Just wondering if anyone knows about real-world tactics as far as engaging other choppers. Are Russian pilots advised to avoid this kind of conflict or encouraged to go for it? I don't find the Vhikrs to be very reliable even when in air to air mode.

I would think they'd want to avoid it if possible. Helicopters don't do air-to-air well. They can do it, just not as well as they can engage ground targets.

Helis on both sides generally avoid A2A confrontation, or any confrontation that isn't part of their mission. They're really needed at their mission - usually busting tanks or CAS.

Okay, thanks. This way I won't feel like a chicken when I avoid those kinds of engagement (if possible).

Well, in the Iran-Iraq war Mi-24s and AH-1s engaged each other (using anti-tank missiles). The attacks were generally surprise attacks (and quite lethal). Helicopters have also been equipped for close-escort with air-to-air missiles (eg. Oh-58). Some U.S. manuals even discuss the remote possibility that a pilot might be forced to use FFARs on an enemy helicopter formation!

Would they engage? Should you engage?

A lot depends on the combat environment:

Is the situation favourable? Do you have sufficient advantage? Is the enemy in a no-escape zone of your weapons?

Do you have a higher priority target? Would your mission be compromised by engaging a target of opportunity?

Will it give away your position to other enemy assets (that can respond quickly)?

Do you have a choice?

I think A2A in helos is a lot like WWI air combat.

Only engage when you have a clear advantage.
Only when the other guy is unaware of you, or at least unable to hurt you back (but even an unarmed helo has a radio, and if he calls in a fast-mover buddy before you knock him out...)

The rest of the time it will be as said:

Only when your mission requires it, no one does "helo sweeps".
Probably only if target helo is attacking friendly forces or on its way to do so.




The Jedi Master

I will blow a bit of my own horn here:

Helicopter vs Helicopter Combat

Have tried this in BS2 with a moderate degree of success ...

Cheers,

Interesting! Thanks.

It could happen.... I remember watching a dogfight doco where they interviewed a vietnam war skyraider pilot who found himself jumped by a pair of migs. Despite being totally outclassed, some clever flying and a ton of luck led to him shooting at least one of them down from his sluggish mudmover.

I guess if you're stuck with no other option, do what you need to to survive, even if it means dumping all your munitions on an inappropriate target. Sometimes you get lucky

interesting article. Horrible Horrible editing though