Armed Helicopters

[clan]

Would it be possible to add missle systems like the atam Mistral to the two light utility helicopters or even the 4 larger utility military copters to provide escort and top cover.

[Taj]

Hi Clan,

Can you send me you postal address again please..seem to have mislaid it. Issue 2 is just ready.

[pilatus]

it is possible to arm practically any military helicopter with a2a missles!

[n-e-foo]

Um the question has to be asked, why would this be needed?

If these aircraft were to be deployed on a mission that actually neccessitated some top cover, i.e. on an EURRF or UN mission, surely better suited aircraft from other countries would fill that role, rather than a few utility helecopters whos main task is going to be carrying troops.

In my opinion this would only add expense but in answer to your question, i'd say its possible.

In ireland, leave any "rogue" helicopters or light aircraft to the PC-9 '>

Would the PC-9 be suited to the Mistral or Stinger systems?

[pilatus]

forget those wee missiles pc-9's have been armed with sidewinders in other countries.This is a picture of a pod that simulates the sidewinder during excercises which is actually mounted on a pilatus in this picture!

[n-e-foo]

Thanks for the picture '>

I had heard the Slovenian Air Force had gotten something like this, first time I've seen it. They got their aircraft upgraded - the "Swift" upgrade by an Israeli company methinks.

I mentioned the Mistral and Stinger, because I assume they're cheaper (but assumedly much less capable) than the Sidewinder, but might be better suited (and cheaper '> )  for the role of taking down light aircraft and helicopters.

Plus the PC-9 might be able to carry up to 4 of these missiles and still carry the Gun pod which would be useful in the role. But I am unfamiliar with the weights involved so its just uneducated speculation on my part

But I dont even know if its ever been tried.

I'll get me coat

[pilatus]

i see your point but if the pc9 were carrying four stingers/mistrals they would have to carry an infra-pod to guide the missles and that would leave only room for one cannon/machine gun but i think it would be more practicle to carry 2xguns 2xsidewinders(longer range+more accurate+bigger punch than stinger/mistral as can be seen in numerous wars in fact the sidewinder is the most succesful air2air missile ever)a fuel pod and a targeting pod.then it could perhaps tango with a hawk class aircraft if it got down low and fast! '>

[Imshi-Yallah]

To answer clans original question and get back to the actual topic.
Any helicopter can be wired to fire AAMs or ASMs as long as its inherent aerodynamic characteristics and other safety/weight issues to do with the weight flare and force of the missile permit.
However such a capability would have to be specified from the outset of a tender as the modifications and/or overhaul of the airframe would in effect render it a different aircraft.

Also there is still sadly and ashamedly no plan to provide organic air support to overseas contingents therefore no benefit in the eyes of the tender writers to arming these aircraft.
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