I'm not saying they're slouches, Zoe. Just that modern combat demands more from ground support craft than the Apache is equipped with.

 

apaches are falling to small arms fire and shoulder rockets too often, and considering that is their primary foe right now, they need to meet the challenge somehow, more armour, bigger engines, better defense techno... ???

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by WestSideBilly
I'm not saying they're slouches, Zoe.

 

...... because "more, bigger, better" fixes everything right ?

 

The Comanche was more immune to IR seaking weapons such as shoulder rockets. It is also designed to be able to take a shitload of small arms fire and still stay airborne. Not to mention it's quiter and has a smaller cross section for decreased visibility.

 

don't forget faster! Bigger, better, faster, more.

I'm not fully up to speed on the Comanche, but one of the major improvements (from what I recall) was much better resistance to small arms fire. Choppers will always be susceptible to rockets, especially at low altitudes, but most people don't have rocket launchers...

 

Thanks for the info before I even asked the question, Iuke.

 

Believe me, too. Any measures to prevent further loss of life should be taken, but times have shifted more towards the high-altitude war, with smart and laser-guided munitions. The enemy has adapted to our low-altitude assault, because they could. Unfortunately, nothing can impede a shoulder fire rocket or RPG that is fired from close range. The high-altitude war has suceeded due to it being further out of harms way. I don't think a stealth helicopter will be their answer for everything. A ground support assault aircraft should be nimble above everything. Beyond that, armor, munitions and interchangeability should be considered. Stealth is great, but when you're within RPG range, they'll still hear you. There's so many things to consider, I don't think they'll ever solve all of the problems with just one helo. Still, it would be nice to know that we have the capability.

 

it needs chaff launchers around the beltline of the chopper and equipment to spot rockets and it should just watch out for itself....... seems like a good idea to me....

 

It can handle up to 26 mm rounds in the fusilage and 12.6 mm in the tailfan and still fly. Plus it has redundant computers and self rerouting electronics.