U.S. Helicopter Armament Subsystems
Encyclopedia
The United States military has developed a number of Helicopter Armament Subsystems since the early 1960s. These systems are used for offensive and defensive purposes and make use of a wide variety of weapon types including, but not limited to machine gun
s, grenade launcher
s, autocannon
, and rocket
s. Various systems are still in use, though many have become obsolete.
has added much to the exploitation of the modern battlefield, changing traditional war-fighting scenarios to the extent that entirely new strategies and tactics have been developed both to utilise and deny the capabilities of these aircraft. In the air, against land-based threats, and at sea, helicopters can be used in offensive, defensive and transportation capacities to react swiftly to the fluid tactical conditions modern combat imposes on the battlefield.
Although one of the first armies to experiment with helicopters, the United States Army
was slow to fully explore the possibilities of armed helicopter
gunship
s. Experiments between the Korean War
and US involvement in South East Asia
were small and fairly simple. Learning much from their experience of these conflicts, the US decided to look further into the idea of air mobile tactics, and subsequently armed helicopters, though an armed helicopter had been proposed and rejected in the early 1940s. By the time the UTTHCO (Utility Tactical Transport Helicopter Company) was deployed to Vietnam
in 1962, the US had started experimenting more with the idea of arming helicopters both for defensive and offensive purposes. UTTHCO was an expeditionary unit, deployed to Vietnam to assist the South Vietnamese Army and to provide on the ground testing for new air mobile theory. Weapon systems used by UTTHCO were often crude and made from parts and weapons readily available in the field.
By 1965, the United States had deployed a truly Air Mobile unit, the 1/7th Cavalry, which began to use more standardized armament systems. Throughout US involvement in Vietnam the US Army, US Marine Corps, and US Air Force would develop and utilize a number of armament systems designed for a variety of helicopters, and would pave the way for more dedicated attack helicopters.
With the arrival of dedicated gunship helicopters such as the AH-1 Cobra
and later the AH-64 Apache
, armament subsystems for non-specific types would begin to drop off, with mostly defensive armament packages remaining. Such armament packages, giving decidedly heavy armament to small or primarily transport helicopters, have become popular among second and third world countries who lack the funds for dedicated attack helicopters. Most of those systems bear some resemblance to the plethora of US systems that follow in this entry.
UH-1 Iroquois
The M3, sometimes referred to as "Aerial Rocket Artillery" or ARA, consisted of two 2.75" 24-Tube rocket launchers
, one on either side of the aircraft, along with a Mk 8 sight. The launchers fired in pairs, one from each side to prevent the aircraft from becoming off balance. M3 systems were attached to the helicopter using Bell designed stores racks. The only difference between the XM3 and XM3E1 was that the launch tubes on the E1 were 4" longer. The XM3E1 was standardized as the M3.
A subvariant of the M3 system was developed in 1964 by the US Army Limited War Laboratory that allowed equipped helicopters to produce a protective smoke screen. Called the Troop Landing Smoke Screen (TLSS), the system used modified M3 launch racks to dispense M8 smoke grenades. This system was later tested using M6 and M7 riot control grenades.
The XM5/M5 system consists of a nose turret for a single M75
40mm grenade launcher. The mount was fully flexible and controlled by the pilot via a hand controlled sight electronically linked to the turret. The system either provided 150 or 302 rounds of ammunition.
NOTE: This system was also part of the armament kit for the ACH-47A discussed later in this article.
The M6 system was one of the first systems to make use of the XM156/M156 universal mount, providing two M60C
7.62x51mm machine guns on either side of the helicopter. This system would later be expanded upon, but initially gave the UH-1 increased firepower and an improved offensive system over the skid mounts originally used.
The various development stages of the M6 system mainly had to do with the "station" to which the M156 mount was attached. The position of the XM6 is not stated, but the XM6E2 was fitted to "station 69" (likely forward of the main cabin) and the XM6E3 was fitted to "station 136." Since the XM6E3 was standardized as the M6, "station 136" is assumed to be the aft of main cabin position that would become standard for M156 based systems.
Some M6 systems were coupled the four guns with four MA-2/A 2.75" 2-Tube rocket launchers on each side of the aircraft, giving an even greater punch. This arrangement was later supplanted by the XM16/M16 system.
A variant of the XM6/M6 system, the XM9 substitutes the four M60C
7.62x51mm machine guns with two M75
grenade launchers, one on either side of the aircraft.
Both of these armament systems were designed to allow the UH-1 to fire the AGM-22
missile. Sources claim that the XM11 provided an XM70 sight and support racks for 6 missiles, three on each side of the aircraft. However, US Army FM 1-40 says that the XM11 designation was unassigned.
The M22 was an improvement providing a more specific sight, the XM58, and using the XM156 universal mount. The M22 also provided for a total of 6 missiles, three on each side of the aircraft. It is important to note as well that the XM11 is associated with the standard SS.11 missiles (AGM-22A), while the XM22/M22 system was designed around the US upgraded AGM-22B missiles.
The Maxwell System was a hybrid system designed by Warrant Office Robert Maxwell as a field modification. Maxwell's unit had been sent both the M3 and XM11 systems, and he noticed that often aircraft with the M3 system returned after only firing half or less than half of their total rocket load. By removing one or two banks of rockets (and reducing the total carried to 12 or 18 total rockets versus 24) and adding a single launching mount for an AGM-22
missile he effectively gave the aircraft both suppression and point attack capabilities. The general lack of point targets in South East Asia meant that SS.11/AGM-22 missile saw very limited use in general.
The XM16/M16 system mated the previous M6 with either two M157 or two M158 2.75" 7-Tube rocket launchers utilizing the M156 Universal Mount. Sighting was accomplished by using the M60 series reflex sight. The combined weight and aircraft limitations meant that only seven-tube launchers could be used.
The XM17 utilized "Kellet pylons" to mount two XM159 2.75" rocket launchers, one on each side of the aircraft.
A further variation on what had essentially become a basic system, the XM21/M21 subsystem replaced the XM16/M16's four M60C
s with two M134
7.62x51mm Miniguns.
The M23 system provides a pintle mount at both main cabin doors for an M60D 7.62x51mm machine gun, with the weapon feeding from either a standard ammunition box or a larger purpose built box connected to the mount. The M23 is specifically designed for long fuselage UH-1s (UH-1D/H/N).
With the development of the BGM-71 TOW
missile Hughes had been given the contract to develop a launching system for the UH-1. By 1968 development had shifted over to development of a system for the AH-56 helicopter which was eventually canceled. The XM26 provided two 3-Tube launchers on either side of the aircraft, as well as, the necessary sighting equipment. While the XM26 was more of a test platform, the two prototypes were deployed operationally as an emergency measure in South Vietnam to counter the Easter Invasion in 1972.
The XM29 was an experimental door pintle for the main cabin doors of short fuselage UH-1s (at the time the UH-1B/C), for an M60D 7.62x51mm machine gun. The problem with this system was that it could not be used in conjunction with external armament subsystems.
Far more common on such helicopters, including the later UH-1F/P/M specifically, was the Sagami Mount, a skeleton frame mount that swung out from a fixed position at the rear of the cabin. This mount was designed for the M60D, but in certain instances, primarily by the US Navy Seawolves, dual M60
s, M2HB machine guns or M134
Miniguns were fitted.
Sources debate the origin of the "Sagami" name, with it being attributed to the soldier responsible for its creation, as well as, to the name of the US facility on Okinawa where it was developed.
An experimental system, the XM30 provided fully flexible mounts using the XM156/M156 universal mounts for two XM140 30mm cannons, with 600 rounds of ammunition per gun.
Another attempt to up the firepower from existing systems, the XM31 provided two M24A1
20mm cannons in pods fitted to XM156/M156 universal mounts each with 600 rounds of ammunition, and flexible in elevation only.
XM50 is a designation for the combination of the XM5/M5 and the XM21/M21 armament subsystems, a common configuration used by US forces in South East Asia.
A mine dispenser system for the UH-1H helicopter, the M56 is composed of two SUU-13D/A dispensers on the M156 Universal Mount, which is reinforced to handle the additional weight.
A variation on the M23, the XM59/M59 was modified to accept either an XM213/M213 .50 caliber machine gun or an XM175 40mm grenade launcher in addition to being able to mount the M60
.
This armament subsystem provides door mounts for long fuselage UH-1s (UH-1D/H/N) for two M134
7.62x51mm Miniguns. The USAF also used this system on their short fuselage UH-1F/P helicopters. These weapons are equipped with chutes connected to their ejection ports that directs spent cases and links away from the aircraft.
The XM93E1 is a variation on the system that allows both guns to be trained forward and remotely fired by the pilot using the M60 series of reflex sights.
NOTE: The USAF was the primary user of this system and often combined it with two 7-Tube
2.75" rocket launchers of varying types on two independent support rack and pylon assemblies.
A variant of the XM93, the XM94 substitutes the M129
40mm grenade launcher for one or both of the door mounted M134
7.62x51mm Miniguns.
Not technically an armament subsystem, the XM156/M156 universal mount provided mounting supports and racks for a number of systems used on the UH-1 series of helicopters.
Similar to the US Army XM93, this system type classified by the Air Force uses mounts similar to those used in the M23 system mounting two M134
7.62x51mm Miniguns at each of the main cabin doors of the UH-1N helicopters. This system is likely suitable for other long-fuselage UH-1 types.
Referred to as the Defensive Armament System or DAS, this system is composed of two mounts for GAU-15/A and GAU-16/A .50 caliber machine guns or GAU-17/A 7.62x51mm Miniguns, as well as, two BRU-20/A or BRU-21/A bomb racks for current 2.75" rocket
launchers. This system was also designed primarily for use with the UH-1N helicopter (and is in use with the US Marine Corps
as well in this capacity), but is likely suitable for other long-fuselage UH-1 types.
A variant of the TK-1 for the CH-34/UH-34 helicopter, the TK-2 (Temporary Kit-2) was developed by the USMC for their UH-1E helicopter. The system provides the same four M60C
7.62x51mm machine guns as the TK-1, but adds two independent support rack and pylon assemblies to the system, for mounting an acceptable aircraft style armament. Typically these mounts were used for 7-Tube 2.75" rocket launchers of varying types, but were also seen tested with XM18/M18
Minigun
pods
(USAF SUU-11/A).
Unique to USMC UH-1E helicopters between April 1967 and 1972 was the use of the Emerson Electric TAT-101 (Tactical Armament Turret-101) nose turret. The turret housed two M60 machine guns with 1000 rounds total, and had 100 degrees in azimuth left or right, plus 15 degrees of elevation and 45 degrees of depression. The slew-rate on the turret was 45 degrees per second. Jamming and the need for maintenance led to the turret's front fairing being left off to assist ground crews in quickly dealing with any problems, and these reasons combined in the USMC decision to drop the turrets from inventory entirely at the end of 1972.
Developed to a Canadian requirement for their Bell UH-1N Twin Huey, the Mini-TAT replaced the M60's with a minigun
. A number of these were loaned to the US Army for use during the famous J-CATCH
experiments in the late 1970s.
A version of the TAT-102 (Tactical Armament Turret-102) designed specifically for use on the HH-3A helicopter, the TAT-102C mounted a single M134
Minigun in a fully traversable turret (for specifics see the information for the TAT-102A in the AH-1 Cobra entry). Two such turrets were mounted on sponsons, one on each side of the aircraft. The complexity and questionable performance in the environment led to them being removed in favor of more conventional door mounted weaponry.
CH-3E Sea King/HH-3E Jolly Green Giant (Sikorsky S-61R)
The defensive armament system for the USAF's H-3E helicopters is described as standard to the HH-3E, and capable of being fitted as required to the CH-3E. The basic system comprises three M60
machine guns, one each at the forward door, the opposite emergency window, and the rear loading ramp. The forward two positions comprise pintle
mounts on skate rails, while the rear loading ramp station comprises a pedestal mount on an armored floor plate. The floor plate slides on two tracks, forward and back, to and from its firing position at the edge of the ramp. Either the standard infantry M60 can be used, with standard 200 round ammunition boxes attached, or the M60D, feeding via flexible ammunition chutes from 750 round boxes fixed to the floor (or to the armored floor plate for the rear loading ramp position).
CH-21 Shawnee
Described as a system of four forward firing M60
machine guns similar to the later M6 series for the UH-1 helicopter. Not standardized.
Experiments were done using CH-21s with both fixed forward M2HB .50 caliber machine guns and forward firing rocket launchers. Neither system was standardized, but both paved the way for similar systems on later helicopter types.
UTTHCO deployed with a number of CH-21's, and experimented with field expidient bars mated to the cargo doors, fitted with M37C
.30-06 machine guns and feed from boxes mounted on top of the weapon.
NOTE: It would appear that similar mounts were fabricated for use with early UH-1s as well.
Described simply as a "2.75-inch rocket
launcher subsystem for the CH-34," there is no information as to how many rockets the XM4 was capable of launching.
For more information on the M6 Series see the UH-1 entry in this article. The XM6E1 was a variation of the XM6 for use with the CH-34 helicopter.
A USMC weapon system to provide H-34 helicopters with offensive armament, the TK-1 (Temporary Kit-1) featured two M60C
7.62x51mm machine guns, fixed forward on the right side of the aircraft, with ammunition fed out from boxes inside the aircraft. Also attached to these assemblies were two pylons, fitted with 19-shot 2.75-inch rocket
launchers. Aircraft equipped with the TK-1 were sometimes referred to as "Stingers."
Both the US Army and the USMC developed pintle mounts for use in the main cargo door and opposite window, mounting a single infantry type M60
7.62x51mm machine gun (sometimes referred to as "M60A"), allowing the crew chief to fire the weapon while seated on the opposite side. The USMC tested mounting the heavier M2 machine gun, but found the vibration when firing to be detrimental to the aircraft. In all the mounts were imperfect as they blocked easy entry and exit from the main cabin.
CH-46 Sea Knight
The CH-46E Sea Knight has the ability to mount the XM-218 .50 caliber heavy machine gun. On the left side of the helicopter it is mounted in the AO's (Aerial Observer) window just behind the copilots seat. On the right side it is mounted in the Gunner's window just behind the crew door. The aircraft is also set up to carry a RMWS (Ramp Mounted Weapon System) which holds the M240D 7.62mm medium machine gun.
The XM-218, 0.50 caliber aircraft machine gun is a belt-fed, recoil-operated, air-cooled, alternate-feed weapon fired from the closed bolt
position. It is capable of firing at a rapid rate of 750-850 rounds per minute.
The M240D machine gun is a belt-fed, gas-operated, air-cooled, alternate-feed automatic weapon fired from the open bolt
position. It has a rate of fire of 650-950 rounds per minute.
CH-47 Chinook
A defensive armament subsystem, the M24 provides a pintle mount for an M60D 7.62x51mm machine gun at either left or right front cargo doors on the CH-47. The system feeds from standard 200-round ammunition boxes attached to the weapon.
NOTE: The US Army phased out the M60D in favor of the M240D and subsequently M240H, but it is unknown whether the necessity of a new cradle for the weapon resulted in the system being redesignated. The mount is otherwise the same. EDIT The M240 utilizes a modified M24 mount system that has been redesigned to accommodate the ammunition magazine and a catch bag for containing expended ammunition casings and ammunition links. It also features an improved roller on the pintle to prevent excessive and premature wear to the mount assembly. Mount system designation remains the same, in spite of such an extensive redesign.
A defensive armament subsystem, the XM32 provides pintle mounts for either M60D 7.62x51mm machine guns or M2HB .50 caliber machine guns at both cargo door positions and at both rear emergency hatches of the CH-47 helicopter, with weapons feeding from standard ammunition boxes. This system was developed specifically for the ACH-47 helicopter.
A defensive armament subsystem, the XM33 provides a mount for either an M60D 7.62x51mm or an M2HB .50-caliber machine gun on the rear cargo ramp of the CH-47 helicopter. This system was developed specifically for the ACH-47 helicopter, with the weapon feeding from standard ammunition boxes.
An offensive armament subsystem developed for the ACH-47 helicopter, the XM34 provides two M24A1
20mm cannons with ammunition boxes on sponsons at the front of the aircraft fixed forward.
NOTE: These sponsons were also fitted with aircraft-style hardpoints that allowed the mounting of XM159B/XM159C 19-tube 2.75"-rocket launchers or M18/M18A1
7.62x51mm gun pods.
A defensive armament subsystem, the M41 provides a mount for an M60D 7.62x51mm machine gun on the rear cargo ramp of the CH-47 helicopter. The system feeds from standard 200-round ammunition boxes attached to the weapon.
NOTE: The US Army phased out the M60D in favor of the M240D and subsequently M240H, but it is unknown whether the necessity of a new cradle for the weapon resulted in the system being redesignated. The mount is otherwise the same.
CH-53 Sea Stallion
Defensive armament systems for the H-53 series as used by the US Navy have no known designation, but generally comprise pintle mounts at "personnel or cargo doors or windows of the aircraft." These mounts are usually equipped with either GAU-15/A, GAU-16/A, or GAU-18/A .50 caliber, or M60D 7.62 mm machine guns. The .50 caliber weapons were later supplanted by the GAU-21/A .50 caliber machine gun, which featured a higher rate of fire.
UH-60 Black Hawk/SH-60 Sea Hawk
The M139 Volcano
is a mine dispenser system composed of racks on both sides of the aircraft for up to 40 Canister, Mine, M87. Each canister contains 6 GATOR
Anti-Tank mine and 1 GATOR Anti-Personnel Mine.
The M144 is a defensive subsystem that provides mounts and cradles at the two windows between the pilot doors and the main cabin doors on the UH-60 series of helicopters, each mounting a single M60D 7.62x51mm machine gun.
NOTE: The US Army phased out the M60D in favor of the M240D and subsequently M240H, but it is unknown whether the necessity of a new cradle for the weapon resulted in the system being redesignated. The mount is otherwise the same.
The External Stores Support System (ESSS) provides two stub wings each with two hard points primarily for external fuel tanks, but, it can also carry various weapon systems. When equipped with the Extended Range Fuel System (ERFS), the system can support two 230 gallon or 450 gallon external tanks. The system feeds into the main fuel tank and not the engines directly. The ESSS can also be fitted with a wide range of weapons including up to sixteen AGM-114 Hellfire
missiles, rockets
and gun pod
s, and other systems.
Still in development as of 2003, the Rapid Airborne Mine Clearance System (RAMICS) can be considered an armament subsystem (and one of the largest guns ever fitted to a helicopter), though its intended targets are strictly naval mines. Consisting of a single modified Mk 44 Mod 0
30mm cannon firing the Mk 248 Mod 1 Armor-Piercing Fin-Stabilized Discarding-Sabot Tracer (APFSDS-T) round, the RAMICS was intended to be mounted in the cabin of the MH-60S helicopter, and using its associated sensor package, target and neutralize naval mines at relatively shallow depths. The system is designed to provide a quick and effective mine clearance capability to complement existing methods and others under development for the Navy's Airborne Mine Countermeasures (AMCM) Program.
HH-2C Seasprite
A version of the TAT-102 (Tactical Armament Turret-102) designed specifically for use on the HH-2C helicopter, the TAT-102K mounted a single M134
Minigun in a fully traversable turret (for specifics see the information for the TAT-102A in the AH-1 Cobra entry). A single such turret would mounted in the nose of the aircraft. The weight of the mount was not suitable for such a small helicopter and the turret was often removed.
OH-6 Cayuse (and MD 500 Defender
The XM7 system provided twin M60
machine guns (unknown type) on the OH-6 series of helicopters. It is unclear if both guns were mounted together or whether they were mounted one on each side of the aircraft. As of 1969 the system was listed with the comment "development suspended," likely in favor of the XM27. This system was also tested on the YOH-5A
during August 1964.
The XM8 system provides a mount for one M129
40mm grenade launcher for either the OH-6 or OH-58 light observation helicopters. The system is provided with an XM70/E1 sight and 150 rounds of ammunition. The XM8's mount is interchangeable with the M27 system.
This system could also be mounted on the OH-58 Kiowa
, and was tested on the YOH-5A during August 1964.
The M27 system provides a mount for one M134
7.62x51mm machine gun (Minigun) for either the OH-6 or OH-58 light observation helicopters. The system is provided with an XM70/E1 sight and a MAU-56/A delinking feeder with 2000 rounds of ammunition. The system has no movement in azimuth, but has 10 degrees of elevation and 24 degrees of depression.
The initial XM27 featured a mount similar to a gunpod, which was quickly exchanged for a more aerodynamic fairing, as well as, improvements to the ammunition stowage and other equipment on the XM27E1. The XM27E1 was standardized as the M27. The fairing was removed entirely because for ease of maintenance and to reduce weight on the M27E1. The M27's mount is interchangeable with the XM8 system.
As with the XM8, this system can also be mounted on the OH-58 Kiowa.
Using a mount similar to that used on the XM8 and M27 series, the HGS-55 was developed by the McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Company
(formerly Hughes Helicopters
) to use the EX 34 Mod 0 7.62x51mm chain gun
. The weapon is supplied with a 2,000 round magazine and the weapon fires between 550 and 700 round per minute. This system was not adopted by the US military for use and no export sales were known to have been made.
OH-13 Sioux
In service between 1960 and 1972, the XM1 consisted of two M37C .30-06 machine guns mounted on the landing skids of either the OH-13 or OH-23 helicopter. These weapons were fixed forward, but flexible in elevation, with their ammunition (500 rounds per gun) stored externally. The XM1E1 was the product engineering design.
NOTE: What would appear to have been a variant of the XM1 system was used by UTTHCO on their HU-1A's (later UH-1A) for a short period.
The M2 system was a variation on the XM1, replacing the M37C machine guns with 7.62x51mm NATO M60C machine guns. The mounts were similar to the XM1, also providing flexible elevation, with 650 rounds per gun stored externally.
AH-58D/OH-58D Kiowa Warrior
The Universal Weapons Pylon is specific to the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopter, and provides two support racks for various weapon systems. The racks, with stores mounted, may be folded 180 degrees upward for rapid loading into the C-130 transport aircraft, though the connecting umbilicals must be disconnected to prevent damage.
There are at least ten authorized armament configurations, which involve a mix of a system specific gun pod
mounting the M296 .50 caliber machine gun (left side only), the M260
7-shot 2.75in/70mm Lightweight Launcher (LWL), the M279 2-rail AGM-114 Hellfire
launcher, or a 2-shot Air-to-Air Stinger (ATAS)
launcher. The gun pod is fed from a semi-external magazine loaded with 500 rounds of linked ammunition.
MH-65C Dolphin
The US Coast Guard
has deployed the MH-68A to its newly created Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron
(HITRON), and it is the only helicopter in USCG inventory specifically tasked with the Airborne Use of Force (AUF) mission. These helicopters feature a defensive armament system composed of a single M240G mounted at the port cabin door, along with a Robar Arms RC-50
rifle attached to the cabin via a bungee cord for disabling hostile light vessels. The kit is also capable of being used on the HH-65C aircraft. When so fitted the aircraft is designated MH-65C.
AH-1 Cobra
The standard fixed armament for the AH-1G, AH-1P (formerly referred to as AH-1S Production), AH-1Q, and initial AH-1S models, this turret unit is similar to the XM64 mentioned later in this section, but was capable of mounting two M134
Miniguns, two M129
40 mm grenade launchers, or one of each weapon. Miniguns fitted are capable of pre-set firing rates of either 2,000 or 4,000 RPM, while the turret itself has 114 degrees of motion left or right, 17.5 degrees of elevation and 50 degrees of depression (alternate sources describe 110 degrees in azimuth, 20 degrees of elevation and 50 degrees of depression for the M28E1 model specifically). Each Minigun is linked to 4,000 rounds of ammunition while each grenade launcher is fed from a 300 round magazine.
The system is known to have four standard A variants, the M28/A1-A3. However, the actual specifics between variants is vague. From the available information suggests that specific variants were mated to specific iterations of the AH-1 helicopter. The initial XM28/M28 were fitted to the AH-1G, as were the M28E1/M28A1. The M28A1E1/M28A2 was fitted to the AH-1Q, while the M28A3 (no developmental variation known) was fitted to the AH-1P/S helicopter. There is the possibility that the M28A2 could have been the first unit designed to work with the XM128/M128 Helmet Sight System (HSS) developed primarily for use with TOW armed AH-1s.
An armament subsystem providing a single M195 20 mm cannon on the port inboard pylon of the AH-1G. 950 rounds of ammunition were stored in boxes faired to the side of the aircraft. The system was primarily pilot controlled, but featured dual controls to be either pilot or gunner controlled. For this purpose the pilot was provided with a M73 sight.
The TAT-102A (Tactical Armament Turret-102A) was the initial main armament for the AH-1G helicopter, though designed as an interim measure. It is related to the TAT-101 mentioned in the UH-1 entry. The turret mounts a single M134
Minigun with 25 degrees of elevation, 90 degrees of depression, and 180 degrees of motion in azimuth, with a slew rate of 80 degrees per second. The TAT-102A was designated XM64 by the US Army.
The Cobra Missile System is a functional development of the XM26 and the TOW missile system developed for the failed AH-56 helicopter. Originally designed for the AH-1Q and AH-1S Cobras, the AH-1F Modernized Cobra was also rebuilt to use the system. The original iteration of the system comprises launchers allowing for four BGM-71 TOW
missiles per aircraft pylon to be carried, and a TSU or Telescopic Sight Unit, to allow for targeting and guidance of the missile. The TSU has been upgraded with the LAAT (Laser-Augmented Airborne TOW), a day/night range finder, and C-NITE (Cobra-Night Imaging Thermal Equipment), a thermal imagine/FLIR system specifically for the AH-1S and AH-1F Cobra helicopters.
The standard fixed armament system for the US Army's AH-1S Upgunned Cobra (eventually redesignated AH-1E Enhanced Cobra Armament System or ECAS) and the AH-1S Modernized Cobra (eventually redesignated the AH-1F), as well as, the US Marine Corps' AH-1J, AH-1T, AH-1W, and AH-1Z helicopters. The system was designed to fit either the M197
20 mm three barreled cannon or the XM188 30 mm three barreled cannon. In practice the M197 was the standard fit and the XM188 was not adopted for service. The turret has 110 degrees of motion in azimuth, 21 degrees of elevation, and 50 degrees of depression, with a slew rate in azimuth of 80 degrees per second and in elevation and depression of 60 degrees per second.
As with the M28 series, the specifics between variants of the M97 are vague. Five Standard A models are known to exist, M97/A1-A4. Sources suggest that individual variants of the turret were specific to certain variants of the AH-1 as with the M28 series. The M97A1 (and possibly the M97) was fitted to the AH-1S Upgunned Cobra, the M97A2/A3 to the AH-1S Modernized Cobra (AH-1F), and the M97A4 to production AH-1Fs. Other sources say that the M97A3 was refitted to AH-1E ECAS and the M97A2 was the initial armament for the AH-1S Modernized Cobra, agreeing that the M97A1 was the original fit to the AH-1S Upgunned Cobra. There is also the possibility that the differences have something to do with the associated equipment for the M197 cannon, including the use of the M89 or M89E1 delinking feeder.
The M97 was also fitted to the AH-1J, but it is unclear if the AH-1T, AH-1W, and AH-1Z used variants of the M97 series. The subsystem used on the AH-1T and AH-1W has a designation in the USAF's Aeronautical and Support Equipment Type Designation System (ASETDS), A/A49E-7. The turret in the system is also designated under the ASETDS system, as the GTU-1/A. How this system differs from its US Army counterparts is unknown. An amendment to the official Military Specification, MIL-F-85668(AS), put out by the United States Naval Air Systems Command on 15 November 1995, actually listed the "A/A49E-7(V4)" as inactive pending a new design, and listed the system as relevant only to the "AH-1T (TOW)."
A competing universal turret design to the M97 put forward by Emerson Electric, the XM120 could be fitted with a number of weapons including the M60C
7.62x51 mm machine gun, M134
Minigun, M197
20 mm three barreled cannon, XM188 30 mm three barreled cannon, and was in fact tested with the XM140 30 mm cannon.
AH-56 Cheyenne
A nose turret with one M129
40 mm grenade launcher with 300 rounds. In light of the failure of the AH-56 was proposed as a replacement for the M5 system on the UH-1 helicopter. Designed to be interchangeable with the XM53.
Belly turret with a single XM140 30 mm cannon. Use on other helicopters was also debated.
A nose turret with one XM196 7.62x51 mm machine gun. Also said to be suitable for the UH-1 series of helicopters. Designed to be interchangeable with the XM51.
AH-64 Apache
The only type classified subsystem for the AH-64 series, the M139 is composed of the Aerial Rocket Control System (giving the aircraft the ability to fire members of the Hydra 70/Mk 66
2.75 in/70 mm rocket family), a dispenser interface (controlling the M130 chaff/flare dispenser, also used on the AH-1 helicopter), and the Area Weapon Subsystem.
The Area Weapon Subsystem is made up of a single M230
30 mm cannon, turret and assembly, ammunition feed, and other electronic components for the functioning of the system. The unit is capable of 100 degrees of motion in azimuth left or right, 11 degrees of elevation and 60 degrees of depression, and feeds from an ammunition magazine with 1,200 rounds.
RAH-66 Comanche
The RAH-66 Comanche was intended to have a gun system designed jointly by Boeing and Sikorsky. The system was to use the XM301 lightweight gun, and fed linked ammunition from a 500 round storage drum. The turret itself had 120 degrees of movement in azimuth, with 15 degrees of elevation and 45 degrees of depression. The TGS was supposed to be ready for deployment with the Comanche helicopter during the FY04 period, but the cancellation of the Comanche ended further development of this system.
Secondary sources
Machine gun
A machine gun is a fully automatic mounted or portable firearm, usually designed to fire rounds in quick succession from an ammunition belt or large-capacity magazine, typically at a rate of several hundred rounds per minute....
s, grenade launcher
Grenade launcher
A grenade launcher or grenade discharger is a weapon that launches a grenade with more accuracy, higher velocity, and to greater distances than a soldier could throw it by hand....
s, autocannon
Autocannon
An autocannon or automatic cannon is a rapid-fire projectile weapon firing a shell as opposed to the bullet fired by a machine gun. Autocannons often have a larger caliber than a machine gun . Usually, autocannons are smaller than a field gun or other artillery, and are mechanically loaded for a...
, and rocket
Rocket
A rocket is a missile, spacecraft, aircraft or other vehicle which obtains thrust from a rocket engine. In all rockets, the exhaust is formed entirely from propellants carried within the rocket before use. Rocket engines work by action and reaction...
s. Various systems are still in use, though many have become obsolete.
Introduction
The helicopterHelicopter
A helicopter is a type of rotorcraft in which lift and thrust are supplied by one or more engine-driven rotors. This allows the helicopter to take off and land vertically, to hover, and to fly forwards, backwards, and laterally...
has added much to the exploitation of the modern battlefield, changing traditional war-fighting scenarios to the extent that entirely new strategies and tactics have been developed both to utilise and deny the capabilities of these aircraft. In the air, against land-based threats, and at sea, helicopters can be used in offensive, defensive and transportation capacities to react swiftly to the fluid tactical conditions modern combat imposes on the battlefield.
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
was slow to fully explore the possibilities of armed helicopter
Armed helicopter
An armed helicopter is a helicopter equipped with weapons. Most commonly, it is used for attacking targets on the ground. Such helicopter could be either purposely designed for the ground-attack mission—in which case it would be more specifically categorized as an attack helicopter—or could be...
gunship
Gunship
The term "gunship" is used in several contexts, all sharing the general idea of a light craft armed with heavy guns.-In Navy:In the Navy, the term originally appeared in the mid-19th century as a less-common synonym for gunboat.-In military aviation:...
s. Experiments between the Korean War
Korean War
The Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
and US involvement in South East Asia
Vietnam War
The Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of...
were small and fairly simple. Learning much from their experience of these conflicts, the US decided to look further into the idea of air mobile tactics, and subsequently armed helicopters, though an armed helicopter had been proposed and rejected in the early 1940s. By the time the UTTHCO (Utility Tactical Transport Helicopter Company) was deployed to Vietnam
Vietnam
Vietnam – sometimes spelled Viet Nam , officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam – is the easternmost country on the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia. It is bordered by China to the north, Laos to the northwest, Cambodia to the southwest, and the South China Sea –...
in 1962, the US had started experimenting more with the idea of arming helicopters both for defensive and offensive purposes. UTTHCO was an expeditionary unit, deployed to Vietnam to assist the South Vietnamese Army and to provide on the ground testing for new air mobile theory. Weapon systems used by UTTHCO were often crude and made from parts and weapons readily available in the field.
By 1965, the United States had deployed a truly Air Mobile unit, the 1/7th Cavalry, which began to use more standardized armament systems. Throughout US involvement in Vietnam the US Army, US Marine Corps, and US Air Force would develop and utilize a number of armament systems designed for a variety of helicopters, and would pave the way for more dedicated attack helicopters.
With the arrival of dedicated gunship helicopters such as the AH-1 Cobra
AH-1 Cobra
The Bell AH-1 Cobra is a two-bladed, single engine attack helicopter manufactured by Bell Helicopter. It shares a common engine, transmission and rotor system with the older UH-1 Iroquois...
and later the AH-64 Apache
AH-64 Apache
The Boeing AH-64 Apache is a four-blade, twin-engine attack helicopter with a tailwheel-type landing gear arrangement, and a tandem cockpit for a two-man crew. The Apache was developed as Model 77 by Hughes Helicopters for the United States Army's Advanced Attack Helicopter program to replace the...
, armament subsystems for non-specific types would begin to drop off, with mostly defensive armament packages remaining. Such armament packages, giving decidedly heavy armament to small or primarily transport helicopters, have become popular among second and third world countries who lack the funds for dedicated attack helicopters. Most of those systems bear some resemblance to the plethora of US systems that follow in this entry.
Designated Systems
This is a list of systems as designated by the US Army:| Nomenclature | Primary Aircraft | Component Weapon/s |
|---|---|---|
| Armament Subsystem, Helicopter, Caliber .30 Machine Gun, Twin, M1 | OH-13 Sioux Bell 47 The Bell 47 is a two-bladed, single engine, light helicopter manufactured by Bell Helicopter. Based on the third Model 30 prototype, Bell's first helicopter designed by Arthur M. Young, the Bell 47 became the first helicopter certified for civilian use on 8 March 1946... and OH-23 Raven |
M37C machine gun |
| Armament Subsystem, Helicopter, 7.62-MM Machine Gun, Twin, M2 | OH-13 Sioux Bell 47 The Bell 47 is a two-bladed, single engine, light helicopter manufactured by Bell Helicopter. Based on the third Model 30 prototype, Bell's first helicopter designed by Arthur M. Young, the Bell 47 became the first helicopter certified for civilian use on 8 March 1946... and OH-23 Raven |
M60C machine gun |
| Helicopter Armament Subsystem, 2.75-Inch Rocket Launcher, M3 | UH-1B/C/M Iroquois UH-1 Iroquois The Bell UH-1 Iroquois is a military helicopter powered by a single, turboshaft engine, with a two-bladed main rotor and tail rotor. The helicopter was developed by Bell Helicopter to meet the United States Army's requirement for a medical evacuation and utility helicopter in 1952, and first flew... |
Mk 40 Mk 4/Mk 40 Folding-Fin Aerial Rocket The Mk 4 Folding-Fin Aerial Rocket , sometimes called the Mighty Mouse, was a 2.75 in diameter unguided rocket weapon commonly used by U.S. military aircraft. It was intended as an air-to-air weapon to allow interceptor aircraft to shoot down enemy bombers with greater range and effectiveness than... Folding Fin Aerial Rocket (FFAR) |
| Helicopter Armament Subsystem, 2.75-Inch Rocket Launcher, M4 | CH-34 Chocktaw | Mk 40 Mk 4/Mk 40 Folding-Fin Aerial Rocket The Mk 4 Folding-Fin Aerial Rocket , sometimes called the Mighty Mouse, was a 2.75 in diameter unguided rocket weapon commonly used by U.S. military aircraft. It was intended as an air-to-air weapon to allow interceptor aircraft to shoot down enemy bombers with greater range and effectiveness than... FFAR |
| Armament Subsystem, Helicopter, 40-MM Grenade Launcher, M5 | UH-1B/C/M Iroquois UH-1 Iroquois The Bell UH-1 Iroquois is a military helicopter powered by a single, turboshaft engine, with a two-bladed main rotor and tail rotor. The helicopter was developed by Bell Helicopter to meet the United States Army's requirement for a medical evacuation and utility helicopter in 1952, and first flew... |
M75 grenade launcher M75 grenade launcher The M75 is a 40mm automatic grenade launcher that was used primarily as an aircraft weapon in United States service and was one of the first weapons to use the high velocity 40x53mm grenade.-Overview:... |
| Armament Subsystem, Helicopter, 7.62-MM Machine Gun, Quad, M6 | UH-1B/C Iroquois UH-1 Iroquois The Bell UH-1 Iroquois is a military helicopter powered by a single, turboshaft engine, with a two-bladed main rotor and tail rotor. The helicopter was developed by Bell Helicopter to meet the United States Army's requirement for a medical evacuation and utility helicopter in 1952, and first flew... |
M60C machine gun |
| Armament Subsystem, Helicopter, 7.62-MM Machine Gun, Twin, M7 | OH-6 Cayuse | M60C machine gun |
| Armament Subsystem, Helicopter, 40-MM Grenade Launcher, M8 | OH-6 Cayuse | M129 grenade launcher M129 grenade launcher The M129 is a 40mm automatic grenade launcher that was used as an aircraft weapon in United States service. It was developed from the earlier M75 and was capable of using both the high-velocity 40x53mm grenade and the lower velocity 40x46mm grenade.... |
| Armament Subsystem, Helicopter, 7.62-MM Machine Gun - 2.75-Inch Rocket Launcher, M16 | UH-1B/C Iroquois UH-1 Iroquois The Bell UH-1 Iroquois is a military helicopter powered by a single, turboshaft engine, with a two-bladed main rotor and tail rotor. The helicopter was developed by Bell Helicopter to meet the United States Army's requirement for a medical evacuation and utility helicopter in 1952, and first flew... |
M60C machine gun and Mk 40 Mk 4/Mk 40 Folding-Fin Aerial Rocket The Mk 4 Folding-Fin Aerial Rocket , sometimes called the Mighty Mouse, was a 2.75 in diameter unguided rocket weapon commonly used by U.S. military aircraft. It was intended as an air-to-air weapon to allow interceptor aircraft to shoot down enemy bombers with greater range and effectiveness than... FFAR |
| Armament Subsystem, Helicopter, 2.75-Inch Rocket Launcher, M17 | UH-1B/C Iroquois UH-1 Iroquois The Bell UH-1 Iroquois is a military helicopter powered by a single, turboshaft engine, with a two-bladed main rotor and tail rotor. The helicopter was developed by Bell Helicopter to meet the United States Army's requirement for a medical evacuation and utility helicopter in 1952, and first flew... |
Mk 40 Mk 4/Mk 40 Folding-Fin Aerial Rocket The Mk 4 Folding-Fin Aerial Rocket , sometimes called the Mighty Mouse, was a 2.75 in diameter unguided rocket weapon commonly used by U.S. military aircraft. It was intended as an air-to-air weapon to allow interceptor aircraft to shoot down enemy bombers with greater range and effectiveness than... FFAR |
| Armament Subsystem, Helicopter, 7.62-MM Machine Gun - 2.75-Inch Rocket Launcher, Twin, High Rate, M21 | UH-1B/C/M Iroquois UH-1 Iroquois The Bell UH-1 Iroquois is a military helicopter powered by a single, turboshaft engine, with a two-bladed main rotor and tail rotor. The helicopter was developed by Bell Helicopter to meet the United States Army's requirement for a medical evacuation and utility helicopter in 1952, and first flew... |
M134 Minigun The Minigun is a 7.62 mm, multi-barrel heavy machine gun with a high rate of fire , employing Gatling-style rotating barrels with an external power source... machine gun and Mk 40 Mk 4/Mk 40 Folding-Fin Aerial Rocket The Mk 4 Folding-Fin Aerial Rocket , sometimes called the Mighty Mouse, was a 2.75 in diameter unguided rocket weapon commonly used by U.S. military aircraft. It was intended as an air-to-air weapon to allow interceptor aircraft to shoot down enemy bombers with greater range and effectiveness than... FFAR |
| Guided Missile Launcher, Helicopter Armament Subsystem, M22 | UH-1B/C Iroquois UH-1 Iroquois The Bell UH-1 Iroquois is a military helicopter powered by a single, turboshaft engine, with a two-bladed main rotor and tail rotor. The helicopter was developed by Bell Helicopter to meet the United States Army's requirement for a medical evacuation and utility helicopter in 1952, and first flew... |
AGM-22 SS.11 SS.11 is the designation of the Nord Aviation MCLOS wire-guided anti-tank missile. In American service the missile was designated the AGM-22. The missile entered service with the French Army in 1956. Production of the SS.11 ceased some time in the 1980s but in 1978 168,450 missiles had been produced... missile |
| Armament Subsystem, Helicopter, 7.62-MM Machine Gun, Door Mounted, Lightweight, M23 | UH-1D/H Iroquois UH-1 Iroquois The Bell UH-1 Iroquois is a military helicopter powered by a single, turboshaft engine, with a two-bladed main rotor and tail rotor. The helicopter was developed by Bell Helicopter to meet the United States Army's requirement for a medical evacuation and utility helicopter in 1952, and first flew... |
M60D machine gun |
| Armament Subsystem, Helicopter, 7.62-MM Machine Gun, Door Mounted, Lightweight, M24 | CH-47 Chinook CH-47 Chinook The Boeing CH-47 Chinook is an American twin-engine, tandem rotor heavy-lift helicopter. Its top speed of 170 knots is faster than contemporary utility and attack helicopters of the 1960s... |
M60D machine gun |
| Guided Missile Launcher, Helicopter Armament Subsystem, M26 | UH-1B/C Iroquois UH-1 Iroquois The Bell UH-1 Iroquois is a military helicopter powered by a single, turboshaft engine, with a two-bladed main rotor and tail rotor. The helicopter was developed by Bell Helicopter to meet the United States Army's requirement for a medical evacuation and utility helicopter in 1952, and first flew... |
BGM-71 TOW BGM-71 TOW The BGM-71 TOW is an anti-tank missile. "BGM" is a weapon classification that stands for "Multiple Environment , Surface-Attack , Missile ". "TOW" is an acronym that stands for "Tube-launched, Optically-tracked, Wire command data link, guided missile"... missile |
| Armament Subsystem, Helicopter, 7.62-MM Machine Gun, High Rate, M27 | OH-6 Cayuse | M134 Minigun The Minigun is a 7.62 mm, multi-barrel heavy machine gun with a high rate of fire , employing Gatling-style rotating barrels with an external power source... machine gun |
| Armament Subsystem, Helicopter, 7.62-MM Machine Gun - 40-MM Grenade Launcher, M28 | AH-1G/Q/R/S Cobra AH-1 Cobra The Bell AH-1 Cobra is a two-bladed, single engine attack helicopter manufactured by Bell Helicopter. It shares a common engine, transmission and rotor system with the older UH-1 Iroquois... |
M134 Minigun The Minigun is a 7.62 mm, multi-barrel heavy machine gun with a high rate of fire , employing Gatling-style rotating barrels with an external power source... machine gun and M129 M129 grenade launcher The M129 is a 40mm automatic grenade launcher that was used as an aircraft weapon in United States service. It was developed from the earlier M75 and was capable of using both the high-velocity 40x53mm grenade and the lower velocity 40x46mm grenade.... grenade launcher |
| Armament Subsystem, Helicopter, 7.62-MM Machine Gun, Door Mounted, Lightweight, M29 | UH-1B/C Iroquois UH-1 Iroquois The Bell UH-1 Iroquois is a military helicopter powered by a single, turboshaft engine, with a two-bladed main rotor and tail rotor. The helicopter was developed by Bell Helicopter to meet the United States Army's requirement for a medical evacuation and utility helicopter in 1952, and first flew... |
M60D machine gun |
| Armament Subsystem, Helicopter, 30-MM Cannon, M30 | UH-1B/C Iroquois UH-1 Iroquois The Bell UH-1 Iroquois is a military helicopter powered by a single, turboshaft engine, with a two-bladed main rotor and tail rotor. The helicopter was developed by Bell Helicopter to meet the United States Army's requirement for a medical evacuation and utility helicopter in 1952, and first flew... |
XM140 cannon |
| Armament Subsystem, Helicopter, 20-MM Cannon, M31 | UH-1B/C Iroquois UH-1 Iroquois The Bell UH-1 Iroquois is a military helicopter powered by a single, turboshaft engine, with a two-bladed main rotor and tail rotor. The helicopter was developed by Bell Helicopter to meet the United States Army's requirement for a medical evacuation and utility helicopter in 1952, and first flew... |
M24A1 Hispano-Suiza HS.404 The Hispano-Suiza HS.404 was an autocannon widely used as both an aircraft and land weapon in the 20th century by British, American, French, and numerous other military services. The cannon is also referred to as Birkigt type 404, after its designer. Firing a 20 mm caliber projectile, it delivered... cannon |
| Armament Subsystem, Helicopter, M32 | ACH-47A "Guns-a-GoGo" CH-47 Chinook The Boeing CH-47 Chinook is an American twin-engine, tandem rotor heavy-lift helicopter. Its top speed of 170 knots is faster than contemporary utility and attack helicopters of the 1960s... |
M60D machine gun or M2HB machine gun |
| Armament Subsystem, Helicopter, M33 | ACH-47A "Guns-a-GoGo" CH-47 Chinook The Boeing CH-47 Chinook is an American twin-engine, tandem rotor heavy-lift helicopter. Its top speed of 170 knots is faster than contemporary utility and attack helicopters of the 1960s... |
M60D machine gun or M2HB machine gun |
| Armament Subsystem, Helicopter, 20-MM Cannon, M34 | ACH-47A "Guns-a-GoGo" CH-47 Chinook The Boeing CH-47 Chinook is an American twin-engine, tandem rotor heavy-lift helicopter. Its top speed of 170 knots is faster than contemporary utility and attack helicopters of the 1960s... |
M24A1 Hispano-Suiza HS.404 The Hispano-Suiza HS.404 was an autocannon widely used as both an aircraft and land weapon in the 20th century by British, American, French, and numerous other military services. The cannon is also referred to as Birkigt type 404, after its designer. Firing a 20 mm caliber projectile, it delivered... cannon |
| Armament Subsystem, Helicopter, 20-MM Cannon, High Rate, M35 | AH-1G Cobra AH-1 Cobra The Bell AH-1 Cobra is a two-bladed, single engine attack helicopter manufactured by Bell Helicopter. It shares a common engine, transmission and rotor system with the older UH-1 Iroquois... |
M195 cannon |
| Armament Subsystem, Helicopter, 7.62-MM Machine Gun, Ramp Mounted, Lightweight, M41 | CH-47 Chinook CH-47 Chinook The Boeing CH-47 Chinook is an American twin-engine, tandem rotor heavy-lift helicopter. Its top speed of 170 knots is faster than contemporary utility and attack helicopters of the 1960s... |
M60D machine gun |
| Armament Subsystem, Helicopter, 7.62-MM Machine Gun - 2.75-Inch Rocket Launcher - 40-MM Grenade Launcher, Twin, High Rate, M50 | UH-1B/C/M Iroquois UH-1 Iroquois The Bell UH-1 Iroquois is a military helicopter powered by a single, turboshaft engine, with a two-bladed main rotor and tail rotor. The helicopter was developed by Bell Helicopter to meet the United States Army's requirement for a medical evacuation and utility helicopter in 1952, and first flew... |
M134 Minigun The Minigun is a 7.62 mm, multi-barrel heavy machine gun with a high rate of fire , employing Gatling-style rotating barrels with an external power source... machine gun, M75 grenade launcher M75 grenade launcher The M75 is a 40mm automatic grenade launcher that was used primarily as an aircraft weapon in United States service and was one of the first weapons to use the high velocity 40x53mm grenade.-Overview:... , and Mk 40 Mk 4/Mk 40 Folding-Fin Aerial Rocket The Mk 4 Folding-Fin Aerial Rocket , sometimes called the Mighty Mouse, was a 2.75 in diameter unguided rocket weapon commonly used by U.S. military aircraft. It was intended as an air-to-air weapon to allow interceptor aircraft to shoot down enemy bombers with greater range and effectiveness than... FFAR |
| Armament Subsystem, Helicopter, 40-MM Grenade Launcher, M51 | AH-56 Cheyenne AH-56 Cheyenne The Lockheed AH-56 Cheyenne was a single-engine attack helicopter developed by Lockheed for the United States Army's Advanced Aerial Fire Support System program to produce the Army's first dedicated attack helicopter... |
M129 M129 grenade launcher The M129 is a 40mm automatic grenade launcher that was used as an aircraft weapon in United States service. It was developed from the earlier M75 and was capable of using both the high-velocity 40x53mm grenade and the lower velocity 40x46mm grenade.... grenade launcher |
| Armament Subsystem, Helicopter, 30-MM Cannon, M52 | AH-56 Cheyenne AH-56 Cheyenne The Lockheed AH-56 Cheyenne was a single-engine attack helicopter developed by Lockheed for the United States Army's Advanced Aerial Fire Support System program to produce the Army's first dedicated attack helicopter... |
XM140 cannon |
| Armament Subsystem, Helicopter, 7.62-MM Machine Gun, High Rate, M53 | AH-56 Cheyenne AH-56 Cheyenne The Lockheed AH-56 Cheyenne was a single-engine attack helicopter developed by Lockheed for the United States Army's Advanced Aerial Fire Support System program to produce the Army's first dedicated attack helicopter... |
M196 Minigun The Minigun is a 7.62 mm, multi-barrel heavy machine gun with a high rate of fire , employing Gatling-style rotating barrels with an external power source... machine gun |
| Armament Subsystem, Helicopter, Door Mounted, M59 | UH-1D/H Iroquois UH-1 Iroquois The Bell UH-1 Iroquois is a military helicopter powered by a single, turboshaft engine, with a two-bladed main rotor and tail rotor. The helicopter was developed by Bell Helicopter to meet the United States Army's requirement for a medical evacuation and utility helicopter in 1952, and first flew... |
M213 machine gun or XM175 Grenade Launcher |
| Armament Subsystem, Helicopter, 7.62-MM Machine Gun, M64 | AH-1G Cobra AH-1 Cobra The Bell AH-1 Cobra is a two-bladed, single engine attack helicopter manufactured by Bell Helicopter. It shares a common engine, transmission and rotor system with the older UH-1 Iroquois... |
M134 Minigun The Minigun is a 7.62 mm, multi-barrel heavy machine gun with a high rate of fire , employing Gatling-style rotating barrels with an external power source... machine gun |
| Guided Missile Launcher, Helicopter Armament Subsystem, M65 | AH-1E/F/P/Q/R/S Cobra AH-1 Cobra The Bell AH-1 Cobra is a two-bladed, single engine attack helicopter manufactured by Bell Helicopter. It shares a common engine, transmission and rotor system with the older UH-1 Iroquois... |
BGM-71 TOW BGM-71 TOW The BGM-71 TOW is an anti-tank missile. "BGM" is a weapon classification that stands for "Multiple Environment , Surface-Attack , Missile ". "TOW" is an acronym that stands for "Tube-launched, Optically-tracked, Wire command data link, guided missile"... missile |
| Armament Subsystem, Helicopter, Door Mounted, M93 | UH-1F/P/N Iroquois UH-1 Iroquois The Bell UH-1 Iroquois is a military helicopter powered by a single, turboshaft engine, with a two-bladed main rotor and tail rotor. The helicopter was developed by Bell Helicopter to meet the United States Army's requirement for a medical evacuation and utility helicopter in 1952, and first flew... |
M134 Minigun The Minigun is a 7.62 mm, multi-barrel heavy machine gun with a high rate of fire , employing Gatling-style rotating barrels with an external power source... machine gun |
| Armament Subsystem, Helicopter, Door Mounted, M94 | UH-1F/P/N Iroquois UH-1 Iroquois The Bell UH-1 Iroquois is a military helicopter powered by a single, turboshaft engine, with a two-bladed main rotor and tail rotor. The helicopter was developed by Bell Helicopter to meet the United States Army's requirement for a medical evacuation and utility helicopter in 1952, and first flew... |
M134 Minigun The Minigun is a 7.62 mm, multi-barrel heavy machine gun with a high rate of fire , employing Gatling-style rotating barrels with an external power source... machine gun or M129 M129 grenade launcher The M129 is a 40mm automatic grenade launcher that was used as an aircraft weapon in United States service. It was developed from the earlier M75 and was capable of using both the high-velocity 40x53mm grenade and the lower velocity 40x46mm grenade.... grenade launcher |
| Armament Subsystem, Helicopter, 20-MM Cannon, M97 | AH-1E/F/P Cobra AH-1 Cobra The Bell AH-1 Cobra is a two-bladed, single engine attack helicopter manufactured by Bell Helicopter. It shares a common engine, transmission and rotor system with the older UH-1 Iroquois... |
M197 M197 Gatling gun The M197 electric cannon is a three-barreled electric Gatling gun developed primarily for use by United States Army helicopter gunships.Development of the M197 began in 1967 after experience in the Vietnam War revealed the inadequacy of the 7.62 mm Minigun for gunship use... cannon |
| Armament Subsystem, Helicopter, M120 | AH-1 Cobra AH-1 Cobra The Bell AH-1 Cobra is a two-bladed, single engine attack helicopter manufactured by Bell Helicopter. It shares a common engine, transmission and rotor system with the older UH-1 Iroquois... |
M134 Minigun The Minigun is a 7.62 mm, multi-barrel heavy machine gun with a high rate of fire , employing Gatling-style rotating barrels with an external power source... , M60C machine gun or XM140, XM188, M197 M197 Gatling gun The M197 electric cannon is a three-barreled electric Gatling gun developed primarily for use by United States Army helicopter gunships.Development of the M197 began in 1967 after experience in the Vietnam War revealed the inadequacy of the 7.62 mm Minigun for gunship use... cannon |
| Armament Subsystem, Helicopter, M139 | AH-64 Apache AH-64 Apache The Boeing AH-64 Apache is a four-blade, twin-engine attack helicopter with a tailwheel-type landing gear arrangement, and a tandem cockpit for a two-man crew. The Apache was developed as Model 77 by Hughes Helicopters for the United States Army's Advanced Attack Helicopter program to replace the... |
M230 M230 Chain Gun The Hughes M230 Chain Gun is a 30 mm, single-barrel automatic cannon developed by Hughes and now manufactured by Alliant Techsystems. It is an electrically operated chain gun, a weapon that uses external power instead of recoil to load its rounds.... cannon and Mk 66 Hydra 70 The Hydra 70 rocket is a weapon derived from the 70 mm Mk 4/Mk 40 Folding-Fin Aerial Rocket developed by the United States Navy for use as a free-flight aerial rocket in the late 1940s.-Overview:... Wrap-Around Fin Aerial Rocket (WAFAR) |
UH-1 IroquoisUH-1 IroquoisThe Bell UH-1 Iroquois is a military helicopter powered by a single, turboshaft engine, with a two-bladed main rotor and tail rotor. The helicopter was developed by Bell Helicopter to meet the United States Army's requirement for a medical evacuation and utility helicopter in 1952, and first flew...
- XM3, XM3E1/M3, and TLSS
The M3, sometimes referred to as "Aerial Rocket Artillery" or ARA, consisted of two 2.75" 24-Tube rocket launchers
Mk 4/Mk 40 Folding-Fin Aerial Rocket
The Mk 4 Folding-Fin Aerial Rocket , sometimes called the Mighty Mouse, was a 2.75 in diameter unguided rocket weapon commonly used by U.S. military aircraft. It was intended as an air-to-air weapon to allow interceptor aircraft to shoot down enemy bombers with greater range and effectiveness than...
, one on either side of the aircraft, along with a Mk 8 sight. The launchers fired in pairs, one from each side to prevent the aircraft from becoming off balance. M3 systems were attached to the helicopter using Bell designed stores racks. The only difference between the XM3 and XM3E1 was that the launch tubes on the E1 were 4" longer. The XM3E1 was standardized as the M3.
A subvariant of the M3 system was developed in 1964 by the US Army Limited War Laboratory that allowed equipped helicopters to produce a protective smoke screen. Called the Troop Landing Smoke Screen (TLSS), the system used modified M3 launch racks to dispense M8 smoke grenades. This system was later tested using M6 and M7 riot control grenades.
- XM5/M5
The XM5/M5 system consists of a nose turret for a single M75
M75 grenade launcher
The M75 is a 40mm automatic grenade launcher that was used primarily as an aircraft weapon in United States service and was one of the first weapons to use the high velocity 40x53mm grenade.-Overview:...
40mm grenade launcher. The mount was fully flexible and controlled by the pilot via a hand controlled sight electronically linked to the turret. The system either provided 150 or 302 rounds of ammunition.
NOTE: This system was also part of the armament kit for the ACH-47A discussed later in this article.
- M6 Series
The M6 system was one of the first systems to make use of the XM156/M156 universal mount, providing two M60C
M60 machine gun
The M60 is a family of American general-purpose machine guns firing 7.62×51mm NATO cartridges from a disintegrating belt of M13 links...
7.62x51mm machine guns on either side of the helicopter. This system would later be expanded upon, but initially gave the UH-1 increased firepower and an improved offensive system over the skid mounts originally used.
The various development stages of the M6 system mainly had to do with the "station" to which the M156 mount was attached. The position of the XM6 is not stated, but the XM6E2 was fitted to "station 69" (likely forward of the main cabin) and the XM6E3 was fitted to "station 136." Since the XM6E3 was standardized as the M6, "station 136" is assumed to be the aft of main cabin position that would become standard for M156 based systems.
Some M6 systems were coupled the four guns with four MA-2/A 2.75" 2-Tube rocket launchers on each side of the aircraft, giving an even greater punch. This arrangement was later supplanted by the XM16/M16 system.
- XM9
A variant of the XM6/M6 system, the XM9 substitutes the four M60C
M60 machine gun
The M60 is a family of American general-purpose machine guns firing 7.62×51mm NATO cartridges from a disintegrating belt of M13 links...
7.62x51mm machine guns with two M75
M75 grenade launcher
The M75 is a 40mm automatic grenade launcher that was used primarily as an aircraft weapon in United States service and was one of the first weapons to use the high velocity 40x53mm grenade.-Overview:...
grenade launchers, one on either side of the aircraft.
- XM11, XM22/M22, and the Maxwell System
Both of these armament systems were designed to allow the UH-1 to fire the AGM-22
SS.11
SS.11 is the designation of the Nord Aviation MCLOS wire-guided anti-tank missile. In American service the missile was designated the AGM-22. The missile entered service with the French Army in 1956. Production of the SS.11 ceased some time in the 1980s but in 1978 168,450 missiles had been produced...
missile. Sources claim that the XM11 provided an XM70 sight and support racks for 6 missiles, three on each side of the aircraft. However, US Army FM 1-40 says that the XM11 designation was unassigned.
The M22 was an improvement providing a more specific sight, the XM58, and using the XM156 universal mount. The M22 also provided for a total of 6 missiles, three on each side of the aircraft. It is important to note as well that the XM11 is associated with the standard SS.11 missiles (AGM-22A), while the XM22/M22 system was designed around the US upgraded AGM-22B missiles.
The Maxwell System was a hybrid system designed by Warrant Office Robert Maxwell as a field modification. Maxwell's unit had been sent both the M3 and XM11 systems, and he noticed that often aircraft with the M3 system returned after only firing half or less than half of their total rocket load. By removing one or two banks of rockets (and reducing the total carried to 12 or 18 total rockets versus 24) and adding a single launching mount for an AGM-22
SS.11
SS.11 is the designation of the Nord Aviation MCLOS wire-guided anti-tank missile. In American service the missile was designated the AGM-22. The missile entered service with the French Army in 1956. Production of the SS.11 ceased some time in the 1980s but in 1978 168,450 missiles had been produced...
missile he effectively gave the aircraft both suppression and point attack capabilities. The general lack of point targets in South East Asia meant that SS.11/AGM-22 missile saw very limited use in general.
- XM16/M16
The XM16/M16 system mated the previous M6 with either two M157 or two M158 2.75" 7-Tube rocket launchers utilizing the M156 Universal Mount. Sighting was accomplished by using the M60 series reflex sight. The combined weight and aircraft limitations meant that only seven-tube launchers could be used.
- XM17
The XM17 utilized "Kellet pylons" to mount two XM159 2.75" rocket launchers, one on each side of the aircraft.
- XM21/M21
A further variation on what had essentially become a basic system, the XM21/M21 subsystem replaced the XM16/M16's four M60C
M60 machine gun
The M60 is a family of American general-purpose machine guns firing 7.62×51mm NATO cartridges from a disintegrating belt of M13 links...
s with two M134
Minigun
The Minigun is a 7.62 mm, multi-barrel heavy machine gun with a high rate of fire , employing Gatling-style rotating barrels with an external power source...
7.62x51mm Miniguns.
- XM23/M23
The M23 system provides a pintle mount at both main cabin doors for an M60D 7.62x51mm machine gun, with the weapon feeding from either a standard ammunition box or a larger purpose built box connected to the mount. The M23 is specifically designed for long fuselage UH-1s (UH-1D/H/N).
- XM26
With the development of the BGM-71 TOW
BGM-71 TOW
The BGM-71 TOW is an anti-tank missile. "BGM" is a weapon classification that stands for "Multiple Environment , Surface-Attack , Missile ". "TOW" is an acronym that stands for "Tube-launched, Optically-tracked, Wire command data link, guided missile"...
missile Hughes had been given the contract to develop a launching system for the UH-1. By 1968 development had shifted over to development of a system for the AH-56 helicopter which was eventually canceled. The XM26 provided two 3-Tube launchers on either side of the aircraft, as well as, the necessary sighting equipment. While the XM26 was more of a test platform, the two prototypes were deployed operationally as an emergency measure in South Vietnam to counter the Easter Invasion in 1972.
- XM29 and the Sagami Mount
The XM29 was an experimental door pintle for the main cabin doors of short fuselage UH-1s (at the time the UH-1B/C), for an M60D 7.62x51mm machine gun. The problem with this system was that it could not be used in conjunction with external armament subsystems.
Far more common on such helicopters, including the later UH-1F/P/M specifically, was the Sagami Mount, a skeleton frame mount that swung out from a fixed position at the rear of the cabin. This mount was designed for the M60D, but in certain instances, primarily by the US Navy Seawolves, dual M60
M60 machine gun
The M60 is a family of American general-purpose machine guns firing 7.62×51mm NATO cartridges from a disintegrating belt of M13 links...
s, M2HB machine guns or M134
Minigun
The Minigun is a 7.62 mm, multi-barrel heavy machine gun with a high rate of fire , employing Gatling-style rotating barrels with an external power source...
Miniguns were fitted.
Sources debate the origin of the "Sagami" name, with it being attributed to the soldier responsible for its creation, as well as, to the name of the US facility on Okinawa where it was developed.
- XM30
An experimental system, the XM30 provided fully flexible mounts using the XM156/M156 universal mounts for two XM140 30mm cannons, with 600 rounds of ammunition per gun.
- XM31
Another attempt to up the firepower from existing systems, the XM31 provided two M24A1
Hispano-Suiza HS.404
The Hispano-Suiza HS.404 was an autocannon widely used as both an aircraft and land weapon in the 20th century by British, American, French, and numerous other military services. The cannon is also referred to as Birkigt type 404, after its designer. Firing a 20 mm caliber projectile, it delivered...
20mm cannons in pods fitted to XM156/M156 universal mounts each with 600 rounds of ammunition, and flexible in elevation only.
- XM50
XM50 is a designation for the combination of the XM5/M5 and the XM21/M21 armament subsystems, a common configuration used by US forces in South East Asia.
- M56
A mine dispenser system for the UH-1H helicopter, the M56 is composed of two SUU-13D/A dispensers on the M156 Universal Mount, which is reinforced to handle the additional weight.
- XM59/M59
A variation on the M23, the XM59/M59 was modified to accept either an XM213/M213 .50 caliber machine gun or an XM175 40mm grenade launcher in addition to being able to mount the M60
M60 machine gun
The M60 is a family of American general-purpose machine guns firing 7.62×51mm NATO cartridges from a disintegrating belt of M13 links...
.
- XM93/XM93E1
This armament subsystem provides door mounts for long fuselage UH-1s (UH-1D/H/N) for two M134
Minigun
The Minigun is a 7.62 mm, multi-barrel heavy machine gun with a high rate of fire , employing Gatling-style rotating barrels with an external power source...
7.62x51mm Miniguns. The USAF also used this system on their short fuselage UH-1F/P helicopters. These weapons are equipped with chutes connected to their ejection ports that directs spent cases and links away from the aircraft.
The XM93E1 is a variation on the system that allows both guns to be trained forward and remotely fired by the pilot using the M60 series of reflex sights.
NOTE: The USAF was the primary user of this system and often combined it with two 7-Tube
Mk 4/Mk 40 Folding-Fin Aerial Rocket
The Mk 4 Folding-Fin Aerial Rocket , sometimes called the Mighty Mouse, was a 2.75 in diameter unguided rocket weapon commonly used by U.S. military aircraft. It was intended as an air-to-air weapon to allow interceptor aircraft to shoot down enemy bombers with greater range and effectiveness than...
2.75" rocket launchers of varying types on two independent support rack and pylon assemblies.
- XM94
A variant of the XM93, the XM94 substitutes the M129
M129 grenade launcher
The M129 is a 40mm automatic grenade launcher that was used as an aircraft weapon in United States service. It was developed from the earlier M75 and was capable of using both the high-velocity 40x53mm grenade and the lower velocity 40x46mm grenade....
40mm grenade launcher for one or both of the door mounted M134
Minigun
The Minigun is a 7.62 mm, multi-barrel heavy machine gun with a high rate of fire , employing Gatling-style rotating barrels with an external power source...
7.62x51mm Miniguns.
- XM156/M156
Not technically an armament subsystem, the XM156/M156 universal mount provided mounting supports and racks for a number of systems used on the UH-1 series of helicopters.
- A/A49E-3
Similar to the US Army XM93, this system type classified by the Air Force uses mounts similar to those used in the M23 system mounting two M134
Minigun
The Minigun is a 7.62 mm, multi-barrel heavy machine gun with a high rate of fire , employing Gatling-style rotating barrels with an external power source...
7.62x51mm Miniguns at each of the main cabin doors of the UH-1N helicopters. This system is likely suitable for other long-fuselage UH-1 types.
- A/A49E-11
Referred to as the Defensive Armament System or DAS, this system is composed of two mounts for GAU-15/A and GAU-16/A .50 caliber machine guns or GAU-17/A 7.62x51mm Miniguns, as well as, two BRU-20/A or BRU-21/A bomb racks for current 2.75" rocket
Hydra 70
The Hydra 70 rocket is a weapon derived from the 70 mm Mk 4/Mk 40 Folding-Fin Aerial Rocket developed by the United States Navy for use as a free-flight aerial rocket in the late 1940s.-Overview:...
launchers. This system was also designed primarily for use with the UH-1N helicopter (and is in use with the US Marine Corps
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
as well in this capacity), but is likely suitable for other long-fuselage UH-1 types.
- TK-2
A variant of the TK-1 for the CH-34/UH-34 helicopter, the TK-2 (Temporary Kit-2) was developed by the USMC for their UH-1E helicopter. The system provides the same four M60C
M60 machine gun
The M60 is a family of American general-purpose machine guns firing 7.62×51mm NATO cartridges from a disintegrating belt of M13 links...
7.62x51mm machine guns as the TK-1, but adds two independent support rack and pylon assemblies to the system, for mounting an acceptable aircraft style armament. Typically these mounts were used for 7-Tube 2.75" rocket launchers of varying types, but were also seen tested with XM18/M18
U.S. aircraft gun pods
The idea of the gun pod as a concept largely came into its prime during and period following World War II. So-called "package gun" installations on US medium and light bombers, such as the B-25 Mitchell and A-26 Invader, were probably the first such attempts by the United States military...
Minigun
Minigun
The Minigun is a 7.62 mm, multi-barrel heavy machine gun with a high rate of fire , employing Gatling-style rotating barrels with an external power source...
pods
Gun pod
A gun pod is a detachable pod or pack containing machine guns or automatic cannon and ancillaries, mounted externally on a vehicle such as a military aircraft which may or may not also have its own guns....
(USAF SUU-11/A).
- Emerson TAT-101
Unique to USMC UH-1E helicopters between April 1967 and 1972 was the use of the Emerson Electric TAT-101 (Tactical Armament Turret-101) nose turret. The turret housed two M60 machine guns with 1000 rounds total, and had 100 degrees in azimuth left or right, plus 15 degrees of elevation and 45 degrees of depression. The slew-rate on the turret was 45 degrees per second. Jamming and the need for maintenance led to the turret's front fairing being left off to assist ground crews in quickly dealing with any problems, and these reasons combined in the USMC decision to drop the turrets from inventory entirely at the end of 1972.
- Emerson Mini-TAT
Developed to a Canadian requirement for their Bell UH-1N Twin Huey, the Mini-TAT replaced the M60's with a minigun
Minigun
The Minigun is a 7.62 mm, multi-barrel heavy machine gun with a high rate of fire , employing Gatling-style rotating barrels with an external power source...
. A number of these were loaned to the US Army for use during the famous J-CATCH
J-CATCH
J-CATCH, short for Joint Countering Attack Helicopter, was a joint US Army-US Air Force experiment in dissimilar air combat between jet fighters and attack helicopters. To everyone's surprise, the helicopters proved extremely dangerous to the fighters when they were properly employed, racking up a...
experiments in the late 1970s.
SH-3/HH-3A Sea King (Sikorsky S-61)
- Emerson TAT-102C
A version of the TAT-102 (Tactical Armament Turret-102) designed specifically for use on the HH-3A helicopter, the TAT-102C mounted a single M134
Minigun
The Minigun is a 7.62 mm, multi-barrel heavy machine gun with a high rate of fire , employing Gatling-style rotating barrels with an external power source...
Minigun in a fully traversable turret (for specifics see the information for the TAT-102A in the AH-1 Cobra entry). Two such turrets were mounted on sponsons, one on each side of the aircraft. The complexity and questionable performance in the environment led to them being removed in favor of more conventional door mounted weaponry.
CH-3E Sea King/HH-3E Jolly Green Giant (Sikorsky S-61R)Sikorsky S-61RThe Sikorsky S-61R is a twin-engine helicopter used in transport or search and rescue roles. A developed version of the S-61/SH-3 Sea King, the S-61R was also built under license by Agusta as the AS-61R...
- Defensive Armament
The defensive armament system for the USAF's H-3E helicopters is described as standard to the HH-3E, and capable of being fitted as required to the CH-3E. The basic system comprises three M60
M60 machine gun
The M60 is a family of American general-purpose machine guns firing 7.62×51mm NATO cartridges from a disintegrating belt of M13 links...
machine guns, one each at the forward door, the opposite emergency window, and the rear loading ramp. The forward two positions comprise pintle
Pintle
A pintle is a pin or bolt, usually inserted into a gudgeon, which is used as part of a pivot or hinge.A pintle/gudgeon set is used in many spheres, for example: in sailing to hold the rudder onto the boat; in transportation a pincer-type device clamps through a lunette ring on the tongue of a...
mounts on skate rails, while the rear loading ramp station comprises a pedestal mount on an armored floor plate. The floor plate slides on two tracks, forward and back, to and from its firing position at the edge of the ramp. Either the standard infantry M60 can be used, with standard 200 round ammunition boxes attached, or the M60D, feeding via flexible ammunition chutes from 750 round boxes fixed to the floor (or to the armored floor plate for the rear loading ramp position).
CH-21 ShawneeCH-21 ShawneeThe Piasecki H-21 Workhorse/Shawnee is an American helicopter, the fourth of a line of tandem rotor helicopters designed and built by Piasecki Helicopter . Commonly called the "flying banana", it was a multi-mission helicopter, utilizing wheels, skis, or floats.The H-21 was originally developed by...
- XM153
Described as a system of four forward firing M60
M60 machine gun
The M60 is a family of American general-purpose machine guns firing 7.62×51mm NATO cartridges from a disintegrating belt of M13 links...
machine guns similar to the later M6 series for the UH-1 helicopter. Not standardized.
- Offensive Armament
Experiments were done using CH-21s with both fixed forward M2HB .50 caliber machine guns and forward firing rocket launchers. Neither system was standardized, but both paved the way for similar systems on later helicopter types.
- Defensive Armament
UTTHCO deployed with a number of CH-21's, and experimented with field expidient bars mated to the cargo doors, fitted with M37C
M1919 Browning machine gun
The M1919 Browning is a .30 caliber medium machine gun that was widely used during the 20th century. It was used as a light infantry, coaxial, mounted, aircraft, and anti-aircraft machine gun by the U.S. and many other countries, especially during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War...
.30-06 machine guns and feed from boxes mounted on top of the weapon.
NOTE: It would appear that similar mounts were fabricated for use with early UH-1s as well.
UH-34/CH-34 Choctaw/Seahorse
- XM4
Described simply as a "2.75-inch rocket
Mk 4/Mk 40 Folding-Fin Aerial Rocket
The Mk 4 Folding-Fin Aerial Rocket , sometimes called the Mighty Mouse, was a 2.75 in diameter unguided rocket weapon commonly used by U.S. military aircraft. It was intended as an air-to-air weapon to allow interceptor aircraft to shoot down enemy bombers with greater range and effectiveness than...
launcher subsystem for the CH-34," there is no information as to how many rockets the XM4 was capable of launching.
- XM6E1
For more information on the M6 Series see the UH-1 entry in this article. The XM6E1 was a variation of the XM6 for use with the CH-34 helicopter.
- TK-1
A USMC weapon system to provide H-34 helicopters with offensive armament, the TK-1 (Temporary Kit-1) featured two M60C
M60 machine gun
The M60 is a family of American general-purpose machine guns firing 7.62×51mm NATO cartridges from a disintegrating belt of M13 links...
7.62x51mm machine guns, fixed forward on the right side of the aircraft, with ammunition fed out from boxes inside the aircraft. Also attached to these assemblies were two pylons, fitted with 19-shot 2.75-inch rocket
Mk 4/Mk 40 Folding-Fin Aerial Rocket
The Mk 4 Folding-Fin Aerial Rocket , sometimes called the Mighty Mouse, was a 2.75 in diameter unguided rocket weapon commonly used by U.S. military aircraft. It was intended as an air-to-air weapon to allow interceptor aircraft to shoot down enemy bombers with greater range and effectiveness than...
launchers. Aircraft equipped with the TK-1 were sometimes referred to as "Stingers."
- Defensive Armament
Both the US Army and the USMC developed pintle mounts for use in the main cargo door and opposite window, mounting a single infantry type M60
M60 machine gun
The M60 is a family of American general-purpose machine guns firing 7.62×51mm NATO cartridges from a disintegrating belt of M13 links...
7.62x51mm machine gun (sometimes referred to as "M60A"), allowing the crew chief to fire the weapon while seated on the opposite side. The USMC tested mounting the heavier M2 machine gun, but found the vibration when firing to be detrimental to the aircraft. In all the mounts were imperfect as they blocked easy entry and exit from the main cabin.
CH-46 Sea KnightCH-46 Sea KnightThe Boeing Vertol CH-46 Sea Knight is a medium-lift tandem rotor transport helicopter, used by the United States Marine Corps to provide all-weather, day-or-night assault transport of combat troops, supplies and equipment. Assault Support is its primary function, and the movement of supplies and...
- Defensive Armament
The CH-46E Sea Knight has the ability to mount the XM-218 .50 caliber heavy machine gun. On the left side of the helicopter it is mounted in the AO's (Aerial Observer) window just behind the copilots seat. On the right side it is mounted in the Gunner's window just behind the crew door. The aircraft is also set up to carry a RMWS (Ramp Mounted Weapon System) which holds the M240D 7.62mm medium machine gun.
- XM-218
The XM-218, 0.50 caliber aircraft machine gun is a belt-fed, recoil-operated, air-cooled, alternate-feed weapon fired from the closed bolt
Closed bolt
A semi or full-automatic firearm which is said to fire from a closed bolt is one where, when ready to fire, a round is in the chamber and the bolt and working parts are forward...
position. It is capable of firing at a rapid rate of 750-850 rounds per minute.
- M240D
The M240D machine gun is a belt-fed, gas-operated, air-cooled, alternate-feed automatic weapon fired from the open bolt
Open bolt
A semi or full automatic firearm is said to fire from an open bolt if, when ready to fire, the bolt and working parts are held to the rear. When the trigger is pulled the bolt goes forward, feeding a round from the magazine into the chamber and firing it...
position. It has a rate of fire of 650-950 rounds per minute.
CH-47 ChinookCH-47 ChinookThe Boeing CH-47 Chinook is an American twin-engine, tandem rotor heavy-lift helicopter. Its top speed of 170 knots is faster than contemporary utility and attack helicopters of the 1960s...
and ACH-47ACH-47 ChinookThe Boeing CH-47 Chinook is an American twin-engine, tandem rotor heavy-lift helicopter. Its top speed of 170 knots is faster than contemporary utility and attack helicopters of the 1960s...
"Guns-a-GoGo"
- M24
A defensive armament subsystem, the M24 provides a pintle mount for an M60D 7.62x51mm machine gun at either left or right front cargo doors on the CH-47. The system feeds from standard 200-round ammunition boxes attached to the weapon.
NOTE: The US Army phased out the M60D in favor of the M240D and subsequently M240H, but it is unknown whether the necessity of a new cradle for the weapon resulted in the system being redesignated. The mount is otherwise the same. EDIT The M240 utilizes a modified M24 mount system that has been redesigned to accommodate the ammunition magazine and a catch bag for containing expended ammunition casings and ammunition links. It also features an improved roller on the pintle to prevent excessive and premature wear to the mount assembly. Mount system designation remains the same, in spite of such an extensive redesign.
- XM32
A defensive armament subsystem, the XM32 provides pintle mounts for either M60D 7.62x51mm machine guns or M2HB .50 caliber machine guns at both cargo door positions and at both rear emergency hatches of the CH-47 helicopter, with weapons feeding from standard ammunition boxes. This system was developed specifically for the ACH-47 helicopter.
- XM33
A defensive armament subsystem, the XM33 provides a mount for either an M60D 7.62x51mm or an M2HB .50-caliber machine gun on the rear cargo ramp of the CH-47 helicopter. This system was developed specifically for the ACH-47 helicopter, with the weapon feeding from standard ammunition boxes.
- XM34
An offensive armament subsystem developed for the ACH-47 helicopter, the XM34 provides two M24A1
Hispano-Suiza HS.404
The Hispano-Suiza HS.404 was an autocannon widely used as both an aircraft and land weapon in the 20th century by British, American, French, and numerous other military services. The cannon is also referred to as Birkigt type 404, after its designer. Firing a 20 mm caliber projectile, it delivered...
20mm cannons with ammunition boxes on sponsons at the front of the aircraft fixed forward.
NOTE: These sponsons were also fitted with aircraft-style hardpoints that allowed the mounting of XM159B/XM159C 19-tube 2.75"-rocket launchers or M18/M18A1
U.S. aircraft gun pods
The idea of the gun pod as a concept largely came into its prime during and period following World War II. So-called "package gun" installations on US medium and light bombers, such as the B-25 Mitchell and A-26 Invader, were probably the first such attempts by the United States military...
7.62x51mm gun pods.
- XM41/M41
A defensive armament subsystem, the M41 provides a mount for an M60D 7.62x51mm machine gun on the rear cargo ramp of the CH-47 helicopter. The system feeds from standard 200-round ammunition boxes attached to the weapon.
NOTE: The US Army phased out the M60D in favor of the M240D and subsequently M240H, but it is unknown whether the necessity of a new cradle for the weapon resulted in the system being redesignated. The mount is otherwise the same.
CH-53 Sea StallionCH-53 Sea StallionThe CH-53 Sea Stallion is the most common name for the Sikorsky S-65 family of heavy-lift transport helicopters. Originally developed for use by the United States Marine Corps, it is also in service with Germany, Iran, Israel, and Mexico...
/HH-53/MH-53 Super Jolly/Pave LowMH-53 Pave LowThe Sikorsky MH-53 Pave Low series is a long-range combat search and rescue helicopter for the United States Air Force. The series was upgraded from the HH-53B/C, variants of the Sikorsky CH-53 Sea Stallion. The HH-53 "Super Jolly Green Giant" was initially developed to replace the HH-3 "Jolly...
/CH-53E Super Stallion/MH-53E Sea DragonCH-53E Super StallionThe Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion is the largest and heaviest helicopter in the United States military. It was developed from the CH-53 Sea Stallion, mainly by adding a third engine, a seventh blade to the main rotor and canting the tail rotor 20 degrees. Sailors commonly refer to the Super...
- Defensive Armament
Defensive armament systems for the H-53 series as used by the US Navy have no known designation, but generally comprise pintle mounts at "personnel or cargo doors or windows of the aircraft." These mounts are usually equipped with either GAU-15/A, GAU-16/A, or GAU-18/A .50 caliber, or M60D 7.62 mm machine guns. The .50 caliber weapons were later supplanted by the GAU-21/A .50 caliber machine gun, which featured a higher rate of fire.
UH-60 Black Hawk/SH-60 Sea HawkSH-60 SeahawkThe Sikorsky SH-60/MH-60 Seahawk is a twin turboshaft engine, multi-mission United States Navy helicopter based on the United States Army UH-60 Black Hawk and a member of the Sikorsky S-70 family. The most significant airframe modification is a hinged tail to reduce its footprint aboard ships.The...
/HH-60 JayhawkHH-60 JayhawkThe Sikorsky HH-60J Jayhawk is a multi-mission, twin-engine, medium-range helicopter operated by the United States Coast Guard for search and rescue, law enforcement, military readiness and marine environmental protection missions...
/HH-60/MH-60 Pave HawkHH-60 Pave HawkThe Sikorsky MH-60G/HH-60G Pave Hawk is a twin turboshaft engine helicopter in service with the United States Air Force. It is a derivative of the UH-60 Black Hawk and incorporates the US Air Force PAVE electronic systems program...
- M139
The M139 Volcano
Volcano mine system
The M139 Volcano mine system is a US highspeed landmine laying system. It can lay a minefield one kilometer long, containing 960 mines in 43 seconds from a ground vehicle, and in just 17 seconds from a helicopter...
is a mine dispenser system composed of racks on both sides of the aircraft for up to 40 Canister, Mine, M87. Each canister contains 6 GATOR
GATOR mine system
The GATOR mine system is a US system of air-dropped anti-tank and anti-personnel mines, that was developed in the 1980s to be compatible with existing cluster dispensers. It is used with two dispenser systems — the Navy 500 lb CBU-78/B and the Air Force 1,000 lb CBU-89/B...
Anti-Tank mine and 1 GATOR Anti-Personnel Mine.
- M144
The M144 is a defensive subsystem that provides mounts and cradles at the two windows between the pilot doors and the main cabin doors on the UH-60 series of helicopters, each mounting a single M60D 7.62x51mm machine gun.
NOTE: The US Army phased out the M60D in favor of the M240D and subsequently M240H, but it is unknown whether the necessity of a new cradle for the weapon resulted in the system being redesignated. The mount is otherwise the same.
- ESSS
The External Stores Support System (ESSS) provides two stub wings each with two hard points primarily for external fuel tanks, but, it can also carry various weapon systems. When equipped with the Extended Range Fuel System (ERFS), the system can support two 230 gallon or 450 gallon external tanks. The system feeds into the main fuel tank and not the engines directly. The ESSS can also be fitted with a wide range of weapons including up to sixteen AGM-114 Hellfire
AGM-114 Hellfire
The AGM-114 Hellfire is an air-to-surface missile developed primarily for anti-armor use. It has multi-mission, multi-target precision-strike capability, and can be launched from multiple air, sea, and ground platforms. The Hellfire missile is the primary 100 lb-class air-to-ground precision...
missiles, rockets
Hydra 70
The Hydra 70 rocket is a weapon derived from the 70 mm Mk 4/Mk 40 Folding-Fin Aerial Rocket developed by the United States Navy for use as a free-flight aerial rocket in the late 1940s.-Overview:...
and gun pod
Gun pod
A gun pod is a detachable pod or pack containing machine guns or automatic cannon and ancillaries, mounted externally on a vehicle such as a military aircraft which may or may not also have its own guns....
s, and other systems.
- AN/AWS-2 RAMICS
Still in development as of 2003, the Rapid Airborne Mine Clearance System (RAMICS) can be considered an armament subsystem (and one of the largest guns ever fitted to a helicopter), though its intended targets are strictly naval mines. Consisting of a single modified Mk 44 Mod 0
Bushmaster II
The Mk44 Bushmaster II is a 30 mm chain gun manufactured by Alliant Techsystems. It is a derivative of the 25 mm M242 Bushmaster, and uses some 70% of the same parts as the M242 while increasing the firepower by as much as 50% with the 20% increase in caliber size. The barrel is chromium-plated...
30mm cannon firing the Mk 248 Mod 1 Armor-Piercing Fin-Stabilized Discarding-Sabot Tracer (APFSDS-T) round, the RAMICS was intended to be mounted in the cabin of the MH-60S helicopter, and using its associated sensor package, target and neutralize naval mines at relatively shallow depths. The system is designed to provide a quick and effective mine clearance capability to complement existing methods and others under development for the Navy's Airborne Mine Countermeasures (AMCM) Program.
HH-2C SeaspriteSH-2 SeaspriteThe Kaman SH-2 Seasprite is a ship-based helicopter with anti-submarine, anti-surface threat capability, including over-the-horizon targeting. This aircraft extends and increases shipboard sensor and weapon capabilities against several types of enemy threats, including submarines of all types,...
- Emerson TAT-102K
A version of the TAT-102 (Tactical Armament Turret-102) designed specifically for use on the HH-2C helicopter, the TAT-102K mounted a single M134
Minigun
The Minigun is a 7.62 mm, multi-barrel heavy machine gun with a high rate of fire , employing Gatling-style rotating barrels with an external power source...
Minigun in a fully traversable turret (for specifics see the information for the TAT-102A in the AH-1 Cobra entry). A single such turret would mounted in the nose of the aircraft. The weight of the mount was not suitable for such a small helicopter and the turret was often removed.
OH-6 Cayuse (and MD 500 DefenderMD 500 Defender|-See also:-External links:* *...
)
- XM7
The XM7 system provided twin M60
M60 machine gun
The M60 is a family of American general-purpose machine guns firing 7.62×51mm NATO cartridges from a disintegrating belt of M13 links...
machine guns (unknown type) on the OH-6 series of helicopters. It is unclear if both guns were mounted together or whether they were mounted one on each side of the aircraft. As of 1969 the system was listed with the comment "development suspended," likely in favor of the XM27. This system was also tested on the YOH-5A
Fairchild Hiller FH-1100
|-See also:-External links:* , current Type Certificate holder.* *...
during August 1964.
- XM8
The XM8 system provides a mount for one M129
M129 grenade launcher
The M129 is a 40mm automatic grenade launcher that was used as an aircraft weapon in United States service. It was developed from the earlier M75 and was capable of using both the high-velocity 40x53mm grenade and the lower velocity 40x46mm grenade....
40mm grenade launcher for either the OH-6 or OH-58 light observation helicopters. The system is provided with an XM70/E1 sight and 150 rounds of ammunition. The XM8's mount is interchangeable with the M27 system.
This system could also be mounted on the OH-58 Kiowa
OH-58 Kiowa
The Bell OH-58 Kiowa is a family of single-engine, single-rotor, military helicopters used for observation, utility, and direct fire support. Bell Helicopter manufactured the OH-58 for the United States Army based on the 206A JetRanger helicopter. The OH-58 has been in continuous use by the U.S...
, and was tested on the YOH-5A during August 1964.
- M27 Series
The M27 system provides a mount for one M134
Minigun
The Minigun is a 7.62 mm, multi-barrel heavy machine gun with a high rate of fire , employing Gatling-style rotating barrels with an external power source...
7.62x51mm machine gun (Minigun) for either the OH-6 or OH-58 light observation helicopters. The system is provided with an XM70/E1 sight and a MAU-56/A delinking feeder with 2000 rounds of ammunition. The system has no movement in azimuth, but has 10 degrees of elevation and 24 degrees of depression.
The initial XM27 featured a mount similar to a gunpod, which was quickly exchanged for a more aerodynamic fairing, as well as, improvements to the ammunition stowage and other equipment on the XM27E1. The XM27E1 was standardized as the M27. The fairing was removed entirely because for ease of maintenance and to reduce weight on the M27E1. The M27's mount is interchangeable with the XM8 system.
As with the XM8, this system can also be mounted on the OH-58 Kiowa.
- HGS-55
Using a mount similar to that used on the XM8 and M27 series, the HGS-55 was developed by the McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Company
McDonnell Douglas
McDonnell Douglas was a major American aerospace manufacturer and defense contractor, producing a number of famous commercial and military aircraft. It formed from a merger of McDonnell Aircraft and Douglas Aircraft in 1967. McDonnell Douglas was based at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport...
(formerly Hughes Helicopters
Hughes Helicopters
Hughes Helicopters was a major manufacturer of military and civil helicopters from the 1950s to the 1980s.The company began in 1947, as a unit of Hughes Aircraft, then was part of the Hughes Tool Company after 1955. It became the Hughes Helicopter Division, Summa Corporation in 1972, and was...
) to use the EX 34 Mod 0 7.62x51mm chain gun
Chain gun
A chain gun is a type of machine gun or autocannon that uses an external source of power, rather than diverting energy from the cartridge, to cycle the weapon, and does so via a continuous loop of chain similar to that used on a motorcycle or bicycle. "Chain gun" is a registered trademark of...
. The weapon is supplied with a 2,000 round magazine and the weapon fires between 550 and 700 round per minute. This system was not adopted by the US military for use and no export sales were known to have been made.
OH-13 SiouxH-13 SiouxThe H-13 Sioux was a two-bladed, single engine, light helicopter built by Bell Helicopter. Westland Aircraft manufactured the Sioux under license for the British military as the Sioux AH.1 and HT.2.-Development:...
and OH-23 Raven
- XM1/XM1E1
In service between 1960 and 1972, the XM1 consisted of two M37C .30-06 machine guns mounted on the landing skids of either the OH-13 or OH-23 helicopter. These weapons were fixed forward, but flexible in elevation, with their ammunition (500 rounds per gun) stored externally. The XM1E1 was the product engineering design.
NOTE: What would appear to have been a variant of the XM1 system was used by UTTHCO on their HU-1A's (later UH-1A) for a short period.
- M2
The M2 system was a variation on the XM1, replacing the M37C machine guns with 7.62x51mm NATO M60C machine guns. The mounts were similar to the XM1, also providing flexible elevation, with 650 rounds per gun stored externally.
AH-58D/OH-58D Kiowa WarriorOH-58 KiowaThe Bell OH-58 Kiowa is a family of single-engine, single-rotor, military helicopters used for observation, utility, and direct fire support. Bell Helicopter manufactured the OH-58 for the United States Army based on the 206A JetRanger helicopter. The OH-58 has been in continuous use by the U.S...
- Universal Weapons Pylon and Gun Pod
The Universal Weapons Pylon is specific to the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopter, and provides two support racks for various weapon systems. The racks, with stores mounted, may be folded 180 degrees upward for rapid loading into the C-130 transport aircraft, though the connecting umbilicals must be disconnected to prevent damage.
There are at least ten authorized armament configurations, which involve a mix of a system specific gun pod
Gun pod
A gun pod is a detachable pod or pack containing machine guns or automatic cannon and ancillaries, mounted externally on a vehicle such as a military aircraft which may or may not also have its own guns....
mounting the M296 .50 caliber machine gun (left side only), the M260
Hydra 70
The Hydra 70 rocket is a weapon derived from the 70 mm Mk 4/Mk 40 Folding-Fin Aerial Rocket developed by the United States Navy for use as a free-flight aerial rocket in the late 1940s.-Overview:...
7-shot 2.75in/70mm Lightweight Launcher (LWL), the M279 2-rail AGM-114 Hellfire
AGM-114 Hellfire
The AGM-114 Hellfire is an air-to-surface missile developed primarily for anti-armor use. It has multi-mission, multi-target precision-strike capability, and can be launched from multiple air, sea, and ground platforms. The Hellfire missile is the primary 100 lb-class air-to-ground precision...
launcher, or a 2-shot Air-to-Air Stinger (ATAS)
FIM-92 Stinger
The FIM-92 Stinger is a personal portable infrared homing surface-to-air missile , which can be adapted to fire from ground vehicles and helicopters , developed in the United States and entered into service in 1981. Used by the militaries of the U.S...
launcher. The gun pod is fed from a semi-external magazine loaded with 500 rounds of linked ammunition.
MH-65C DolphinHH-65 DolphinThe Eurocopter HH-65 Dolphin is a twin-engined, single main rotor, MEDEVAC-capable Search and Rescue helicopter operated by the United States Coast Guard...
and MH-68A Stingray
- Airborne Use of Force (AUF) Package
The US Coast Guard
United States Coast Guard
The United States Coast Guard is a branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven U.S. uniformed services. The Coast Guard is a maritime, military, multi-mission service unique among the military branches for having a maritime law enforcement mission and a federal regulatory agency...
has deployed the MH-68A to its newly created Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron
Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron
The Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron is an armed U.S. Coast Guard helicopter squadron specializing in Airborne Use of Force and drug-interdiction missions. It is based at Cecil Field in Jacksonville, Florida....
(HITRON), and it is the only helicopter in USCG inventory specifically tasked with the Airborne Use of Force (AUF) mission. These helicopters feature a defensive armament system composed of a single M240G mounted at the port cabin door, along with a Robar Arms RC-50
Robar RC-50
The Robar RC-50 counter-sniper rifle is developed by the United States Robar Companies, Inc in Phoenix, Arizona. It is chambered in .50 BMG. The RC-50 is found in two variants—the original RC-50 and the side-folding buttstock RC-50F....
rifle attached to the cabin via a bungee cord for disabling hostile light vessels. The kit is also capable of being used on the HH-65C aircraft. When so fitted the aircraft is designated MH-65C.
Armament sub-systems for dedicated gunships
AH-1 CobraAH-1 CobraThe Bell AH-1 Cobra is a two-bladed, single engine attack helicopter manufactured by Bell Helicopter. It shares a common engine, transmission and rotor system with the older UH-1 Iroquois...
- M28 Series (Emerson TAT-141)
The standard fixed armament for the AH-1G, AH-1P (formerly referred to as AH-1S Production), AH-1Q, and initial AH-1S models, this turret unit is similar to the XM64 mentioned later in this section, but was capable of mounting two M134
Minigun
The Minigun is a 7.62 mm, multi-barrel heavy machine gun with a high rate of fire , employing Gatling-style rotating barrels with an external power source...
Miniguns, two M129
M129 grenade launcher
The M129 is a 40mm automatic grenade launcher that was used as an aircraft weapon in United States service. It was developed from the earlier M75 and was capable of using both the high-velocity 40x53mm grenade and the lower velocity 40x46mm grenade....
40 mm grenade launchers, or one of each weapon. Miniguns fitted are capable of pre-set firing rates of either 2,000 or 4,000 RPM, while the turret itself has 114 degrees of motion left or right, 17.5 degrees of elevation and 50 degrees of depression (alternate sources describe 110 degrees in azimuth, 20 degrees of elevation and 50 degrees of depression for the M28E1 model specifically). Each Minigun is linked to 4,000 rounds of ammunition while each grenade launcher is fed from a 300 round magazine.
The system is known to have four standard A variants, the M28/A1-A3. However, the actual specifics between variants is vague. From the available information suggests that specific variants were mated to specific iterations of the AH-1 helicopter. The initial XM28/M28 were fitted to the AH-1G, as were the M28E1/M28A1. The M28A1E1/M28A2 was fitted to the AH-1Q, while the M28A3 (no developmental variation known) was fitted to the AH-1P/S helicopter. There is the possibility that the M28A2 could have been the first unit designed to work with the XM128/M128 Helmet Sight System (HSS) developed primarily for use with TOW armed AH-1s.
- XM35/M35
An armament subsystem providing a single M195 20 mm cannon on the port inboard pylon of the AH-1G. 950 rounds of ammunition were stored in boxes faired to the side of the aircraft. The system was primarily pilot controlled, but featured dual controls to be either pilot or gunner controlled. For this purpose the pilot was provided with a M73 sight.
- XM64 (Emerson TAT-102A)
The TAT-102A (Tactical Armament Turret-102A) was the initial main armament for the AH-1G helicopter, though designed as an interim measure. It is related to the TAT-101 mentioned in the UH-1 entry. The turret mounts a single M134
Minigun
The Minigun is a 7.62 mm, multi-barrel heavy machine gun with a high rate of fire , employing Gatling-style rotating barrels with an external power source...
Minigun with 25 degrees of elevation, 90 degrees of depression, and 180 degrees of motion in azimuth, with a slew rate of 80 degrees per second. The TAT-102A was designated XM64 by the US Army.
- XM65/M65
The Cobra Missile System is a functional development of the XM26 and the TOW missile system developed for the failed AH-56 helicopter. Originally designed for the AH-1Q and AH-1S Cobras, the AH-1F Modernized Cobra was also rebuilt to use the system. The original iteration of the system comprises launchers allowing for four BGM-71 TOW
BGM-71 TOW
The BGM-71 TOW is an anti-tank missile. "BGM" is a weapon classification that stands for "Multiple Environment , Surface-Attack , Missile ". "TOW" is an acronym that stands for "Tube-launched, Optically-tracked, Wire command data link, guided missile"...
missiles per aircraft pylon to be carried, and a TSU or Telescopic Sight Unit, to allow for targeting and guidance of the missile. The TSU has been upgraded with the LAAT (Laser-Augmented Airborne TOW), a day/night range finder, and C-NITE (Cobra-Night Imaging Thermal Equipment), a thermal imagine/FLIR system specifically for the AH-1S and AH-1F Cobra helicopters.
- M97 Series and A/A49E-7 (GE Universal Turret)
The standard fixed armament system for the US Army's AH-1S Upgunned Cobra (eventually redesignated AH-1E Enhanced Cobra Armament System or ECAS) and the AH-1S Modernized Cobra (eventually redesignated the AH-1F), as well as, the US Marine Corps' AH-1J, AH-1T, AH-1W, and AH-1Z helicopters. The system was designed to fit either the M197
M197 Gatling gun
The M197 electric cannon is a three-barreled electric Gatling gun developed primarily for use by United States Army helicopter gunships.Development of the M197 began in 1967 after experience in the Vietnam War revealed the inadequacy of the 7.62 mm Minigun for gunship use...
20 mm three barreled cannon or the XM188 30 mm three barreled cannon. In practice the M197 was the standard fit and the XM188 was not adopted for service. The turret has 110 degrees of motion in azimuth, 21 degrees of elevation, and 50 degrees of depression, with a slew rate in azimuth of 80 degrees per second and in elevation and depression of 60 degrees per second.
As with the M28 series, the specifics between variants of the M97 are vague. Five Standard A models are known to exist, M97/A1-A4. Sources suggest that individual variants of the turret were specific to certain variants of the AH-1 as with the M28 series. The M97A1 (and possibly the M97) was fitted to the AH-1S Upgunned Cobra, the M97A2/A3 to the AH-1S Modernized Cobra (AH-1F), and the M97A4 to production AH-1Fs. Other sources say that the M97A3 was refitted to AH-1E ECAS and the M97A2 was the initial armament for the AH-1S Modernized Cobra, agreeing that the M97A1 was the original fit to the AH-1S Upgunned Cobra. There is also the possibility that the differences have something to do with the associated equipment for the M197 cannon, including the use of the M89 or M89E1 delinking feeder.
The M97 was also fitted to the AH-1J, but it is unclear if the AH-1T, AH-1W, and AH-1Z used variants of the M97 series. The subsystem used on the AH-1T and AH-1W has a designation in the USAF's Aeronautical and Support Equipment Type Designation System (ASETDS), A/A49E-7. The turret in the system is also designated under the ASETDS system, as the GTU-1/A. How this system differs from its US Army counterparts is unknown. An amendment to the official Military Specification, MIL-F-85668(AS), put out by the United States Naval Air Systems Command on 15 November 1995, actually listed the "A/A49E-7(V4)" as inactive pending a new design, and listed the system as relevant only to the "AH-1T (TOW)."
- XM120 (Emerson TAT-140)
A competing universal turret design to the M97 put forward by Emerson Electric, the XM120 could be fitted with a number of weapons including the M60C
M60 machine gun
The M60 is a family of American general-purpose machine guns firing 7.62×51mm NATO cartridges from a disintegrating belt of M13 links...
7.62x51 mm machine gun, M134
Minigun
The Minigun is a 7.62 mm, multi-barrel heavy machine gun with a high rate of fire , employing Gatling-style rotating barrels with an external power source...
Minigun, M197
M197 Gatling gun
The M197 electric cannon is a three-barreled electric Gatling gun developed primarily for use by United States Army helicopter gunships.Development of the M197 began in 1967 after experience in the Vietnam War revealed the inadequacy of the 7.62 mm Minigun for gunship use...
20 mm three barreled cannon, XM188 30 mm three barreled cannon, and was in fact tested with the XM140 30 mm cannon.
AH-56 CheyenneAH-56 CheyenneThe Lockheed AH-56 Cheyenne was a single-engine attack helicopter developed by Lockheed for the United States Army's Advanced Aerial Fire Support System program to produce the Army's first dedicated attack helicopter...
- XM51
A nose turret with one M129
M129 grenade launcher
The M129 is a 40mm automatic grenade launcher that was used as an aircraft weapon in United States service. It was developed from the earlier M75 and was capable of using both the high-velocity 40x53mm grenade and the lower velocity 40x46mm grenade....
40 mm grenade launcher with 300 rounds. In light of the failure of the AH-56 was proposed as a replacement for the M5 system on the UH-1 helicopter. Designed to be interchangeable with the XM53.
- XM52
Belly turret with a single XM140 30 mm cannon. Use on other helicopters was also debated.
- XM53
A nose turret with one XM196 7.62x51 mm machine gun. Also said to be suitable for the UH-1 series of helicopters. Designed to be interchangeable with the XM51.
AH-64 ApacheAH-64 ApacheThe Boeing AH-64 Apache is a four-blade, twin-engine attack helicopter with a tailwheel-type landing gear arrangement, and a tandem cockpit for a two-man crew. The Apache was developed as Model 77 by Hughes Helicopters for the United States Army's Advanced Attack Helicopter program to replace the...
- M139 and Area Weapon Subsystem
The only type classified subsystem for the AH-64 series, the M139 is composed of the Aerial Rocket Control System (giving the aircraft the ability to fire members of the Hydra 70/Mk 66
Hydra 70
The Hydra 70 rocket is a weapon derived from the 70 mm Mk 4/Mk 40 Folding-Fin Aerial Rocket developed by the United States Navy for use as a free-flight aerial rocket in the late 1940s.-Overview:...
2.75 in/70 mm rocket family), a dispenser interface (controlling the M130 chaff/flare dispenser, also used on the AH-1 helicopter), and the Area Weapon Subsystem.
The Area Weapon Subsystem is made up of a single M230
M230 Chain Gun
The Hughes M230 Chain Gun is a 30 mm, single-barrel automatic cannon developed by Hughes and now manufactured by Alliant Techsystems. It is an electrically operated chain gun, a weapon that uses external power instead of recoil to load its rounds....
30 mm cannon, turret and assembly, ammunition feed, and other electronic components for the functioning of the system. The unit is capable of 100 degrees of motion in azimuth left or right, 11 degrees of elevation and 60 degrees of depression, and feeds from an ammunition magazine with 1,200 rounds.
RAH-66 ComancheRAH-66 ComancheThe Boeing-Sikorsky RAH-66 Comanche was an advanced five-blade armed reconnaissance and attack helicopter designed for the United States Army. The RAH-66 program was canceled in 2004, before mass production began, after nearly $7 billion was spent on the program.During the early 1980s, the U.S...
- Turreted Gun System (TGS)
The RAH-66 Comanche was intended to have a gun system designed jointly by Boeing and Sikorsky. The system was to use the XM301 lightweight gun, and fed linked ammunition from a 500 round storage drum. The turret itself had 120 degrees of movement in azimuth, with 15 degrees of elevation and 45 degrees of depression. The TGS was supposed to be ready for deployment with the Comanche helicopter during the FY04 period, but the cancellation of the Comanche ended further development of this system.
Sources
Government documentation- Fails, Lt Col William R. Marines and Helicopters 1962-1973. Washington, DC: History and Museums Division Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, 1978.
- Squieler, Gerald J. Final Report on Engineering Test of Grenade Dispensing Adapter, LWL GDA-3 (Safety Release). Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD: US Army Test and Evaluation Command, 1966.
- United States. Department of Defense. DOD 4120.15-L Model Designation of Military Aircraft, Rockets, and Guided Missiles. Washington, DC: Department of Defense, 1974.
- United States. Headquarters, Department of the Army. FM 1-40 Attack Helicopter Gunnery. Washington, DC: Headquarters, Department of the Army, 1969.
- United States. Headquarters, Department of the Army. TM 9-1300-200 Ammunition, General. Washington, DC: Headquarters, Department of the Army, 1993.
- United States. Headquarters, Military Assistance Command Vietnam. Lessons Learned Number 51: Operational Employment of Riot Control Munitions. Saigon, Vietnam: Military Assistance Command Vietnam, 1965.
- United States. Naval Air Systems Command, Department of the Navy. MIL-F-85668(AS) Military Specification Fire System , 20-millimetre Point And Suppressive Helicopter, AH-1T (TOW), A/A49E-7(V4). 1984
- United States. Naval Air Systems Command, Department of the Navy. MIL-F-85668(AS) Military Specification Fire System , 20-millimetre Point And Suppressive Helicopter, AH-1T (TOW), A/A49E-7(V4), Notice 1. 1995
- United States. Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Department of the Navy. OPNAV Instruction 8000.16B Naval Ordnance Maintenance Management Program (NOMMP). Washington, DC: Department of the Navy, 2003
- United States. United States Air Force. T.O. 1H-3(C)E-1, Flight Manual, USAF Series, CH-3E and HH-3E Helicopters. 1982
- United States. United States Army Test and Evaluation Command, Headquarters, US Army Aviation Test Activity. Report of the Engineering Flight Test Performance Phase of the OH-5A Helicopter Unarmed (Clean) and Armed with the XM-7 and XM-8 Weapon Subsystem, Part II. Edwards AFB, CA: Headquarters, US Army Aviation Test Activity, 1964
Secondary sources
- Drendel, Lou. Gunslingers in Action. Carrollton, TX: Squadron/Signal Publications, Inc, 1974. ISBN 0-89747-013-3.
- Drendel, Lou. Huey. Carrollton, TX: Squadron/Signal Publications, Inc, 1983. ISBN 0-89747-145-8.
- Gervasi, Tom. Arsenal of Democracy III: America's War Machine, the Pursuit of Global Dominance. New York, NY: Grove Press, Inc, 1984. ISBN 0-394-54102-2.
- Gunston, BillBill GunstonBill Gunston OBE FRAeS is one of the most internationally respected and published aviation and military authors. He flew with Britain's Royal Air Force from 1943 to 1948, and is a flying instructor. He has spent most of his adult life doing research and writing on aircraft and aviation. He is the...
. The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft Armament. New York, NY: Orion Books, 1988. ISBN 0-517-56607-9. - Gunston, Bill and Mike Spick. Modern Fighting Helicopters. New York, NY: Crescent Books, 1986. ISBN 0-517-61349-2
- Jane's Weapon Systems, 1986-1987. Ronald T Pretty, Ed. London, UK: Jane's Publishing Company, Ltd, 1986. ISBN 0-7106-0832-2
- Lundh, Lennart. Sikorsky H-34: An Illustrated History. Atglen, PA: Shiffer Military/Aviation History, 1998. ISBN0-7643-0522-0
- Mesko, Jim. Airmobile: The Helicopter War in Vietnam. Carrollton, TX: Squadron/Signal Publications, Inc, 1984. ISBN 0-89747-159-8.
- Morgan, Mark. "The Story of HC-7/CSAR: Orphans of the 7th Fleet." The Hook, Journal of Carrier Aviation (Fall 1998): 32-41.
- Mutza, Wayne. Walk Around: AH-1 Cobra. Carrollton, TX: Squadron/Signal Publications, Inc, 2002. ISBN 0-89747-438-4.
- Mutza, Wayne Walk Around: UH-1 Huey Gunships. Carrollton, TX: Squadron/Signal Publications, Inc, 2004. ISBN 0-89747-479-1.
- Mutza, Wayne H-13 Sioux Mini In Action. Carrollton, TX: Squadron/Signal Publications, Inc, 1995. ISBN 0-89747-329-0.
- Mutza, Wayne UH-1 Huey in Color. Carrollton, TX: Squadron/Signal Publications, Inc, 1992. ISBN 0-89747-279-9.