Military helicopter

What Exactly Is a Military Helicopter?

A military helicopter is a specialized aircraft designed for usage by armed forces. The mission determines its design or conversion, making these machines versatile tools in the battlefield. From airlift and combat search and rescue to medical evacuation and close air support, military helicopters play an integral part in sea, land, and air operations.

Designing Versatility

The mission is key when it comes to designing or converting a helicopter for military use. Manufacturers develop airframes in different weight/size classes that can be adapted to various roles through the installation of mission-specific equipment. For instance, the US Army’s Boeing AH-64D Apache variants are fitted with the Longbow radar system, but not all units have been purchased.

Survivability and Protection

Military helicopters are heavily armored to protect pilots, engines, transmission, and fuel tanks. Fuel lines, control cables, and power to the tail rotor may also be shrouded by Kevlar armor. Survivability is enhanced through redundancy and component placement protection.

Avionics and Electronics

Modern military helicopters are equipped with advanced avionics such as communication radios, navigation aids, electronic countermeasures, and identification friend or foe systems. Payload or mission systems can be installed permanently or temporarily based on specific requirements.

Attack Helicopters: The Frontline Warriors

Attack helicopters are used for anti-tank and close air support roles, often equipped with sensors like millimeter wave radar systems. These machines are the frontline warriors in high-intensity warfare, providing crucial support to ground troops.

Transport Helicopters: The Lifeline

Transport helicopters are used for transporting personnel and cargo in support of military operations. In larger militaries, they are essential due to their ability to transport without requiring a runway. Air assault is a strategy that relies heavily on transport helicopters to assemble a customized force, land troops and equipment, and resupply during the operation.

Reconnaissance and Observation

The first reconnaissance and observation aircraft were balloons and light airplanes, but as military helicopters became available, they were ideal for reconnaissance due to their maneuverability and ability to remain in one location. Observation helicopters are equipped with sensor suites, communications equipment, and sometimes armed with guns and rocket pods. They provide terminal guidance to missiles and munitions fired by other aircraft.

Maritime Operations

Military helicopters have been used in maritime operations since the 1940s, initially for deployment from navy cruisers and battleships. Anti-submarine warfare was added as helicopters matured, allowing them to operate quickly and effectively against submarines. Modern maritime helicopters are designed to be operated from smaller vessels, equipped with advanced technology such as dunking sonar and radar.

Helicopters in Search and Rescue

The use of helicopters for search and rescue increased during the Korean and Algerian Wars, with the USAF acquiring Sikorsky S-61R and CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopters for the Combat Search and Rescue mission. These machines have been quickly pressed into service for these operations since World War II.

Operational Helicopters

Some services use operational helicopters for pilot training, while others have an ab initio phase using basic helicopters. Utility helicopters can fill various roles such as ground attack, air assault, medical evacuation, command and control, and troop transport.

The Force Multiplier

Helicopters give a substantial advantage to their operators by being a force multiplier. To maximize their impact, they are utilized in a combined arms approach. In high-intensity warfare, anti-tank missiles were developed and mounted on military helicopters, with scout helicopters providing guidance for attack helicopters using laser designators.

Low-Intensity Warfare

In low-intensity warfare, government forces use helicopters to patrol and convoys, deterring insurgent forces and capturing or killing them. Helicopters provide surprise and flexibility in counter-insurgency operations. Patrols can move unexpectedly, disrupting insurgent patterns.

Major Manufacturers

The major helicopter manufacturers include Leonardo S.p.A., Boeing, Bell Helicopter, Sikorsky Aircraft, Mitsubishi, Kawasaki, Fuji Heavy Industries, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, and Russian Helicopters (formerly Mil and Kamov OKBs).

In conclusion, military helicopters are not just machines; they are the lifeblood of modern warfare. From providing reconnaissance and transport to serving as frontline warriors in combat, these versatile aircraft play a crucial role in ensuring the success of military operations. As technology continues to evolve, so too will the capabilities and roles of military helicopters.