Reconnaissance helicopter
Reconnaissance helicopters (also: observation helicopters ) are manned or unmanned military helicopters for tactical battlefield reconnaissance and surveillance. In addition to the reconnaissance helicopters are in their secondary role for air transport of infantry groups (z. B. special forces ), to escort convoys and ships as well as MedEvac used.
Due to their range of tasks close to the battlefield, reconnaissance helicopters are mostly assigned to the army aviators .
Reconnaissance helicopters are called Observation Helicopters [ ˌɒbzəˈveɪʃən ˈhelɪkɒptəʳ ] (also: Reconnaissance Helicopter ) and are abbreviated with the acronym OH . Light reconnaissance helicopters with a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of less than 3000 kg are labeled with LOH as light observation helicopters .
history
The first aircraft for airborne reconnaissance and surveillance were reconnaissance balloons . At the beginning of the Second World War, light reconnaissance aircraft such as the propeller-driven Taylorcraft L-2 and Fieseler Fi 156 (1936–1949) were used. When the first military helicopters became available in the 1930s, their ability to hover over a location near their own units made them ideal for reconnaissance. The first reconnaissance helicopters were limited to pure visual reconnaissance by the crew, which is why many helicopters such as the Bell H-13 Sioux (first flight in 1945) had a fully glazed cockpit for optimal visibility.
Over time, the human eye has been increasingly replaced by optical sensors such as image intensifiers , night vision devices and thermal imaging cameras ( Forward Looking Infrared ). These sensors are often attached to position stabilizing brackets, together with multifunctional lasers for electro-optical distance measurement and target marking .
Armament
According to their main function, the primary armament of reconnaissance helicopters consists of their sensors and communication systems. Early reconnaissance helicopters were effective in directing fire from artillery strikes and air strikes . Using modern sensors and digital target transmission, the helicopters can now also target anti-tank guided weapons and precision-guided ammunition from other aircraft.
Some reconnaissance helicopters, such as the American Bell OH-58, can be armed with a combination of on-board weapons and throwing containers for guided and unguided air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles on the outer mounts, but to a much lesser extent than combat helicopters . Originally, these weapons were intended for self-defense and to combat enemy reconnaissance units, but these weapons can also be used to a limited extent for close air support .
With the Northrop Grumman MQ-8 , the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps have had an unmanned reconnaissance helicopter at their disposal since 2008, which can also be armed.
An Aérospatiale SA 341/342 of the French Aviation légère de l'armée de Terre .
An OH-58 Kiowa with missile canisters.
literature
- Hans-Joachim Polte: Helicopter: History • Technology • Use . ES Mittler & Sohn , 2011, ISBN 978-3-8132-0924-2 , p. 304 .
- Kyrill von Gersdorff, Kurt Knobling: Helicopters and gyroscopes: development history of the German rotary wing aircraft from the beginnings to the international community developments . Bernard & Graefe, 1999, ISBN 978-3-7637-6115-9 , pp. 360 .
Web links
- Flying clubs . In: Der Spiegel . No. 28 , 1979, ISSN 0033-4006 .
Individual evidence
- ^ Rotary Aircraft: Doctrinal Development. In: GlobalSecurity.org . Retrieved January 17, 2015 .
- ^ OH-58D Kiowa Warrior Reconnaissance Attack Helicopter. In: Army Technology. Retrieved January 17, 2015 .
- ↑ Comanche's Child: The ARH-70 Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter. In: Defense Industry Daily. Retrieved January 17, 2015 .
- ^ Douglas W. Nelms: Filling Comanche's Shoes. In: Aviation Today. May 1, 2005, accessed January 17, 2015 .