sir LCD multifunction displays (three in each cockpit) to present flight and navigation information, sirtramefengine system date, weapon station status and targeting information. ‘The weighty bulky OPS-28N Tor electro-optical system is the primary cear-weather targeting sensor, integrating 2 three-channel sensor package ina common qyro-stabilised dram-snaped platform under the ‘nese. It can move 110° left and right, and 13° up and 40° down, Tor houses a package of three sensors ~ 9 FLIR, TV camera ‘and laser rangefinder behind ‘optically flat windowsN ie Above M'ZBN, er 38. operated A Ms seen urn 2 outa ge es! ogame te Casas Mounts a ups! 2c SS rata aks, aceon ‘ear ey ig. Lateron ts mace as crete no the MPZBNE exo covgraton an permed em ign and Agra, sterilvsRetareer MsenoY ‘The IR system has two fixed fed of view options, 3x and {Br z00m, while the TV unit has 2 20¢ 200m capability. Plots ‘comment that in daylight, with rain and smoke obscuring the battlefield (rect visbilty not exceeding km/O.8nm), the IR system alone Atake-V launches at ranges of around 3km (Lénm) land the system is capable of detecting tanks at up fo 7km (nm), while enabling ATM launches at up to Skm (27am) The UOMZ TOES-520 electro optical payload facilitates right fying at fw altitude. Instalea just under the ‘pimple’ radome on the nose, TOES: 1520 is used ony fr navigation and integrates a FLI, two daylight TV camer rangefinder Development ofthe NO25 ‘mast mounted radar has been brotracted. Installed on a Mi-28N. tas fight tested forthe frst time on February 16, 2007 and Festi inthe test anc evaluation ‘phase. It will e integrated fn the M:25NM ang Mi:28NE versions. Claimed tobe capable and 2 loser cof searching only a 90° sector, It provides an underiying terrain Image that is useful for rapig ‘ueing of the Tor sensors onto ‘selected target. There is aso '3 moving target incicator (MT) ‘mode, while air targets can be detected at up to 20km (10.8nm), Tess The rao beamriding Ataka-V (AT Spirar-2) ATGM isthe ‘Mr28N's only quided weapon. It has a maximum range of 58m {GIanm) and the tandem warhead 's capable of penetrating upto {850mm (33.5 inch of armour, after defeating a tank’ explosive ‘armour. Upto 16 ATGMS can be carried on two underwing launchers, ut eight are usualy loaded, in two four-round units Alternative versions of Atahe-V ‘are avaliable, equipped with {thermobaric/highrexpiosive or bas-fragmentaton warheads. The M-28N's powerful ‘Shipunov 2842 20mm gun has 3 ‘maximum rate of fie of 900rpm {and is proviied witn 500 rounes. It was orginally developed as an Infantry weapon and equipped the BMP intantry fighting vehicle. The NPPU-28 gun turret has tworans stabilisation and ‘can rotate 110° left and right, 13° Up and 40° down. Unguided weapons can be carried on four pylons under the stub-wings (each pylon has ‘a copacity of 480%9/1 05810). They include BOmm (31 inch) 5-8 rockets fred from B8V-20 ‘20-round pods for a maximum oad of 80 rockets) and 122mm (4.8 inch) 5-13 rockets fred trom fveround 3 pods maxinum tcadof 20 rocket Inaction the tned and tered Urea 250 gun pod, oligo 623 2am twin areled gun ond 250 rounds, cn e mounteson the ner pylons. other Mi 28N weapons include the KMCU Bombetninecspense pod and S409 lV ator mis Employed dring antelope tnd ef -UAY operations, op toeignt 929 misies canbe Carleton fur Stet in. teunener iit O°TIGER HAP/HAD In service with the armies of France, Germany, Australia and Spain, the Eurocopter Tiger has been successfully deployed in Afghanistan and Libya. reports from Cazaux, LeLuc and Pau he introduction ofthe IFF anda full‘nvalisation’ for Tigre HAP (Hélicoptére deployments aboard Foudre and ‘Appul Protection or Mistrarlass amphibious warfare fire-support/pretection ships. Standard 1 was qualified helicopter) into French jn mid-2008, justin time for the service has been slow due to first deployment to Afghanistan budget constraints, teething Quaiication work then switched problems with the aircraft fo the Tigre HAD (Hélicoptere ‘and industrial issues within ‘Appul Destruction, or fre Eurocopter The situation has, _support/eestruction elicopter, however, dramatically improved 2 common variant for France ‘over the past couple of years and and Spain, Tigres are now being delivered con time by the contractor The fest Tigre HAPS were delivered tothe Ecole Franco The Tiare qualification process __Allemande (EFA, or Franco falls under the responsibilty, German schoo) where all fof the OCCAR = Organisation conversion traning is conducted Conjointe de Co-operation for French and German army fen matiere grmements, or aviators. The last of 40, (Organisation for Joint Armament Tigre HAPs ordered by the (Co-operation ~ a situation French Army was deliveree Imposed by the multinational in December 2012. To date ‘nature ofthe programme, In. only two frontline units, the S* France, the Step Standard —_‘Régiment 'Hélicoptires de Tre HAP was qualified in 2004, Combat (5* RHC, or Sth Combat but with imited capabilities Helcepter Regiment) and the ‘only. At that time, it was felt 4" Régiment @'Héleoptéres de this intial standard was needed Forces Spéciales(4" RHFS, oF to start training aircrews and th Special Forces Helicopter ‘maintainers while most of the Regiment), both based at Pau systems were stil undergcing _—have started operating the Tigre tals. As2 result, Step 1 HAP. Within the 5: RHC, two Standard O could not have been flights, each with ten aircraft used operationally, Next €2 have converted tothe new type ‘appear were Step 2 Standard while the 4° RHFS is equippea O.and then Standard. The with four Tigres for ire support ermer included numerous ‘uring special operations. Improvements tothe Tigre’s To handle the new types now HAP self-defence suite and to entering service, the Tigre and various software iterations while the NH9O Calman, the ALAT the latter brought it up to full —_-as decided to review the combat standard, with Mistral structure of ts three combat airtovair missiles, selPferrying regiments - the 5* RHC, 3° RHC external fuel tanks, an up-to-date and RHC, in that order the % Operational ”TIGER HAP/HAD. 4° RHFS being lelt untouched. for tworeasons. First, we had exercise or for a given mission, sure aircrews could devote "instead of having a regiment {0 pool resources fo boost The second reason s that we felt all heir time and efforts to spit into escadrites (ight) availabilty foragiven amount we had to concentrate, within training, eaving the rest, he each equioped with one aircraft of helicopters. Twenty years battalion, all fights that share administrative tasks, to others. type, we now have a regiment aga, each fight commander had the same mission and ole, The commander ofthe battalion divided into battalions,” his own aloation of airraft, allowing all personnel to focus __isaieutenant colone! who explained General Yann Pertulsel, vehicles, assault rifles, racios, on their mission and on their has at his disposal everything the then commander ofthe youname it. He could only use mission only. Unit commanders required to carry out his mission ALAT. "This move was made ‘is own equipment, with Ite or can now focus thelr attention independently. He also remains ‘no fleebity to borrow anything on training and on mission fully capable of heading an oa ‘else from another flight. Now, preparation, with obvious aiemobile group composed SEEM ‘each fight commander within positive results. of both transport and attack ‘Spoin became the fourth the battalion has access to @ “as areratt get increasingly helicopters. As such, he needs Tiger customer when ‘common and much larger fleet complex =the gap between to know both communities to six HAPS and 18 HADs of helicopters, which can be the Gazelle and the Tigre ‘sa optimise tactics and ensure were ordered in 2003 0 allocated to him fora given geod example we had to make maximum combat efficiency. supplement the 60105 in the attack and escort roles. Ta speed up service entry, the sic HAs, initially to be delivered to the French ALAT, were diverted from the Eurocopter preduction line in Marignane. The Fuerzas Aeroméviles del Ejéeito de Tierra (AMET, airmobite forces ofthe Spanish Army) started receiving their fist HAPs in 2007, and the type is currently in service with Batalion de Helledpteros de Ataque 1 based at Almagro (Cuidad Rea). The HAP 's only an interim solution adopted to gain expertise ‘on the new type unt the HAD variant becomes avaliable. The introduction ofthe HAD, armed with Spike ER anti-tank missiles, wil considerably Boost the FAMET' offensive and defensive capabilites.Reconnaissance et #Attaque (EHRA, or reconnaissance ‘and attack helicopter Hight) fying the Gazelle Viviane: tho Escadriles ¢Hélicoptéres appurProtection HAR, or fire support and protection helicopter ight), tying the Tigre HAP; and an Escadrile de Maintenance d'Hélicoptéres (EMH, or helicopter maintenance fight, n charge of support. ~The Batollon dHéicoptéres de Manoeuvre et daAssaut (BHMA, or assault end transport helicopter Gattaon), with tee The regiment stil pays a crucial ‘ole supporting it battalions. For example isin charge ofa! Simulators, 2 key aspect of the ‘modern ALAT.” In uly 2008, the 5° RHC became the first regiment to switch o the new structure. The unit nad to undertake ‘an operational assessment toensure the new set-up Improved availabity without ‘negatively impacting operational capabilities. The results were extremely good and the 3° RHC, {at Etain, followed in 2010, the F RHC, at Phalsbourg, In 201 The 5* RHC is now spi into three battalions: The Batailon déicopteres de Reconnaissance et @Attaque (GHRA, or reconnaissance and attack helicopter battalion), with ‘an Eseacrite Hslicoptéres de ital ator mses eter pyio) {Stop tt an Le oto et: cose ‘ponte HAD’ ser wring Stet ‘ora sutelttence ute prove ts ‘era sutton sue hasbeen ‘rans provi hamper overage anon as ing rate of 750 our Pet ‘TIGER HAP/HAD Escacriltes 'Hélicoptéres de Manoeuvre et dAssaut (EHMA, or assault and transport helicopter fights), two equipped with Pumas and ane with Cougars: and with an EMH for engineering support Te Batalon ¢AppUl Aéronautique (BAA, or ‘aeronautical support battalion, in charge ef various support tasks suchas ar traffic control or fire protection. "We wanted maintenance support tobe direct attached forthe battalion because we aEUROCOPTER think that airrat, aircrews anc ‘maintainers should all come Linder the same command Structure,” said General ertuisel “This change was ‘made a5 the first Tigres were being delivered to the 5* RHC, «2 sweeping reorganisation that produced impressive results.” Afghanist The 5* RHC has successfully engaged its Tigre HAPS in ‘Afghanistan since 2003. Thanks tothe Tire, the ALAT nas at its cisposal avery efficient fire-support tool n the theatre, {kind of tf insurance’ forthe ‘round troops that are regularly attached by aggressive and ‘smart Taliban fighters. Closely ‘oroperating with 120mm ‘mortars and 155mm Caesar Drowitzers, the Tigres have proved extremely effective, helping repel enemy assauits and tort ambushes. Before deploying to Afghanistan, each aircrew Undergoes a comorehensive ‘operational training phase. "A young aircraft commander coming ‘Straight rom the EFA will spend furthers months training with us before being ceclare fully capable ‘of deploying to te theatre of ‘perations” sald Lieutenant Colonel Benet Cree the CO of the RHC's reconnaissance ‘and attack helicopter battalion. “The course comprises various ‘elements inclueing mixed force operations with Tigres ‘ovoperating with other types (Caracas or Gazeles, for exarpi, ‘lose air support tactics, nap-of- the-earth fying in a mountaineus ‘environment, survival sl. Its ‘a complete package designed te trai our ares na fully ‘realitc environment.” ‘Operational preparsticn alsa Involves resdying the Tigre for its combat task. For Afghanistan te French Army and industry had to create a special package that included a mocitied FF, {8 KY-100 encryption kt for the radios, alteration ofthe countermeasures software to better mateh threats, external ‘and internal armour plating for the plots, special strips to protect the rear stabilisers from the intensive use of rockets, sand fters and improvements to the gun ammunition feecing ‘uct tk system to enhance its reabity. i ‘As well as its Caracal, Cougars ‘and Gazeles, the French Battle Group ‘Mousquetaire’ (Musketeer) based in Kabul has long been equipped with three Tigres, the number peaked at four but recenty came down tocnly two. Afghanistan represented the Tigre’ ‘baptism fire" anc initial results have been remarkably good for the type. “The Tigre is undoubtedly the combat too! the ALAT needed,” stressed Colone! Crbonne, 5* RHC's deputy commander. “i's powerful and hhas proved both effective and reliable.” The only mishap so far occurred in early 207 in ‘adverse weather coneitions, lanen an aircraft struck a hill In an unpopulated area. Even though the impact was extremely Violent, the crew escaped unhurt ‘and were flown back to Kabul The Tigre was later recovered by Chinook, albeit without it tail,Eueelaias boom, only tobe written off @ fen days late. In Afghanistan, Tigres missions are spread across reconnaissance, fie-support {nd escort of ater helicopters fr of convoys on the ground The ‘choppers’ are maintained at short readiness, day and hight, poised to react to any emergency. They have often been tasked to protect ground forces moving into or out of an area. The Tigres have become real specialist of close combat attacks (CCAS), "a typeof attack that offers more flexiilty to the crew in ther choice of run axis fad oftheir weapons than the traditional clase air support”, according fo an experienced creamember. “During 3 CCA, the pilot decides If and when to fre: when ground troops are struck by an ED, insurgents often engage them straightaway with Ales, machine-guns and RPGS to put additional pressure onthe convoy. This s why we have fo be extremely reactive to protect friendlies, and close air support might prove too slew in some Depending onthe time of the year, temperature has an impact onthe Tires’ payload {and performance. “Taking Int account the hot and high fenvironment, we often have to fdjust the amount of ammunition we are carrying” said a Tigre Captain who has come out of ‘abut. "For instance, te number ‘of 30mm shes wel take wil vary according tothe weather conditions and tothe type of Imission, We always tahe-o with ful fuel, however, that we have afong endurance and ‘on excellent combat persistence We operate ina very high environment ~ which has @ detrimental impact on engine poner but a positive effect on fue! consumption: In France, at sea eve, fuel urn is about 480 litres per hour {105 gallos/ hour, but this goes down to nly 400 {88 galons/hour in Afghanistan, We don't lose on ait sides Tigre pilots ty with equioment comprising a Cras body-armour/ combat jacket (the same as the French infantry, but with a aifferent pocket yout 10 alow crews to fasten thelr harnesses) and personal weapons: a Famas ‘556mm aseaut rifle and an 1MaB 50 9mm automate piso, ‘each with a generous supply of ‘ammunition, Son Although most datas still classified we can reveal som ofthe tactics used bythe Tigres in Afghanistan, "We always try to fy high over obstructions ta reduce our vulnerability to Scnatwestofttic ice drat” Sal arms fre and to obtain 2 need fr the Here sie. Detter fel of view and a better pons botom: LATS ng schoo! understanding of the tactical tear inte sete situation” continued the Tigre alrnenand German Tester aptain. “Everything i done to ‘avoid collateral damage end our (German Tigers) The German Tiger KHS (Kampthubschrauber, for attack helicopter; formerly known as Tiger UHT) is characterised by Its Osiris mast-mounted sight. its Knighthelm HD and ts anti- tank missiles. German Tigers are optimised for the anti-armour role but are not fitted with te 30mm gun turret adopted by the other customers. The German Tiger's weapon fit is entirely, diferent from that ofthe French HAP/HAD variants. While France has adopted Mistral air-toair missiles, Helifire anti-tank ‘missiles and TOA 68mm rockets, Germany has selected the ‘Stinger alf-t-air missile, the HOT antitank missile, a 12.7mm ‘machine-gun pod and Forges de Zeebrugge 2:75in (68.85mm) rockets for its aircraft. The HOT Is wire-gulded, ensuring ‘resistance to jamming, and its maximum range Is 4,000m. Two HOT founchers, each with four missiles, can be carried on the Inner focation under the stub-wings. The HOT wil eventually Ggive way to the PARS 3 missile, but that derivative of the il {ated Trigat is stil being developed. Germany has ordered 8 Tigers, although that figure is ikely to be scaled back, with the 36th Regiment, at Fitzar, tobe the frst unit t be declared Tully operational onthe Tiger. German Tigers first deployed to Afghanistan in fate 2012. orules of engagement dictate that we must positively identity our targets before pressing ahead with our attack run. We regularly Use our weapons in anger and targets are mainly engaged with ‘untire- with deadly ettect. We often use smoke rockets to confirm the target we're aiming ats the right one, But we seldom Tire AMV rockets because the effects of their warheads are so devastating we would have to be absolutely certain that there are ho friendlies or civilians in the vicinity before attacking.” The TDA 68mm rockets adopted by the ALAT for its Tire abs are fitted withthe AMV (antimatérie\ et vehicules, or antiequipment/anti-veicles) Multi-Dart warhead which carries 2 load of 36 lechettes'for use ‘against matere vehicles and personne! in the area saturation role. The rocket is programmed before the firing an, typically, the darts ~ each the size of a roller-bal pen ~are ejected trom the warhead 300m ahead oftheir target. This stance 'sealculated mith very high precision and maximum effective {68mm rocket range is 4,000m. For tire support missions, the Tgre HAP can carry up to 68 rockets in two 22-shot pods on the inboard wing pylons and two 12:shot pods on the outboard hhardpoints The Tigre’s Sagem Strix sights recognised as the most ‘accurate for racket fring. For ‘maximum precision, the weapon system must feed each rocket with up-to-date data in order {orelease the darts at the best moment. The Stra’ laser rangefinder can measure the distance between the Tigre and the target with a precision of less than one meter even atthe rocket's maximum range. The procedure for fring rockets may seem compler, but its quite easy fora weltrained crew: the weapon system operator/ tactical commander sitting inthe back acquires the target at fang stance using the Strix before transferring all targeting data to the pilot, who wil then folow the ‘green writing’ on the HUD {eacup dsplay] forthe attack ‘un. Alternatively, the plot can fire rockets on his own, either in stationary or forward fight Using the HUD as an aiming reference ~ but, according tothe aircrews interviewed, this has never been done in Afghanistan “Close co-operation between the thro aircrews i the key to the ‘success ofa rocket high-speed turbulence, improving accuracy ‘attack’ stressed an experienced even further” ‘mission commander. “During the unin the weapon systems (ENSERTINERTH ‘software takes info account the speed and direction ofthe wind, Allarerews agree thatthe cannon the speed ofthe Tigre and its isthe Tigres most useful and ‘height above the torrainto move accurate weapon. Designed and the stabilised jacks that point produced by Nexte the 3OM7BI the rocket launchers in elevation. exteraly;powered cannon is Sophisticated algorithms capable of firing rates of 75Crom ‘are there te compensate for {ands mounted ina THL 30 turretfited under the chin, thas 2 180° traverse capability and 25/+28" depression and elevation ares. Up 0450 rounds are carried in four containers (4 x 90 reunds) and inthe eecing-auct (90 rounds but ammunition accation i= variable accerdng tothe needs and missions tobe performed, The 30.x 113 DEFA type calibre was chosen because ofits high destructive power and the gun fe ‘Above: Hore HAD prety Ne SOO manoeuvring 3t ver wee sow te i our 6B oh ones hing stl espana of 8 octet te re Doses conser fepot opin pe tn wees and ther SU ages 5 cemortatedn Agata Below QR: ALAT screamin areal ain tan estima Nigh adr Opposite bttom ei: Te HAD es! sand aight! enineee. pest botom gt Tare HAD pretty No.5 ade with to Ms aietosir rises fate pylon tw Sia Eo me po) nd to AGM Hees (atom rb aright esting a Carn. Orange est caer a a0 ed contro optimised for air-to-air ‘combat, ensuring an outstanding il pobabity. The French Army ‘requirement called for high precision and gun performance ‘was optimised so that, at 1000m, ‘highly manoeuvrable enemy helicopter has aless-than-5O% chance of surviving atenround burst. During testing, this stringent requirement was betterea destruction of aerial targets being regularly achieved with afve-round burst. As 2 consequence, the ALAT has ‘cided to modify the fring programmes avatabe to the ‘aircrews. Initially twas planned they could choose between three series rocket pods or upto (gh Ach Heli Satont ioe or acompnatin of Stewinde ator masts Armaments ‘ne 30mm 230 fain gun automatic fama and upto I Agi Hele ‘tank ses aredon round zr launchers o¢ upto Tea7sinch aa 70 urguaes Ipeuna ods oF seambination of both and two Aes2 Singer misses on fh to wingtin rs ta cress peo manatee gmc eye Shoamcrse ‘80mm rockets or upto = oneal | Neeccarn |E at comers? paces cman | ae Armaments ‘ne 30mm 308 731 non, pls two ‘round and to i2runa sn TDA unguided octet Dads, er two 22veund Gere TOA unguided ‘rocket pes ad four Mistral toor mesieeNit Co Part 2 includes Apache AHI Rooivalk Mi-35M Hind and T129 Atakhere is no doubt that the period between 2010 and 2012 proved instrumental in the renaissance of Mi24/ -Mi-35P/Mi-35M production at the Rostverto! Company in Russia's southern city of Rostov-on- on, with significant orders for domestic customers and export The current backlog guarantees that Mi35P/Mi-35M production will continue until at Teast 2015. Key tothe renewed interest in the Hind isthe ready availabilty and attractive price ofthe classic versions (the so-called second ‘generation Hind) represented by the M-35P ~ and the aready ‘mature ciital mission avionics package ofthe enhanced Mi35M (Ge ultimate thire-generation Hind). This advanced attack ‘and assault transport derivative Is being offered at 9 more affordable price than the new: (generation Russian-made attack helicopters such asthe Mil Mi 28N Night Hunter ond Kamov ‘ka-52 Alligator although these ‘more expensive types have been taken on strength by the Russian ‘Army Aviation service as 9 replacement for its huge fleet of worn-out Mi2aV/Ps, The Mi35M features a host of sictame modifications and a new ‘or system (through integration (ofthe M'ZBN's main rotor hub ‘and composite blades) as well as {2 Xshaped low-noise fal rotor It 's powered by an uprated Kimov \VK-2500 turboshatt of Between 2,000 and 2,4008hp (1491 ‘and 1790KW) for takeoff and £2.700shp (2,013KW) in emergency ~ the so-caled ‘one engine ‘inoperative’ (OE) condition. This more powerful engine in concert with the mere efficient ‘or system, provides important performance gain in hot and high operating environments. Te most notable airframe alterations introduced nthe ‘Mic35M include shertened stub-wings and non retractable landing gear, both spoting the well-known sleek sihouette of the Hind. Milreports that the non-retractabe fanding gear has been introduced to match erash landing requirements during lowaltituce fight, although it is claimed to nave caused ‘an km/h (6k) reduetion in ‘maximum level speed. Measures such as improved armour protection and redundancy in the oll system and fight controls have also been taken to enhance ‘combat survivability. The fota weight reduction ‘achieved through the introduction of various fuselage/systems changes and refinements is claimed to be ‘around 600k9 (132016) which, together withthe new rotor system and uprated engines, ‘results ina service celing inrease of 300m (9851) - to ‘3100m (10,70ft) in standard ‘conditions anda rte of clim (of t2.dm/s (2.440% per minute) CET TENET ‘The main element ofthe M-35M weapons suite enrancement is the Introduction ofthe 9MIZO AtakarV (NATO AT Spra‘2). Up to16, ‘missles can Be carried en two ‘ight round lunehers, although in reat word situations no mere than tight ae carted. An afordabe, tube ieunched anti-tank quised missile (ATGM),Ataka-V has line-of-sight radio guidance and ‘amaximum range of 58k (Gian). Its tandem warhead, ‘optimised for penetrating the ‘xplosive armour protection of ‘madern main bate tanks (MBTS) boasts an armour penetration capability of upto 850mm. Variants are available wth thermobarichighrexposive and blast ragmentation warheads the latter also described as suitable for use against air targets. For selfcetence, ant-UAV ‘and ant-helicopter operations, the Mi-35M can also employ the 9439 IglaV (SATB Grouse) Dean Needy missite, with a range of up to 5.8km (3.2nm), carried in Srlelts twin-launcher packs. The helcopter is armed as standard with a GS-23 twin- barreled cannon, mounted in an INPPUr23 turet, complete with 470 rounds The BVK-24 digital weapons control computer greatly enhances the precision of Unguided weapons, while a laser rangefinder unit also conteibutes to the improved precision of, the Mi:35M's unguided arsenal The latter includes $-8 80mm and $13 122mm reckets Carried in 20° and 5-round pods respectively. The helicopter is also equipped with new DB3-UV weapons pylons. Featuring bult~ inweapon hosts, they can also carry up to four S75:Itre (126. Imp gal) under-wing fuel tanks othe type used by the Mi-2BN. In its current guise the MF-35M cannot use bombs, KMGU2 bombletfnine dispensers or ‘57mm and 240mm rockets Night operating capably is possible thanks to NVG-riencly Cockpit ilumination, the KNE-24 electronic fight instrumentation system, allnew precision navigation system (with ital ‘mapas an option) and the OPS- 24 observation/targeting payioad. The Mi-35M's significant expanded navigation and targeting capabilities ae centred around the Ruskaya Avionica KNEI-24 digital avionics package and the OPS-24 ebservation/ {argeting package. The main feature of the later isthe UOMZ GOES-242 payload under the nose, integrating 2 FLIR SSAGEM Irs device was used in the prototypes and pre-series examples, while production helicopters are sai to have introduced Russian-supplied devices), Sony TV camera, laser Fangetinder and IR goniometer ' vice for making angular ‘measurements for ATGM {uidance. The FLIR has two elds Of viow narrow and wide, and is s2id tbe able to detect a tank Sizod target, at nigh, from up toPies tae Meee {6k (2.230). In daylight, the TV sensor (comprising two cameras with two cifferent Hels of view) Drovides useful detection ranges (of up to 1Okm (5.4nm) Navigational accuracy is greatly increased thanks to the Introduction of an 4°737-00 satelite navigation recelver Unit that works with both the (GPS and GLONASS systems and Is integrated with the existing DISS-150 Doppler sensor. As 2 cost-saving measure, no inertial Upgraded helicopter retained the gyro sensors used by the clase Hing. The Mi35N's cockpits are compatible with Russian-m. (OWN or GEO ONV:F-0 Gen nigt-sion goggles (NVGS), which have afield of view of 40 degrees anda target detection range (or tank or trucktype targets) of up 011000m (3.30010 thoy permit lowrleve fight cown to 50m (060) at right. However the M-35M retains ‘adefensive aids suite largely, inerited trom ts Mr2av/P predecessor It comprises the 1970s-vintage SPOS radar, warning receiver (WR), UV26 Countermeasures aspensers for 2emm flares and cha cartridges (the export Mr35Ms use the o- ‘generation ASO-2V cepensers), EvUerhaustmizer boxes (used to reeves the acquisition range of heatseoking missles) andesa ane! ‘Opposite mise: Belruslan Mr24° Hinds over MachutshcN AFB, Slanislay Bazenow Betton itt: uso Ai Terce Ary iat rach re od 8 rhs no the standalone LIG6VIE Lipa (aiso known 2s SOEP-VIA) omni ‘irectional R jammer. The latter Bei Ieansrtoreg ents! agace: nce Inthe late 1990s and early 2000s, supply avionics and night vision _ 9 laser target marker for Improved generation sheulderlaunched many Hind upgrade proposals equipment for the upgrade, while precision at night on NVGs and Siyfersechas ne S-cla2\) but | eame from Israel, South African local companies, including Motor NVG-compatbie Internal and defintely not suiteato countering | @n@European comeanies which Siehand Luch were contracted external lighting. hewer generation mssies, suchas | elleved there was areasonable to supply new engines (the The prototype ofthe upgraded Inland Stinger worldwide market for packeges uprated TV3:117VMA-SBMIV Usrainian Hind F commences acting modern avionies and for considerably improved thot flying in mia-20 and by new weapons. In the event, {2nd high! and CEI performance) December that year it had entered the market proved to be quite and the Barrier ATGM system, _state testing, including evaluation Itis noteworthy that the M356 | URBRtRefed thy Beesuse most respective An upgrade ofits NVG capabiities and has proven successful only inthe | UMadlgBefators Were sort of ithevielicoptersselecetencel precision targeting. The test and new-build market = no upgrade can but also because the Suite through installation of the evaluation effort of the upgraded ‘packages for existing Mi-24/ Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant ‘new, but already combat proven -Mi:24P, which receved the Mi- M35 machines have been sold. | ie asoBaronexpert made Andron Adros K-OIAV IRomni- _24PUI designation, was completed A primary reason for this is Considerable efforts to Keep these clrectional jammer -was also to In March 2012 and the standard undoubtedly the hefty price of so-called ‘thir-party integrators’ be undertaken. was approved for series upgrade the upgrade combined wick the | efeomprehensive Hind upgrade nearly 2011, however itwas _ ofthe Ukrainlon Hind fet. In low lfeextension potential of ‘packages out ofthe business. ‘reported thatthe Urrainian December 201, the Ukrainian MoD export Hiné€/F airframes, most The largest potential for 2 Upgrade programme had run ‘announced that its partnership of which were built nthe 1990s. | INBbgfade butside Russia into serious trouble through a _with Sagem s set to continue as ‘The Servicio Are del Ejército adapts i Ualne hese ‘combination of financial and the French company has been Venezolano Venezuelan Army Aviatsia Sukhoputhi Vis'ka technical difcuties nd, asa contracted to supply hightech ‘Aviation Service) became the 22SU (Ukrainian Army Aviation result, SAGEM's participation equipment for phase 2 ofthe MI- 1M-35M launch customer in July Service) operates more than 100 now has uncertain prespects. In _24P upgrade, designated as the £2008. Ten helicopters were feramples. It was reported in. ‘dition, the Russian Government Mi-24PU2. This wl Include mutt: ‘ordered for delivery in 2006: 2008 that France's SAGEM had has expressed its strong function eisplays, the OLSP-<10 2007, The configuration deivered | tlastmanaged foenterinto the opposition tothe projec whieh i= mult-payload turret emission toVerezisiainciuses aireussian | Wuerative Ukrainian M2 Upgrade being undertaken independentiy computer, the VS-1500 audlo/ rsvigaton equipment and Western | market when it was selected by by Ukrainian Industry without videorecording system, a ima ‘aio ts, suen asthe Sendicking | the Ukranian defence ministyas OEM (orginal equipment 951 navigation system (with KHF-95010 repiaceson the ast | the malnsuppler of avinles and manufacturer) involvement. Inertia! and GPS components) few machines by the KHF-1050) integration services foro loca! ‘Aviacon decided to proceed and the Mercator digital mapping HE radio and two KTR908 VHF programme run by the Aviacon alone witha small-scale upgrade module. The first fight of an Mi: radios, a wellas the Reutech helicopter maintenance compeny for the Mi-z4P, the so-called phase 24P upgraded with all the avionics ‘ACR50O mutt-band digital UMF/ in oe ‘integrating new engines, new of phase fand phase 2 systems is VHF radia. This derivative i= ‘The French frm was to self-defence aids, a GPS receiver, planned to take place in 2013, known by i and Rostvertol under the Internal designation deveMil Mi-24PN & Mi-35M HIND (article) 558. Under the local name Caribe the aircraft serve the Batallén de Heicpteros at San Felipe. The Forca Aérea Brasileira (Graziian Ai Force) ordered 12 Mi35Ms in 2010, and by early 2012 there were stil six to be aelvere. Allo these second-batch ‘machines had been fight tested by the end of 207, but the Brazilian defence ministry postponed delivery, reportedly ‘due to financial problems. The helicopters remained stored at FRostvertolin Russia and three (of them were deivered in 2012, withthe last trio expected to follow suit in early 2013, In Brazilian service the thira-generation Hind has the ‘esignation AH-2 Sabre and boasts western nevigation and ‘communications equipment, Such as the Rohde & Schwarz MR6OOOR digital software \efined VHF/UHF set. It's ‘known to Rostvertol and Mil as Iedeliye 658 The newly delivered Hinds nave been assigned tothe &th Group's 2nd Squadron at Porte Velho airbase. Replacing the locallyassembled Eurocopter ‘AS 3908, the Hind was formally Inducted into service n April 2010. The Sabres support Counter-narcoties operations ‘2eross the Amazon region, ‘mainly by intercepting ight aircraft suspected of carrying Grugs. According to Forea Aérea Brasieira sources the MI35M was successfully introduced into Service, demonstrating around 70% avallbity during its frst year of operations. ‘The Voenno-voreushnye sly ssi (Russian Alt Force) became the third Mr35M customer ordering is fist batch of 26 areraft in May 2010 In Apr 2012, '3 second Daten of 27 Mi35Ms nas ordered, sated fr delivery ‘between 2012 and 2014 The firstight: Adaned Telos and Engineering of South Ace ancertock the most succes ins wparace pregame suse sso nero ere covering as His wees e Alger te Same ya via Alevandey Maerev oposite top asian A Force Amy Avan Branch Mes ing urged 5 rockets "at Brogbuan nOctober 2% Sry Asani (elo A eo ings f Mowcegeak AB ring Tn September 202. Sry Alsons to examples from the fis batch were devveredin December 2071 ‘and 12 more followed suit in 2012, The new Hind was introduced With the 287th Air Base of Army ‘Aviation (AB AA) at Budyonnowsk vwhere it serves within composite ‘attack squadron alongside the Mi: 2BN Havoc and Mi24V/Mi 24P, while the 3937d AB AA at ‘Korenovsk, which receive the type in 2012, will operat the Mi ‘35M alongside bth the MF-2BN ‘and Ka-52 Alligator. Designated ldeliye 758, the Russian machines ciferfrom the Venezuelan Caribe in their LFF system: and the introduction of the KSS-28N-1 advanced ‘communication system, KSS:28N4 provides ‘secure information ‘exchange (a datarinking Capability) with ground command land contol centres as well as other airerat. The Azerbajani Border Protection Service (Azaroaycan Respublkasi vit Sarhed Xidmsti) 'sthe fourth known customer forthe third-generation Hind, {an order for 24 examples inthe ledelye 558 configuration was placed in September 2010,esta reportedly for about US$360 milion. The fis four Mi35Ms were delivered in December 201 In 2012 12 more examples were delivered and the rest are sated for handover in 2013. There fs also speculation that Azerbaijan has already placed a second ‘order for 24 more Mr35Ms, but this cannot be confirmed by independent sources. eZ aeRO Inte early 2000s, the Russian Air Force fielded an interim ‘and austere upgrade of the annonrarmes M24? Hin F from Rostverto. Procurement ‘eventually covered between 18 and 24 aircraft, which were redelvered between 2004 and 2007, Designated M24PN, the upgraded helicopters were solely intended to meet an urgent right ‘operating capably requirement, mainly for use in homeland defence missions nthe troubled republic of Chechnya. As such, the M-24PN used affordable off tho-shol technologies, some ‘of which. neuaing the dial avionics package and night vision technologies, had been developed forthe MiZEN. The M24PN introduced NUG compatible cockpits and a BREO- 24 fight/navgation avenis sue, Integrating one LCD colour display ‘nach cockpit, plus an enhanced ‘navigation system with the A737 00 satelite navigation receiver. A ‘number of powerplant, arrame ‘and rotor refinements were also Introduced, including shortened ‘tub-wings and nor retractable Uunderearage. ‘Night operating capabitty comes through the introduction ‘ofthe rather base and heavy 9847N Zarovo Il yrostablsed pigh-vsin sighting system, 2 fllow-on development of the Nokturn NV device use in Russian main batte tanks. Zorevo I was initialy intended for an under wing pod, but inthe event the Culhy and heavy NV system was installed onto a protruding chi-mount onthe ose. The “system includes 3 long-wave I sensor (using nescan technology) ‘coupled with aser rangefinder ‘and IR goniometer. The whole Isintograted with the standard Raduga-Sh guidance system ina bid t provide aco beamiting israeli proposals Israel Aerospace Industries (Al) ‘2chievedinited commercial ‘uecess with ts Mission 24 Lupgrace package, sling it othe Inlan Air Force, which remains its enly known customer Ina ‘said tohave ordered 25 upgrade ts under 9 US$20 milion contract. Mision 24 ui arcunda (Mi Sts 15530 ctl databus and atts heart a single mission ‘computer developed with Al IMUM, Italo features a mut ‘mission, ital optronic and gyro ‘tatisedpayoad the helicopter ‘muttmision opronc stablsed payload (HMOSP) system - weighing around Gate (20K). ‘Both cockpits are NVG

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