Kenan Posted September 9, 2009 Posted September 9, 2009 I noticed while watching all those AH64 videos engaging insurgents, the distance seems to be pretty small, maybe 1000, 1500m, as right after you hear the cannon firing, rounds start hitting their targets, there is no 'delay'. Does this mean Apache actually engages them from a relatively close range, rather then, say 3 clicks, and if yes, how come the Insurgents can't see/hear the chopper? Is it the extra quiet engines or what? Further on, wouldn't the close range engagements make the Apache more vulrnerable to RPGs and other shoulder-launches (AA) missiles? I noticed even day time, they pretty much freely fly around the hostile area and pick their targets out on the spot. Thx! [sIGPIC][/sIGPIC] Commanding Officer of: 2nd Company 1st financial guard battalion "Mrcine" See our squads here and our . Croatian radio chat for DCS World
AlphaOneSix Posted September 9, 2009 Posted September 9, 2009 Anything beyond 1500m and the Apache's 30mm becomes wildly inaccurate, it was designed as an area weapon system, not a sniper rifle. Also, 1000m is well outside the range of small arms and RPG fire, and MANPADS are a very rare threat.
Pyroflash Posted September 9, 2009 Posted September 9, 2009 yes, the 30mm M230 can load either HEI or API rounds, and is designed as an area supression system. For longer range engagements, the AH-64D can carry AGM114 Hellfire II laser guided missiles that can strike at about 5-6 miles, or about 8 km. About the only small arms that can hit targets at 1000m are high powered rifles, and only a few of those can do any damage to an armored target at such a range. That combined with a helicopter that can move pretty much negates any threat from small arms fire. In addition to that, the Apache has a low enough thermal signature and enough flares to negate the threat of older MANPAD systems such as the Strela. If you aim for the sky, you will never hit the ground.
arneh Posted September 9, 2009 Posted September 9, 2009 In addition to that, the Apache has a low enough thermal signature and enough flares to negate the threat of older MANPAD systems such as the Strela. US Apaches doesn't normally carry flares. But they have an IR-jammer.
GGTharos Posted September 9, 2009 Posted September 9, 2009 They're mounting flares now, IIRC. As for the helicopter being heard - keep in mind that it seems like there might be a lot of heli patrols so hearing a chopper might not be uncommon. The ambient noise of a firefight or even just that of the town might drown the heli out. [sIGPIC][/sIGPIC] Reminder: SAM = Speed Bump :D I used to play flight sims like you, but then I took a slammer to the knee - Yoda
topol-m Posted September 9, 2009 Posted September 9, 2009 I noticed even day time, they pretty much freely fly around the hostile area and pick their targets out on the spot. Thx! You wouldn`t see that if the enemy was properly armed :) [sIGPIC][/sIGPIC]
AlphaOneSix Posted September 9, 2009 Posted September 9, 2009 the 30mm M230 can load either HEI or API rounds The rounds for the M230 currently come in HEDP (High Explosive Dual Purpose) and TP (Training). They do not carry API or HEI, those rounds are for the 30mm on the A-10, and the two are not compatible with each other. When the AH-64A first came out, the combination of the ALQ-144 and the IR suppressors on the engine exhausts made them practically invulnerable to the SA-7, but newer version (-14, -16, and -18 for example) are not so easily fooled. Current AH-64D's are carrying flare dispensers that are fired automatically from the Missile Warning System that detects missile launches. Additionally, the IR suppressors have been upgraded and are being fielded on more and more aircraft. Not all Apaches have the new suppressors, but they are showing up more often these days.
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