Attack Helicopter Match-Ups: India vs. Pakistan

[Novice09]

Super hind

IAF's Hind

 

[Super Falcon]

without a doubt HIND is Best and its my personal loving bird too but the probleum sir is that it is not agile tough it has a lot space for arms to carry but at the cost of manuverability and precasion

 

[Super Falcon]

The Mi-24 went from drawing board in 1968 to first test-flights in less than eighteen months. The first models were delivered to the armed forces for evaluation in 1971. The Hind-A did have a number of problems: lateral roll, weapon sighting problems, and limited field of view for the pilot. A heavy redesign of the aircraft front section solved most of these problems.

V-24 — The first version, twelve prototypes and development aircraft. The first V-24 mockup resembled the Bell UH-1A Huey. Later models resembled the future Hind-A, one of which was modified in 1975 as A-10 for speed record attempts with wings removed and faired over and with inertia-type dampers on the main rotor head. The A-10 reached a speed of 368 km/h.
Mi-24 (Hind-A) — Other early versions were the armed assault helicopter, which could carry eight combat troops and three crew members. It could also carry four 57-mm rocket pods on four underwing pylons, four MCLOS 9M17 Phalanga (AT-2 Swatter) anti-tank missiles on two underwing rails, free-fall bombs, plus one 12.7-mm machine-gun in the nose. The Mi-24 was the first production model.
Mi-24B (Hind-A) — Experimental series of Hind-A, one of which was used to test the Fenestron tail rotor.
Mi-24F (Hind-A) — Modified Hind-A with seven reinforcing ribs on the port fuselage aft of the wing and the SRO-2M Khrom ("Odd Rods") IFF antenna relocated from the canopy to the oil cooler. The APU exhaust was also extended and angled downwards. The designation may be unofficial.
Mi-24A (Hind-B) — The Mi-24A was the second production model. Both the Mi-24 and Mi-24A entered Soviet Air Force service in 1972. Lacks the four-barrel Yak-B 12.7mm machine gun under the nose.
Mi-24U (Hind-C) — Training version without nose gun and wingtip stations.
Mi-24BMT - Small number of Mi-24s converted into minesweepers.
Mi-24D (Hind-D) — The Mi-24D was a purer gunship than the earlier variants. It entered production in 1973. The Mi-24D has a redesigned forward fuselage, with two separate cockpits for the pilot and gunner. It is armed with a single 12.7-mm four-barrel Yak-B machine-gun under the nose. It can carry four 57-mm rocket pods, four SACLOS 9M17 Phalanga anti-tank missiles (a significant enhancement compared to the MCLOS system found on the Mi-24A), plus bombs and other weapons. One Mi-24D was sold to Poland in January 1996 and was used by the WTD 61 in Manching during 1994 for tests with the head of a Hawk missile in place of the chin-mounted gun. This version also had an unidentified modification in the rear cabin window on the starboard side.
Mi-24PTRK — This version was the Mi-24D modification that was used for testing the Shturm V missile system for the Mi-24V.
Mi-24DU — Small numbers of Mi-24Ds were built as training helicopters with doubled controls.
Mi-24V (Hind-E) — Later development led to the Mi-24V which entered production in 1976 and was first seen by the west in the early 1980s. It armed with the more advanced 9M114 Shturm (AT-6 Spiral). Eight of those missile are mounted on four outer wing pylons. It was the most widely produced version with more than 1500 made. In Polish service this aircraft is designated Mi-24W. One Mi-24V was referred to as Mi-24T for unknown reasons.
Arsenal Mi-24V upgrade — Ukrainian upgrade for Mi-24V
Mi-24P (Hind-F) — The gunship version, which replaced the 12.7-mm machine-gun with a fixed side-mounted 30-mm GSh-30K twin-barrel cannon.
Mi-24P-2 — Upgraded Mi-24P.
Mi-24G (Hind-F) — Custom Mi-24P with a gun on the starboard side
Mi-24TECh-24 "Mobile Repair Shop" — Experimental Hind-F to test abilities for recovery of downed aircraft.
Mi-24VP (Hind-E Mod) — Development of Mi-24V made in 1985 which replaced the machine-gun with twin 23-mm cannons in a movable turret. Entered service in 1989, but only 25 were made before production ended the same year.[1] One Mi-24VP flew with the Delta-H tail rotor of the Mi-28.
Mi-24VU (Hind-E) — Indian training version of Mi-24V "Hind-E".
Mi-24VD — This version was produced in 1985 to test a rear defensive gun.
Mi-24RKhR (Hind-G1) — NBC reconnaissance model, which is designed to collect radiation, biological and chemical samples. It was first seen during the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster. Also known as the Mi-24R, Mi-24RK and Mi-24RKh (Rch).
Mi-24RA (Hind-G1 Mod) — New version of the Mi-24V.
Mi-24RR — Radiation reconnaissance model derived from the Mi-24R.
Mi-24K (Hind-G2) — Army reconnaissance, artillery observation helicopter.
Mi-24M — Upgraded model of the Mi-24.
Mi-24VM — upgraded Mi-24V with updated avionics to improve night-time operation, new communications gear, shorter and lighter wings, and updated weapon systems to include support for the Ataka, Shturm and Igla-V missiles and a 23-mm main gun. Other internal changes have been made to increase the aircraft life-cycle and ease maintenance. The Mi-24VM is expected to operate until 2015
Mi-24VN (Hind-E) — (Mi-35O "Hind-E") A night-attack version based on an Mi-24V in Mi-24VM Stage 1 configuration.
Mi-24PM — Upgraded Mi-24P using same technologies as in Mi-24VM.
Mi-24PN — The Russian military has selected this upgraded Mi-24 to be their primary attack helicopter. The PN version has a TV and a FLIR camera located in a dome on the front of the aircraft. Other modifications include using the rotor blades and wings from the Mi-28 and fixed rather than retractable landing gear. The Russians received 14 Mi-24PNs in 2004 and plan on eventually upgrading all of their Mi-24s.[2]
Mi-24PS — Civil police or paramilitary version, equipped with a FLIR, searchlight, loudspeaker PA system and attachments for rappelling ropes.
Mi-24E — Environmental research version, also called the Mi-24 Ecological Survey Version.
Mi-25 — The export version of the Mi-24D.
Mi-35 — The export version of the Mi-24V.
Mi-35M — Export night attack version, is fitted with western sensors and avionics. Also known as Mi-35M1.
Mi-35M2 — Updated version of the Mi-35M for the Venezuelan Army.
Mi-35M3 — Export Mi-24VM.
Mi-35P — The export version of the Mi-24P.
Mi-35U — Unarmed training version of the Mi-35.
Mi-24 SuperHind Mk.II — Modern western avionics upgrade produced by South African company Advanced Technologies and Engineering (ATE).[3]
Mi-24 SuperHind Mk.III/IV — Extensive operational upgrade of the original Mi-24 including weapons, avionics and counter measures.[4]
Mi-24 SuperHind Mk.V — Newest version of the "SuperHind" with fully redesigned front fuselage and cockpit.
Mi-24 Afghanistan field modifications — Passenger compartment armour and exhaust suppressors were often removed. Due to accidental firing while switching sides, the door gunner was given both a port and starboard gun. Extra rounds for the rocket pods to allow self-reloading near the battlefield and also heavy weapons for self defense were often carried.[5]
Tamam Mi-24 HMOSP — Israeli upgrade.
Early Mi-28 mockups — First, an early production Mi-24 (probably Hind-A with wings removed) was fitted with an air data boom as an early test for the Mi-28's technologies. Later, a few Mi-24Ds were fitted up with the Mi-28's radome mount for testing the sighting-flight-navigational complex's abilities, and others had redesigned fuselages that closely resemble the future Mi-28, but with rounded cockpits. [6]
[edit] References
^ Yefim Gordon & Dmitry Komissarov

 

[Super Falcon]

The AH-1 Cobra (company designation: Bell 209) is a two-bladed, single engine attack helicopter manufactured by Bell. It shares a common engine, transmission and rotor system with the older UH-1 Iroquois. The AH-1 is also referred to as the HueyCobra or Snake.

The AH-1 was the backbone of the United States Army's attack helicopter fleet, but has been replaced by the AH-64 Apache in Army service. Upgraded versions continue to fly with the militaries of several other nations. The AH-1 twin engine versions remain in service with United States Marine Corps as the service's primary attack helicopter. Surplus AH-1 helicopters have been converted for fighting forest fires. The United States Forest Service refers to their program as the Firewatch Cobra. Garlick Helicopters also converts surplus AH-1s for forest firefighting under the name, FireSnake.[2]

Contents [hide]
1 Development
1.1 Background
1.2 Bell 207 Sioux Scout
1.3 AAFSS
1.4 Model 209
1.5 Into production
2 Operational history
2.1 United States
2.2 Israel
2.3 Pakistan
2.4 US Forest Service
3 Variants
3.1 Single-engine
3.2 Twin-engine
4 Operators
4.1 Current operators
4.2 Former operators
5 Specifications
5.1 AH-1G HueyCobra
5.2 AH-1F "Modernized" Cobra
6 See also
7 References
8 External links


[edit] Development
[edit] Background
Closely related with the development of the Bell AH-1 is the story of the Bell UH-1 Iroquois — predecessor of the modern helicopter, icon of the Vietnam War and still one of the most numerous helicopter types in service today.

The UH-1 made the theory of air cavalry practical, as the new tactics called for US forces to be highly mobile across a wide area. Unlike before, they would not stand and fight long battles, and they would not stay and hold positions. Instead, the plan was that the troops carried by fleets of UH-1 Hueys would range across the country, to fight the enemy at times and places of their own choice.[3]

It soon became clear that the unarmed troop helicopters were vulnerable against ground fire from Việt Cộng and North Vietnamese troops, particularly as they came down to drop their troops in a landing zone. Without friendly support from artillery or ground forces, the only way to pacify a landing zone was from the air, preferably with a machine that could closely escort the transport helicopters, and loiter over the landing zone as the battle progressed. By 1962 a small number of armed UH-1As were used as escorts, armed with multiple machine guns and rocket mounts.[4]

The massive expansion of American military presence in Vietnam opened a new era of war from the air. The linchpin of US Army tactics were the helicopters, and the protection of those helicopters became a vital role.[5]

[edit] Bell 207 Sioux Scout

Bell Model 207 Sioux ScoutMain article: Bell 207
Bell had been investigating helicopter gunships since the late 1950s, and had created a mockup of its D 255 helicopter gunship concept, named "Iroquois Warrior". In June 1962, Bell displayed the mockup to Army officials, hoping to solicit funding for further development. The D 255 Iroquois Warrior was planned to be a purpose-built attack aircraft based on the UH-1B components with a new, slender airframe and a two-seat, tandem cockpit. It featured a grenade launcher in a ball turret on the nose, a 20 mm belly-mounted gun pod, and stub wings for mounting rockets or SS-10 anti-armor missiles.[6]

The Army was interested and awarded Bell a proof of concept contract in December 1962. Bell modified a Model 47 into the sleek Model 207 Sioux Scout which first flew in July 1963.[7] The Sioux Scout had all the key features of a modern helicopter gunship – a tandem cockpit, stub wings for weapons, and a chin-mounted gun turret. After evaluating the Sioux Scout in early 1964, the Army was impressed, but also believed the Sioux Scout was too small, underpowered, unsophisticated, and fragile to be of practical use.[7]

[edit] AAFSS
Army's solution to the shortcomings of the Sioux Scout was to launch the Advanced Aerial Fire Support System (AAFSS) competition.[7] The AAFSS requirement would give birth to the Lockheed AH-56 Cheyenne – a heavy battlefield helicopter that would prove to be over-ambitious, over-complex and over-budget, before being canceled 10 years later in 1972.[7] The Cheyenne program developed future technology and demonstrated some impressive performance, but was never made to work as a functional gunship. It served to underline an important rule of the combat helicopter – survival would be ensured only by the right mix of speed, agility and weapons.

[edit] Model 209

Bell 209 prototype of the AH-1 Cobra series, with skids retracted (FAA no. N209J).At the same time, despite the Army's preference for the AAFSS – for which Bell Helicopter was not selected to compete – Bell stuck with their own idea of a smaller and lighter gunship.[7] In January 1965 Bell invested $1 million to proceed with a new design.

Mating the proven transmission, the "540" rotor system of the UH-1C augmented by a Stability Control Augmentation System (SCAS), and the T53 turboshaft engine of the UH-1 with the design philosophy of the Sioux Scout, Bell produced the Model 209.[7] Bell's Model 209 largely resembled its "Iroquois Warrior" mockup.[8]

In Vietnam, events were also advancing in favor of the Model 209. Attacks on US forces were increasing, and by the end of June 1965 there were already 50,000 US ground troops in Vietnam.[7]

1965 was also the deadline for AAFSS selection, but the program was stuck in technical difficulties and political bickering. The U.S. Army needed an interim gunship for Vietnam and it asked five companies to provide a quick solution. Submissions came in for armed variants of the Boeing-Vertol ACH-47A, Kaman HH-2C Tomahawk, Piasecki 16H Pathfinder, Sikorsky S-61, and the Bell 209.[7]

On 3 September 1965 Bell rolled out the prototype, and four days later it made its maiden flight, only eight months from the go-ahead. In April 1966, the Model 209 won an evaluation against the other rival helicopters. Then the Army signed the first production contract for 110 aircraft.[7]

The Bell 209 demonstrator was used for the next six years to test weapons and fit of equipment. It had been modified to the match AH-1 production standard by the early 1970s. The demonstrator was retired to the Patton Museum at Fort Knox, KY and converted to approximately its original appearance.[8]

[edit] Into production
The Bell 209 design was modified for production. The retractable skids were replaced by simpler fixed skids. A new wide-blade rotor was featured. For production, a plexiglass canopy replaced the 209's armored glass canopy which was heavy enough to harm performance.[8] Other changes were incorporated after entering service. The main one of these was moving the tail rotor from the helicopter's left side to the right for improved effectiveness of the rotor.[9]

The U.S. Marine Corps was interested in the Cobra and ordered an improved twin-engined version in 1968 under the designation AH-1J. This would lead to more twin-engine variants.[10] In 1972, the Army sought improved anti-armor capability. Under the Improved Cobra Armament Program (ICAP), trials of eight AH-1s fitted with TOW missiles were conducted in 1973. After passing qualification tests the following year, Bell was contracted with upgrading AH-1Gs to the TOW-capable AH-1Q configuration. A more powerful T53 engine and transmission was added from 1976 resulting in the AH-1S version. The AH-1S was upgraded in three steps, culminating with the AH-1F.[11][7]

[edit] Operational history
For AH-1J, AH-1T, AH-1W, AH-1Z and other twin-engine variants, see AH-1 SuperCobra.

Bell AH-1G in Vietnam
AH-1Q Cobra in Fort Hood, Texas
A late-model AH-1 Cobra at ILA 2006 in Berlin[edit] United States
By June 1967, the first AH-1G HueyCobras had been delivered. Originally designated as UH-1H, the "A" for attack designation was soon adopted and when the improved UH-1D became the UH-1H, the HueyCobra became the AH-1G.[7] The AH-1 was initially considered a variant of the H-1 line, resulting in the G series letter.

AH-1 Cobras were in use by the Army during the Tet offensive in 1968 and through the end of the Vietnam War. Huey Cobras provided fire support for ground forces, escorted transport helicopters and other roles, including aerial rocket artillery (ARA) battalions in the two Airmobile divisions. They also formed "hunter killer" teams by pairing with OH-6A scout helicopters. A team featured one OH-6 flying slow and low to find enemy forces. If the OH-6 drew fire, the Cobra could strike at the then revealed enemy.[8] Bell built 1,116 AH-1Gs for the US Army between 1967 and 1973, and the Cobras chalked up over a million operational hours in Vietnam.[7] Approximately 300 AH-1s were lost to combat and accidents during the war.[8]

The US Marine Corps used AH-1G Cobras in Vietnam for a short time before acquiring twin-engine AH-1J Cobras.

AH-1 Cobras were deployed for Operation Urgent Fury, the invasion of Grenada in 1983, flying close-support and helicopter escort missions. Army Cobras participated in the US invasion of Panama in 1989, during Operation Just Cause.[8]

During Operation Desert Shield (1990) and Operation Desert Storm (Jan-Feb 1991), the Cobras and SeaCobras deployed in a support role. The USMC deployed 91 SeaCobras and the US Army 140 Cobras, generally fitted with engine inlet sand filters and operating from forward, dispersed sites in the desert. Three AH-1s were lost in accidents during fighting and afterward.[8] Cobras destroyed hundreds of Iraqi armored vehicles and other targets in the fighting, though the Army relegated the Cobra to the patrol and scout roles.

Army Cobras provided support for the US humanitarian intervention during Operation Restore Hope in Somalia in 1993. They were also employed during the US invasion of Haiti in 1994. US Cobras were also used in operations throughout the 1990s.[8] In December 1995, Cobras deployed to Bosnia with the U.S. Army's 1st Armored Division as a part of Operation Joint Endeavor.[citation needed]

The US Army phased out the AH-1 during the 1990s and retired the AH-1 from active service in March 1999, offering them to NATO allies.[7][12] The Army retired the AH-1 from reserves in September 2001. The retired AH-1s have been passed to other nations and to the USDA Forest Service.[7] AH-1 Cobras continue to be in service with the US military, by the US Marine Corps, which operate twin-engine AH-1 SuperCobras.

[edit] Israel
The Israeli Air Force named its Cobras as the "Tzefa" (צפ&#1506, Hebrew for Viper.[13] Since the mid-1970s Lebanon has been Israel's most active front. The Cobra helicopter's unique abilities and its precision weapons have made it perfect for the Lebanese theatre and IAF Cobras have been a constant feature of the fighting for more than 20 years. The first Cobra attack took place on 9 May 1979, near Tyre. Having crossed the border over the Mediterranean at dusk, two AH-1s scored direct hits with 2 missiles fired by each helicopter.

Cobra helicopter gunships were also used widely by the Israeli Air Force in the 1982 Lebanon War to destroy Syrian armor and fortification. IAF Cobras destroyed dozens of Syrian armored fighting vehicles, including many of the modern Soviet T-72 tanks. As part of their service in southern Lebanon the Cobras were very active in Israel's major operations against Hezbullah in operations "Accountability" and "Grapes of Wrath".

[edit] Pakistan
Pakistan was supplied with around 20 AH-1F gunships in 1983, these were later upgraded with the C-NITE thermal imaging package. Prior to that Iran had donated some AH-1 helicopters to Pakistan in mid 1970s, which Pakistan used as its main gunship helicopters against insurgents during the Balochistan conflict.[14] The recent insurgencies in the Waziristan regions have seen Pakistani AH-1 gunships in action against Taliban and Al Qaeda fighters as well as their tribal allies. Pakistani gunships have also been used in operations against tribal uprisings in the Balochistan province, supporting the Pakistan Army against well-armed Bugti and Marri tribesmen under the late Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti and the Balochistan Liberation Army, since the mid-2000s.[15]

[edit] US Forest Service
In 2003, the US Forest Service acquired 25 retired AH-1Fs from the US Army.[7] These have been designated Bell 209 and are being converted into Firewatch Cobras with infared and low light sensors and systems for real time fire monitoring.[16][17] The Florida Department of Forestry has also acquired 3 AH-1Ps from US Army. These are called Bell 209 "Firesnakes" and are equipped to carry a water/fire retardant system.[7]

 

[Super Falcon]

Pakistan was supplied with around 20 AH-1F gunships in 1983, these were later upgraded with the C-NITE thermal imaging package. Prior to that Iran had donated some AH-1 helicopters to Pakistan in mid 1970s, which Pakistan used as its main gunship helicopters against insurgents during the Balochistan conflict.[14] The recent insurgencies in the Waziristan regions have seen Pakistani AH-1 gunships in action against Taliban and Al Qaeda fighters as well as their tribal allies. Pakistani gunships have also been used in operations against tribal uprisings in the Balochistan province, supporting the Pakistan Army against well-armed Bugti and Marri tribesmen under the late Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti and the Balochistan Liberation Army, since the mid-2000s

 

[Super Falcon]

[url="http://

 

[ptldM3]

In the Iran-Iraq war the end results were about even, who ever saw the other first won.

Helicopter arn't made to fight each other. Their sole purpose is ground attack. However, there was one confirmed air to air kill by a helicopter and it was an MI-25 shooting down a AH-1J SeaCobra. (Iran Iraq War)

hahahaha so noz upgrade will make a difference for u any way ur Hind in afghan war got serious probleum by stingers. do u remember sir but cobra never shot down by any shoulder fired missles

Atleast 3 SuperCobras were shot down in Iraq, one was shot down with an RPG. Most of the stinger the US provided to the Afghans were returned, the ones that didn't arn't functional because of battery life. The Cobra is not magical, if the enemy has a stinger the Cobra is in trouble.

who said cobra is not lethal it is lethal with precision hind is lethal but not prcesion half of its ammo use to be wasted when comes to precision sir

That's not true.

it is pretty even if we have new cobra than it is bye bye for hind sir becoz it is too heavy and visible to other agressors but cobra is more agile can hide anywhere and and low cost than hind for sure i pick anyday cobra latest model over old model of hind but true is that hind is my favourite attack helicopter but truth is cobra is better we cant deny it

Both the Cobra and the Hind will be visible, and if not their sound will give them away, also are you sure the Cobra is more agile? I knew a Hind pilot, and from his accounts it is a very agile helicopter, it's even able to perform a loop. Its Powerful engines are like the ruber band on a sling shot, but agility has little benifits because once a stinger locks on you arn't arn't getting away unless you use counter measures.

 

[PAFAce]

Are we talking about helicopter dogfights or are we talking about air support? In air support, it should be more-or-less even going by the stats (which is, according to zraver, a battleproven theory). If we're talking helicopter dogfights, then I guess we're mssing the point of these helicopters in the first place.

Advantage definitely goes to India, no doubt, but by a small margin. Frankly, Pakistan Army is more focused on acquiring utility aircraft right now, Mi-17s seem to be priority number one (with good reason). Army Aviation has shown interest in the Apache and the Tiger, but it's never really gone for it. A small detachment of Army Aviation pilots went to the joint German-French Tiger school to have a look at the Tiger, but I think it was deemed too expensive and risky a venture. The Cobra seems to be to the AA what the F-16 is to the PAF, they believe they can do anything with it.

So if Army Aviation isn't too worried about it, why lose sleep over it?

Edit
I forgot to mention, I watched a doc not too long ago on US Army and Marine Corps aviation branches. Turns out, Pak Army isn't the only one in love with the Cobra, the Marine Corps loves it too. They've got the SuperCobras now.

 

[brahmastra]

I personally like Cobra bit more than the Hinds.
they are rear chance that these birds will see face-to-face fight.

At high altitude like Kashmir, Hind will perform better cause they can fly higher.(If I'm not wrong)

on the terrain like Punjab,Rajasthan and Gujarat Cobra will be better than the Hind if we conceder maneuverability. But, will IAF or IA will need to use 'Hind' as IAF got large number of Mig-27 and Jaguars which are 'Big guys' for the ground support role where PA armored regiment cannot find anything to 'hide' as Gujarat,Punjab and Rajasthan are 'open area'.

 

[beckham]

Mil Mi-25 / Mi-35 [Hind] - Akbar

IAF currently operates two Mi-25/35 Helicopter Squadrons (No.104 Firebirds and No.125 Gladiators). IAF Mi-25s and 35s have now been painted in a low visibility paint scheme

The wake-up call to Mi-24 export operators (as many as 600 Mi-24/25/35 export types are deemed suitable for various scales of upgrade) came from Israel Aircraft Industries. It's mission 24 Mi-24 upgrade proposal was selected by the Indian Air Force in an order comprising 25 upgrade kits under a $US20 million contract signed in 1998. It proved to be a good advertisement with which to convince potential customers that a cost-effective alternative upgrade proposal exists, and was viewed as highly competitive to those offered by Russian and French companies. With an affordable and rapid integration of observation/sighting, navigation, self-defense and self-protection equipment proven in real-world operational conditions, the helicopter could perform well in the demanding CAS/AA role in the 21'st century battlefield, including at night and in adverse weather.

IAI's Tamam electro-optical division was quick to offer an affordable upgrade package for the Mi-24 that required reduced development time and risk. The Indian Air force contract covered prototype manufacture and testing in Israel, with production conversion to be undertaken at the customer's facilities. No airframe, flight control system, autopilot, power plant, transmission or rotor system changes have been made by Tamam due to the complexity and costs of such rework and any subsequent required qualifications.

The Mission 24 upgrade package as sold to the Indian Air Force is built around a 1553B digital databus. The heart of the upgrade is a single mission computer developed with IAI MLM; it is a derivative of the model used in the US Air Force T-38 upgrade program, in which IAI is the principal subcontractor.

Mission 24 utilizes Tamam's proven helicopter multi-mission optronic stabilized payload HMOSP, which weighs around 30 kg (66 lbs). It is an improved turret ball mounted derivative of the combat proven IAI Tamam night targeting system installed in the US marine corps AH-1W super cobra and Israeli DF/AF Cobra attack helicopters FoV (between 2.4 deg and 29.2 deg on the FLIR).

The HMOSP can incorporate two types of FLIR: a scanning array 4 x 480 Cadmium-mercury-telluride detectors, operating in the low-wavelength band, and a 320x 240- element indium-antimony focal plane array functioning at the middle wavelengths. Monochrome or color CCD TV cameras are included, together with a laser rangefinder, designator and pointer, plus a built in auto-tracking unit that uses centroid and edge-tracking techniques.

The cockpits are NVG compatible, and both crew members have the option to use IAI's advanced NVG set built-in monocular display on which all necessary navigation and targeting information can be presented. Both cockpits feature a single multi-function display (MFD) for TV, FLIR and targeting information, in addition to a keyword and display unit for navigation and communication control. The CPG has control grips borrowed from the AH-1W, with all necessary sensor/weapons control switches and knobs; such devices when combined with the MFD, can dramatically change work practices and reduce workload.

The HMOSP has been integrated with the Shturm-V ATGM SLOC guidance system through an IR goniometer and interface unit designed by IAI Tamam engineers, which has fully replaced the original old and bulky Raduga-F sighting/ATGM optical tracking system. The unit weighs more than 200 kg (440 lb). The Raduga-F 's role for targeting and tracking both the target and missile was taken over by HMOSP, with guidance commands being produced and transmitted to the missiles through the existing equipment. Russian sources indicated in 2002 that Tamam experienced some guidance problems during Shtrum-V test firings using the HMOSP system in place of the Raduga-F. In order to solve the sensitive missile guidance problems, IAI contacted the Russian design authority for the Shtrum, the KBP company of Tula, which provided important technical assistance. The contact was arranged through the Russian arms export agency Rosvoorouzhenie predecessor of Rosoboronexport.

KBP help is believed to have been instrumental in solving the software/hardware, guidance and control problems associated with the HMOSP/Shtrum-V assimilation on India's upgraded Mi-24s. There are other types of ATGMs on offer for the Mission 24 system, such as Rafael's Spike-ER that has a maximum range of 7 km (3.8 nm) and employs 'fire-and-update' fibre optic guidance. However the Indian Air Force, which has ample stocks of Shtrum-V missiles, preferred to limit the guided weapons integration work on it's upgraded choppers to the relatively cheap and well-proven Russian made supersonic ATGM. The Shtrum-V is still considered to be highly effective against older generation MBT's, such as the Chinese made Type-59/69, the chief potential targets for Indian 'Hinds' in a future war with Pakistan. Integration of the Indigenous Nag ATGM is known to have been earmarked for IAF Mission 24 machines at a later stage.

Navigation improvements introduced by IAI include a GPS receiver integrated into the existing DISS-15D Doppler sensor, and a three-dimensional digital map display. Both the HMOSP and YakB-12.7 gun are slaved to the pilot's line of sight through the use of a helmet-mounted sensor; the machine gun can also be slaved to the HMOSP. IAI chaff/flare dispenser units and Elta radar/laser/missile warning systems have provided a self-defense capability. The total weight of these new systems is about 50 kg.

It was reported that the production phase of the Indian Air force mi-35 was successfully running in 2001 or 2002. During the contract implementation phase, the IAF was tight lipped about the upgrade details, and IAI has also been reluctant to disclose the details of the launch customer for its Mission 24 package. The upgraded helicopters, in overall light grey camouflage, were displayed publicly for the first time during the Aero India 2003 air show in Feb 2003 in Bangalore.

In a nutshell, the package includes:

*A day-night sight with TV and FLIR.

*A mission computer.

*NVG-compatible cockpit with MFDs and moving-map display.

*Support for helmet-mounted sights.

The HMOSP and the 12.7mm four-barrel machine gun are slaved to the pilot's line of sight.

*A countermeasures suite.

*Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite navigation network receiver.

*Support for the AT-6 Spiral and Rafael Spike antitank missiles.

 

[beckham]

 

[DaRk WaVe]

AH-1W / AH-1Z Super Cobra Attack Helicopter​

​

The AH-1W Super Cobra is the US Marines' attack helicopter. It is supplied by Bell Helicopter Textron, and entered service in 1985. As well as the US Marine Corps, the Super Cobra is operational with the Turkish Land Forces and the armed forces of Taiwan. The AH-1W was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in March 2003.
Super Cobra known as the H-1 programme is underway.

Super Cobra upgrade programme
The programme calls for the remanufacture of the US Marine Corps fleet of 180 AH-1W Super Cobra and 100 UH-1N utility helicopters to an advanced four-bladed configuration.

The existing two-bladed semi-rigid, teetering rotor system is being replaced with a four-bladed, hingeless, bearingless rotor

The improvement in flight characteristics provided by the four-bladed configuration has led to increases in flight envelope, maximum speed, vertical rate-of-climb, payload and rotor vibration level.

The USMC subsequently decided on new-build rather than remanufactured UH-1Y helicopters and, in February 2008, awarded Bell a contract for the new build of 40 of the proposed 180 AH-1Z helicopters. Four additional helicopters were ordered in September 2008. The new-build AH-1Z will be fitted with the uprated T700-401C engines, also fitted on the UH-1Y.

First flight of the AH-1Z took place in December 2000. The AH-1W entered low-rate initial production (LRIP) in October 2003. Five AH-1W helicopters were remanufactured to AH-1Z standard and took part in flight testing at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland. Sea trials in May 2005 included the first shipboard landing on USS Bataan, Wasp Class amphibious assault ship.

Developmental testing was completed in February 2006 and two test aircraft began operational evaluation (OPEVAL) with the USMC in May 2006. The first production AH-1Z helicopter was delivered to the USMC in January 2007. Phase II of OPEVAL began in February 2008. A full-rate production decision is expected in 2009. Initial operating capability is scheduled for July 2011.

The Turkish Army selected the AH-1Z King Cobra in July 2000 with a request for 50 out of a total requirement for 145 helicopters. In May 2004, it was announced that the acquisition was to be cancelled. The helicopters were to be built in Turkey by Tusas Aerospace Industries (TAI).

Cockpit

Northrop Grumman has developed the integrated avionics systems for the AH-1Z. The systems include two mission computers and an automatic flight control system with four-axis stability control augmentation system. Each crew station has two 8in×6in multifunction displays and one 4.2in×4.2in dual function display, based on active matrix liquid crystal colour technology.

The displays are supplied by L-3 Ruggedised Command and Control Solutions. Smiths Aerospace supplied the weapon stores control and data transfer system.

The communications suite combines the new US Navy RT-1824 integrated radio, UHF/VHF, COMSEC and modem in a single unit. The navigation suite includes an embedded GPS inertial (EGI), a low-airspeed air data subsystem, which allows weapons delivery when hovering and a digital map.

In June 2002, Thales Avionics' TopOwl helmet-mounted display system was chosen for the USMC AH-1Z. The first system was delivered in January 2003. TopOwl, also fitted on Tiger, NH90 and Rooivalk helicopters, has integrated Gen IV image intensifier and FLIR capability and provides transition from day to night use at the push of a button.

Weapons and missiles

The Super Cobra can carry both TOW and Hellfire anti-armour missiles and is being qualified to carry the Maverick missile. The Raytheon BGM-71 TOW missile has a range of more than 3km and semi-automatic command-to-line-of-sight guidance. The AGM-114 Hellfire missile is manufactured by Lockheed Martin. It is equipped with a semi-active laser seeker and has a range of 7km. The Super Cobra has fire-and-forget capability when firing the Hellfire missile in co-operative mode with laser target illumination.

The Super Cobra was the first attack helicopter to qualify both the Sidewinder air-to-air missile and the Sidearm anti-radiation missile. Both missiles can use the same LAU-7 rail launcher. Sidearm has a range of more than 15km. AIM-9L Sidewinder is an all-aspect, short-range, air-to-air missile produced by Lockheed Martin and Raytheon. The missile has a range of 15km.

The Super Cobra can fire the Hydra family of unguided 70mm rockets or the larger 127mm Zuni rocket bombs. From 2008, it will be armed with the advanced precision kill weapon system (APKWS), a guided version of the Hydra. The US Army re-opened the competition for the APKWS in September 2005 and a decision on contractor is expected in March 2006.

The Super Cobra carries a three-barrel, 20mm Gatling gun for close range (up to 2km) engagement and 750 rounds of ammunition. With the gun in a fixed forward position, the pilot can aim by manoeuvring the helicopter. Either crew member can slave the turret to the helmet-mounted sight and aim the gun by looking at the target.

The AH-1Z for the USMC will be armed with: 16 Hellfire missiles, six AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, 70mm rocket pods (7- and 19-shot), and a 20mm gun.

Sensors

Targeting for the AH-1W is provided by the night targeting system (NTS), jointly produced by Tamam Division of Israel Aircraft Industries Ltd and Kollsman.

NTS integrates a forward-looking infrared (FLIR) which provides automatic target tracking with a laser designator / rangefinder and video recorder.

Lockheed Martin has developed a longer range AN/AAQ-30 target sight system (TSS) for the AH-1Z to replace the NTS. TSS includes a third-generation four field-of-view FLIR based on a 3-5-micron staring array, CCD colour TV, Kollsman eyesafe laser rangefinder / designator and multi-target autotracker. L-3 Communications Wescam supplies the turret assembly. Lockheed Martin was awarded a contract to supply the first 16 systems to the USMC in March 2008.

Longbow International (a joint venture of Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman) is developing the Cobra Radar System for the AH-1Z, based on the Longbow millimetre wave radar on the AH-64D Apache. Cobra is a pod-based radar that can be mounted on a wingtip or in a stores position. Cobra can automatically search, detect, classify and prioritise multiple moving and stationary targets. It has a range of 8km against moving and 4km against stationary targets.

Countermeasures

The H1 Super Cobra upgrade includes provision of a new electronic warfare suite. A new radar warner, the AN/APR-39(XE2) from Lockheed Martin, replaces the Lockheed Martin AN/APR-39(V)2 pulse radar warner and the AEL Industries AN/APR-44 continuous-wave radar warner.

The ATK AN/AAR-47 missile warning system has been included in the upgrade suite. AN/AAR-47 uses infrared detectors to detect the missile plume. The Goodrich (formerly Raytheon) AN/AVR-2A laser warning receiver has also been added. The infrared countermeasures system is the AN/ALQ-144A developed by BAE Systems IEWS (formerly Sanders, a Lockheed Martin company).

The helicopter is also equipped with the AN/ALE-39 chaff and infrared flare dispenser manufactured by BAE Systems Integrated Defense Solutions (formerly Tracor) and Lockheed Martin Tactical Defense Systems.

Engines

Twin General Electric T700-GE-401 turboshaft engines provide a total of 2,410kW or 3,380shp.
In standard conditions, with an air-to-air ordnance load, the SuperCobra can take off and climb out at more than 4.1m/s on only one engine. It can hover out of ground effect (OGE) at 914m, with a load of four TOW and four Hellfire missiles, full turret ammunition and rockets.

 

[beckham]

AH-1W / AH-1Z Super Cobra Attack Helicopter​

​

The AH-1W Super Cobra is the US Marines' attack helicopter. It is supplied by Bell Helicopter Textron, and entered service in 1985. As well as the US Marine Corps, the Super Cobra is operational with the Turkish Land Forces and the armed forces of Taiwan. The AH-1W was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in March 2003.
Super Cobra known as the H-1 programme is underway.

Super Cobra upgrade programme
The programme calls for the remanufacture of the US Marine Corps fleet of 180 AH-1W Super Cobra and 100 UH-1N utility helicopters to an advanced four-bladed configuration.

The existing two-bladed semi-rigid, teetering rotor system is being replaced with a four-bladed, hingeless, bearingless rotor

The improvement in flight characteristics provided by the four-bladed configuration has led to increases in flight envelope, maximum speed, vertical rate-of-climb, payload and rotor vibration level.

The USMC subsequently decided on new-build rather than remanufactured UH-1Y helicopters and, in February 2008, awarded Bell a contract for the new build of 40 of the proposed 180 AH-1Z helicopters. Four additional helicopters were ordered in September 2008. The new-build AH-1Z will be fitted with the uprated T700-401C engines, also fitted on the UH-1Y.

First flight of the AH-1Z took place in December 2000. The AH-1W entered low-rate initial production (LRIP) in October 2003. Five AH-1W helicopters were remanufactured to AH-1Z standard and took part in flight testing at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland. Sea trials in May 2005 included the first shipboard landing on USS Bataan, Wasp Class amphibious assault ship.

Developmental testing was completed in February 2006 and two test aircraft began operational evaluation (OPEVAL) with the USMC in May 2006. The first production AH-1Z helicopter was delivered to the USMC in January 2007. Phase II of OPEVAL began in February 2008. A full-rate production decision is expected in 2009. Initial operating capability is scheduled for July 2011.

The Turkish Army selected the AH-1Z King Cobra in July 2000 with a request for 50 out of a total requirement for 145 helicopters. In May 2004, it was announced that the acquisition was to be cancelled. The helicopters were to be built in Turkey by Tusas Aerospace Industries (TAI).

Cockpit

Northrop Grumman has developed the integrated avionics systems for the AH-1Z. The systems include two mission computers and an automatic flight control system with four-axis stability control augmentation system. Each crew station has two 8in×6in multifunction displays and one 4.2in×4.2in dual function display, based on active matrix liquid crystal colour technology.

The displays are supplied by L-3 Ruggedised Command and Control Solutions. Smiths Aerospace supplied the weapon stores control and data transfer system.

The communications suite combines the new US Navy RT-1824 integrated radio, UHF/VHF, COMSEC and modem in a single unit. The navigation suite includes an embedded GPS inertial (EGI), a low-airspeed air data subsystem, which allows weapons delivery when hovering and a digital map.

In June 2002, Thales Avionics' TopOwl helmet-mounted display system was chosen for the USMC AH-1Z. The first system was delivered in January 2003. TopOwl, also fitted on Tiger, NH90 and Rooivalk helicopters, has integrated Gen IV image intensifier and FLIR capability and provides transition from day to night use at the push of a button.

Weapons and missiles

The Super Cobra can carry both TOW and Hellfire anti-armour missiles and is being qualified to carry the Maverick missile. The Raytheon BGM-71 TOW missile has a range of more than 3km and semi-automatic command-to-line-of-sight guidance. The AGM-114 Hellfire missile is manufactured by Lockheed Martin. It is equipped with a semi-active laser seeker and has a range of 7km. The Super Cobra has fire-and-forget capability when firing the Hellfire missile in co-operative mode with laser target illumination.

The Super Cobra was the first attack helicopter to qualify both the Sidewinder air-to-air missile and the Sidearm anti-radiation missile. Both missiles can use the same LAU-7 rail launcher. Sidearm has a range of more than 15km. AIM-9L Sidewinder is an all-aspect, short-range, air-to-air missile produced by Lockheed Martin and Raytheon. The missile has a range of 15km.

The Super Cobra can fire the Hydra family of unguided 70mm rockets or the larger 127mm Zuni rocket bombs. From 2008, it will be armed with the advanced precision kill weapon system (APKWS), a guided version of the Hydra. The US Army re-opened the competition for the APKWS in September 2005 and a decision on contractor is expected in March 2006.

The Super Cobra carries a three-barrel, 20mm Gatling gun for close range (up to 2km) engagement and 750 rounds of ammunition. With the gun in a fixed forward position, the pilot can aim by manoeuvring the helicopter. Either crew member can slave the turret to the helmet-mounted sight and aim the gun by looking at the target.

The AH-1Z for the USMC will be armed with: 16 Hellfire missiles, six AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, 70mm rocket pods (7- and 19-shot), and a 20mm gun.

Sensors

Targeting for the AH-1W is provided by the night targeting system (NTS), jointly produced by Tamam Division of Israel Aircraft Industries Ltd and Kollsman.

NTS integrates a forward-looking infrared (FLIR) which provides automatic target tracking with a laser designator / rangefinder and video recorder.

Lockheed Martin has developed a longer range AN/AAQ-30 target sight system (TSS) for the AH-1Z to replace the NTS. TSS includes a third-generation four field-of-view FLIR based on a 3-5-micron staring array, CCD colour TV, Kollsman eyesafe laser rangefinder / designator and multi-target autotracker. L-3 Communications Wescam supplies the turret assembly. Lockheed Martin was awarded a contract to supply the first 16 systems to the USMC in March 2008.

Longbow International (a joint venture of Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman) is developing the Cobra Radar System for the AH-1Z, based on the Longbow millimetre wave radar on the AH-64D Apache. Cobra is a pod-based radar that can be mounted on a wingtip or in a stores position. Cobra can automatically search, detect, classify and prioritise multiple moving and stationary targets. It has a range of 8km against moving and 4km against stationary targets.

Countermeasures

The H1 Super Cobra upgrade includes provision of a new electronic warfare suite. A new radar warner, the AN/APR-39(XE2) from Lockheed Martin, replaces the Lockheed Martin AN/APR-39(V)2 pulse radar warner and the AEL Industries AN/APR-44 continuous-wave radar warner.

The ATK AN/AAR-47 missile warning system has been included in the upgrade suite. AN/AAR-47 uses infrared detectors to detect the missile plume. The Goodrich (formerly Raytheon) AN/AVR-2A laser warning receiver has also been added. The infrared countermeasures system is the AN/ALQ-144A developed by BAE Systems IEWS (formerly Sanders, a Lockheed Martin company).

The helicopter is also equipped with the AN/ALE-39 chaff and infrared flare dispenser manufactured by BAE Systems Integrated Defense Solutions (formerly Tracor) and Lockheed Martin Tactical Defense Systems.

Engines

Twin General Electric T700-GE-401 turboshaft engines provide a total of 2,410kW or 3,380shp.
In standard conditions, with an air-to-air ordnance load, the SuperCobra can take off and climb out at more than 4.1m/s on only one engine. It can hover out of ground effect (OGE) at 914m, with a load of four TOW and four Hellfire missiles, full turret ammunition and rockets.

Emo, Pakistan doesn't operates AH-1 Z Viper or AH-1 Super Cobra. (Correct me If I am wrong )

As of January 2009 Pakistan only operates 18 baseline AH-1S and 8 AH-1F Cobras.

I am not sure if cobra's has undergone any upgradation programme sine their introduction in 1983, other than the addition of thermal imaging package.

 

[beckham]

 

[Super Falcon]

I personally like Cobra bit more than the Hinds.
they are rear chance that these birds will see face-to-face fight.

At high altitude like Kashmir, Hind will perform better cause they can fly higher.(If I'm not wrong)

on the terrain like Punjab,Rajasthan and Gujarat Cobra will be better than the Hind if we conceder maneuverability. But, will IAF or IA will need to use 'Hind' as IAF got large number of Mig-27 and Jaguars which are 'Big guys' for the ground support role where PA armored regiment cannot find anything to 'hide' as Gujarat,Punjab and Rajasthan are 'open area'.

hahahahaha when ur jaquars and mig 27 perfom attck on our infantry and tanks we were like sitting ducks to get killed and our F 16 JF 17 thunder willl be playing cricket in airbases of pakistan is that u think or our sam system will not work at that time before ur Mig 27 arrive in pakistan they will be history sir open your eyes.