scudpilot
29th Nov 2009, 20:25
See lots of references to "special forces" helicopters around, can anyone tell me how a special forces Helicopter (or any other a/c for that matter differs?)
Assuming that this information is not classified of course....
Mechta
1st Dec 2009, 00:14
A few features that a 'special forces' aircraft might have, include:
night vision goggle compatible cockpit lighting
external infra-red floodlights
enhanced navigation equipment, e.g. terrain following/terrain avoidance radar
additional communications equipment e.g. satellite comms
plumbing for extra fuel & oil tanks
additional screening on engine exhausts to reduce the infra-red signature
uprated undercarriage to cope with increased take off weight and maybe wider tyres to reduce sinking in on soft ground
inflight refuelling probe
additional weapons positions (e.g. miniguns)
fast rope 'rappelling' attachments
uprated engines & transmission to get this lot off the ground!This is by no means an exhaustive list, and what is yesterday's special forces fit is in many cases today's standard equipment.
Have a look at manufacturer's & user's websites, or an online encyclopedia for the difference between the standard & 'MH' versions of American helicopters.