MARINES * AIRCRAFT

Sea Power, Jan 2004

AH-1 SUPER COBRA

BRIEFING: The AH-IW Super Cobra helicopter's primary roles are to: ()) provide fire support and security of forward- and rear-area forces; (2) conduct point-target/anti-armor operations; (3) conduct anti-helicopter operations; (4) provide armed escort, control, and coordination for assault support operations; (5) control, coordinate, and provide terminal guidance for supporting arms, including artillery, mortars, naval surface fire support, and close air support; and (6) conduct armed and visual reconnaissance. The AH-1W is complemented with a night-targeting system that includes a FLIR, low-light TV, laserdesignator/range finder, and an auto-track system installed in the existing M65 TOW missile-sighting system. AGPS-linked inertial navigation system integrates the helicopter's navigation and weapons system to provide accurate targeting to the crew. The helicopter's communication and navigation systems also have been upgraded to include the ARC-210 radio that operates in fixed-frequency and frequency-hopping anti-jam modes (HaveQuick I/II and SINCGARS). These improvements enable the aircraft to carry out its basic missions at night or in low-visibility conditions.

The Marine Corps took delivery of ils last AH-IW in July 1998; as of June 30, 2003, 190 AH-1Ws were in service. Each of six active and two reserve HMLA squadrons has a mix of 18 AH-IWs and nine UH-1Ns. HMLA detachments routinely deploy on board amphibious assault ships with the aviation combat element of a Marine Expeditionary Unit, supporting operations in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Pacific Rim. AH-IWs participated in combat action inside Afghanistan in 2001 and 2002, and in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003.

UH-1/HH-1 "HUEY"

BRIEFING: One of the most widely used, versatile, and durable helicopters ever built, the UH-1N "Huey" entered Marine Corps service in 1971 and gives the Marine Corps utility support in the ship-to-shore phase of an amphibious assault and subsequent operations ashore. The UH-1N's primary tasks are to: (1) provide airborne command and control for command elements; (2) provide armed escort for assault support operations; (3) conduct combat-assault transport of troops, supplies, and equipment; (4) provide fire support and security for forwardand rear-area forces; and (5) provide terminal guidance for supporting arms, including close air support, artillery, mortars, and naval surface fire support. The Huey can carry eight to 10 combat-loaded Marines and/or supplies. As a flying ambulance, it has room for six litter patients and one attendant. A block-upgrade program has been implemented to improve the Huey's communication and navigation capabilities including the installation of ARC-210 radios, satellite communication, miniature GPS, and improved TACAN navigation sets. Night-vision enhancements include installation of improved external lighting, a night-vision-goggle head-up display, and a navigational thermal imaging system (NTIS) FLIR that enhances the pilot's ability to safely navigate at night and in periods of limited visibility and adverse weather. The NTIS was upgraded to a third-generation FLIR in late 1999. As of june 30, 2003, there were 91 UH-INs and 32 HHINs (air station search-and-rescue versions) in Marine Corps and Navy service. Each of six active and two reserve HMLA squadrons has a mix of 18 AH-1Ws and nine UH-1Ns. HMLA Detachments routinely deploy on board amphibious assault ships with the aviation combat element of a Marine Expeditionary Unit, supporting operations in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Pacific Rim. UH-INs participated in combat action inside Afghanistan in 2001 and 2002 and in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003.