Boeing Chinook (RAF)

[BB85]

I can't see an assault gunship ever being produced for the Chinook in this day and age. Apache largely filled that role post Vietnam and in the future it's bound to be replaced by an autonomous UAV that can loiter and provide close air support

[RunningStrong]

I wonder given the increased engine power of current and future Chinooks whether the ides of an Assault Gunship Chinook might resurface? The main issue of the platform developed during the Vietnam War was the lack of engine power to cope with the weight of the weapon systems fitted.

I can't see why we'd turn our transporter into a gunship? Surely separate platforms are needed for top cover when settling down, and Apache and Wildcat provide that?

[Little J]

I'd rather see an AC-130 than an ACH-47 join the fleet

[RunningStrong]

I'd rather see an AC-130 than an ACH-47 join the fleet

C-27 would be my choice! But then I'd replace the whole C130 fleet with them.

[Dahedd]

I'd rather see an AC-130 than an ACH-47 join the fleet

C-27 would be my choice! But then I'd replace the whole C130 fleet with them.

Agreed. That or the new Brazilian job. Though you'll never see a gunship version of that.

[Lord Jim]

Well the Israelis have armed their CH-53s for fore support for long range missions using Spike NLOS amongst other things. As a fantasy project a ACH-47 could be armed with two door mounted M2 .50cal HMG and a 7.6smm Gatling at the rear. Fixes weapons could be six Brimstone and two pods of CVR-7 Rockets. The weight shouldn't be an issue but my calculations have been of the "Back of a fag packet", variety. Add a Day/Night EO turret under the nose and ensure all gunners have binocular NVGs, and the helicopter could still carry a SF team as well as escorting and providing fire support of more traditionally equipped SF orientated Chinooks. Adding AAR probes to work with tanker/SF support versions of the Atlas and the RAF would be providing serious support to our SF community. Just a fantasy though.

By the way has anyone seen anything anywhere about fitting a AAR probe to an Apache?

[ArmChairCivvy]

The main issue of the platform developed during the Vietnam War was the lack of engine power

Also the small issue that they were all lost (or is there one in a museum)?

[Lord Jim]

They have rebuilt one based one that actually flew in Vietnam. The crews actually liked them, but they were slower than the helicopters they were to escort, the reverse of today, and their fire control system was simply the Mk1 Eye Ball. Increased speed as well as increased protection and greatly improved FCS could make such a platform viable if unlikely.

[Ianmb17]

Well Deserved retirement Bravo November

https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/cosford/wh ... o-cosford/

[Ianmb17]

End of an era

[bobp]

End of an era

Brilliant the museum is just 15miles from me.

[Ianmb17]

Looking good in new home

[TSharpe28]

Looking good in new home

https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news ... k-chinooks

[SKB]

(Forces News) 10th April 2022

A ‘celebrity chinook’ has gone on display at the RAF Museum in Cosford after 40 years of service.

Many regard Bravo November as the country’s most famous helicopter.

She was one of the first chinooks to enter service when they were introduced into the force, was the only one to survive conflict in the Falklands and has served in every conflict since.

[SW1]