U.S. helicopter armament subsystems
The United States military has developed a number of Helicopter Armament Subsystems since the early 1960s. These systems are used for offensive and defensive purposes and make use of a wide variety of weapon types including, but not limited to machine guns, grenade launchers, autocannon, and rockets. Various systems are still in use, though many have become obsolete.
Introduction
The helicopter has added much to the modern battlefield, fomenting new strategies and tactics to use and deny its capabilities. In the air, against land-based threats, and at sea, helicopters can be used to attack, defend, and transport to react swiftly to the fluid tactical conditions of modern combat.
The
By 1965, the United States had deployed a truly Air Mobile unit, the 17th Cavalry, which began to use more standardized armament. Throughout US involvement in Vietnam the US Army, US Marine Corps, and US Air Force would develop and use a number of armament systems designed for a variety of helicopters, and would pave the way for more dedicated attack helicopters.
With the arrival of dedicated gunship helicopters such as the
Designated systems
This is a list of systems as designated by the US Army:
Nomenclature | Aircraft | Weapon(s) |
---|---|---|
Armament Subsystem, Helicopter, Caliber .30 Machine Gun, Twin, M1
|
Bell OH-13 Sioux and Hiller OH-23 Raven | M37C machine gun |
Armament Subsystem, Helicopter, 7.62-MM Machine Gun, Twin, M2
|
OH-13 Sioux and OH-23 Raven | M60C machine gun |
Helicopter Armament Subsystem, 2.75-Inch Rocket Launcher, M3
|
UH-1B/C/M Iroquois
|
Mk 4/Mk 40 Folding-Fin Aerial Rocket (FFAR)
|
Helicopter Armament Subsystem, 2.75-Inch Rocket Launcher, M4
|
CH-34 Chocktaw | Mk 40 FFAR |
Armament Subsystem, Helicopter, 40-MM Grenade Launcher, M5
|
UH-1B/C/M Iroquois
|
M75 grenade launcher |
Armament Subsystem, Helicopter, 7.62-MM Machine Gun, Quad, M6
|
UH-1B/C Iroquois | M60C machine gun |
Armament Subsystem, Helicopter, 7.62-MM Machine Gun, Twin, M7
|
OH-6 Cayuse
|
M60C machine gun |
Armament Subsystem, Helicopter, 40-MM Grenade Launcher, M8
|
OH-6 Cayuse | M129 grenade launcher |
Armament Subsystem, Helicopter, 7.62-MM Machine Gun - 2.75-Inch Rocket Launcher, M16
|
UH-1B/C Iroquois
|
M60C machine gun and Mk 40 FFAR |
Armament Subsystem, Helicopter, 2.75-Inch Rocket Launcher, M17
|
UH-1B/C Iroquois | Mk 40 FFAR |
Armament Subsystem, Helicopter, 7.62-MM Machine Gun - 2.75-Inch Rocket Launcher, Twin, High Rate, M21
|
UH-1B/C/M Iroquois | M134 machine gun and Mk 40 FFAR
|
Guided Missile Launcher, Helicopter Armament Subsystem, M22
|
UH-1B/C Iroquois | SS.11 (as AGM-22) missile |
Armament Subsystem, Helicopter, 7.62-MM Machine Gun, Door Mounted, Lightweight, M23
|
UH-1D/H Iroquois
|
M60D machine gun |
Armament Subsystem, Helicopter, 7.62-MM Machine Gun, Door Mounted, Lightweight, M24
|
CH-47 Chinook
|
M60D machine gun |
Guided Missile Launcher, Helicopter Armament Subsystem, M26
|
UH-1B/C Iroquois
|
BGM-71 TOW missile |
Armament Subsystem, Helicopter, 7.62-MM Machine Gun, High Rate, M27
|
OH-6 Cayuse
|
M134 machine gun
|
Armament Subsystem, Helicopter, 7.62-MM Machine Gun - 40-MM Grenade Launcher, M28
|
AH-1G/Q/R/S Cobra
|
M134 machine gun and M129 grenade launcher |
Armament Subsystem, Helicopter, 7.62-MM Machine Gun, Door Mounted, Lightweight, M29
|
UH-1B/C Iroquois | M60D machine gun |
Armament Subsystem, Helicopter, 30-MM Cannon, M30
|
UH-1B/C Iroquois
|
XM140 cannon |
Armament Subsystem, Helicopter, 20-MM Cannon, M31
|
UH-1B/C Iroquois | M24A1 cannon |
Armament Subsystem, Helicopter, M32
|
ACH-47A Chinook
|
M2HB machine gun.
|
Armament Subsystem, Helicopter, M33
|
ACH-47A Chinook | M60D machine gun or M2HB machine gun |
Armament Subsystem, Helicopter, 20-MM Cannon, M34
|
ACH-47A "Gun | M24A1 cannon |
Armament Subsystem, Helicopter, 20-MM Cannon, High Rate, M35
|
AH-1G Cobra
|
M195 cannon |
Armament Subsystem, Helicopter, 7.62-MM Machine Gun, Ramp Mounted, Lightweight, M41
|
CH-47 Chinook | M60D machine gun |
Armament Subsystem, Helicopter, 7.62-MM Machine Gun - 2.75-Inch Rocket Launcher - 40-MM Grenade Launcher, Twin, High Rate, M50
|
UH-1B/C/M Iroquois
|
M134 machine gun, Mk 40 FFAR
|
Armament Subsystem, Helicopter, 40-MM Grenade Launcher, M51
|
AH-56 Cheyenne
|
M129 grenade launcher |
Armament Subsystem, Helicopter, 30-MM Cannon, M52
|
AH-56 Cheyenne | XM140 cannon |
Armament Subsystem, Helicopter, 7.62-MM Machine Gun, High Rate, M53
|
AH-56 Cheyenne | M196 machine gun
|
Armament Subsystem, Helicopter, Door Mounted, M59
|
UH-1D/H Iroquois
|
M213 machine gun or XM175 Grenade Launcher
|
Armament Subsystem, Helicopter, 7.62-MM Machine Gun, M64
|
AH-1G Cobra | M134 machine gun |
Guided Missile Launcher, Helicopter Armament Subsystem, M65
|
AH-1E/F/P/Q/R/S Cobra | BGM-71 TOW missile |
Armament Subsystem, Helicopter, Door Mounted, M93
|
UH-1F/P/N Iroquois
|
M134 machine gun |
Armament Subsystem, Helicopter, Door Mounted, M94
|
UH-1F/P/N Iroquois | M134 machine gun or M129 grenade launcher |
Armament Subsystem, Helicopter, 20-MM Cannon, M97
|
AH-1E/F/P Cobra | M197 electric cannon |
Armament Subsystem, Helicopter, M120
|
AH-1 Cobra | M134, M60C machine gun or XM140 cannon, XM188, M197 electric cannon |
Armament Subsystem, Helicopter, M139
|
AH-64 Apache
|
M230 chain gun and Mk 66 Wrap-Around Fin Aerial Rocket (WAFAR) |
Transport and utility helicopters
UH-1 Iroquois
- XM3, XM3E1/M3, and TLSS
The M3, sometimes referred to as "Aerial Rocket Artillery" (ARA), consisted of two 2.75"
A subvariant of the M3 system was developed in 1964 by the US Army Limited War Laboratory that allowed equipped helicopters to produce a protective smoke screen. Called the "Troop Landing Smoke Screen" (TLSS), the system used modified M3 launch racks to dispense M8 smoke grenades.[4] This system was later tested using M6 and M7 riot control grenades.[5]
- XM5/M5
The XM5/M5 system consists of a nose turret for a single 40mm M75 grenade launcher. The mount was fully flexible and controlled by the pilot via a hand controlled sight electronically linked to the turret. The system either provided 150 or 302 rounds of ammunition.[6] This system was also part of the armament kit for the ACH-47A.[7]
- M6 Series
The M6 system was one of the first systems to make use of the XM156/M156 universal mount, providing two M60C 7.62×51mm machine guns on either side of the helicopter.[8] This system would later be expanded upon, but initially gave the UH-1 increased firepower and an improved offensive system over the skid mounts originally used.
The various development stages of the M6 system mainly had to do with the "station" to which the M156 mount was attached. The position of the XM6 is not stated, but the XM6E2 was fitted to "station 69" (likely forward of the main cabin) and the XM6E3 was fitted to "station 136." Since the XM6E3 was standardized as the M6, "station 136" is assumed to be the aft of main cabin position that would become standard for M156 based systems.[3]
Some M6 systems were coupled the four guns with four
- XM9
A variant of the XM6/M6 system, the XM9 substitutes the four M60C 7.62×51mm machine guns with two M75 grenade launchers, one on either side of the aircraft.[2]
- XM11, XM22/M22, and the Maxwell System
Both of these armament systems were designed to allow the UH-1 to fire the AGM-22 missile. Sources claim that the XM11 provided an XM70 sight and support racks for 6 missiles, three on each side of the aircraft. However, US Army FM 1-40 says that the XM11 designation was unassigned.[3]
The M22 was an improvement providing a more specific sight, the XM58, and using the XM156 universal mount. The M22 also provided for a total of 6 missiles, three on each side of the aircraft. It is important to note as well that the XM11 is associated with the standard SS.11 missiles (AGM-22A), while the XM22/M22 system was designed around the US upgraded AGM-22B missiles.[9]
The Maxwell System was a hybrid system designed by Warrant Officer Robert Maxwell as a field modification. Maxwell's unit had been sent both the M3 and XM11 systems, and he noticed that often aircraft with the M3 system returned after only firing half or less than half of their total rocket load. By removing one or two banks of rockets (and reducing the total carried to 12 or 18 total rockets versus 24) and adding a single launching mount for an AGM-22 missile he effectively gave the aircraft both suppression and point attack capabilities.[9] The general lack of point targets in South East Asia meant that SS.11/AGM-22 missile saw very limited use in general.
- XM16/M16
The XM16/M16 system mated the previous M6 with either two M157 or two M158 2.75" 7-Tube rocket launchers utilizing the M156 Universal Mount. Sighting was accomplished by using the M60 series reflex sight. The combined weight and aircraft limitations meant that only seven-tube launchers could be used.[10]
- XM17
The XM17 utilized "Kellet pylons" to mount two XM159 2.75" rocket launchers, one on each side of the aircraft.[3]
- XM21/M21
A further variation on what had essentially become a basic system, the XM21/M21 subsystem replaced the XM16/M16's four M60Cs with two M134 7.62×51mm
- XM23/M23
The M23 system provides a pintle mount at both main cabin doors for an M60D 7.62×51mm machine gun, with the weapon feeding from either a standard ammunition box or a larger purpose built box connected to the mount.[11] The M23 is specifically designed for long fuselage UH-1s (UH-1D/H/N).[2][3]
- XM26
With the development of the BGM-71 TOW missile Hughes had been given the contract to develop a launching system for the UH-1. By 1968 development had shifted over to development of a system for the AH-56 helicopter which was eventually canceled. The XM26 provided two 3-Tube launchers on either side of the aircraft, as well as the necessary sighting equipment. While the XM26 was more of a test platform, the two prototypes were deployed operationally as an emergency measure in South Vietnam to counter the Easter Invasion in 1972.[12]
- XM29 and the Sagami Mount
The XM29 was an experimental door pintle for the main cabin doors of short fuselage UH-1s (at the time the UH-1B/C), for an M60D 7.62×51mm machine gun. The problem with this system was that it could not be used in conjunction with external armament subsystems.[13]
Far more common on such helicopters, including the later UH-1F/P/M specifically, was the Sagami Mount, a skeleton frame mount that swung out from a fixed position at the rear of the cabin. This mount was designed for the M60D, but in certain instances, primarily by the US Navy Seawolves, dual M60 machine guns,
Sources debate the origin of the "Sagami" name, with it being attributed to the soldier responsible for its creation,[14] as well as, to the name of the US facility on Okinawa where it was developed.[15]
- XM30
An experimental system, the XM30 provided fully flexible mounts using the XM156/M156 universal mounts for two XM140 30mm cannon, with 600 rounds of ammunition per gun.[16]
- XM31
Another attempt to up the firepower from existing systems, the XM31 provided two M24A1 20mm cannon in pods fitted to XM156/M156 universal mounts each with 600 rounds of ammunition, and flexible in elevation only.[17]
- XM50
XM50 is a designation for the combination of the XM5/M5 and the XM21/M21 armament subsystems, a common configuration used by US forces in South East Asia.[15]
- M56
A mine dispenser system for the UH-1H helicopter, the M56 is composed of two SUU-13D/A dispensers on the M156 Universal Mount, which is reinforced to handle the additional weight.[18]
- XM59/M59
A variation on the M23, the XM59/M59 was modified to accept either an
- XM93/XM93E1
This armament subsystem provides door mounts for long fuselage UH-1s (UH-1D/H/N) for two M134 7.62×51mm Miniguns. The USAF also used this system on their short fuselage UH-1F/P helicopters. These weapons are equipped with chutes connected to their ejection ports that directs spent cases and links away from the aircraft.[19]
The XM93E1 is a variation on the system that allows both guns to be trained forward and remotely fired by the pilot using the M60 series of reflex sights. The USAF was the primary user of this system and often combined it with two 7-Tube 2.75" rocket launchers of varying types on two independent support rack and pylon assemblies.[20]
- XM94
A variant of the XM93, the XM94 substitutes the M129 40mm grenade launcher for one or both of the door mounted M134 7.62×51mm Miniguns.[21]
- XM156/M156
Not technically an armament subsystem, the XM156/M156 universal mount provided mounting supports and racks for a number of systems used on the UH-1 series of helicopters.[15]
- A/A49E-3
Similar to the US Army XM93, this system type classified by the Air Force uses mounts similar to those used in the M23 system mounting two M134 7.62×51mm Miniguns at each of the main cabin doors of the UH-1N helicopters.[22][23] This system is likely suitable for other long-fuselage UH-1 types.
- A/A49E-11
Referred to as the Defensive Armament System or DAS, this system is composed of two mounts for
- TK-2
A variant of the TK-1 for the CH-34/UH-34 helicopter, the TK-2 (Temporary Kit-2) was developed by the USMC for their UH-1E helicopter. The system provides the same four M60C 7.62×51mm machine guns as the TK-1, but adds two independent support rack and pylon assemblies to the system, for mounting an acceptable aircraft style armament. Typically these mounts were used for
- Emerson TAT-101
Unique to USMC UH-1E helicopters between April 1967 and 1972 was the use of the Emerson Electric TAT-101 (Tactical Armament Turret-101) nose turret. The turret housed two M60 machine guns with 1000 rounds total, and had 100 degrees in azimuth left or right, plus 15 degrees of elevation and 45 degrees of depression.[26] The slew-rate on the turret was 45 degrees per second.[27] Jamming and the need for maintenance led to the turret's front fairing being left off to assist ground crews in quickly dealing with any problems, and these reasons combined in the USMC decision to drop the turrets from inventory entirely at the end of 1972.[28]
- Emerson Mini-TAT
Developed to a Canadian requirement for their
SH-3/HH-3A Sea King (Sikorsky S-61)
- Emerson TAT-102C
A version of the TAT-102 (Tactical Armament Turret-102) designed specifically for use on the HH-3A helicopter, the TAT-102C mounted a single M134 Minigun in a fully traversable turret (for specifics see the TAT-102A in the
CH-3E Sea King/HH-3E Jolly Green Giant (Sikorsky S-61R)
The defensive armament system for the USAF's H-3E helicopters is described as standard to the HH-3E, and capable of being fitted as required to the CH-3E.[32] The basic system comprises three M60 machine guns, one each at the forward door, the opposite emergency window, and the rear loading ramp. The forward two positions comprise pintle mounts on skate rails, while the rear loading ramp station comprises a pedestal mount on an armored floor plate. The floor plate slides on two tracks, forward and back, to and from its firing position at the edge of the ramp. Either the standard infantry M60 can be used, with standard 200-round ammunition boxes attached, or the M60D variant, feeding via flexible ammunition chutes from 750-round boxes fixed to the floor (or to the armored floor plate for the rear loading ramp position).[33]
CH-21 Shawnee
- XM153
Described as a system of four forward firing M60 machine guns similar to the later M6 series for the UH-1 helicopter. Not standardized.[3]
- Offensive Armament
Experiments were done using CH-21s with both fixed forward
- Defensive Armament
UTTHCO deployed with a number of CH-21's, and experimented with field expedient bars mated to the cargo doors, fitted with M37C .30-06 machine guns and feed from boxes mounted on top of the weapon.[35]
Note: It would appear that similar mounts were fabricated for use with early UH-1s as well.[36]
UH-34/CH-34 Choctaw/Seahorse
- XM4
Described simply as a "
- XM6E1
For more information on the M6 Series see the
- TK-1
A USMC weapon system to provide H-34 helicopters with offensive armament, the TK-1 (Temporary Kit-1) featured two
- AGM-12 Bullpup
The H-34 could carry the AGM-12 Bullpup for precision guided attacks on ground targets. Due to simple nature of the Bullpup, it could be mounted on many platforms, and the H-34 was one of them.[38]
- Defensive Armament
Both the US Army and the USMC developed pintle mounts for use in the main cargo door and opposite window, mounting a single infantry type
CH-46 Sea Knight
- Defensive Armament[40]
The CH-46E Sea Knight has the ability to mount the
- XM-218
The XM-218, 0.50 caliber aircraft machine gun is a belt-fed, recoil-operated, air-cooled, alternate-feed weapon fired from the closed bolt position. It is capable of firing at a rapid rate of 750-850 rounds per minute.
- M240D
The M240D machine gun is a belt-fed, gas-operated, air-cooled, alternate-feed automatic weapon fired from the open bolt position. It has a rate of fire of 650-950 rounds per minute.
CH-47 Chinook and ACH-47A "Guns-a-GoGo"
- M24
A defensive armament subsystem, the M24 provides a pintle mount for an M60D 7.62×51mm machine gun at either left or right front cargo doors on the CH-47. The system feeds from standard 200-round ammunition boxes attached to the weapon.[21] The US Army phased out the M60D in favor of the M240D and subsequently M240H. While the mount system designation remains the same, the mount itself has been extensively redesigned to accommodate the ammunition magazine and a bag for catching expended ammunition casings and ammunition links, as well as an improved roller on the pintle to prevent excessive and premature wear to the mount assembly.
- XM32
A defensive armament subsystem, the XM32 provides pintle mounts for either M60D 7.62×51mm machine guns or M2HB .50 caliber machine guns at both cargo door positions and at both rear emergency hatches of the CH-47 helicopter, with weapons feeding from standard ammunition boxes. This system was developed specifically for the ACH-47 helicopter.[7]
- XM33
A defensive armament subsystem, the XM33 provides a mount for either an M60D 7.62×51mm or an M2HB .50-caliber machine gun on the rear cargo ramp of the CH-47 helicopter. This system was developed specifically for the ACH-47 helicopter, with the weapon feeding from standard ammunition boxes.[7]
- XM34
An offensive armament subsystem developed for the ACH-47 helicopter, the XM34 provides two
- XM41/M41
A defensive armament subsystem, the M41 provides a mount for an M60D 7.62×51mm machine gun on the rear cargo ramp of the CH-47 helicopter. The system feeds from standard 200-round ammunition boxes attached to the weapon.[21] The US Army phased out the M60D in favor of the M240D and subsequently M240H, but it is unknown whether the necessity of a new cradle for the weapon (as with the M24 above) resulted in the system being redesignated. The mount is otherwise the same.
CH-53 Sea Stallion/HH-53/MH-53 Super Jolly/Pave Low/CH-53E Super Stallion/MH-53E Sea Dragon
Defensive armament systems for the
UH-60 Black Hawk/SH-60 Sea Hawk/HH-60 Jayhawk/HH-60/MH-60 Pave Hawk
- M139
The M139 Volcano is a mine dispenser system composed of racks on both sides of the aircraft for up to 40 Canister, Mine, M87. Each canister contains 6 GATOR Anti-Tank mine and 1 GATOR Anti-Personnel Mine.[43][44]
- M144
The M144 is a defensive subsystem that provides mounts and cradles at the two windows between the pilot doors and the main cabin doors on the UH-60 series of helicopters, each mounting a single M60D 7.62×51mm machine gun.
- ESSS
The External Stores Support System (ESSS) provides two stub wings each with two hard points primarily for external fuel tanks, but, it can also carry various weapon systems. When equipped with the Extended Range Fuel System (ERFS), the system can support two 870 L (230 gal) or 1,700 L (450 gal) external tanks. The system feeds into the main fuel tank and not the engines directly.[43] The ESSS can also be fitted with a wide range of weapons including up to sixteen AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, rockets and gun pods, and other systems.[45][46]
- AN/AWS-2 RAMICS
The Rapid Airborne Mine Clearance System (RAMICS) can be considered an armament subsystem (and one of the largest guns ever fitted to a helicopter), though its intended targets are strictly naval mines. Consisting of a single modified
Observation and other light helicopters
HH-2C Seasprite
- Emerson TAT-102K
A version of the TAT-102 (Tactical Armament Turret-102) designed specifically for use on the HH-2C helicopter, the TAT-102K mounted a single
OH-6 Cayuse (and MD 500 Defender)
- XM7
The XM7 system provided twin M60 machine gun on the Hughes OH-6 Cayuse series of helicopters. It is unclear if both guns were mounted together or whether they were mounted one on each side of the aircraft. As of 1969 the system was listed with the comment "development suspended," likely in favor of the XM27.[3] This system was also tested on the YOH-5A during August 1964.[51]
- XM8
The XM8 system provides a mount for one M129 40mm grenade launcher for either the OH-6 or OH-58 light observation helicopters. The system is provided with an XM70/E1 sight and 150 rounds of ammunition. The XM8's mount is interchangeable with the M27 system.[52]
This system could also be mounted on the
- M27 Series
The M27 system provides a mount for one
The initial XM27 featured a mount similar to a gunpod, which was quickly exchanged for a more aerodynamic fairing, as well as improvements to the ammunition stowage and other equipment on the XM27E1.[55] The XM27E1 was standardized as the M27. The fairing was removed entirely because for ease of maintenance and to reduce weight on the M27E1. The M27's mount is interchangeable with the XM8 system.[56] As with the XM8, this system can also be mounted on the OH-58 Kiowa.
- HGS-55
Using a mount similar to that used on the XM8 and M27 series, the HGS-55 was developed by the McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Company (formerly Hughes Helicopters) to use the EX 34 Mod 0 7.62×51mm chain gun.[57] The weapon is supplied with a 2,000-round magazine, and the weapon fires between 550 and 700 rounds per minute.[54] This system was not adopted by the US military for use, and no export sales were known to have been made.
OH-13 Sioux and OH-23 Raven
- XM1/XM1E1
In service between 1960 and 1972, the XM1 consisted of two
- M2
The M2 system was a variation on the XM1, replacing the
AH-58D/OH-58D Kiowa Warrior
- Universal Weapons Pylon and Gun Pod
The Universal Weapons Pylon is specific to the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopter, and provides two support racks for various weapon systems. The racks, with stores mounted, may be folded 180 degrees upward for rapid loading into the C-130 transport aircraft, though the connecting umbilicals must be disconnected to prevent damage.[60]
There are at least ten authorized armament configurations, which involve a mix of a system specific
MH-65C Dolphin and MH-68A Stingray
- Airborne Use of Force (AUF) Package
The
Attack helicopters
AH-1 Cobra
- M28 Series (Emerson TAT-141)
The standard fixed armament for the
The system is known to have four standard A variants, the M28/A1-A3. However, the actual specifics between variants is vague. The available information suggests that specific variants were mated to specific iterations of the AH-1 helicopter. The initial XM28/M28 were fitted to the AH-1G, as were the M28E1/M28A1. The M28A1E1/M28A2 was fitted to the AH-1Q, while the M28A3 (no developmental variation known) was fitted to the AH-1P/S helicopter.[66][67] There is the possibility that the M28A2 could have been the first unit designed to work with the XM128/M128 Helmet Sight System (HSS) developed primarily for use with TOW armed AH-1s.[67]
- XM35/M35
An armament subsystem providing a single M195 20 mm cannon on the port inboard pylon of the AH-1G. 950 rounds of ammunition were stored in boxes faired to the side of the aircraft. The system was primarily pilot controlled, but featured dual controls to be either pilot or gunner controlled. For this purpose the pilot was provided with a M73 sight.[68][69][70]
- XM64 (Emerson TAT-102A)
The TAT-102A (Tactical Armament Turret-102A) was the initial main armament for the AH-1G helicopter, though designed as an interim measure.[71] It is related to the TAT-101 mentioned in the UH-1 entry. The turret mounts a single M134 Minigun with 25 degrees of elevation, 90 degrees of depression, and 180 degrees of motion in azimuth, with a slew rate of 80 degrees per second.[72] The TAT-102A was designated XM64 by the US Army.[73]
- XM65/M65
The Cobra Missile System is a functional development of the XM26 and the TOW missile system developed for the failed AH-56 helicopter. Originally designed for the AH-1Q and AH-1S Cobras, the AH-1F Modernized Cobra was also rebuilt to use the system. The original iteration of the system comprises launchers allowing for four BGM-71 TOW missiles per aircraft pylon to be carried, and a "Telescopic Sight Unit" (TSU), to allow for targeting and guidance of the missile. The TSU has been upgraded with the LAAT (Laser-Augmented Airborne TOW), a day/night range finder, and C-NITE (Cobra-Night Imaging Thermal Equipment), a thermal imagine/FLIR system specifically for the AH-1S and AH-1F Cobra helicopters.[73]
- M97 Series and A/A49E-7 (GE Universal Turret)
The standard fixed armament system for the US Army's AH-1S Upgunned Cobra (eventually redesignated AH-1E Enhanced Cobra Armament System or ECAS) and the AH-1S Modernized Cobra (eventually redesignated the AH-1F), as well as, the US Marine Corps' AH-1J, AH-1T, AH-1W, and AH-1Z helicopters. The system was designed to fit either the
As with the M28 series, the specifics between variants of the M97 are vague. Five Standard A models are known to exist, M97/A1-A4. Sources suggest that individual variants of the turret were specific to certain variants of the AH-1 as with the M28 series. The M97A1 (and possibly the M97) was fitted to the AH-1S Upgunned Cobra, the M97A2/A3 to the AH-1S Modernized Cobra (AH-1F), and the M97A4 to production AH-1Fs.[75] Other sources say that the M97A3 was refitted to AH-1E ECAS and the M97A2 was the initial armament for the AH-1S Modernized Cobra, agreeing that the M97A1 was the original fit to the AH-1S Upgunned Cobra.[76] There is also the possibility that the differences have something to do with the associated equipment for the M197 cannon, including the use of the M89 or M89E1 delinking feeder.[77]
The M97 was also fitted to the AH-1J, but it is unclear if the AH-1T, AH-1W, and AH-1Z used variants of the M97 series. The subsystem used on the AH-1T and AH-1W has a designation in the USAF's Aeronautical and Support Equipment Type Designation System (ASETDS), A/A49E-7.[78] The turret in the system is also designated under the ASETDS system, as the GTU-1/A.[79] How this system differs from its US Army counterparts is unknown. An amendment to the official Military Specification, MIL-F-85668(AS), put out by the United States Naval Air Systems Command on 15 November 1995, actually listed the "A/A49E-7(V4)" as inactive pending a new design, and listed the system as relevant only to the "AH-1T (TOW)."[80][81]
- XM120 (Emerson TAT-140)
A competing universal turret design to the M97 put forward by Emerson Electric, the XM120 could be fitted with a number of weapons including the
AH-56 Cheyenne
The Lockheed AH-56 Cheyenne got no further than operational testing of the ten prototypes before the program was cancelled.
- XM51
- A nose turret with one M129 40 mm grenade launcher with 300 rounds. In light of the cancellation of the AH-56 was proposed as a replacement for the M5 system on the UH-1 helicopter. Designed to be interchangeable with the XM53.[70]
- XM52
- Belly turret with a single XM140 30 mm cannon. Use on other helicopters was also debated.[70]
- XM53
- A nose turret with one 7.62×51mm XM196 machine gun. Also said to be suitable for the UH-1 series of helicopters. Designed to be interchangeable with the XM51.[70]
AH-64 Apache
- M139 and Area Weapon Subsystem
The only type classified subsystem for the Boeing AH-64 Apache series, the M139 is composed of the "Aerial Rocket Control System" which gives the aircraft the ability to fire members of the Hydra 70/Mk 66 2.75 in/70 mm rocket family, a dispenser interface controlling the M130 chaff/flare dispenser (also used on the AH-1 helicopter), and the Area Weapon Subsystem.[83]
The Area Weapon Subsystem is made up of a single
RAH-66 Comanche
- Turreted Gun System (TGS)
The Boeing–Sikorsky RAH-66 Comanche was intended to have a gun system designed jointly by Boeing and Sikorsky. The system was to use the XM301 lightweight gun, and fed linked ammunition from a 500-round storage drum. The turret itself had 120 degrees of movement in azimuth, with 15 degrees of elevation and 45 degrees of depression. The TGS was supposed to be ready for deployment with the Comanche helicopter during the FY04 period, but the cancellation of the Comanche project in 2004 ended further development of this system.[85]
References
Citations
- ^ Mutza, 2004. p. 23.
- ^ a b c d US Army TACOM-RI. 5 October 2005 U.S. Army Helicopter Weapon Systems (Page 1 of 2) Archived 5 September 2010 at the Wayback Machine. Access Date: 7 May 2007
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l United States, 1969. p. B-1
- ^ Squieler, 1966. p. 1
- ^ United States, 1965. p. 2
- ^ Mutza, 2004. p. 25
- ^ a b c d Drendel, 1974. p. 8
- ^ Mutza, 2004. p. 22
- ^ a b Mutza, 2004. p. 41
- ^ Mutza, 2004. p. 24
- ^ Mesko, 1984. p. 53
- ^ Mutza, 2004. p. 67
- ^ United States, 1969. p. B-2
- ^ Mutza, 2004. p. 26
- ^ a b c d e US Army TACOM-RI. 5 October 2005 U.S. ARMY HELICOPTER WEAPON SYSTEMS (Page 2 of 2). Access Date: 7 May 2007
- ^ Gervasi, 1984. p. 242
- ^ Drendel, 1974. p. 12
- ^ United States, 1993. p. 11-1-8
- ^ Mutza, 2004. p. 59
- ^ Mutza, 2004. p. 52
- ^ a b c Gervasi, 1984. p. 243
- ^ Gunston, 1988. p. 189
- ^ a b Parsch, Andreas. Designation-Systems.net 23 November 2006 A/Annx Equipment Listing. Access Date: 30 May 2007
- ^ Federation of American Scientists 23 April 2000 BRU-20/A, -21/A, -22/A and -23/A Bomb Ejector Racks Access Date: 30 May 2007
- ^ Mutza, 2004. p. 47
- ^ Mutza, 2004. p. 51
- ^ a b Gervasi, 1984. p. 240
- ^ Mutza, 2004. pp. 47, 49
- ^ "The 20 Special Operations Squadron The Green Hornets 1944–1994"
- ^ a b United States, 1974. p. A-39
- ^ Morgan, 1998. p. 35
- ^ United States, 1982. p. 4-81
- ^ United States, 1982. p. 4–83-5
- ^ US Army TACOM-RI. 24 February 2006 HISTORIC U.S. ARMY HELICOPTERS Archived 25 March 2009 at the Wayback Machine. Access Date: 7 May 2007
- ^ Mesko, 1984. p. 8
- ^ Mutza, 2004. p. 21
- ^ Fails, 1978. pp. 87–88
- ^ "Martin AGM-12 Bullpup".
- ^ Lundh, 1998. p. 48
- ^ Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Department of the Navy (2010). "Chapter 1". CH-46E Naval Aviation Technical Information Product (NATIP). NAVAIR.
- ^ United States, 2003. p. 3-1-1
- ^ United States, 2003. p. 3-1-2
- ^ a b United States Government. Global Security.org. 27 April 2005. TFM 3-04.500 Army Aviation Maintenance, Appendix G. Access Date: 26 June 2007
- ^ US Army TACOM-RI. 5 October 2005 U.S. ARMY HELICOPTER WEAPON SYSTEMS (Page 2 of 2). Access Date: 26 June 2007
- ^ Gunston and Spick, 1986. pp. 154–55
- ^ Preliminary Airworthiness Evaluation of the UH-60A/ESSS with Hellfire Launcher Installed
- ^ Jenkins, Alan K. National Defense Industrial Association. 27 March 2003. The RAPID AIRBORNE MINE CLEARANCE SYSTEM (RAMICS) Approach to Entering Flight Test. Access Date: 23 June 2007
- ^ Osborne, Tony Euronaval 2010: A big gun for a big threat Shephard Group, 25 October 2010
- ^ "Reasons Behind Program Delays" (PDF). Director Operational Test & Evaluation Office. 2 September 2018. p. 65. Retrieved 22 September 2019.
- ^ Morgan, 1998. p. 32
- ^ a b United States, 1964. p. viii
- ^ Gunston, 1988. p. 201
- ^ Jane's, 1986. pp. 453–54
- ^ a b Gunston, 1988. p. 199
- ^ United States, 1969. p. C-31-2
- ^ US Army TACOM-RI. 5 October 2005 U.S. ARMY HELICOPTER WEAPON SYSTEMS (Page 1 of 2) Archived 5 September 2010 at the Wayback Machine. Access Date: 24 June 2007
- ^ Jane's, 1986. p. 454
- ^ Mutza, 1995. p. 32
- ^ Mutza, 2004. pp. 3, 21
- ^ US Army TACOM-RI. 7 October 2005 UNIVERSAL WEAPONS PYLON. Access Date: 26 June 2007
- ^ US Army TACOM-RI. 7 October 2005 OH-58D KIOWA WARRIOR ARMAMENT, EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION. Access Date: 26 June 2007
- ^ US Army TACOM-RI. 7 October 2005 AMMUNITION FEED SYSTEM. Access Date: 26 June 2007
- ^ Neubecker, Lt. Craig. United States Coast Guard. May 2003. Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron. Access Date: 21 August 2007
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- ^ US Army TACOM-RI. 7 October 2005 M28 Aircraft Armament Subsystems. Access Date: 16 June 2007
- ^ a b US Army TACOM-RI. 5 October 2005 Historic U.S. Army Helicopters, Vietnam Era Helicopters (Page 2 of 3) Archived 6 November 2006 at the Wayback Machine. Access Date: 16 June 2007
- ^ Drendel, 1974. p. 35.
- ^ Gunston, 1988. p. 193.
- ^ a b c d Gervasi 1984. p. 242.
- ^ Mutza 2002. p. 7.
- ^ Gervasi, 1984. p. 240.
- ^ a b US Army TACOM-RI. 5 October 2005 U.S. ARMY HELICOPTER WEAPON SYSTEMS (Page 2 of 2). Access Date: 21 May 2007
- ^ Gunston, 1988. p. 196.
- ^ US Army TACOM-RI. 7 October 2005. M97A4 Armament Subsystem M197 20 mm Automatic Cannon Archived 24 February 2007 at the Wayback Machine. Access Date: 16 June 2007
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- ^ Federation of American Scientists. 23 April 2001. M197 20mm Automatic Gun. Access Date: 16 June 2007
- ^ Parsch, Andreas. Designation-Systems.net 23 November 2006 A/Annx Equipment Listing. Access Date: 16 June 2007
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- Squieler, Gerald J. Final Report on Engineering Test of Grenade Dispensing Adapter, LWL GDA-3 (Safety Release). Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD: US Army Test and Evaluation Command, 1966.
- United States. Department of Defense. DOD 4120.15-L Model Designation of Military Aircraft, Rockets, and Guided Missiles. Washington, DC: Department of Defense, 1974.
- United States. Headquarters, Department of the Army. FM 1-40 Attack Helicopter Gunnery. Washington, DC: Headquarters, Department of the Army, 1969.
- United States. Headquarters, Department of the Army. TM 9-1300-200 Ammunition, General. Washington, DC: Headquarters, Department of the Army, 1993.
- United States. Headquarters, Military Assistance Command Vietnam. Lessons Learned Number 51: Operational Employment of Riot Control Munitions. Saigon, Vietnam: Military Assistance Command Vietnam, 1965.
- United States. Naval Air Systems Command, Department of the Navy. MIL-F-85668(AS) Military Specification Fire System, 20-millimetre Point And Suppressive Helicopter, AH-1T (TOW), A/A49E-7(V4). 1984
- United States. Naval Air Systems Command, Department of the Navy. MIL-F-85668(AS) Military Specification Fire System, 20-millimetre Point And Suppressive Helicopter, AH-1T (TOW), A/A49E-7(V4), Notice 1. 1995
- United States. Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Department of the Navy. OPNAV Instruction 8000.16B Naval Ordnance Maintenance Management Program (NOMMP). Washington, DC: Department of the Navy, 2003
- United States. United States Air Force. T.O. 1H-3(C)E-1, Flight Manual, USAF Series, CH-3E and HH-3E Helicopters. 1982
- United States. United States Army Test and Evaluation Command, Headquarters, US Army Aviation Test Activity. Report of the Engineering Flight Test Performance Phase of the OH-5A Helicopter Unarmed (Clean) and Armed with the XM-7 and XM-8 Weapon Subsystem, Part II. Edwards AFB, CA: Headquarters, US Army Aviation Test Activity, 1964
- Secondary sources
- Drendel, Lou. Gunslingers in Action. Carrollton, TX: Squadron/Signal Publications, Inc, 1974. ISBN 0-89747-013-3.
- Drendel, Lou. Huey. Carrollton, TX: Squadron/Signal Publications, Inc, 1983. ISBN 0-89747-145-8.
- Gervasi, Tom. Arsenal of Democracy III: America's War Machine, the Pursuit of Global Dominance. New York, NY: Grove Press, Inc, 1984. ISBN 0-394-54102-2.
- ISBN 0-517-56607-9.
- Gunston, Bill and Mike Spick. Modern Fighting Helicopters. New York, NY: Crescent Books, 1986. ISBN 0-517-61349-2
- Jane's Weapon Systems, 1986-1987. Ronald T Pretty, Ed. London, UK: Jane's Publishing Company, Ltd, 1986. ISBN 0-7106-0832-2
- Lundh, Lennart. Sikorsky H-34: An Illustrated History. Atglen, PA: Shiffer Military/Aviation History, 1998. ISBN 0-7643-0522-0
- Mesko, Jim. Airmobile: The Helicopter War in Vietnam. Carrollton, TX: Squadron/Signal Publications, Inc, 1984. ISBN 0-89747-159-8.
- Morgan, Mark. "The Story of HC-7/CSAR: Orphans of the 7th Fleet." The Hook, Journal of Carrier Aviation (Fall 1998): 32–41.
- Mutza, Wayne. Walk Around: AH-1 Cobra. Carrollton, TX: Squadron/Signal Publications, Inc, 2002. ISBN 0-89747-438-4.
- Mutza, Wayne Walk Around: UH-1 Huey Gunships. Carrollton, TX: Squadron/Signal Publications, Inc, 2004. ISBN 0-89747-479-1.
- Mutza, Wayne H-13 Sioux Mini in Action. Carrollton, TX: Squadron/Signal Publications, Inc, 1995. ISBN 0-89747-345-0.
- Mutza, Wayne UH-1 Huey in Color. Carrollton, TX: Squadron/Signal Publications, Inc, 1992. ISBN 0-89747-279-9.
External links
- Butch Lottman's US Army Attack Helicopters
- Designation Systems.Net
- TACOM-RI US Army Helicopter Weapons Systems website and summary page
- Helicopter armament subsystems during the Vietnam War
- The short film STAFF FILM REPORT 66-19A (1966) is available for free viewing and download at the Internet Archive.