Requirement for a Light Combat Helicopter
Abstract
Remarks on the requirement for a light combat helicopter (LCH) capable of multi-role missions as a scout-attack and utility helicopter in support of conventional light infantry forces in a low-intensity conflict environment requiring rapid deployment. The Army is pursuing a planned acquisition of an entire new family of light helicopters, the LHX, that is of high-tech design and capability, and will meet all Army requirements for a LCH well into the 21st Century. Initial fielding of the LHX is not expected before the mid-1990s. The thesis of the author is that technology and innovative ideas exist today that allow fielding of a limited number of near-term LCHs in the light divisions that constitute the US Army's conventional rapid deployment forces. Recent operations such as Grenada have demonstrated the validity of this need, today, for low-intensity situations involving rapid deployment of light forces into combat. Several experimental tests and evaluations using both current production Army helicopters and commercial versions have demonstrated the ability to produce a near-term, affordable LCH. Ideas drawn from these experiments along with suggestions from other authors on this subject are offered as possible solutions until the LHX is fielded.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA177631
Entities
People
- Billy J. Miller
Organizations
- Air War College