Usage in battles
Using the AH-1Z viper after the AH-1F requires learning time, the playstyle between this and the AH-1F has some unique differences such as ammunition, views and overall playstyle.
The AH-1Z is an attack helicopter, it does this role very well, in-fact it is one of the best attack helicopters in the game, with speed up to 411 Km/h (255 MPH). The AH-1Z offers a large array of ordnance selections, from Miniguns, Rockets, TOW, TOW-2 and Hellfire missiles. In addition, the AH-1Z Can carry a combination of missiles, rockets or mini-guns together.
To get one of the best configurations, is specialise in what you want to do air protection or ground attack either way this attack helicopter can do it.
To utilise the AH-1Z viper, make sure to adjust the tactics to the map, for example maps, with rocks and hilly terrain, stay low and use it as cover whilst you get to into a position which will allow you to dominate the battlefield. For maps which are open and flat, climb to a high altitude and assess the situation, just make sure to scan the map and not get fixed on a location.
The AH-1Z has three main playstyles, the playstyles of this attack helicopter are focused around dominating in the following roles: Air Protection/Support, Medium & Close Range and Long Range.
However, the AH-1F does have one drawback, due to the increase in size changes to the center of gravity in high pitch and tight turns, it possible to lose control. It is advisable to always counteract by keeping the noise of the helicopter level or to lessen the turn radius. If required to do one, such as evading surface to air missiles, make sure that there is enough room to recover the helicopter in – ideally at least 1000 feet and make sure to increase the pitch of the blades to a 100% adjust for yawing.
Close/medium Range
The AH-1Z offers a combination of wing mounted ordnance and ordnance packages which are available from TOW, TOW-2, Rocket pods, Machine guns.
The AH-1Z has the BGM-71 TOW and BGM-71 TOW-2 ATGM missile systems which perform very well. The BGM-71 TOW-2. The BGM-71 TOW-2 is faster than the BGM-71 TOW And in addition it contains a higher explosive amount. Nevertheless, both versions of the TOW missile system are able to be very decisive in combat, it is ideal to use the BGM-71 TOW-2 system over the BGM-71 TOW since it is a better system, due to its higher explosive and speed.
It can carry up to 16 TOW or TOW-2 missiles, that is enough lethality to terminate up to 16 emery units. The TOW missiles work in the same way as on the other series of cobra attack helicopters, they are able to hit, fast and hard. Combined with the speed of the AH-1Z, these make a lethal combination. The AH-1Z can find a great tactical location, engage the targets and knock them out of the fight without them even knowing.
An AH-1Z also can carry additional ordnances which are wing mounted only, these are rocket pods & machine guns or a combination of Hellfire’s, TOW’s, Rockets & machine guns. The rockets are standard FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets which are equipped on the version of the cobra’s and hugey helicopters. A good choice of combined ordnance are Mighty mouse and TOWs or just mighty mouse. That way you can increase the engagement range when you are flying in combat after consuming all the tow missiles or getting at close range and blasting the enemy with mighty mouse rockets which will cause a lot of damage and could destroy up to 76 enemy units
Long Range - Hellfire missiles
To utilise the long-range performance of the AH-1Z, hover outside of the combat zone. It is important that you check and make sure that there are no threats in the vicinity which could shoot you down. Once the combat zone has been declared safe from vehicles which could destroy you. Increase altitude, until you have a good visual on the objectives. Hover the helicopter, change the view to the gun camera and locate a target ground vehicle and fire! The hellfire missiles offer up to 1100mm of penetration with a speed of 475 meters per second.
Firing the hellfire missiles, you will notice that you cannot see them compared to the previous TOW missiles. This is normal, you need to keep the laser designator on the target. On the Hud, left-hand side, you will see a countdown, it takes 10 seconds for the missile to hit the target. When the hellfire gets close to the target you will see the rocket, this where you can adjust the missile trajectory.
It is very important that after a few hellfire missile launches that, you disengage the hover and locate to another part of the battle zone. Performing this action will substantially reduce the chances of being shot down by emery vehicles.
One of the drawbacks of the Hellfire missiles is, at close range they cannot engage a target, due to how the hellfires are launched from the wing racks. The hellfire missile, drops from the wing rack, engages the rocket motor and immediately ascend in height, making it impossible to track from launch.
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The hellfire missiles require time to adapt, however once learnt they become one of the most potent missiles in the game.
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Air Protection/support
Best role armament selection: Sidewinder missiles and machine guns
An AH-1Z Viper, offers a unique capabilities compared to any other helicopter on the battlefield! It can be equipped with sidewinder air to air missiles. The sidewinder missiles provide great capacity to shoot down up to two enemy aircraft. They can shoot down other rotary-wing aircraft (helicopters) or fixed-wing aircraft (airplanes). The missiles can also be equipped with the additional payloads, such as hellfire, tow missile, machine gun and rocket pod configurations, providing a versatile offensive and defensive solution.
The AH-1Z can outmanoeuvre and can outperform, many of the rivals in air to air combat. The AH-1Z has a triple rotary m197 cannon with 750 rounds. Combined with a twin 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine gun, which also has 1500 Rounds per gun. That’s 3000 rounds plus the 750 rounds that’s 3750 Rounds of ammunition! Then the wing mounted AIM-9L sidewinder missiles which are installed on both wings.
To attack other helicopters with the sidewinders, come in the from the side or rear – get a lock on and fire one of the sidewinder missiles! Bang the enemy aircraft explodes.
To attack using the cannon and mini-guns, line up with the foe, come in fast and slow down – align your angle of attack with the side of the enemy, this will be the best chance of success since the enemy unit has exposed the largest elements of the airframe to your firepower. Aim for the critical components such as cockpit, engine, fuel tanks and rear rotator elements.
