AH-64: Carrier Deployment vs Libya

Libya: U.K. Apaches Joining the Fight

Posted by Robert Wall at 5/23/2011 3:56 PM CDT

A few days ago, Ares reported that the U.K. was reviving the concept of using its Apache attack helicopters from ships after years of leaving the capability dormant because of heavy demand on the assets in Iraq and Afghanistan.

What started out as an exercise is now turning into something more. The British government has apparently decided to deploy the rotorcraft to Libya, to help rebels in the area of Misurata in their fight against Libyan government forces.

The move is a big escalation for the British after weeks in which sustained attacks on Libyan government positions and Col. Gadddafi's leadership compounds failed to generate any major breakthrough.

Only three Apaches are deployed on HMS Ocean, but the government has apparently authorized at least one more to be dispatched there with two more on standby, reports the Daily Telegraph.

What is less clear is whether the radar-Hellfire-capable helos, will be able to turn the tide in a way the Tornado GR4s with their dual-mode Brimstone missiles have not been able to.

Although the helicopters lower speed and proximity to ground targets will bring advantages in targeting, their deployment also increases the risk to U.K. forces, since a lucky shot with small arms or a rocket propelled grenade could lead to the loss of one of the rotorcraft in a way that fighter aircraft are less at risk.


Tags: ar99, Apache

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EDIT: Both Danger Room and War is Boring is reporting that France are also sending Tigre gunships, although they disagree on the numbers.

Libya: Apaches Attack

Posted by Robert Wall at 6/4/2011 1:16 AM CDT


The U.K. has conducted the first raid on Libya using WAH-64 Apache attack helicopters, deployed unusually at sea on HMS Ocean. Two of four Apaches were involved in the raid.

The move is significant in several ways. It is aimed at adding pressure on the Gaddafi forces, but also increases the risk to air crew flying much lower than the fixed-wing aircraft conducting raids there. The BBC reports the Apaches were fired on.

But it also is a remarkably quick revival of the ship-borne Apache employment concept that had been dormant for a while because of operational taskings for Apaches in Iraq and Afghanistan. The HMS Ocean deployment, in fact, began as an exercise before being turned into an actual operation.

The attack was launched against targets near Brega. French helicopters also engaged Libyan targets today for the first time -- Tiger and Gazelle helos are deployed on the Tonnerre. Reports inidcate the Gazelles were used in the attacks early on June 4.


NATO, in announcing the attack, says the helos struck "military vehicles, military equipment and fielded forces." Canadian Lt. Gen. Charles Bouchard, who commands the operation, says in a statement that "this successful engagement demonstrates the unique capabilities brought to bear by attack helicopters."


Tags: ar99, Apache

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