why in my question, regarding close air support for army/marine infantry being pinned down that helicopters...

Question

are the best choice for close air support? are helicopters more vulnerable then jets? what are the advantages and disadvantages of helicopters? do the army has its on fleet of helicopters because i know the marine corps does

Answer 1

Helis make the best close air support platform because they move slowly compared to fixed wing jet aircraft and can actually stay on target long enough to assess the situation, and are much less likely to inflict friendly fire casualties (although it does happen) The down side to helicopters is that they are vulnerable to RPG and small arms fire as was demonstrated so dramatically a few years ago in beautiful downtown Mogadishu.

Answer 2

Agree with the first poster. They can stay on scene to assess what's needed. They inflict fewer friendly fire casualties.

And. helicopters have become attack capable with rockets and other weapons to devastate a nearby threat.

One other thing --this is important -- you can use helicopters even if you haven't yet secured or built an airport for fixed-wing aircraft. So helicopters can be used FIRST and used in an area without a hardened runway. This is why modern combat helicopters can be refueled in the air.

Answer 3

The advantage would be the helicopters ability to hug the ground while it flys they call this nap of the earth. This ability to use the terrain to mask their approach is an advantage, but I wouldn't compare it to an attack jet that can fire it's ordnance being miles away from the hot zone. Yes, each infantry division in the army has an aviation brigade with troop carriers and attack helicopters.
The aviation unit specifically assigned to special operations units is the "Night stalkers" same aviation unit used in Mogadishu.

Answer 4

.....nothing to add really, just old war story here in case it has some interest: not commenting about the effectiveness of fixed wing versus recip close air support but one thing you had to see was the way Navy/Marine F4 pilots used to run close air support. Back in the days before smart bombs. Air Force always flew pretty high altitude. The pilot would tell you he was on station and you'd strain your eyes looking til you saw a tiny dot in the sky. The Navy or Marine pilot would tell you he was on station and you wouldn't see a thing then all of the sudden tree tops would part and he'd come blasting through and lay his ordnance down practically in their laps...pretty dramatic sight Very gutsy flying. A sight and sound you never forget. But man..if we just had the gear you guys have now....but i guess thats kinda like wishing for machine guns at the alamo..

Answer 5

The Army has more Helos than the Air Force Has Jets

The Helos are more vulnerable but they are also more able to shape the battle for the same reason because they can stay on Target longer.

Answer 6

Depends on multiple factors: terrain, time of day, distance of battle from a base, enemy anti-air, radar and air forces.