Difference between revisions of "BO 105 PAH-1A1"

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! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at sea level)
 
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
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While not the fastest helicopter at this BR, BO 105 PAH-1A1 is without a doubt the most agile one, being able to perform barrel rolls and other maneuvers without problems.  This excellent agility is retained even while going at full speed. 
 
  
Light weight of this helicopter also means that it won't bleed as much speed while doing so.
+
The BO 105 PAH-1A1 is without a doubt a very agile helicopter, being able to perform barrel rolls and other manoeuvres without problems. This excellent agility is still present even while flying at full speed. The light weight of this helicopter also means that it won't bleed as much speed while manoeuvring and allows for a plethora of defensive manoeuvres.
 
 
This agility allows for a plethora of defensive maneuvers.
 
  
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
{{Specs-Heli-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Heli-Armour}}
Being a repurposed utility helicopter, there are no armor plates nor armored glass to protect its two crewmembers.  
+
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 
+
Being a repurposed utility helicopter, there are no armour plates nor armoured glass to protect its two crew members. The pilot and the copilot sit side by side in front of the helicopter, exposed to enemy fire. While they have access to flak vests modification, those won't protect them from the majority of threats they will face. On the bright side, the BO 105 PAH-1A1 has a small size and is very agile, meaning it can utilize any cover very well and also dodge enemy fire with great success. The BO 105 PAH-1A1 is equipped with a radar warning receiver (RWR) from the get-go.
Pilot and Co-pilot sit side by side in front of the helicopter, exposed to enemy fire. While they have access to flak vests modification, those won't protect them from the majority of threats they will face.
 
 
 
On the bright side, BO 105 PAH-1A1 has small size and is very agile; meaning it can utilize any cover very well and also dodge enemy fire with great success.
 
 
 
BO 105 PAH-1A1 is equipped with RWR (radar warning reciever) from the get go.
 
 
 
RWR issues a warning to the pilot when it detects active radar pulsing towards the helicopter; this will be heard as beeps. It also warns pilots when their helicopter gets "radar locked" by continuous tone. It also displays the approximate position of active radar relative to the helicopter and highlights radar that achieved "radar lock".
 
  
There are also weapon loadouts that allow BO 105 PAH-1A1 to equip countermeasures launchers, increasing its survivability in contested airspaces.
+
The RWR issues a warning (beep) to the pilot when it detects active radar pulsing towards the helicopter. It also warns pilots when their helicopter gets "radar locked" by continuous tone. It also displays the approximate position of active radar relative to the helicopter and highlights radar that achieved "radar lock". There are also weapon loadouts that allow the BO 105 PAH-1A1 to equip countermeasures launchers, increasing its survivability in contested airspaces.
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}As BO 105 PAH-1A1 has access to ATGMs while in stock configuration, Weapon modules are not priority and pilots can choose to go for Flight performance upgrades first. On the other hand, both gun pods modification allows BO 105 PAH-1A1 to equip countermeasures launchers.
+
{{Specs-Economy}}
 +
As the BO 105 PAH-1A1 has access to ATGMs while in stock configuration, Weapon modules are not priority and pilots can choose to go for Flight performance upgrades first. On the other hand, both gunpods modification allows the BO 105 PAH-1A1 to equip countermeasures launchers.
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
Line 71: Line 62:
 
* 1 x 12.7 mm FN M3P machine gun (500 rpg) + 3 x HOT-2 TOW missiles + 30 x Flares + 3 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
 
* 1 x 12.7 mm FN M3P machine gun (500 rpg) + 3 x HOT-2 TOW missiles + 30 x Flares + 3 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
  
'''HOT-2 TOW''' - BO 105 PAH-1A1 stock ATGMs and without a doubt, its strongest weapons. They offer up to 900mm of penetration and range of 4km
+
* HOT-2 TOW: these ATGMs are without a doubt the BO 105 PAH-1A1's strongest weapons. They come equipped in stock configuration and offer up to 900 mm of penetration and range of 4 km
  
'''12.7 mm FN M3P machine gun''' - gun pod containing standard .50cal machine gun with 1000 round belt. While these are pilots' best weapon against enemy helicopters and planes, they are severely underpowered for such tasks as most enemies will have access to Air-to-air missiles. They are also next to useless against ground targets and can only reliably damage open top vehicles.  
+
* 12.7 mm FN M3P machine gun: a gun pod containing standard .50cal machine gun with 1,000-round belt. While these are a good weapon against enemy helicopters and planes up close, they are severely underpowered as most enemies will have access to air-to-air missiles. They are also next to useless against ground targets and can only reliably damage open-topped vehicles.  
  
'''FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets''' - Sporting 290mm of penetration, these can be used against roof armor of ground vehicles. However, BO 105 PAH-1A1 is a less than ideal platform for their use, as it lacks a ballistic computer to provide firing solution and carries only 6x of them at max. On top of that, their effective use requires close distance to targets - and as there is no armor on BO 105 PAH-1A1, they basically guarantee that the helicopter will get shot down.
+
* FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets: sporting 290 mm of penetration, these can be used against the roof armor of ground vehicles. However, the BO 105 PAH-1A1 is a less than ideal platform for their use, as it lacks a ballistic computer to provide firing solution and carries only 6 x of them at most. On top of that, their effective use requires a close distance to targets, and as there is no armor on BO 105 PAH-1A1, they basically guarantee that the helicopter will get shot down.
  
'''Countermeasures launcher''' - Provides 30x countermeasures per one launcher. This option allows for another layer of defense, but BO 105 PAH-1A1 cant take its maximum possible number of ATGMs while using them, severely limiting its fragging potential.
+
* Countermeasures launcher: it provides 30 x countermeasures per launcher. This option allows for another layer of defense, but the BO 105 PAH-1A1 can't take its maximum possible number of ATGMs while using them, severely limiting its offensive potential.
  
 
== 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).'' -->
 
'''Ground Realistic Battles'''
 
'''Ground Realistic Battles'''
  
 
'''Loadout'''
 
'''Loadout'''
  
BO 105 PAH-1A1 should be used only as an ATGM carrier. HOT-2 missiles are strong for its BR, but pilots should be aware that composite and reactive armor are becoming more common and they significantly reduce the amount of spalling from chemical munitions. 
+
The BO 105 PAH-1A1 should be used only as an ATGM carrier. HOT-2 missiles are strong for its BR, but pilots should be aware that composite and reactive armor are becoming more common and they significantly reduce the amount of spalling from chemical munitions. 
  
Pilots can either choose from pure ATGM loadout or ATGMs combined with gun pods and countermeasures launchers. First option has better fragging potential against ground targets, while second option increases helicopter survivability by adding another layer of defense against AA and gun pod to fend off aerial threats at cost of halved ATGM count. Sadly, a single gun pod with .50cal is not much of a threat to aerial targets, but it is certainly better than nothing.
+
Pilots can either choose from pure ATGM loadout or ATGMs combined with gunpods and countermeasures launchers. The first option has better offensive potential against ground targets, while the second option increases the helicopter's survivability by adding another layer of defense against AA and gunpod to fend off aerial threats at the cost of a halved ATGM count. Sadly, a single gun pod with .50cal is not much of a threat to aerial targets.
  
As most ground AA vehicles utilize radar guidance for both missiles and guns, and only two vehicles currently in game utilize IR missiles ([[PGZ04A]] and [[Type 93]]), pilots should pick the “Chaff only” option most of the time. Chaff breaks radar lock and confuses enemy tracking radar, increasing probability of miss.
+
As most ground AA vehicles utilize radar guidance for both missiles and guns, and only two vehicles currently in game utilize IR missiles ([[PGZ04A]] and [[Type 93]]), pilots should pick the “Chaff only” option most of the time. Chaff breaks radar lock and confuses enemy tracking radar, increasing the probability of a miss.
  
Under no circumstances should pilots pick pure gun pod loadout, as it practically makes them a dead weight.
+
Under no circumstances should pilots pick pure gunpod loadout, as it practically makes them a dead weight.
  
 
'''Tactics'''
 
'''Tactics'''
  
Pilots should approach the battlefield flying at low altitude, keeping a distance of 4 km (maximum range of ATGMs). Then they should bleed speed and start hovering. Finding any cover to hover behind and to break line of sight tremendously helps players survival - even trees can become extremely useful.
+
Pilots should approach the battlefield flying at low altitude, keeping a distance of 4 km (maximum range of ATGMs). Then they should bleed speed and start hovering. Finding any cover to hover behind and to break line of sight tremendously helps players survival, even trees can become extremely useful. Pilots should pop above the cover for a few seconds, launch a missile or two, then go back and change position. Rinse and repeat. 
 
 
Pilots should pop above the cover for a few seconds, launch a missile or two, then go back and change position. Rinse and repeat. 
 
  
 
Pilots should stay around an altitude of 25 m when not engaging enemy tanks. Helicopters at this altitude confuse tracking radar and search radar might not detect them at all. Radar needs an unobstructed line of sight to work properly, so flying low and utilizing ground obstacles helps with helicopters survival. RWR helps with detection of enemy radar AA, but pilots should note that lack of active radar does not necessarily mean that there's no AA active; some skilled players turn off search radars in order to drawn out enemy air assets out of cover. If there's enemy AA, it needs to be taken out first. 
 
Pilots should stay around an altitude of 25 m when not engaging enemy tanks. Helicopters at this altitude confuse tracking radar and search radar might not detect them at all. Radar needs an unobstructed line of sight to work properly, so flying low and utilizing ground obstacles helps with helicopters survival. RWR helps with detection of enemy radar AA, but pilots should note that lack of active radar does not necessarily mean that there's no AA active; some skilled players turn off search radars in order to drawn out enemy air assets out of cover. If there's enemy AA, it needs to be taken out first. 
  
Also, proximity fuze of SAMs is disabled below 25 m. If the pilots are higher and they detect incoming fire or SAM, they should try to duck below 25 m as fast as possible, deploy countermeasures if they have them equipped and they should consider disengaging for the time being. Direct hit can and will obliterate helicopters, but those are harder to pull off when dodging.
+
Also, the proximity fuze of SAMs is disabled below 25 m. If the pilots are higher and they detect incoming fire or SAM, they should try to duck below 25 m as fast as possible, deploy countermeasures if they have them equipped and they should consider disengaging for the time being. Direct hit can and will obliterate helicopters, but those are harder to pull off when dodging.
  
Staying in one place not only helps the enemy team to locate helicopters sooner, but some tanks with laser range finders might be able to shoot hovering helicopters down with tank guns at a range of several kilometres, since they present almost static targets.
+
Staying in one place not only helps the enemy team to locate helicopters sooner, but some tanks with laser rangefinders might be able to shoot hovering helicopters down with their cannon at a range of several kilometres, since they present almost static targets.
  
At BO 105 PAH-1A1s BR, the biggest threat comes in the form of SAMs, such as [[Roland|Roland missiles]]. Those greatly outrange BO 105 PAH-1A1, thus it is vital to keep situational awareness at all times. Due to their speed, there is just a small time window when pilots can successfully dodge.
+
At BO 105 PAH-1A1s BR, the biggest threat comes in the form of SAMs, such as [[Roland]] missiles. Those greatly outrange the BO 105 PAH-1A1, thus it is vital to keep situational awareness at all times. Due to their speed, there is just a small time window when pilots can successfully dodge.
  
Planes and other helicopters also pose a significant threat - if an aerial target is spotted, pilots should consider retreating, either to the closest airfield or in the vicinity of friendly AA. If an enemy helicopter is spotted, pilots may attempt to shoot it down with ATGM if it's close enough, but misses are to be expected.
+
Planes and other helicopters also pose a significant threat: if an aerial target is spotted, pilots should consider retreating, either to the closest airfield or in the vicinity of friendly AA. If an enemy helicopter is spotted, pilots may attempt to shoot it down with ATGM if it's close enough, but misses are to be expected.
  
Pilots should engage aerial targets with gun pods only in self defense and as last resort, since BO 105 PAH-1A1 is poorly equipped for such task.
+
Pilots should engage aerial targets with gunpods only in self defense and as last resort, since BO 105 PAH-1A1 is poorly equipped for such task.
  
'''Specific enemies worth mentioning:'''
+
'''Enemies worth noting:'''
  
[[T-64 (Family)|T-64]] and [[T-72 (Family)|T-72]] tanks - Later models are equipped with ERA, and thus can survive several hits from ATGMs in the frontal arc.
+
* [[T-64 (Family)|T-64]] and [[T-72 (Family)|T-72]] tanks - Later models are equipped with ERA, and thus can survive several hits from ATGMs in the frontal arc.
  
[[FlaRakPz 1|FlakRakPz1]] and [[Roland 1]] - Both can be equipped with Roland 3 SAMs that greatly outranges HOT-2 missiles, but they are radar guided and thus RWR can detect them.
+
* [[FlaRakPz 1]] and [[Roland 1]] - Both can be equipped with Roland 3 SAMs that greatly outrange HOT-2 missiles, but they are radar guided and thus RWR can detect them.
  
[[Type 93]] - Rarer vehicle, but dangerous nonetheless. Pilots need to detect its missiles visually as they are IR guided, making RWR useless. 
+
* [[Type 93]] - Rarer vehicle, but dangerous nonetheless. Pilots need to detect its missiles visually as they are IR guided, making RWR useless. 
  
[[Khrizantema-S]] - While not dedicated AA, it has access to powerful missiles with enough range to pose a threat.
+
* [[Khrizantema-S]] - While not dedicated AA, it has access to powerful missiles with enough range to pose a threat.
  
[[SA 342M Gazelle|Gazelle helicopters]] - They have access to all powerful [[Mistral]] air-to-air missiles. 
+
* [[SA 342M Gazelle|Gazelle helicopters]] - They have access to all powerful [[Mistral]] air-to-air missiles. 
  
[[Mi-24P]] and [[Mi-24V]] - Even more threatening than Gazelle helicopters, not only they are heavily armored and armed with deadly cannons, they also have access to [[R-60M]] air-to-air missiles
+
* [[Mi-24P]] and [[Mi-24V]] - Even more threatening than Gazelle helicopters, not only they are heavily armored and armed with deadly cannons, they also have access to [[R-60M]] air-to-air missiles
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 +
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
 
* Small size
 
* Small size
 
* Excellent agility
 
* Excellent agility
* Armed with powerful HOT-2 missiles
+
* Armed with powerful HOT-2 missiles in stock configuration
* Does not need to research said missiles
 
 
* Has access to RWR while stock
 
* Has access to RWR while stock
 
* Can research countermeasures launchers
 
* Can research countermeasures launchers
 
*
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
Line 140: Line 128:
 
* Equipping countermeasures launchers halves ATGM count
 
* Equipping countermeasures launchers halves ATGM count
 
* No organic gun arment; relies on gun pods
 
* No organic gun arment; relies on gun pods
* Defenseless agaisnt most aerial threats
+
* Defenseless against most aerial threats
 
* Lacks thermals
 
* Lacks thermals
* No armor
+
* No armour
 
 
*
 
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
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== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 +
;Skins
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=bo_105pah1_a1 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
;Images
 
;Images
Line 166: Line 155:
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
 
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
''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;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the helicopter;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
Line 173: Line 161:
 
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''encyclopedia page on helicopter;''
 
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
  

Revision as of 16:03, 4 July 2021

Rank VI | Premium | Golden Eagles
Chinese A-5C Pack
This page is about the German utility helicopter BO 105 PAH-1A1. For other uses, see BO 105 (Family).
BO 105 PAH-1A1
bo_105pah1_a1.png
GarageImage BO 105 PAH-1A1.jpg
BO 105 PAH-1A1
AB RB SB
9.7 9.3 9.7
Research:370 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:990 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The BO 105 PAH-1A1 is a rank VI German utility helicopter with a battle rating of 9.7 (AB/SB) and 9.3 (RB). It was introduced in Update 1.83 "Masters of the Sea".

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 0 m242 km/h
Max altitude5 180 m
Engine2 х Allison 250-C20R3
Power440 hp
Take-off weight3 t
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at sea level)
Max altitude
(metres)
AB RB
Stock ___ ___ 5180
Upgraded ___ ___

The BO 105 PAH-1A1 is without a doubt a very agile helicopter, being able to perform barrel rolls and other manoeuvres without problems. This excellent agility is still present even while flying at full speed. The light weight of this helicopter also means that it won't bleed as much speed while manoeuvring and allows for a plethora of defensive manoeuvres.

Survivability and armour

Crew2 people
Speed of destruction
Structural300 km/h
Gear320 km/h

Being a repurposed utility helicopter, there are no armour plates nor armoured glass to protect its two crew members. The pilot and the copilot sit side by side in front of the helicopter, exposed to enemy fire. While they have access to flak vests modification, those won't protect them from the majority of threats they will face. On the bright side, the BO 105 PAH-1A1 has a small size and is very agile, meaning it can utilize any cover very well and also dodge enemy fire with great success. The BO 105 PAH-1A1 is equipped with a radar warning receiver (RWR) from the get-go.

The RWR issues a warning (beep) to the pilot when it detects active radar pulsing towards the helicopter. It also warns pilots when their helicopter gets "radar locked" by continuous tone. It also displays the approximate position of active radar relative to the helicopter and highlights radar that achieved "radar lock". There are also weapon loadouts that allow the BO 105 PAH-1A1 to equip countermeasures launchers, increasing its survivability in contested airspaces.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB10 390 → 13 184 Sl icon.png
RB3 626 → 4 601 Sl icon.png
SB6 178 → 7 839 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications289 000 Rp icon.png
431 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 400 Ge icon.png
Crew training280 000 Sl icon.png
Experts990 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 200 Ge icon.png
Research Aces890 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
100 / 300 / 430 % Sl icon.png
214 / 214 / 214 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
19 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
28 000 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mods cd 98 main rotor.png
Replacing helicopter blades
Research:
22 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
33 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Research:
36 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
54 000 Sl icon.png
490 Ge icon.png
Mods heli flak jacket.png
Flak jacket
Research:
19 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
28 000 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mods heli structure.png
Helicopter frame
Research:
22 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
33 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
47 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
70 000 Sl icon.png
630 Ge icon.png
Mods gunpods.png
FN HMP400 LCC / LTC.
Research:
19 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
28 000 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods ammo.png
bmg50_belt_pack
Research:
22 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
33 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods rocket gun.png
FN RMP LC / LTC
Research:
36 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
54 000 Sl icon.png
490 Ge icon.png
Mods weapon.png
bmg50_new_gun
Research:
47 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
70 000 Sl icon.png
630 Ge icon.png

As the BO 105 PAH-1A1 has access to ATGMs while in stock configuration, Weapon modules are not priority and pilots can choose to go for Flight performance upgrades first. On the other hand, both gunpods modification allows the BO 105 PAH-1A1 to equip countermeasures launchers.

Armaments

Suspended armament

The BO 105 PAH-1A1 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • 6 x HOT-2 TOW missiles
  • 2 x 12.7 mm FN M3P machine guns (500 rpg = 1,000 total) + 60 x Flares
  • 2 x 12.7 mm FN M3P machine guns (500 rpg = 1,000 total) + 60 x Flares + 6 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
  • 1 x 12.7 mm FN M3P machine gun (500 rpg) + 3 x HOT-2 TOW missiles + 30 x Flares
  • 1 x 12.7 mm FN M3P machine gun (500 rpg) + 3 x HOT-2 TOW missiles + 30 x Flares + 3 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
  • HOT-2 TOW: these ATGMs are without a doubt the BO 105 PAH-1A1's strongest weapons. They come equipped in stock configuration and offer up to 900 mm of penetration and range of 4 km. 
  • 12.7 mm FN M3P machine gun: a gun pod containing standard .50cal machine gun with 1,000-round belt. While these are a good weapon against enemy helicopters and planes up close, they are severely underpowered as most enemies will have access to air-to-air missiles. They are also next to useless against ground targets and can only reliably damage open-topped vehicles.  
  • FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets: sporting 290 mm of penetration, these can be used against the roof armor of ground vehicles. However, the BO 105 PAH-1A1 is a less than ideal platform for their use, as it lacks a ballistic computer to provide firing solution and carries only 6 x of them at most. On top of that, their effective use requires a close distance to targets, and as there is no armor on BO 105 PAH-1A1, they basically guarantee that the helicopter will get shot down.
  • Countermeasures launcher: it provides 30 x countermeasures per launcher. This option allows for another layer of defense, but the BO 105 PAH-1A1 can't take its maximum possible number of ATGMs while using them, severely limiting its offensive potential.

Usage in battles

Ground Realistic Battles

Loadout

The BO 105 PAH-1A1 should be used only as an ATGM carrier. HOT-2 missiles are strong for its BR, but pilots should be aware that composite and reactive armor are becoming more common and they significantly reduce the amount of spalling from chemical munitions. 

Pilots can either choose from pure ATGM loadout or ATGMs combined with gunpods and countermeasures launchers. The first option has better offensive potential against ground targets, while the second option increases the helicopter's survivability by adding another layer of defense against AA and gunpod to fend off aerial threats at the cost of a halved ATGM count. Sadly, a single gun pod with .50cal is not much of a threat to aerial targets.

As most ground AA vehicles utilize radar guidance for both missiles and guns, and only two vehicles currently in game utilize IR missiles (PGZ04A and Type 93), pilots should pick the “Chaff only” option most of the time. Chaff breaks radar lock and confuses enemy tracking radar, increasing the probability of a miss.

Under no circumstances should pilots pick pure gunpod loadout, as it practically makes them a dead weight.

Tactics

Pilots should approach the battlefield flying at low altitude, keeping a distance of 4 km (maximum range of ATGMs). Then they should bleed speed and start hovering. Finding any cover to hover behind and to break line of sight tremendously helps players survival, even trees can become extremely useful. Pilots should pop above the cover for a few seconds, launch a missile or two, then go back and change position. Rinse and repeat. 

Pilots should stay around an altitude of 25 m when not engaging enemy tanks. Helicopters at this altitude confuse tracking radar and search radar might not detect them at all. Radar needs an unobstructed line of sight to work properly, so flying low and utilizing ground obstacles helps with helicopters survival. RWR helps with detection of enemy radar AA, but pilots should note that lack of active radar does not necessarily mean that there's no AA active; some skilled players turn off search radars in order to drawn out enemy air assets out of cover. If there's enemy AA, it needs to be taken out first. 

Also, the proximity fuze of SAMs is disabled below 25 m. If the pilots are higher and they detect incoming fire or SAM, they should try to duck below 25 m as fast as possible, deploy countermeasures if they have them equipped and they should consider disengaging for the time being. Direct hit can and will obliterate helicopters, but those are harder to pull off when dodging.

Staying in one place not only helps the enemy team to locate helicopters sooner, but some tanks with laser rangefinders might be able to shoot hovering helicopters down with their cannon at a range of several kilometres, since they present almost static targets.

At BO 105 PAH-1A1s BR, the biggest threat comes in the form of SAMs, such as Roland missiles. Those greatly outrange the BO 105 PAH-1A1, thus it is vital to keep situational awareness at all times. Due to their speed, there is just a small time window when pilots can successfully dodge.

Planes and other helicopters also pose a significant threat: if an aerial target is spotted, pilots should consider retreating, either to the closest airfield or in the vicinity of friendly AA. If an enemy helicopter is spotted, pilots may attempt to shoot it down with ATGM if it's close enough, but misses are to be expected.

Pilots should engage aerial targets with gunpods only in self defense and as last resort, since BO 105 PAH-1A1 is poorly equipped for such task.

Enemies worth noting:

  • T-64 and T-72 tanks - Later models are equipped with ERA, and thus can survive several hits from ATGMs in the frontal arc.
  • FlaRakPz 1 and Roland 1 - Both can be equipped with Roland 3 SAMs that greatly outrange HOT-2 missiles, but they are radar guided and thus RWR can detect them.
  • Type 93 - Rarer vehicle, but dangerous nonetheless. Pilots need to detect its missiles visually as they are IR guided, making RWR useless. 
  • Khrizantema-S - While not dedicated AA, it has access to powerful missiles with enough range to pose a threat.
  • Mi-24P and Mi-24V - Even more threatening than Gazelle helicopters, not only they are heavily armored and armed with deadly cannons, they also have access to R-60M air-to-air missiles

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Small size
  • Excellent agility
  • Armed with powerful HOT-2 missiles in stock configuration
  • Has access to RWR while stock
  • Can research countermeasures launchers

Cons:

  • Equipping countermeasures launchers halves ATGM count
  • No organic gun arment; relies on gun pods
  • Defenseless against most aerial threats
  • Lacks thermals
  • No armour

History

The development of the BO 105 light utility helicopter started in 1964 by the Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm company. The prototype made its first flight on 16 February 1967. The design was known for its very good manoeuvrability, even allowing use for aerobatic show purposes (with the Red Bull Flying Bulls for instance). It had a good load capacity, a decent speed, and nice, steady, and responsive controls, as well as good flight behaviour.

In 1975, the German Army, interested in the design, commissionned a BO 105 armed with wire controlled HOT ATGMs for anti-tank purposes, thus creating the BO 105 PAH-1. The newer HOT-2 ATGMs were installed in the PAH-1A1 variant. This helicopter however was considerated as a temporary solution, while waiting for a proper anti-tank platform (what would become the EC-665 Tiger UHT)

The BO-105 didn't have proper combat services: it is presumed to have been used by Indonesian forces, in the Papua conflict and the 1999 East Timorese crisis. The helicopter was almost exclusively used in civilian roles such as EMS.

Media

Skins
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


Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm (MBB)*
Utility  BO 105 CB-2 · BO 105 PAH-1 · BO 105 PAH-1A1
Export  HKP9A · HKP9A (FC)
  *This company is a conglomeration of several post-war aviation companies which focused on building helicopters.

Germany helicopters
Attack 
Hip  ◊Mi-8TB
Hind  ◊Mi-24P · ◄Mi-24P HFS 80
Tiger  EC-665 Tiger UHT
Utility 
BO 105  BO 105 CB-2 · BO 105 PAH-1 · BO 105 PAH-1A1
Alouette  ◄SA 313B Alouette II
Huey  ◄UH-1D