Helicopters play a key role in modern militaries. These versatile vehicles can be set up for a variety of missions. Helicopters have the ability to transport, search, rescue, and provide close support. They are also a powerful weapon platform. The Army and Marine Corps use them to perform important tasks.
Helicopters are used by the US Navy and the Marine Corps to assist infantry and artillery. They have been used for reconnaissance, search-and-rescue, and anti–surface warfare. The AH64D Apache helicopter is a powerful machine that can reach speeds of 140 mph. It also features a forward-looking, infrared imager as well as a night vision camera. Internal payloads can hold a payload of up to 30,000 pounds.
The United States' first use of military helicopters during combat was in the Second World War. They were created to enable rapid transport of combat forces onto the battlefield. They also provided morale boosts for fighter pilots. During the Korean War, the use of helicopters increased. These aircraft displayed a level of performance unmatched in other conflicts.
Helicopters were used in the Korean conflict to rescue downed pilots. These missions were carried out at night. They were able quickly to return pilots who had fallen to their boats. Some of the most memorable helicopter rescues were those by the HO-3S (EH-101), and the TH-6B.
Military helicopters can also help people in times of disasters like major floods and earthquakes. In addition, they are used for delivering hot food to isolated outposts. They are frequently subject to small arms fire from the enemy's aerial opposition while in flight.
Attack helicopters remain in the US Army's arsenal, and remain one of its most effective weapons platforms for tank warfare. Because they are low-altitude and have low speeds, they can operate in close air-support situations. Attack helicopters have the unique ability to provide close-air support to tank-killers from the Middle East unlike other types.
Helicopters today can be made to suit a wide range of weights and sizes. Basic airframes can be stretched or shortened, and can be fitted with new engines, electronics, and instrumentation. All these components can be combined to reduce the price of a helicopter. Armor protection is required for combat missions. Armor includes the most extensive parts of the airframe, such as the cockpit, fuel tanks, and engines. Protecting control cables is common with Kevlar armour.
Basic TH-6B helicopters have a rotor diameter that is 79 feet and a crew compartment that can hold 23 mm (0.91in) rounds. The ceiling is more than 15000 ft. Rescue hoists are specialized devices that can be used while hovering to retrieve personnel.
Marine Corps uses helicopters to perform a wide range of tasks, including medical evacuation, reconnaissance, security at the flank, and visual flank. For example the MH-6 was built for close support.
Helicopters have played an integral role in numerous important events, including the rescue and evacuation of flight crews and civilians from flooding. Marine commanders intend to increase their use of helicopters in the future.