Difference between revisions of "AH-1S Kisarazu"

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{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=ah_1s
 +
|store=6882
 +
}}
 
{{About
 
{{About
 
| about = gift Japanese attack helicopter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| about = gift Japanese attack helicopter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| usage = other variants
 
| usage = other variants
 
| link = AH-1 (Family)
 
| link = AH-1 (Family)
−
}}
 
−
{{Specs-Card
 
−
|code=ah_1s
 
−
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the helicopter, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the helicopter in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the helicopter, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the helicopter in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' comes with a unique skin of the Kisarazu Sisters, which started from the original character draft created by a personnel of the 4th Anti-Tank Helicopter Unit of the Ground Self-Defense Forces Kisarazu Camp, located in Kisarazu, Chiba Prefecture in Japan. These special illustrations were brought to life by a professional illustrator Takashi Fujisawa, in order to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the 4th Anti-Tank Helicopter Unit.
+
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
−
 
+
{{Break}}
−
It was introduced as a [[wt:en/news/6223-shop-the-japanese-cobra-available-for-purchase-en|premium pack]] in [[Update 1.89 "Imperial Navy"]]. It was removed from the store after the [[wt:en/news/6924-shop-war-thunder-birthday-sale-in-gaijin-net-store-en|8th Anniversary Sale]], and reintroduced in [[Update "Hot Tracks"]] as a premium purchasable in-game for Golden Eagles {{ge}}. In addition, the '''{{Specs|name}}''' is the first vehicle in the game to feature a female flight crew. Both females have a unique model and are part of the 4th ATH and one of which is cosplaying as one of the sisters, Kisarazu Wakana (木更津 若菜).
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} Japanese attack helicopter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.89 "Imperial Navy"]]. In addition, the '''{{Specs|name}}''' is the first vehicle in the game to feature a female flight crew.
−
 
 
−
The Cobra can use thermals with decent zoom, and 8 ATGM missiles, but it has a limited range that makes it vulnerable to its enemies. It is more like a flying ATGM carrier than an independent helicopter that can snipe from afar. The TOW missiles are powerful, but they can only reach 3.75 km, which is shorter than the range of the AA systems that the Cobra will encounter. The best way to play the AH-1 is to support the ground team and jet aircraft, and let them handle the SPAA/SAM, planes, and other helicopters.
 
−
* If the team fails to claim aerial supremacy, the helicopter crew should fly low and hide behind buildings or terrain, fire a missile at a target and then move away, and repeat this tactic.
 
−
* If the skies are clear, the helicopter crew can fly higher and see more of the battlefield, fire missiles at ground targets, and provide information to the team before returning to the helipad for more missiles.
 
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Flight performance ===
 
=== Flight performance ===
−
{{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.'' -->
−
The AH-1S Kisarazu has a single turboshaft T53-L-703 power plant, providing up to 1351 BHP & 220 kgf with a mass of 350 kg. This turboshaft engine is able to push the AH-1S Kisarazu to speeds in excess of 277 km/h whilst carrying wing-mounted armaments (maximum tested speed is up to 295 km/h in RB).
+
The AH-1S has a single turboshaft T53-L-703 power plant, providing up to 1351 BHP & 220 kgf with a mass of 350 kg. This turboshaft engine is able to push the AH-1S to speeds in excess of 277 km/h whilst carrying wing-mounted armaments (maximum tested speed is up to 295 km/h in RB).
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
Line 34: Line 29:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Stock
 
! Stock
−
| 255 || 243 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}}
+
| 255 || 243 || rowspan="2" | 3,475 <!-- {{Specs|ceiling}} -->
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Upgraded
 
! Upgraded
Line 42: Line 37:
  
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and 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.'' -->
  
−
The AH-1S Kisarazu is an armoured attack helicopter offering protection to the crew and engine:
+
The AH-1S is an armoured attack helicopter offering protection to the crew and engine:
  
 
* Composite boron carbide seat enclosures, for both of the crew, with a thickness of 20 mm.
 
* Composite boron carbide seat enclosures, for both of the crew, with a thickness of 20 mm.
Line 51: Line 45:
 
* Steel plate covers, offering 12 mm of thickness over the turboshaft engine.
 
* Steel plate covers, offering 12 mm of thickness over the turboshaft engine.
  
−
The AH-1S Kisarazu compensates with its small and nimble size compared to the [[Mi-24_(Family)|Mi-24 Hinds]] which are incredibly well armoured but are huge and slow in comparison. However, the AH-1S Kisarazu does not protect all of its critical components, such as the fuel tanks, transmission, propeller shaft, and control surfaces, with armour plating, nor does it have armoured glass installed around the cockpit.
+
The AH-1S compensates with its small and nimble size compared to the [[Mi-24_(Family)|Mi-24 Hinds]] which are incredibly well armoured but are huge and slow in comparison. However, the AH-1S does not protect all of its critical components, such as the fuel tanks, transmission, propeller shaft, and control surfaces, with armour plating, nor does it have armoured glass installed around the cockpit.
−
 
 
−
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
−
{{Specs-Economy}}
 
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
−
[[File:AH1S_Arm.jpg|320px|thumb|right|The {{PAGENAME}} in-flight, being redirected to a combat zone]]
 
−
{{Specs-Heli-Armaments}}
 
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="3" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
 
−
|-
 
−
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs)
 
−
|-
 
−
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}}
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
−
{{Specs-Heli-Offensive}}
 
 
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the helicopter, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in battle, also what ammunition belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the helicopter, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in battle, also what ammunition belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
 
{{main|M197 (20 mm)}}
 
{{main|M197 (20 mm)}}
Line 75: Line 54:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
−
* 1 x 20 mm M197 cannon, chin turret (750 rpg)
+
* 1 x 20 mm M197 cannon (750 rpg)
−
* 30 x countermeasures
 
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
−
{{Specs-Heli-Suspended}}
 
 
<!-- ''Describe the helicopter's suspended armament: additional cannons under the winglets, any bombs, and rockets. Since any helicopter is essentially only a platform for suspended weaponry, this section is significant and deserves your special attention. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the helicopter's suspended armament: additional cannons under the winglets, any bombs, and rockets. Since any helicopter is essentially only a platform for suspended weaponry, this section is significant and deserves your special attention. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 +
[[File:AH1S_Arm.jpg|320px|thumb|right|The '''{{PAGENAME}}''' in-flight, being redirected to a combat zone]]
 +
{{main|BGM-71 TOW-2|FFAR Mighty Mouse|M134 Minigun (7.62 mm)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
|-
 
−
! !! width="11%" | 1 !! width="11%" | 2 !! width="11%" | 3 !! width="11%" | 4
 
−
| rowspan="4" width="20%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_AH-1G_(Israel).png]]</div>
 
−
|-
 
−
! [[M134 Minigun (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm M134 Minigun]] machine guns (1,500 rpg)
 
−
| || 1 || 1 ||
 
−
|-
 
−
! [[FFAR Mighty Mouse]] rockets
 
−
| 7, 19 || 7, 19 || 7, 19 || 7, 19
 
−
|-
 
−
! [[BGM-71D TOW-2]] missiles
 
−
| 2, 4 || || || 2, 4
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
 
−
{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
 
−
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 
 
* Without load
 
* Without load
 +
* 28 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
 
* 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
 
* 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
−
* 28 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
 
−
* 4 x BGM-71D TOW-2 missiles
 
−
* 8 x BGM-71D TOW-2 missiles
 
 
* 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine guns (1,500 rpg = 3,000 total)
 
* 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine guns (1,500 rpg = 3,000 total)
−
{{Navigation-End}}
+
* 14 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine guns (1,500 rpg = 3,000 total)
 +
* 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine guns (1,500 rpg = 3,000 total)
 +
* 4 x BGM-71 TOW-2 missiles
 +
* 8 x BGM-71 TOW-2 missiles
 +
* 4 x BGM-71 TOW-2 missiles + 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
 +
* 8 x BGM-71 TOW-2 missiles + 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
 +
* 4 x BGM-71 TOW-2 missiles + 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine guns (1,500 rpg = 3,000 total)
 +
* 8 x BGM-71 TOW-2 missiles + 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine guns (1,500 rpg = 3,000 total)
  
 
== 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).'' -->
−
When playing the AH-1S Kisarazu, select the helipad which is in the ideal tactical location for your playstyle. Climb to around 1,500 meters, find a target, then descend on to them. For optimal effectiveness, it is important that you engage them from the rear or the side. As pilots primarily scan in front of themselves for targets, attacking from behind will give you the advantage of not being seen. When shadowing the target, approach as fast as possible to close the gap to within TOW range. After slowing, engage the sight stabilizer and fire the TOW missile and guide it to the target.
+
When playing the AH-1S, select the helipad which is in the ideal tactical location for your playstyle. Climb to around 1,500 meters, find a target, then descend on to them. For optimal effectiveness, it is important that you engage them from the rear or the side. As pilots primarily scan in front of themselves for targets, attacking from behind will give you the advantage of not being seen. When shadowing the target, approach as fast as possible to close the gap to within TOW range. After slowing, engage the sight stabilizer and fire the TOW missile and guide it to the target.
  
 
If the target tries to evade, keep the missile on the target and adjust to counter any manoeuvres your adversary may attempt.
 
If the target tries to evade, keep the missile on the target and adjust to counter any manoeuvres your adversary may attempt.
Line 118: Line 84:
 
Perhaps most importantly, if out of TOW range, the missile will self-detonate and could give your position away, if your adversary is attentive and sees the explosion.
 
Perhaps most importantly, if out of TOW range, the missile will self-detonate and could give your position away, if your adversary is attentive and sees the explosion.
  
−
{{Notice|Remember you only have around one and a half miles before the missiles will detonate by themselves.|!}}
+
{{Notice|Remember you only have around one and a half miles before the missiles will detonate by themselves, you can only select to carry either 4 or 8 BGM-71 TOW missiles.|!}}
  
 
After gaining experience while playing with the BGM-71 missiles, you will be able to determine when you are within range based on that experience. This also applies to any other type of missile in the game too.
 
After gaining experience while playing with the BGM-71 missiles, you will be able to determine when you are within range based on that experience. This also applies to any other type of missile in the game too.
  
−
When engaging in close quarters combat with other helicopters, the biggest threats are air to air missiles- The AH-1S Kisarazu does not offer any protection against them with countermeasures such as flares or IRCM. This means you need to stay alert, active & on the lookout for fast moving dots. If you see a small fast dot heading towards you, make very sharp abrupt turns, change height at the same time while turning and rolling.
+
When engaging in close quarters combat with other helicopters, the biggest threats are air to air missiles- The AH-1S does not offer any protection against them with countermeasures such as flares or IRCM. This means you need to stay alert, active & on the lookout for fast moving dots. If you see a small fast dot heading towards you, make very sharp abrupt turns, change height at the same time while turning and rolling.
 
{{Notice|These are the biggest threats to you in battle since they can carry air-to-air missiles|!!}}
 
{{Notice|These are the biggest threats to you in battle since they can carry air-to-air missiles|!!}}
  
Line 136: Line 102:
  
 
====Ground forces====
 
====Ground forces====
−
[[File:AH1fS_Gunner_view.jpg|620px|thumb|right]]
+
[[File:AH1fS_Gunner_view.jpg|620px|thumb|right]] <!--class=dynamic_image]] - not sure what this was supposed to do for the image, was the image supposed to span the viewable page?-->
  
−
When playing the AH-1S Kisarazu in ground forces, it is recommended to load up the 8 x BGM-71 TOW-2 missiles + 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse missiles. The BG-71 will give you the penetration at range in order to terminate tankers and with safety from the anti-aircraft missile equipped anti-air vehicles. It is a wise tactic that anti-aircraft missile equipped anti-air vehicles to be terminated first. Then once terminated, move into the battlefield and dominate the tanks with the 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse missiles, which can cause a lot of damage and could potentially terminate up to 38 tanks with well-placed shots.
+
Playing the AH-1S in ground forces, it is recommended to load up the 8 x BGM-71 TOW-2 missiles + 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse missiles. The BG-71 will give you the penetration at range in order to terminate tankers and with safety from the anti-aircraft missile equipped anti-air vehicles. It is a wise tactic that anti-aircraft missile equipped anti-air vehicles to be terminated first. Then once terminated, move into the battlefield and dominate the tanks with the 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse missiles, which can cause a lot of damage and could potentially terminate up to 38 tanks with well-placed shots.
  
 
The ideal tactic is to utilize the helicopter and the terrain. Such as maps which have forests and lots of tree lines, stay low over the trees and select your targets based on the threat to yourself first, then the impact to the team.
 
The ideal tactic is to utilize the helicopter and the terrain. Such as maps which have forests and lots of tree lines, stay low over the trees and select your targets based on the threat to yourself first, then the impact to the team.
Line 147: Line 113:
  
 
{{Notice|Keep a close watch out for aircraft and other attack helicopters!|!!!}}
 
{{Notice|Keep a close watch out for aircraft and other attack helicopters!|!!!}}
 +
 +
=== Modules ===
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
! Tier
 +
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
 +
! Survivability
 +
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
 +
|-
 +
| I
 +
| Compressor
 +
|
 +
| Flak jacket
 +
| Offensive 20 mm
 +
| Flares
 +
|-
 +
| II
 +
|
 +
|
 +
| Helicopter frame
 +
| New 20 mm cannons
 +
| M200A1
 +
|-
 +
| III
 +
| Engine
 +
| Replacing helicopter blades
 +
| NVD
 +
| Gun pod M18A1
 +
| TOW-2
 +
|-
 +
| IV
 +
|
 +
|
 +
| Cover
 +
| New 7 mm MGs
 +
| TOW-2 4
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="6" | This is a premium vehicle: all modifications are unlocked on purchase
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
Line 162: Line 167:
 
** Easy to recover from adverse roll (retreating blade stall) at high speeds
 
** Easy to recover from adverse roll (retreating blade stall) at high speeds
 
** Has SAS mode assistance support (Dampening mode only)
 
** Has SAS mode assistance support (Dampening mode only)
−
** Good pitch authority at high speeds
+
** Good pitch authority at high speeds <!-- contrary to real life claims, apparently the AH-1F is known to stiffen up badly at high speeds. Ironically the AH-1S in game has poor roll authority at high speeds instead -->
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
Line 171: Line 176:
 
* No air-to-air missiles
 
* No air-to-air missiles
 
* Poor missile range of 3.75km (TOW-2 missiles)
 
* Poor missile range of 3.75km (TOW-2 missiles)
−
* Somewhat heavy even without additional ordinances
+
* Somewhat heavy even without additional ordinances,
 
** Strong tendency to fall into a vortex ring state
 
** Strong tendency to fall into a vortex ring state
 
* Joystick specific handling characteristics:
 
* Joystick specific handling characteristics:
−
** Retains energy rather poorly in turns>
+
** Retains energy rather poorly in turns<!-- compared to the UH-1D, Mi-24 A/V, Ka-50 and Allouette II -->
 
** Rotor RPM tends to drop easily
 
** Rotor RPM tends to drop easily
 
** Moderately strong adverse roll (retreating blade stall) at high speeds with poor roll control
 
** Moderately strong adverse roll (retreating blade stall) at high speeds with poor roll control
 
** Has a light tendency to nose over but generally doesn't tend to fall into an inverted spin
 
** Has a light tendency to nose over but generally doesn't tend to fall into an inverted spin
 
** Moderately poor adverse yaw/roll/pitch stability characteristics
 
** Moderately poor adverse yaw/roll/pitch stability characteristics
−
** Center of gravity sits behind the stub wings' center of lift
+
** Center of gravity sits behind the stub wings' center of lift<!-- flight model error? It's significant enough that I can feel it! Generally speaking this is a significant issue in aircraft design -->
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
Line 188: Line 193:
 
== 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=ah_1s Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 
  
 
;Images
 
;Images
−
<gallery mode="packed" heights=200>
+
<div><ul>
−
File:AH-1S WTWallpaper 001.jpg
+
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:AH-1S WTWallpaper 001.jpg|thumb|none|400px|]] </li>
−
File:AH-1S WTWallpaper 003.jpg
+
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:AH-1S WTWallpaper 003.jpg|thumb|none|400px|]] </li>
−
File:AH-1S WTWallpaper 002.png
+
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:AH-1S WTWallpaper 002.png|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
−
</gallery>
+
</ul></div>
  
 
;Videos
 
;Videos
−
{{Youtube-gallery|zYbcq-KOpFE|'''AH-1 Cobra Ultimate Review''' - ''Bob Dickinson''|1zlt_uBS6KE|'''The Shooting Range #157''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:39 discusses the AH-1S Kisarazu.|OTnBvnPloN0|'''Premium Vehicles - AH-1S Kisarazu''' - ''War Thunder Wiki''}}
+
{{Youtube-gallery|1zlt_uBS6KE|'''The Shooting Range #157''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:39 discusses the AH-1S Kisarazu.|OTnBvnPloN0|'''Premium Vehicles - AH-1S Kisarazu''' - ''War Thunder Wiki''}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 208: Line 210:
  
 
;Related development
 
;Related development
 +
 
* Bell [[AH-1 (Family)|AH-1]] SuperCobra
 
* Bell [[AH-1 (Family)|AH-1]] SuperCobra
 +
* Bell [[AH-1Z]] Viper
 +
* Bell [[UH-1 (Family)|UH-1]] Iroquois
  
 
;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
 
;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
 +
 
* Agusta [[A-129_International|A129]] Mangusta
 
* Agusta [[A-129_International|A129]] Mangusta
  
Line 216: Line 222:
 
<!-- ''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 the helicopter;''
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
  

Revision as of 08:06, 7 November 2020

AH-1S Kisarazu
ah_1s.png
AH-1S Kisarazu
Japan flag.png Japan
VI Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
9.7 9.7 9.7
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:7 130 Specs-Card-Eagle.png
Show in game
STORE
This page is about the gift Japanese attack helicopter AH-1S Kisarazu. For other variants, see AH-1 (Family).

Description

GarageImage AH-1S Kisarazu.jpg


The AH-1S Kisarazu is a premium gift rank VI Japanese attack helicopter with a battle rating of 9.7 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.89 "Imperial Navy". In addition, the AH-1S Kisarazu is the first vehicle in the game to feature a female flight crew.

General info

Flight performance

The AH-1S has a single turboshaft T53-L-703 power plant, providing up to 1351 BHP & 220 kgf with a mass of 350 kg. This turboshaft engine is able to push the AH-1S to speeds in excess of 277 km/h whilst carrying wing-mounted armaments (maximum tested speed is up to 295 km/h in RB).

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 1,000 m) 		Max altitude
(metres)
AB RB
Stock 255 243 3,475
Upgraded 295 277

Survivability and armour

The AH-1S is an armoured attack helicopter offering protection to the crew and engine:

  • Composite boron carbide seat enclosures, for both of the crew, with a thickness of 20 mm.
  • A steel seat, which offers a thickness of 12 mm for the pilot only.
  • Steel plate covers, offering 12 mm of thickness over the turboshaft engine.

The AH-1S compensates with its small and nimble size compared to the Mi-24 Hinds which are incredibly well armoured but are huge and slow in comparison. However, the AH-1S does not protect all of its critical components, such as the fuel tanks, transmission, propeller shaft, and control surfaces, with armour plating, nor does it have armoured glass installed around the cockpit.

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main article: M197 (20 mm)

The AH-1S Kisarazu is armed with:

  • 1 x 20 mm M197 cannon (750 rpg)

Suspended armament

The AH-1S Kisarazu in-flight, being redirected to a combat zone
Main articles: BGM-71 TOW-2, FFAR Mighty Mouse, M134 Minigun (7.62 mm)

The AH-1S Kisarazu can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • Without load
  • 28 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
  • 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
  • 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine guns (1,500 rpg = 3,000 total)
  • 14 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine guns (1,500 rpg = 3,000 total)
  • 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine guns (1,500 rpg = 3,000 total)
  • 4 x BGM-71 TOW-2 missiles
  • 8 x BGM-71 TOW-2 missiles
  • 4 x BGM-71 TOW-2 missiles + 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
  • 8 x BGM-71 TOW-2 missiles + 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
  • 4 x BGM-71 TOW-2 missiles + 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine guns (1,500 rpg = 3,000 total)
  • 8 x BGM-71 TOW-2 missiles + 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine guns (1,500 rpg = 3,000 total)

Usage in battles

When playing the AH-1S, select the helipad which is in the ideal tactical location for your playstyle. Climb to around 1,500 meters, find a target, then descend on to them. For optimal effectiveness, it is important that you engage them from the rear or the side. As pilots primarily scan in front of themselves for targets, attacking from behind will give you the advantage of not being seen. When shadowing the target, approach as fast as possible to close the gap to within TOW range. After slowing, engage the sight stabilizer and fire the TOW missile and guide it to the target.

If the target tries to evade, keep the missile on the target and adjust to counter any manoeuvres your adversary may attempt.

Perhaps most importantly, if out of TOW range, the missile will self-detonate and could give your position away, if your adversary is attentive and sees the explosion.

Msg-important.png Remember you only have around one and a half miles before the missiles will detonate by themselves, you can only select to carry either 4 or 8 BGM-71 TOW missiles.

After gaining experience while playing with the BGM-71 missiles, you will be able to determine when you are within range based on that experience. This also applies to any other type of missile in the game too.

When engaging in close quarters combat with other helicopters, the biggest threats are air to air missiles- The AH-1S does not offer any protection against them with countermeasures such as flares or IRCM. This means you need to stay alert, active & on the lookout for fast moving dots. If you see a small fast dot heading towards you, make very sharp abrupt turns, change height at the same time while turning and rolling.

Msg-warning.png These are the biggest threats to you in battle since they can carry air-to-air missiles
Msg-important.png You may even be able to shoot down missiles with the installed 20 mm triple rotary M197 cannon.

When engaging other helicopters, the triple barrel rotary cannon makes short work of any adversary. Make sure to load it with the air target belt, aim for critical elements of the rival helicopters such as cockpit, engine and fuel tanks. If you have equipped your helicopter with the additional twin M134 miniguns, bring your target in front of you and open fire. They will obliterate the target and send a flaming wreck to the ground. The fast fire rate will chew through ammo at a rapid rate, but when fully loaded have 3,000 rounds in total. That's 1,500 rounds per mini gun, in addition to the 750 cannon rounds for the M197, potentially up to 3,750 rounds total!

Ground forces

AH1fS Gunner view.jpg

Playing the AH-1S in ground forces, it is recommended to load up the 8 x BGM-71 TOW-2 missiles + 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse missiles. The BG-71 will give you the penetration at range in order to terminate tankers and with safety from the anti-aircraft missile equipped anti-air vehicles. It is a wise tactic that anti-aircraft missile equipped anti-air vehicles to be terminated first. Then once terminated, move into the battlefield and dominate the tanks with the 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse missiles, which can cause a lot of damage and could potentially terminate up to 38 tanks with well-placed shots.

The ideal tactic is to utilize the helicopter and the terrain. Such as maps which have forests and lots of tree lines, stay low over the trees and select your targets based on the threat to yourself first, then the impact to the team.

For example, if you have seen no enemy SPAA vehicles or other helicopters, climb in height, hover, then fire one or two missiles. Then quickly break off the hover and move to another part of the map, this way it allows you to stay undetected, remain stealthy and become a major threat to the enemy team.

Handling radar and surface-to-air missiles, when an enemy missile equipped SPAA is achieving a lock on, you will be notified with red arrows on the screen saying radar. To break the lock start rolling, gaining speed and the arrows will go away. If you are not successful, keep a close watch around the helicopter. At this, you will see white smoke coming from the ground, make very sharp abrupt turns. Change height at the same time while turning and rolling to avoid the missile.

Msg-info.png Keep a close watch out for aircraft and other attack helicopters!

Modules

Tier Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
I Compressor Flak jacket Offensive 20 mm Flares
II Helicopter frame New 20 mm cannons M200A1
III Engine Replacing helicopter blades NVD Gun pod M18A1 TOW-2
IV Cover New 7 mm MGs TOW-2 4
This is a premium vehicle: all modifications are unlocked on purchase

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Great manoeuvrability
  • Very agile, with secondary load outs installed
  • Good secondary weapon loadout
  • Increased research points + silver lion gain
  • IR Thermal vision for cannon/ATGM camera and image intensifier for the pilot/gunner
  • Fully spaded, all modules and armaments unlocked
  • Joystick specific handling characteristics:
    • Easy to recover from adverse roll (retreating blade stall) at high speeds
    • Has SAS mode assistance support (Dampening mode only)
    • Good pitch authority at high speeds

Cons:

  • Slow takeoff spool-up and acceleration
  • No missile protection
  • No IRCM
  • No air-to-air missiles
  • Poor missile range of 3.75km (TOW-2 missiles)
  • Somewhat heavy even without additional ordinances,
    • Strong tendency to fall into a vortex ring state
  • Joystick specific handling characteristics:
    • Retains energy rather poorly in turns
    • Rotor RPM tends to drop easily
    • Moderately strong adverse roll (retreating blade stall) at high speeds with poor roll control
    • Has a light tendency to nose over but generally doesn't tend to fall into an inverted spin
    • Moderately poor adverse yaw/roll/pitch stability characteristics
    • Center of gravity sits behind the stub wings' center of lift

History

The AH-1S Kisarazu is an AH-1S Step III of the JGSDF, manufactured under license by Fuji Heavy Industries. It is similar to the American AH-1F, except that it lacks systems as the infrared jammer, chaff/flare dispensers, and laser rangefinder found on it.

Media

Images
  • AH-1S WTWallpaper 001.jpg
  • AH-1S WTWallpaper 003.jpg
  • AH-1S WTWallpaper 002.png
Videos
The Shooting Range #157 - Metal Beasts section at 00:39 discusses the AH-1S Kisarazu.
Premium Vehicles - AH-1S Kisarazu - War Thunder Wiki

See also

Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
  • Agusta A129 Mangusta

External links


Fuji Heavy Industries, Ltd. (富士重工業株式会社)
Utility  UH-1B Hiyodori*
Attack  ▅AH-1E* · AH-1S* · AH-1S Kisarazu*
  AH-64DJP*
  *Licensed
  Fuji Heavy Industries traces its roots to the Nakajima Aircraft Company. At the end of World War II, Nakajima was broken up by the Allied Occupation government, and by 1957 part of the separated company was already known as Fuji Heavy Industries.

Fuji Heavy Industries was renamed to Subaru Corporation from 2017 onward.

See also  Nakajima Aircraft Company (1918-1945) · Bell Aircraft Corporation · Boeing Aircraft

Japan helicopters
Utility  ▅UH-1B
Attack  ▅AH-1E · AH-1S · AH-1S Kisarazu
  AH-64DJP

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