Difference between revisions of "A129CBT"
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| − | {{Specs-Card | + | 5{{Specs-Card |
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}} | |images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}} | ||
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{{Specs-Heli-Flight}} | {{Specs-Heli-Flight}} | ||
<!-- ''Describe how the helicopter behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' --> | <!-- ''Describe how the helicopter behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' --> | ||
| − | ''Describe how the helicopter behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' | + | <!--''Describe how the helicopter behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.-->'' |
| + | |||
| + | The A129 CBT with general payload options (Hellfires,Rockets,Anti-Air missiles), does not seem to make the helicopter any slower than its adversaries, in fact at times you'll easily be one of the fastest helicopters on the battlefield. The A129 CBT is able to do manoeuvres other helicopters can only dream about, even with full payload options. In ground RB matches however there should not be many times you'll have to move too much to avoid enemies. You are able to to get good positions thanks to your speed and at times, if done right, you will be able to dodge incoming missiles from ground anti air or enemy jet aircraft. | ||
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | ||
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|- | |- | ||
! Stock | ! Stock | ||
| − | | 269 || 253 || rowspan="2" | | + | | 269 || 253 || rowspan="2" | 5400 |
|- | |- | ||
! Upgraded | ! Upgraded | ||
| − | | | + | |319||295 |
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
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{{Specs-Heli-Armour}} | {{Specs-Heli-Armour}} | ||
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the helicopter. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical systems.'' --> | <!-- ''Examine the survivability of the helicopter. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical systems.'' --> | ||
| − | ''Examine the survivability of the helicopter. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical systems.'' | + | <!--''Examine the survivability of the helicopter. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical systems.-->'' |
| + | |||
| + | The A129 CBT is not very survivable, like many helicopters below and above its battle-rating, is prone to explode in many pieces after a hit from an anti-air missile. It does have some armor on the cockpit area, but in battles that wont really protect you from anything you'll face. The CBT uses Kevlar boron carbide, composite material which is limited only to instrument, floor and side panels around the cockpit. It does not provide the same level of protection as seen on other helicopters. If your enemy is not very accurate and manages to damage you, without hitting key components of your helicopter, you might luck out and be able to make it back to the base in enough time to repair. It is advised that you stay away from machine gun fire too, generally just stay away from everything that poses a threat, this is the only way to truly maximize your survivalbility. | ||
=== Modifications and economy === | === Modifications and economy === | ||
| Line 111: | Line 115: | ||
== Usage in battles == | == Usage in battles == | ||
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in a helicopter, the features of using the helicopter in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' --> | <!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in a helicopter, the features of using the helicopter in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' --> | ||
| − | ''Describe the tactics of playing in a helicopter, the features of using the helicopter in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' | + | <!--''Describe the tactics of playing in a helicopter, the features of using the helicopter in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).-->'' |
| + | |||
| + | For Ground RB and SB | ||
| + | |||
| + | The A129 CBT is a great helicopter for its battle-rating, sitting at 9.7, not only are there great lineup options to pair the helicopter up with, but you sit at a battle-rating which allows you to be effective both in downtiers and uptiers. For RB, It is recommended you bring in a light vehicle able to scout, with access to the <nowiki>''</nowiki>Air strike<nowiki>''</nowiki> modification. This will mean that once you have captured a point, and scouted a vehicle, you'll be able to get into a helicopter straight away if you happen to die. This is the best strategy as if you manage to pull it off inside a match that has only just started, you will likely surprise unsuspecting enemies who might think its still to early to worry about enemy aircraft. For ground RB the best possibile load-out would be a mix of Hellfire+Rocket pods. With this load-out you'll easily be able to pick off players from a distance. Considering that you pull of being able to spawn in during the early minutes of a match, the Hellfires will be a dangerous weapon for pretty much any enemy vehicle you'll be able to track. Do keep in mind who you are choosing to engage, you'll realise soon enough that killing a player with points backed up, will usually lead them to spawn in either as an Anti-Air ground vehicle or an aircraft. In that case you'll get overwhelmed with everything you need to watch out for, which will lead you to be less effective in the CAS department for you team. If you run out of Hellfires during your match, it is advised you return to base to get re-armed. If not, and you haven't had the chance to use your rocket pods yet, there can be situations where you'll be able to utilize it whilst still being useful to your teams victory. With rockets you'll need to stay low to avoid any incoming SPAA, usually sticking behind mountains or tree lines will suffice. Once you feel like you've gotten close enough to the battlefield, its time for you to come out and quickly find your targets, and engage. This might pose a challenge as the CBT lacks any form of ballistic computer at the moment. You'll need to quickly scan, engage and then dis-engage. If you feel as if you are still able to fight, you still have access to your main 20mm machine-gun, which is able to be effective against lightly armored vehicles. The main problem with trying to engage at close range when enemies are present, is that doing so will put the A129 CBT in huge amounts of danger. Enemy tanks will be able to quickly destroy the CBT with their main guns or anti-aircraft machine guns, it is advised that you only get into the actual battlefield near the end of the battle, once most threats you'll encounter will not be present, or at the very least can be dealt with safely. Survivalbility features of the A129 CBT are poor, however it does have access to ICRM, Flares and Chaff. For ground RB you should bring a mix of Flares and Chaff, sometimes if used at the right moment, you'll be able to evade any incoming anti air missiles. If you're playing Arcade assault, you won't have to worry about going back to base to reload you weapons as they will automatically replenish once every munition has been used up. Its recommended you bring either Hellfires+rockets or Rockets and Air to Air missiles or a full load-out of rockets. | ||
| + | |||
| + | For Helicopter Battles | ||
| + | |||
| + | When playing helicopter battles, your best shot at staying alive and being effective is if you bring a load-out of Anti-air missiles and rockets. The Anti-Air missiles should be used against more dangerous unsuspecting helicopters who dont have access to counter measures, they'll be easy kills, and considering you have up to 4 missiles you can use at once, that is a potential of 4 easy kills. With rockets you'll be able to take out any ground AI targets, usually they take 1 or 2 shots minimum to remove. Rockets are also quite effective close range as a last ditch effort to come out on top when fighting 1v1. Your main 20mm cannon is an absolute monster in this mode, although it doesn't shine in ground RB, here you'll be able to easily get kills with it, it does overheat however so shoot with moderation, and pick your targets whilst keeping in mind any other enemies nearby. | ||
=== Pros and cons === | === Pros and cons === | ||
| Line 120: | Line 132: | ||
* Good manoeuvrability. | * Good manoeuvrability. | ||
* Deadly 20 mm autocannon. | * Deadly 20 mm autocannon. | ||
| − | * Can carry Mistral air-to-air missiles. | + | |
| + | * Can carry Matra Mistral air-to-air missiles. | ||
| + | |||
| + | * Good anti-tank capabilities | ||
'''Cons:''' | '''Cons:''' | ||
| Line 127: | Line 142: | ||
* Armament is very poor compared to other helicopters. | * Armament is very poor compared to other helicopters. | ||
* No ballistic computer | * No ballistic computer | ||
| + | |||
* AAMs fire downwards | * AAMs fire downwards | ||
| + | |||
| + | * Often will face stronger enemies due to battle rating. | ||
== History == | == History == | ||
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the helicopter in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' --> | <!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the helicopter in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' --> | ||
| − | ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the helicopter in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' | + | <!--''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the helicopter in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).-->'' |
| + | |||
| + | The story of the A129 Mangusta <nowiki>''</nowiki>Combat<nowiki>''</nowiki>, (also known as A129 ESS, A129 CBT and A129 Mangusta) begins during the late stages of the cold war. The helicopter began to be developed at the request of the Italian army, which saw the need to equip its air units with a dedicated attack helicopter with anti-tank capability. The A129 was the first dedicated attack helicopter fully designed and built in Western Europe. Its project began in 1978 and its final project was ready only in 1982. The A129 made its first official maiden flight on the 15th of September of 1983, at the Agusta company Cascina-Costa facilities, the flight lasted about 30 minuets. Agusta pilots were extremely happy with the results, and went on record and said that the helicopter had great handling. They had previously only performed shake down flights twice, prior to the first official flight. It was given the name Mangusta by the Italian army and Agusta employees. This name was mainly chosen due to the fact that the A129 was a direct competitor of the Bell A-1 Cobra that at that time rivaled the Agusta project. (The mongoose is known for its ease in killing poisonous snakes.). One of the many characteristics that pushed the A129 Mangusta was also how versatile it was. It was able to carry many types of weapons, such as Hellfires, BGM-TOW, Mistral/Stinger air-to-air missiles, 81mm Medusa rockets, 70mm Hydra rockets, and much more. At the time, the first variants of the A129 had access to the latest avionics, and incorporated both day/night capabilities, while also being able to be used in bad weather and when there is low viability. The testing and evaluation program lasted until mid-1987, when a production contract would be signed for that model, that would generate several different variants during its career of his career. That early version would only ever be seen with BGM TOW ATGM's and Rockets, however if needed more armament options would be able to be fitted. Later down the line, Agusta had generated a lot of interest for this type of helicopter, they developed a newer version of the A129 Mangusta in line with export market specifications and needs. This new version of the A129 would go under the designation A129 <nowiki>''</nowiki>International<nowiki>''</nowiki>. The International went through several variations, each version had different armaments and engines fitted, such as one having access to the T800 engine, and different types of thermal imaging sights, a 50cal turret, an enclosed 20mm cannon, or what is now staple of the A129 CBT, the 20mm M197 three-barrel Gatling-type rotary cannon. No country had decided to pick up the A129 International, however in 1986, the governments of Italy, Netherlands, Spain and the UK signed a memorandum of understanding to develop an improved version of the A129, called the Joint European Helicopter. The memorandum called for the installation of more powerful engines, a new rotor system, retractable landing gear, better sensors and more powerful weaponry. But the project collapsed in 1990, when Great Britain and the Netherlands decided to buy the American AH-64 Apache, while Spain opted for the joint made French-German Eurocopter Tiger. This however was not the end of the A129 International, although it was not bought, everything that had been learned from that version of the helicopter, would actually be re-utilized for an upgrade for the Italian army A129's. This lead to what we know as the A129 Mangusta <nowiki>''</nowiki>Combat<nowiki>''</nowiki> or <nowiki>''</nowiki>CBT<nowiki>''</nowiki> for short. The CBT was an updated version for the Italian army, incorporating the same advances of the international version A-129, where the avionics were modernized and the motorization was kept original, with Rolls Royce Gem 2-1004D that own a maximum unit power of 1120 HP. The Italian army CBT's would be used in many theaters of war, such as in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Italian army CBT's did not go out of service, instead, another upgrade program was made which gave birth to the A129 Mangusta <nowiki>''</nowiki>Delta<nowiki>''</nowiki>. The Delta was presented in 2011, The "D" variant improves the armament and optics of the Mangusta, the A129D uses Israeli made Spike fire and forget ATGM's. The A129 Delta will soon go out of service and be replaced with an entirely new helicopter, called the A249. | ||
=== [[wt:en/news/6989-development-italian-helicopters-en|Devblog]] === | === [[wt:en/news/6989-development-italian-helicopters-en|Devblog]] === | ||
Revision as of 14:03, 24 April 2021
5
Contents
Description
The A129CBT Mangusta is a rank VII Italian attack helicopter with a battle rating of 9.7 (AB/SB) and 11.0 (RB). It was introduced in Update "Hot Tracks".
General info
Flight performance
The A129 CBT with general payload options (Hellfires,Rockets,Anti-Air missiles), does not seem to make the helicopter any slower than its adversaries, in fact at times you'll easily be one of the fastest helicopters on the battlefield. The A129 CBT is able to do manoeuvres other helicopters can only dream about, even with full payload options. In ground RB matches however there should not be many times you'll have to move too much to avoid enemies. You are able to to get good positions thanks to your speed and at times, if done right, you will be able to dodge incoming missiles from ground anti air or enemy jet aircraft.
| Characteristics | Max Speed (km/h at 1,000 m) |
Max altitude (metres) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| AB | RB | ||
| Stock | 269 | 253 | 5400 |
| Upgraded | 319 | 295 | |
Survivability and armour
The A129 CBT is not very survivable, like many helicopters below and above its battle-rating, is prone to explode in many pieces after a hit from an anti-air missile. It does have some armor on the cockpit area, but in battles that wont really protect you from anything you'll face. The CBT uses Kevlar boron carbide, composite material which is limited only to instrument, floor and side panels around the cockpit. It does not provide the same level of protection as seen on other helicopters. If your enemy is not very accurate and manages to damage you, without hitting key components of your helicopter, you might luck out and be able to make it back to the base in enough time to repair. It is advised that you stay away from machine gun fire too, generally just stay away from everything that poses a threat, this is the only way to truly maximize your survivalbility.
Modifications and economy
| Flight performance | Survivability | Weaponry | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
Armaments
Offensive armament
The A129CBT is armed with:
- 1 x 20 mm M197 cannon, nose-mounted ball turret (750 rpg)
Suspended armament
The A129CBT can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
- Without load
- 28 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
- 14 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 4 x Mistral missiles
- 14 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 4 x AIM-92 Stinger missiles
- 38 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets
- 76 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets
- 38 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets + 6 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
- 38 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets + 4 x Mistral missiles
- 38 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets + 4 x AIM-92 Stinger missiles
- 38 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets + 4 x BGM-71C Improved TOW missiles
- 38 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets + 8 x BGM-71C Improved TOW missiles
- 38 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets + 4 x AGM-114B Hellfire missiles
- 38 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets + 8 x AGM-114B Hellfire missiles
- 38 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets + 2 x AGM-114B Hellfire missiles + 2 x Mistral missiles
- 38 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets + 2 x AGM-114B Hellfire missiles + 2 x AIM-92 Stinger missiles
- 38 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets + 4 x AGM-114B Hellfire missiles + 2 x Mistral missiles
- 38 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets + 4 x AGM-114B Hellfire missiles + 2 x AIM-92 Stinger missiles
- 38 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets + 2 x BGM-71C Improved TOW missiles + 2 x Mistral missiles
- 38 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets + 2 x BGM-71C Improved TOW missiles + 2 x AIM-92 Stinger missiles
- 38 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets + 4 x BGM-71C Improved TOW missiles + 2 x Mistral missiles
- 38 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets + 4 x BGM-71C Improved TOW missiles + 2 x AIM-92 Stinger missiles
- 2 x 12.7 mm FN M3P machine guns (500 rpg = 1,000 total)
- 2 x 12.7 mm FN M3P machine guns + 6 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
- 2 x 12.7 mm FN M3P machine guns + 4 x Mistral missiles
- 2 x 12.7 mm FN M3P machine guns + 4 x Mistral missiles + 6 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
- 2 x 12.7 mm FN M3P machine guns + 4 x AIM-92 Stinger missiles
- 2 x 12.7 mm FN M3P machine guns + 4 x AIM-92 Stinger missiles + 6 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
- 2 x 12.7 mm FN M3P machine guns + 4 x BGM-71C Improved TOW missiles
- 2 x 12.7 mm FN M3P machine guns + 4 x BGM-71C Improved TOW missiles + 6 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
- 2 x 12.7 mm FN M3P machine guns + 8 x BGM-71C Improved TOW missiles
- 2 x 12.7 mm FN M3P machine guns + 8 x BGM-71C Improved TOW missiles + 6 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
- 2 x 12.7 mm FN M3P machine guns + 4 x AGM-114B Hellfire missiles
- 2 x 12.7 mm FN M3P machine guns + 4 x AGM-114B Hellfire missiles + 6 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
- 2 x 12.7 mm FN M3P machine guns + 8 x AGM-114B Hellfire missiles
- 2 x 12.7 mm FN M3P machine guns + 8 x AGM-114B Hellfire missiles + 6 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
- 2 x 12.7 mm FN M3P machine guns + 2 x BGM-71C Improved TOW missiles + 2 x Mistral missiles
- 2 x 12.7 mm FN M3P machine guns + 2 x BGM-71C Improved TOW missiles + 2 x Mistral missiles + 6 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
- 2 x 12.7 mm FN M3P machine guns + 2 x BGM-71C Improved TOW missiles + 2 x AIM-92 Stinger missiles
- 2 x 12.7 mm FN M3P machine guns + 2 x BGM-71C Improved TOW missiles + 2 x AIM-92 Stinger missiles + 6 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
- 2 x 12.7 mm FN M3P machine guns + 4 x BGM-71C Improved TOW missiles + 2 x Mistral missiles
- 2 x 12.7 mm FN M3P machine guns + 4 x BGM-71C Improved TOW missiles + 2 x Mistral missiles + 6 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
- 2 x 12.7 mm FN M3P machine guns + 4 x BGM-71C Improved TOW missiles + 2 x AIM-92 Stinger missiles
- 2 x 12.7 mm FN M3P machine guns + 4 x BGM-71C Improved TOW missiles + 2 x AIM-92 Stinger missiles + 6 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
- 2 x 12.7 mm FN M3P machine guns + 2 x AGM-114B Hellfire missiles + 2 x Mistral missiles
- 2 x 12.7 mm FN M3P machine guns + 2 x AGM-114B Hellfire missiles + 2 x Mistral missiles + 6 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
- 2 x 12.7 mm FN M3P machine guns + 2 x AGM-114B Hellfire missiles + 2 x AIM-92 Stinger missiles
- 2 x 12.7 mm FN M3P machine guns + 2 x AGM-114B Hellfire missiles + 2 x AIM-92 Stinger missiles + 6 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
- 2 x 12.7 mm FN M3P machine guns + 4 x AGM-114B Hellfire missiles + 2 x Mistral missiles
- 2 x 12.7 mm FN M3P machine guns + 4 x AGM-114B Hellfire missiles + 2 x Mistral missiles + 6 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
- 2 x 12.7 mm FN M3P machine guns + 4 x AGM-114B Hellfire missiles + 2 x AIM-92 Stinger missiles
- 2 x 12.7 mm FN M3P machine guns + 4 x AGM-114B Hellfire missiles + 2 x AIM-92 Stinger missiles + 6 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
Usage in battles
For Ground RB and SB
The A129 CBT is a great helicopter for its battle-rating, sitting at 9.7, not only are there great lineup options to pair the helicopter up with, but you sit at a battle-rating which allows you to be effective both in downtiers and uptiers. For RB, It is recommended you bring in a light vehicle able to scout, with access to the ''Air strike'' modification. This will mean that once you have captured a point, and scouted a vehicle, you'll be able to get into a helicopter straight away if you happen to die. This is the best strategy as if you manage to pull it off inside a match that has only just started, you will likely surprise unsuspecting enemies who might think its still to early to worry about enemy aircraft. For ground RB the best possibile load-out would be a mix of Hellfire+Rocket pods. With this load-out you'll easily be able to pick off players from a distance. Considering that you pull of being able to spawn in during the early minutes of a match, the Hellfires will be a dangerous weapon for pretty much any enemy vehicle you'll be able to track. Do keep in mind who you are choosing to engage, you'll realise soon enough that killing a player with points backed up, will usually lead them to spawn in either as an Anti-Air ground vehicle or an aircraft. In that case you'll get overwhelmed with everything you need to watch out for, which will lead you to be less effective in the CAS department for you team. If you run out of Hellfires during your match, it is advised you return to base to get re-armed. If not, and you haven't had the chance to use your rocket pods yet, there can be situations where you'll be able to utilize it whilst still being useful to your teams victory. With rockets you'll need to stay low to avoid any incoming SPAA, usually sticking behind mountains or tree lines will suffice. Once you feel like you've gotten close enough to the battlefield, its time for you to come out and quickly find your targets, and engage. This might pose a challenge as the CBT lacks any form of ballistic computer at the moment. You'll need to quickly scan, engage and then dis-engage. If you feel as if you are still able to fight, you still have access to your main 20mm machine-gun, which is able to be effective against lightly armored vehicles. The main problem with trying to engage at close range when enemies are present, is that doing so will put the A129 CBT in huge amounts of danger. Enemy tanks will be able to quickly destroy the CBT with their main guns or anti-aircraft machine guns, it is advised that you only get into the actual battlefield near the end of the battle, once most threats you'll encounter will not be present, or at the very least can be dealt with safely. Survivalbility features of the A129 CBT are poor, however it does have access to ICRM, Flares and Chaff. For ground RB you should bring a mix of Flares and Chaff, sometimes if used at the right moment, you'll be able to evade any incoming anti air missiles. If you're playing Arcade assault, you won't have to worry about going back to base to reload you weapons as they will automatically replenish once every munition has been used up. Its recommended you bring either Hellfires+rockets or Rockets and Air to Air missiles or a full load-out of rockets.
For Helicopter Battles
When playing helicopter battles, your best shot at staying alive and being effective is if you bring a load-out of Anti-air missiles and rockets. The Anti-Air missiles should be used against more dangerous unsuspecting helicopters who dont have access to counter measures, they'll be easy kills, and considering you have up to 4 missiles you can use at once, that is a potential of 4 easy kills. With rockets you'll be able to take out any ground AI targets, usually they take 1 or 2 shots minimum to remove. Rockets are also quite effective close range as a last ditch effort to come out on top when fighting 1v1. Your main 20mm cannon is an absolute monster in this mode, although it doesn't shine in ground RB, here you'll be able to easily get kills with it, it does overheat however so shoot with moderation, and pick your targets whilst keeping in mind any other enemies nearby.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Good manoeuvrability.
- Deadly 20 mm autocannon.
- Can carry Matra Mistral air-to-air missiles.
- Good anti-tank capabilities
Cons:
- Very fragile.
- Armament is very poor compared to other helicopters.
- No ballistic computer
- AAMs fire downwards
- Often will face stronger enemies due to battle rating.
History
The story of the A129 Mangusta ''Combat'', (also known as A129 ESS, A129 CBT and A129 Mangusta) begins during the late stages of the cold war. The helicopter began to be developed at the request of the Italian army, which saw the need to equip its air units with a dedicated attack helicopter with anti-tank capability. The A129 was the first dedicated attack helicopter fully designed and built in Western Europe. Its project began in 1978 and its final project was ready only in 1982. The A129 made its first official maiden flight on the 15th of September of 1983, at the Agusta company Cascina-Costa facilities, the flight lasted about 30 minuets. Agusta pilots were extremely happy with the results, and went on record and said that the helicopter had great handling. They had previously only performed shake down flights twice, prior to the first official flight. It was given the name Mangusta by the Italian army and Agusta employees. This name was mainly chosen due to the fact that the A129 was a direct competitor of the Bell A-1 Cobra that at that time rivaled the Agusta project. (The mongoose is known for its ease in killing poisonous snakes.). One of the many characteristics that pushed the A129 Mangusta was also how versatile it was. It was able to carry many types of weapons, such as Hellfires, BGM-TOW, Mistral/Stinger air-to-air missiles, 81mm Medusa rockets, 70mm Hydra rockets, and much more. At the time, the first variants of the A129 had access to the latest avionics, and incorporated both day/night capabilities, while also being able to be used in bad weather and when there is low viability. The testing and evaluation program lasted until mid-1987, when a production contract would be signed for that model, that would generate several different variants during its career of his career. That early version would only ever be seen with BGM TOW ATGM's and Rockets, however if needed more armament options would be able to be fitted. Later down the line, Agusta had generated a lot of interest for this type of helicopter, they developed a newer version of the A129 Mangusta in line with export market specifications and needs. This new version of the A129 would go under the designation A129 ''International''. The International went through several variations, each version had different armaments and engines fitted, such as one having access to the T800 engine, and different types of thermal imaging sights, a 50cal turret, an enclosed 20mm cannon, or what is now staple of the A129 CBT, the 20mm M197 three-barrel Gatling-type rotary cannon. No country had decided to pick up the A129 International, however in 1986, the governments of Italy, Netherlands, Spain and the UK signed a memorandum of understanding to develop an improved version of the A129, called the Joint European Helicopter. The memorandum called for the installation of more powerful engines, a new rotor system, retractable landing gear, better sensors and more powerful weaponry. But the project collapsed in 1990, when Great Britain and the Netherlands decided to buy the American AH-64 Apache, while Spain opted for the joint made French-German Eurocopter Tiger. This however was not the end of the A129 International, although it was not bought, everything that had been learned from that version of the helicopter, would actually be re-utilized for an upgrade for the Italian army A129's. This lead to what we know as the A129 Mangusta ''Combat'' or ''CBT'' for short. The CBT was an updated version for the Italian army, incorporating the same advances of the international version A-129, where the avionics were modernized and the motorization was kept original, with Rolls Royce Gem 2-1004D that own a maximum unit power of 1120 HP. The Italian army CBT's would be used in many theaters of war, such as in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Italian army CBT's did not go out of service, instead, another upgrade program was made which gave birth to the A129 Mangusta ''Delta''. The Delta was presented in 2011, The "D" variant improves the armament and optics of the Mangusta, the A129D uses Israeli made Spike fire and forget ATGM's. The A129 Delta will soon go out of service and be replaced with an entirely new helicopter, called the A249.
Devblog
The modern A.129 attack helicopter is successfully used by the Italian armed forces, as well as by a number of foreign operators. The helicopter has excellent flight characteristics, outstanding speed and superb maneuverability. The CBT modification was created from combat experience in modern armed conflicts. The Mangusta is armed with a 20mm autocannon and carries a good arsenal of unguided and guided weapons, including Stinger air-to-air missiles and Hellfire II ATGMs.
Media
- A129CBT Devblog Images
See also
Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:
- reference to the series of the helicopter;
- links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.
External links
| Agusta | |
|---|---|
| Utility | AB 205 A-1* · A.109EOA-2 |
| Attack | A-129 International (p) · A129CBT · AH-129D · T129** |
| Export | HKP3C |
| See Also | Bell Aircraft Corporation · TAI |
| *Licensed · **Partnership with TAI | |
| Italy helicopters | |
|---|---|
| Utility | AB 205 A-1 · A.109EOA-2 |
| Attack | A-129 International (p) · A129CBT · AH-129D · T129 |
| Hungary | ◔Mi-24D · ◔Mi-24V · ◔Mi-24P |
