Special Forces Helicopters

[Radish]

Having seen that both US and UK Special Forces use Mi-8/Mi-17s in Afganistan (cheap, good high altitude performance, robust) I wondered what other types could be adapted...

Obviously a Mi-24 is an option.....and I can see one happening!

[Shasper]

The Cougar, Panther, Bo-105 & EC-145 come to mind, also the Mi-26.

Shas B)

[B777LR]

Obviously a Mi-24 is an option.....and I can see one happening!

In my opinion, the perfect helicopter for this job! Can carry 4-6 soldiers, and give them support  

[ysi_maniac]

The best Special Forces Helicopter is not a Helicopter. it is a plane: http://www.whatifmodelers.com/forum//index...view=getnewpost

[Jeffry Fontaine]

Obviously a Mi-24 is an option.....and I can see one happening!

Great idea if you are less than 5.0' in height.  The troop compartment of the Mi-24 is quite small for normal size folks (having seen the Mi-24 in person, I can attest to the small size of the troop compartment).  The Mi-24 is great for combat support but the troop hauling ability would best be served for emergency extractions unless you like riding in the rotary wing equivalent of a steamer trunk.  

The Mi-8/Mi-17 on the other hand has a troop compartment that rivals a C-130 in volume, nice and large enough to fit a light vehicle.  There is also static line deployment rigging included for airborne operations so you can use it for deploying paratroopers or cargo just like a C-130.  Mi-26 would be even better, so much more room, large enough to fit a cargo truck or several HMMWV size vehicles.    

[Hobbes]

The Mi-8/17's cargo bay as large as a C-130's? That seems odd. The Mi-8 has the same engines and rotor system as the Mi-24, and is similar in size. The way I heard it, it's the Mi-26 that has as much space and payload weight as a C-130.  

[Jeffry Fontaine]

The Mi-8/17's cargo bay as large as a C-130's? That seems odd. The Mi-8 has the same engines and rotor system as the Mi-24, and is similar in size. The way I heard it, it's the Mi-26 that has as much space and payload weight as a C-130.

Sorry, bad description, do not take that as an accurate description of the internal volume of the Mi-8/Mi-17, I meant that it is very spacious inside, in comparison to most American helicopter designs, you can stand up inside and not hit your head on the roof.  While actual internal space would be closer to a C-123 in volume,  the cargo compartment is huge when compared to a CH-47 or CH-53, actually it would be similar in size to the CH-53.

[Archangel]

I could easily see them using Mi-24 Hinds painted in the same camoflage used in the movie Red Dawn on their home built ones. Or any helicopter being used in the warright now.

[Mossie]

An Mi-24 would have been perfect for the recent rescue of a British soldier in Afghanistan using an Apache, the rescuers holding on tight while sat on the panniers.  A Hind would have room enough for a few squaddies with some serious firepower up front.

http://www.whatifmodelers.com/forum//index...topic=14386&hl=

[Excalibur]

Here's an Aussie Special Forces Sea King I did months back. Standard build, special colour scheme.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r34/exc...os/seaking3.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r34/exc...os/seaking2.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r34/exc...os/seaking1.jpg