As always I transfer input recommendations back to their home threads after allowing an appropriate amount of time for Don and Andy to address any issues while in the Patch Thread. Pictures do not transfer over-sorry. Enjoy! It's yours now.
Well it's been a couple of years I think since anything has been done with helicopters. Some of this was meant to have done a while ago but was put off to cover other areas. I just picked up from where I left off and continued the work. Don I ask for your patience as I hope I haven't duplicated any issues already addressed. It's been a tough year and hard for me to focus, literally. What's not here of importance? 1. Date change for India CH-47F still in evaluation with contract unsigned though this is India Heavy Lift Helo winner. 2. India again pending final contract agreement on the AH-64D APACHE. 3. Taiwan WILL be the first export customer of the AH-64E. So what's a AH-64E? 4. Last fall the USA had officially designated the APACHE Block III the AH-64E. These will lead the HELOS for the 2013/2014 Campaign.
Speed issues I leave to you Don just threw out some rough numbers but faster is faster. This magnifier is a PITA so let's get started...
HELOS…
A1. SOUTH AFRICA/ADD/APR 2011/ROOIVALK Mk I/RESET/ADD/EW 8/TI/GSR 60/FCS +Current factors//The Mk I has undergone significant changes beyond just avionics and engine upgrades that lead to the safety issues that grounded the ROOIVALK for 1 ½ years
(See C6 below.). With the improvements to targeting systems above the systems to the above ROOIVALK the TI/GSR rating should be extended out to 60 as DENAL is no light weight when it comes to such FC/Targeting systems. Also with improved engines and avionics it’s faster, more maneuverable and a little more “stealthy” with improved IR dampeners and defensive capabilities then its predecessor so an EW improvement should be made as well.
http://www.dod.mil.za/news/news%2020...20apr11%20.htm
http://www.saairforce.co.za/news-and...ivalk-block-1f
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/23380/
http://www.flightglobal.com/news/art...tional-355117/
http://www.deagel.com/news/South-Afr...000008623.aspx
http://www.airforce-technology.com/news/news115257.html
A2. UNITED KINGDOM/ADD/JUN 2013/PUMA HC2/RESET/Use UNIT 574/ADD/2X7.62mm Minigun Rds UKN/EW 6/TI/GSR 40 or 50/Speed increased by ~10 hexes above current movement allowance per turn.// The focus of the RESET was to replace the engines which now generate 35% more power, replaced the cockpit controls, electronics/defensive suites with reconditioned airframes. Also refs talk about it now being able to carry twice the payload. However, I don’t know how that equates to extra troops or not. The PUMA almost became a victim of the UK’s SDR cuts, but the continued need (Afghan Ops.) to increase the available types of transport helos that can operate at higher altitudes, more varied terrain, climatic conditions and it just being cheaper then buying new helos kept the upgrade program alive.
http://www.publications.parliament.u...71213w0005.htm
http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/...784/#more-3784
http://www.helihub.com/2009/09/30/eu...ion-programme/
http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/gener...s/puma8069.xml
http://www.helihub.com/2011/06/24/fi...orce-puma-mk2/
http://www.helihub.com/2011/09/30/ra...s-of-puma-ops/
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/37257/
http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/Fa...heets/Puma.htm
http://www.raf.mod.uk/equipment/puma.cfm
A3. USA/USMC/ADD/JAN 2007/MH-47G CHINOOK/USE UNIT 293/C6/P34-50 (Depending on equip.)/Port and Starboard mounted 2xM134 7.62 mm Miniguns just aft of the cockpit & 2xM240G 7.62mm at the last set of windows Rds UKN/ADD Refueling boom to the Starbrd. Side of the nose./Based on date requested with upgrades done to this point TI/GSR 60/EW 8/FC 6/FF 6/STAB. 5 or 6//As noted above trying to get one ”current” model in for each OOB to save a couple of slots as more is to come (Also see C8 below.). SOCOM is at the top of the Special Ops “food chain” with JSOC and the various military branches having their own “SOCs”. The 160th SOAR “Night Stalkers” (Under USASOC.) of Somalia and Bin Laden raid fame provide the bulk of helo operational support to the SEALS, Green Berets and Rangers amongst others. These are probably the most advanced transport helos in the world. Of the at least 4 helos known to have been involved in the Bin Laden raid raid it wasn’t the helos that attracted the neighbors (Not until a MH-60S crashed anyway.) but the gun fire. Boeing turned over the first CH-47G/MH-47G to the Army in mid summer of 2004 in Philadelphia Pa. The first combat mission was flown in Feb. 2007 another reason for the above date. The last SLEP (RESET) MH-47E conversion to MH-47G was turned over to SOCOM on Mar. 4 2011. SOCOM is to receive a handful of new build birds still and has requested more to meet future operational needs.
http://www.boeing.com/rotorcraft/mil...h47e/index.htm
http://www.boeing.com/rotorcraft/mil...G_overview.pdf
http://www.guncopter.com/mh-47g/
http://www.socom.mil/News/Pages/fina...Paircraft.aspx
http://www.socom.mil/sordac/PEO/Rota...G_Chinook.aspx
http://nightstalkers.americanspecial...ters/mh-47.php
http://www.americanspecialops.com/ph...ranger-sov.php
http://www.primeportal.net/hangar/mi...dex.php?Page=1
A4. FRANCE JAN 2005/BRAZIL JUN 2012/MAYLAYSIA JUNE 2013/INDONESIA JUN 2014/
THAILAND JUNE 2015/ADD/EC 725 “SUPER” COUGAR/C5 P26/2 x FN MAG 60-30 250/or 1000Rd “Drums”/Optional 2 x 20mm POD mounted GIAT Cannons 180Rds/or 2 x 68mm THALES/or FORGE ZEEBRUGGE 19 Rd Rocket Launchers/TI/GSR 60/EW 8/Advanced composite add on armor is available and is used by the French. Mexico (The largest or next user of the EC 725.) supposedly has it also though not in the game. Malaysia’s are being reported to being equipped in the same manner as the French versions. Adjust armor ratings as you see fit for FRANCE and MAYLASIA/USE FRENCH UNIT 516 AS BASE//Concerning Thailand they have been very good about getting the equipment they have ordered, however, there are mixed reports about whether the contract has actually been signed or not. Based on this information I’ll leave it to you whether you wish to add it to Thailand’s OOB. This represents the Special Ops/CSAR version for the countries listed. The other COUGARS listed in the game are the “older” version AS 532 (Still in production.) which has a longer fuselage that allows it to carry additional troops, less advanced and slower, its primary function is as a troop transport. The EC 725 is a further development of the AS 532 to provide a faster (324km/hr/or205mph) more versatile multi-function platform. A lot of effort was made in the protection of this helo to include updated active and passive defensive systems such as laser warning systems, use of composite materials that significantly reduces its Radar and IR signatures. Also features a fully digitally equipped cockpit, SATCOM/NAVSAT systems to support “nap of the earth’ flying with full day and night flying capabilities and more powerful and reliable engines, because of this, the armor kit has little effect on overall speed and lift capabilities.
http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/ec725/
http://www.airrecognition.com/index....sk=view&id=331
http://www.eurocopter.com/site/en/ref/Missions_174.html
http://www.armyrecognition.com/laad_...1_1404116.html.
http://www.airforce-technology.com/n...25-helicopters
http://helihub.com/2012/12/04/royal-...twelve-ec725s/
http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/...copters-04959/
http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/...issions-07542/
A5. KENYA JAN 2010/CAMBODIA JAN 2014/ADD/Z-9WA/USE CHINESE UNIT 490//The Chinese Z-9 is licensed built by Harbin Aircraft (HAMC) from the French Aerospatiale (Eurocopter.) AS 365N/DAUPHIN II helicopter. Kenya was the first export customer for the Z-9WA. This helicopter represents a reasonable balance in transport and attack capabilities, which is why this helicopter is finding and filling a niche in both the African and Asian markets. The previous version of the Z-9WA has been exported to the game countries of Laos and Pakistan. The one thing in common with these export customers is they all have unrest within and near their borders.
http://www.sinodefence.com/airforce/helicopter/z9.asp
http://www.sinodefence.com/airforce/...ifications.asp
http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htp.../20100115.aspx
http://www.9abc.net/archives/15281
http://www.kenyacentral.com/general/...d-afmadow.html
(See sentence just above picture on left mid article.)
http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/0...7JM0XI20110822
http://articles.janes.com/articles/J...-Cambodia.html
http://www.khmernews.com/view/air-fo...s-in-2013/5124
http://www.phnompenhpost.com/2012122...dia-bound.html
A6. IRAQ JAN 2006/CHINA JAN 2009/AFGANISTAN DEC 2010/INDIA JAN 2012/C3 P36/ADD/Mi-17-V5/USE RUSSIAN UNIT 355 AS MODIFIED BELOW//This helicopter is the export version of the Russian Mi-8MTV5 and each represents the most advanced version of the type now flown. This version is nick named the “NIGHT NOCH” or Night Owl and was designed to fully support both day and night operations under all weather conditions and operate at higher altitudes and terrain. This is why the U.S. bought these helos for both Iraq and Afghanistan.
C1. RUSSIA/Mi-8MTV-5/UNIT 355/CHANGE/START DATE TO JAN 2000/INCREASE SPEED/10% GRATIS/EW 5/TI/GSR 40//As pointed out above these are the most advanced version of the Mi-8/Mi-17 helos. The current start date reflects the time the helo was still in final development and on the air show circuit. The major changes this model(s) received over previous ones are a all new digital cockpit giving this helo full night and all weather flight capabilities. An armored cockpit with all electrical and fluid systems similarly protected. New engines which allowed for high altitude ops, increased lift capabilities along with speed. A newer version is being tested now with newer more powerful engines. Refs cover A6 and C1.
http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/mi8-17-hip/
http://www.mi-helicopter.ru/eng/index.php?id=254
http://www.army-technology.com/news/...-in-july-2012/
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/29594/
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/32530/
C2. USMC/MV-22/UNIT 599/CHANGE/End Date to JUN 2009/ADD M240G 7.62mm Rds UKN.//As it operates as a helo it was given the MG noted for ground suppression as most helos have. Designed to swing out from the bulkhead into firing position on approach and take off.
See below refs.
C3. USMC/MV-22/UNIT 650/CHANGE/Dates to JAN 2009 - DEC 2020/ADD BAE GAU-17 7.62mm Minigun Rds UKN & Maintain current .50 cal.//This is an auto retractable ball turret, mounted @ the bottom of the fuselage centerline. It has an integrated FCS to include advanced FLIR and target optic systems which are RO by a crew member operated "game system" and in the cockpit as well, as one of the videos show a FLIR target screen in there. This will cause an increase in vision to about 30 minimum I would think. This is in addition to the rear ramp MG already carried on board this unit which was mounted about this same time.
http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/osprey/
http://www.military-today.com/helico..._22_osprey.htm
http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/...-cv-22s-04618/
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/22480/
C4. USMC/UH-1Y/UNITS 322 & 323/CHANGE Dates to SEP 2008 – DEC 2010/HS to 3 vice 0/ADD TI/GSR 40./UNIT 322 replace APKWS II ASM with HYDRA 70.//The UH-1Y and AH-1Z share a commonality of parts at about 85% to reduce maintenance costs. With the advanced FLIR and BRITE Star TI systems onboard and the fact that they did not go operational until the date shown, these units should have the same TI/GSR of UNITS 320& 321. Also of note the rotors and engine housing area has the same protection against 23mm rounds as the AH-1Z (See UNIT 172.) as noted in the refs.
Ref #2 has good replacement photos for UNITS 320 - 323 vice the current shown UH-1N.
C5. USMC/UH-1Y/UNITS 320 & 321/CHANGE HS to 3 vice 0 as noted above./UNIT 320 replace 50 cal M2HB with GAU-21 50 cal./UNIT 321 replace HYDRA 70 with APKWS II ASM//
The CORPS was “all in” by this time with the APKWS II ASM.
See refs 7-10 below concerning GAU-21 50cal with Night Sights.
http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/...program-03541/
http://www.tecom.usmc.mil/HD/Chronol...early/2008.htm
http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/uh1y-huey/
http://www.naval-technology.com/proj...ty-helicopter/
http://somd.com/news/headlines/2006/4123.shtml
http://www.thebaynet.com/news/index..../story_ID/9574
http://www.asdnews.com/news/30989/GA...with_UH-1Y.htm
http://www.globalsecurity.org/milita...0109-mcn01.htm
http://www.militarytimes.com/news/20...gau21_010410w/
http://www.navweaps.com/Weapons/WNUS_50cal-M3M_MG.htm
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=11442
http://www.deagel.com/news/Upgraded-...000009578.aspx
http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/...d-phase-02193/
This last ref provides an update on the APKWS II ASM with the new Mk 152 warhead that will also be used on the HARRIER and A-10besides the USMC helos, to be fielded in 2012.
C6. SOUTH AFRICA/ROOIVALK/UNITS 189, 190 and 899 - 902/CHANGE End Date to NOV 2009.//
This helo is very advanced featuring 4th Gen integrated image intensifier and FLIR systems, TopOwl sight display for integrated weapons system control. This helo is considered “stealthy” even by today’s standards. All the areas thus covered and in the refs were improved upon with the Mk I below but, the problem wasn't with the design capabilities of the ROOIVALK but in the unreliability of it’s engines (Primarily with the gear box.), safety (5 helos lost to accidents/crashes.), high cost of maintenance, obsolescence of ground support equipment and facilities and budget woes to the point that the ROOIVALK was put into storage. This was an embarrassment to the military and government which hoped to showcase this helo at the World Cup in the hopes of generating international sales. The only question I have here is should the TI/GSR be improved for the above units?
Also note that the last two refs deal with the Non MK I ROOIVALK.
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/18049/
http://www.airforce-technology.com/p...-ah2-rooivalk/
http://www.military-today.com/helico...2_rooivalk.htm
C7. USA/AH-64A APACHE/UNITS 907 & 935/CHANGE End Date to JUL 2012//All USA AH-64A models have now either been sold off or have been RESET to the AH-64D BLK II model. In service since 1985this model has had a very successful run from the start of its career during the Cold War to the present. Amongst others, it was a game changer in land warfare and played its part in changing the Soviet mindset to more defensive tactics during the 1980’s. The last sixteen units to be converted belonged to the National Guard and where flown to the Boeing Mesa AZ. Plant in May 2012 for conversion.
http://asc.army.mil/web/access-army-...he-helicopter/
http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?se...cal&id=8737045
http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/...uration-02972/
(See the Contracts and Key Events section in above ref Sep 25/12 and Jan 11/12 entries.)
http://www.airforce-technology.com/p...he-helicopter/
http://www.military-today.com/helico...64a_apache.htm
C8. USA/MH-47/UNIT 293/Change name to MH-47E/Change End Date to JAN 2010/ADD to USMC OOB/See A3 above to include refs.//First change to simplify any future info that might cause a change to that particular helo. Second allows for the last couple of helos to be removed from service and prepped for the SLEP (RESET) Program and flight evaluations before being turned over to SOCOM as noted above on MAR 4, 2011. Third the “ADD“ allows the Player and AI ready access to the MH helos that would in reality be used by the USN SEALS, Special Boat Unit and to a somewhat lesser degree USMC MARSOC units such as Force Recon/Sniper/or Sniper Recon/DAP etc. where Marine/Naval air units are not available. Covered in related refs above.
D1. EAST GERMANY (DDR)/DELETE/Mi-24W/UNITS 125 & 907//
The DDR LSK/LV never operated this variant of the Mi-24. The LSK/LV only operated the MI-24D/P models of this attack helicopter.
D2. GERMANY/DELETE/Mi-8T/UNIT 327.// These helos were either sold off or scrapped. It should be pointed out here that the only East German piece of military equipment to see active service in Germany after reunification was the MIG-29. This is to include the “rumored” use of the T-62 (See MBT Thread Post #238.) or the Mi-24P of which You Tube and others show flying in Luftwaffe colors
(See Jets and Planes but… Thread Post #96.) during test and evaluation flights ONLY. Except as noted East German equipment over time met the same fate as these Mi-8T helos.
A7. USA JAN 2013/TAIWAN OCT 2013/ADD/APACHE AH-64E GUARDIAN/Use UNIT 916/EW 10 or 12/TI/GSR 60-80/Speed 10-15%+// Well to say this is the most advanced AH out there would be an understatement, it is a game changer in the real world and in the end probably in the game upon further evaluation of the information provided. If not now (TI/GSR) later as more information comes to light. I start with quotes concerning the performance of the AH-64E over the AH-64D from ref. 3 Col. Shane Openshaw APACHE Project Manager,
"I had the opportunity to fly a Block III Apache a week ago and I will tell you the performance of the aircraft is tremendous," Openshaw said. "It's fast, strong and capable. We have also made improvements to the target acquisition platform. The backbone of the aircraft is an open-system architecture with improved mission command and interoperability."
Also from Ref. 4 (It also address foreign sales most importantly Taiwan.),
During testing last year, operators in the E model were able to counter realistic air defense threats in demonstrations at Naval Air Station China Lake, Calif., says Col. John Lynch, attack helicopter manager at Army Training and Doctrine Command. He says the helicopters were able to maintain their positions and maneuver as needed and had power margin while the Block II Apaches were “shot down” in similar exercises. “The Block III absolutely frustrated these folks that operate these [air defense] systems,” he says. The added power is due in part to improved composite main rotor blades that are six inches longer and feature a new tip design for improved aerodynamic performance as well as improved General Electric T700-GE-701D engines, Koopersmith says. The first ref. as most know by now found out (About the site.) will be in subscriber and or update phase still by time this is posted. But once available will be an outstanding source concerning the AH-64E.
The last ref. is useful as a check of countries that fly the AH-64A/D models.
https://www.defenseindustrydaily.com...-signed-02480/
http://www.flightglobal.com/news/art...o-come-380875/
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/26074/
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/34196/
http://www.army.mil/article/77128/Ap...well_in_tests/
http://www.army.mil/article/90221/Up...or_production/
http://www.military.com/daily-news/2...roduction.html
http://www.aviationweek.com/Article....-01-511015.xml
http://blog.al.com/breaking/2013/01/post_1023.html
http://www.defensemedianetwork.com/s...-now-guardian/
http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/...ization-04250/
http://www.taiwannews.com.tw/etn/new...php?id=2120011
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/n...che-attack.htm
http://www.boeing.com/rotorcraft/mil...h64d/index.htm
BONUS Read:
http://www.army-technology.com/featu...k-helicopters/
Pics:
For Turkey T-129 Kenya/Cambodia Z-9 AH
France/Brazil/Malaysia/Indonesia/Thailand EC 725
Many thanks again to GORDON and LTCol. Stefan Petersen Luftwaffe Reserve and EUROFIGHTER Pilot extraordinaire.
This is it, I'll post pictures in a couple of days.
Sorry not here.
Regards,
Pat
Helo News game related.
Re: Helo News game related.
Hybrid Mode
