HELICOPTERS : The Flying Artillery

The Apache AH-64 and Cobra AH-1 are anti-armor attack helicopters with day and night flying capability. The Apache, used by the Army, and the Cobra, used by the Marines, both carry a crew of two. The Cobra, with two rotor blades, is a much older craft than the four-blade Apache. These helicopters, which are likened to flying artillery, act in close coordination with ground forces. They can be called in on short notice to deal with any obstacle or challenge. In offensive action, they can move out in front of advancing troop columns and take out enemy position and pursue retreating targets. In defensive action, the strategy is to thwart attacks.

APACHE: The Apache’s Eyes: This system can detect and engage targets during battlefield conditions of smoke, sand and dust clouds, in all types of weather. The image produced can be seen through a headset worn by the pilot or co-pilot or on a CRT screen in the control panel.Gun: 30-mm chain gun automatic cannon (fires 625 rounds per minute) Missiles: Hellfire anti-tank missiles (generally carries 8, could carry up to 16) Rockets: 70-mm folding fin aerial rockets, 19 rockets per unit (generally carries 38, could carry up to 76) Flares: Flares are launched away from the aircraft to provide an alternate heat source in order to divert an incoming heat-seeking missile. Gun and Rocket Fire: this type of fire carried out at close range and will destroy softer targets such as missile launchers or light-armor personnel carriers. Missile Fire: The Lack of concealing terrain in the desert means the Apache and cobra fire on targets from as far away as possible, a distance of up to five miles. Terrain: Pilots try to hide behind high ground while advancing toward enemy targets. Enemy Vehicles: Enemy tanks have the ability to launch smoke bombs to camouflage themselves from their opponents’ gun sights, making themselves a more difficult target to hit. The majority of Iraqi tanks, though, are dug into positions giving them fairly good protection against incoming artillery. Laser Designator: The laser system that guides the Hellfire missiles to their target can be pointed by a hidden soldier on the ground, the aircraft firing the missile oar an allied aircraft in the vicinity. It has the ability to see through smoke screens.

COBRA: Capable of firing Hellfire and TOW missiles and up to five different types of rockets. Night vision system. Multi-barreled 20-mm cannon (730 rounds per minute).