errors in existing OOB's

[Backis]

PlasmaKrab said:

On the other hand, I heard (a couple of years ago too) that Finland was considering it as a contender for their future attack helo procurment, and maybe Sweden as well (?). Any new on how this has gotten forwards?

Regarding Sweden, there MAY be a tender for an attack helicopter around 2008-2010, but its pretty iffy...

It depends a lot on how our politicians feel the planned airmobile batallion will fit into possible peacekeeping missions or the EU battlegroup we're in...

As for the Havoc in Sweden it didn't do to well over here. It was felt to be underpowered and clumsy in NOE flying. Another drawback was its huge IR signature... apparently it was by far the most easily spotted of the ones trialed(the Cobra had the lowest signature of the lot, OTOH, it was LOUD ).

The testing was however done in 1995, so it was a pretty early variant/prototype and it might not have had good engines and perhaps weren't issued with IR filters for the engine exhausts, somewhat explaining the heat signature.

I believe that the attack helicopters that have been trialled in Sweden are AH-64A, AH-1W, one of the Tiger variants, the A129 and possibly the Rooivalk (no confirmation on Rooivalk).

[PlasmaKrab]

I would gladly see Rooivalks being exported quite anywhere (how about Jordan? they seem dead on South Afrcan hardware and their Cobras must be wearing out.), but I admit that a Tiger in Swedish polygonal camo...
Well, that IS yet another good one for alternate timeline modelling!

[Backis]

Well, Rooivalk would be a good "counter-purchase" for the Gripen we sold South Africa.

We've almost decided to buy the Alvis RG-32M, which is from the South Africa branch. The only test left to do now is blowing it up.

Amazingly it performed very well in snow, handled cold weather excellently after only slight modification and was very well liked during the trials.

[Shadowcougar]

Backis said:
Well, Rooivalk would be a good "counter-purchase" for the Gripen we sold South Africa.

Well, there are lots of Cobra airframes around and spares for them. So Jordan can get replacements. Also the king having blood ties to th US means he has a good chance of getting Cobra replacements or even Apaches if he wants. Just maybe not advanced Hellfires.

I wouldn't mind seeing the Rooivalk in other counties service. I wonder how it would do myself. I looked on the net is are there less than 20 Rooivalk? I see that SA ordered 12. Are there more orders?

[grouch]

I am a retired USMC CH-46 pilot. While the aircraft was, and is capable of mounting 7.62mm guns it was never done. Our standard was two .50 cal XM-218 machine guns with 100 rounds per gun. Ammo loadout varied with the wt of payload. The aircraft static ports provide an input to the automatic flight control system (AFCS) and are located just aft of the gun doors. The short barrel of the M60/M240 causes an overpressure at these ports playing havoc with the AFCS. Hence, these weapons were never used. In addition, the normal crew is 4, Pilot, Copilot, Crew Chief, and 1st mech/gunner.

[Shadowcougar]

I noticed that a lot of the loadouts are the "TO&E possible" as opposed to what is usde. Where you stationed at New River?

[grouch]

Yes, HMM-264 at New River.

[WestKent5097]

wouldn't mind seeing the Rooivalk in other counties service. I wonder how it would do myself. I looked on the net is are there less than 20 Rooivalk? I see that SA ordered 12. Are there more orders?

I think Malaysia may be acquiring some in the near future.