Air-to Air Defense for Attack Helicopters

In view of current Soviet emphasis on armed helicopters, is there a need for an air-to-air defensive weapon system for U.S. attack helicopters? The Soviet Union is moving into the area of helicopter employment with a great deal of enthusiasm over a relatively short period of time. Doctrinally: the Soviets have emphasized "airborne operations to the rear of enemy forces. This doctrine remains valid, with emphasis being placed on airmobile operations rather than on parachutists. An advanced attack helicopter that is designed for antitank operations has been introduced into the Soviet inventory. This attack helicopter is armed with additional weapon systems. European weather phenomena will provide excellent periods during which attack helicopters can be employed. Past tests and experiments have proved that detection of helicopters by high-performance aircraft would be extremely difficult even during periods of unlimited ceilings and visibility. Weather data compiled in Europe indicate that prolonged periods of ceilings of less than 1,000 feet occur frequently. U.S. and Soviet doctrine is focused on using weather as a means of increasing the survivability of attack helicopters. During periods in which ceilings are reduced, attack helicopters from the United States and the USSR will operate on the battlefield. The tactics which will be employed by both nations will be similar. In addition the basic characteristics of the helicopters will be the same. These aircraft will be capable of moving over the same terrain and performing the same maneuvers. Only within the area of weapon systems does an obvious gap exist. The gap that currently exists in the area of air-to-air defense for attack helicopters must be filled if the US is to continue its lead in attack helicopter operations.