Why no helo transport? Are we condemning our diggers to an easy victimology?

[Bushranger 71]

Spot the Hueys

Hi again Trojan 1981; re your post #105.

Post-Vietnam War, the RAAF Iroquois and fighter squadrons were tasked to develop helicopter versus fighter tactics which is why the Air Force Huey camouflage scheme emerged (designed by my creative daughters). Both 5 and 9 Squadrons were ultimately involved in trials and it was great fun. A few of us having flown fighters was beneficial because we understood how to make target acquisition and tracking more difficult for the higher speed birds (then Macchis and Mirages).

The outcomes were more favourable for helos than most would imagine provided appropriate tactics are employed relative to the operating environment (terrain, vegetation, visibility, etcetera). Having said that, a few Hueys got 'splashed' although we did not then have our doorguns loaded with 100 percent tracer to discourage our opponent friends a little! As you suggest, more modern technology should advantage the fighters but the question really begged is whether ADF air components would be deployed in less permissive air environments?

What might be done to provide funding and manpower for say AC-130 and utility helo capabilities, if Defence can be convinced of these deficiencies? Some possibilities: retrench 10,000 of the public service component of Defence (they would not be missed!); mothball 2 fighter squadrons to extend the life of the F/A-18 and opt out of the JSF project; curtail the MRH90 project by at least half the number of aircraft; recover the Iroquois being discarded and feed them through the Bell Helicopter Huey II factory upgrade program (below $100million for upgrade plus ongoing support costs).

Something has to happen to regain adequate combat readiness and military credibility therefore some rationalising of force structures seems necessary. It would of course all depend on Service Chiefs admitting their respective force shortcomings and MPs having the political will for corrective action.