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Libya: U.K. Apaches Joining the Fight
Posted by Robert Wall at 5/23/2011 3:56 PM CDT
A few days ago, Ares reported that the U.K. was reviving the concept of using its Apache attack helicopters from ships after years of leaving the capability dormant because of heavy demand on the assets in Iraq and Afghanistan.
What started out as an exercise is now turning into something more. The British government has apparently decided to deploy the rotorcraft to Libya, to help rebels in the area of Misurata in their fight against Libyan government forces.
The move is a big escalation for the British after weeks in which sustained attacks on Libyan government positions and Col. Gadddafi's leadership compounds failed to generate any major breakthrough.
Only three Apaches are deployed on HMS Ocean, but the government has apparently authorized at least one more to be dispatched there with two more on standby, reports the Daily Telegraph.
What is less clear is whether the radar-Hellfire-capable helos, will be able to turn the tide in a way the Tornado GR4s with their dual-mode Brimstone missiles have not been able to.
Although the helicopters lower speed and proximity to ground targets will bring advantages in targeting, their deployment also increases the risk to U.K. forces, since a lucky shot with small arms or a rocket propelled grenade could lead to the loss of one of the rotorcraft in a way that fighter aircraft are less at risk.
Tags: ar99, Apache
http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/blogs/defense/index.jsp?plckController=Blog&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&newspaperUserId=27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7&plckPostId=Blog%3a27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7Post%3a9da1a98d-4766-4eb7-a8d6-15a5490b2904&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest
EDIT: Both Danger Room and War is Boring is reporting that France are also sending Tigre gunships, although they disagree on the numbers.
Posted by Robert Wall at 5/23/2011 3:56 PM CDT
A few days ago, Ares reported that the U.K. was reviving the concept of using its Apache attack helicopters from ships after years of leaving the capability dormant because of heavy demand on the assets in Iraq and Afghanistan.
What started out as an exercise is now turning into something more. The British government has apparently decided to deploy the rotorcraft to Libya, to help rebels in the area of Misurata in their fight against Libyan government forces.
The move is a big escalation for the British after weeks in which sustained attacks on Libyan government positions and Col. Gadddafi's leadership compounds failed to generate any major breakthrough.
Only three Apaches are deployed on HMS Ocean, but the government has apparently authorized at least one more to be dispatched there with two more on standby, reports the Daily Telegraph.
What is less clear is whether the radar-Hellfire-capable helos, will be able to turn the tide in a way the Tornado GR4s with their dual-mode Brimstone missiles have not been able to.
Although the helicopters lower speed and proximity to ground targets will bring advantages in targeting, their deployment also increases the risk to U.K. forces, since a lucky shot with small arms or a rocket propelled grenade could lead to the loss of one of the rotorcraft in a way that fighter aircraft are less at risk.
Tags: ar99, Apache
http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/blogs/defense/index.jsp?plckController=Blog&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&newspaperUserId=27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7&plckPostId=Blog%3a27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7Post%3a9da1a98d-4766-4eb7-a8d6-15a5490b2904&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest
EDIT: Both Danger Room and War is Boring is reporting that France are also sending Tigre gunships, although they disagree on the numbers.
