Attack helicopters-Are they still useful?

Finn McCool · Nov 17, 2010

coykiesaol said:
Today, the attack helicopter has been further refined, and the AH-64D Apache Longbow demonstrates many of the advanced technologies being considered for deployment on future gunships. The Russians are currently deploying the Ka-50, and Mi-28, which are roughly equivalent though these attack aircraft are not linked into a command and control system at a level which is quite comparable to current U.S. equipment. Many students of ground attack helicopter warfare feel that linking into a network is a requirement of today's modern armies, since attack helicopters are being increasingly incorporated as part of a linked support element system by most of the armies of the world.

I think one of the most important things in an attack helicopter is optics. You need to have excellent camera abilities, across the spectrum, from visual light to night vision and especially infrared. It's even more important when you're using attack helis as insurgent hunters. I've not seen any guncamera videos from Ka-50s or Mi-28s, but I don't think they're up to par with Apaches and Cobras. The optics on modern American helis let you see the minute dust rising when someone fires a gun at ranges of more than a mile.

Attack helicopters-Are they still useful?

Finn McCool

Captain