Re: Jets Vs Vtol

> > This is endlessly debated in my working circles.  The advantage is 
totally to
> > the jet if he gets spotting.  This can come from visual or from
AWACs.	
The
> > footage of the HH-60 shootdowns in Iraq (blue on blue by F-15s)
shows it 
all.
>
> Ahh but this was a pair of transport helos. Not a pair of Attack helos
> down next to the terrain. Attack helos like Apaches, the various OH
> series, Agustas, and the forth coming Commanche all operate down next
to
> the trees. They move from cover to cover in close terrain to take
> advantage of the cover.

Just an FYI for you folks I was with AWACS during Desert Storm. One of
our 
birds spotted a "patch of sand" about 50 feet wide that had one edge
with an 
approach speed of @150knts, and the other edge was going away at about
the 
same speed.
(Red Flag: This is the @ size of a Hind blade plane)
Overflight by an F-15E, spotted a Hind hideing between two sand dunes.
The 
pilot was reluctent to engage with missiles. (All he had left was two 
Sidewinders and two Laser Guided Bombs) (The Hinds Aphid outranges the 
Sidewinder) The pilot asked for and recieved permision to illuminate the

target with his laser pod.
About 20 seconds later, scratch one Hind D. ("Shot down" by a 1000 lb
bomb. 
Direct impact on the rotor hub assembly) The targer never even knew the
15 
was in the area. The 15 was at high altitude and speed and the Hind
never had 
a chance.
Spotting, evasion, and stealth is everything on the modern battle field.
More 
so in the future.

Randy