Herod
We believe the helo was not shot down by rebels. It was avoiding being shot down when it collided with the A320.
Which ultimately had the same effect as being shot down.
The FSA and other rebel units may have MANPAD heat-seeking AA systems, but most of the reporting has had them firing AAA (mostly 20mm) in the general direction of ASA aircraft. Any hits have been more by luck than judgement.
Others have noted there would likely be no TCAS in a military helicopter flying a combat mission.
Even if the A320 crew knew they were in danger of a collision, they would have had little or no idea what they were trying to avoid, where it was coming from, how fast it was going, or how to avoid it.
Good luck + good airmanship + some more good luck.
Last edited by rcsa; 7th Oct 2012 at 19:39.