Difference between revisions of "AH-60 (Israel)"

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(Added description and usage section.)
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== 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}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Israeli attack helicopter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Alpha Strike"]].
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Israeli attack helicopter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Alpha Strike"]]. It marks a new helicopter chassis available to the Israeli tech tree in form of the iconic Sikorsky "Black Hawk". With this new platform, new options open up for anyone choosing to tread down this part of the tech tree. Access to up to 16 of the Spike F&F ATGM in conjunction with the AGM-114K Hellfire 2 in mixed loadouts is the main appeal of this helicopter. Additionally it features a higher rate-of-fire underslung GIAT M621 cannon than its 11.3 brethren. The AH-60 "Yanshuf" (Hebrew: Owl) marks a viable alternative to it's AH-64 competitors and a step-up in every regard to the MD-500 "Lahatut" (Hebrew: Sleight of Hand) preceding it in the tech tree.
 +
 
 +
Historically the IAF has a long history with the UH-60 "Black Hawk". Dating back to tests in the 1980s the Israeli Air Force has been very interested in an alternative to their Bell-212 "Anafa" (Hebrew: Heron). With about 50 in service as utility aircraft for logistics duties it has been a landmark in the IAF helicopter fleet. In recent years the demand for more options to meet surface threats has been ushered and thus the decision was made to buy armed versions of the platform. The model in-game represents the upgraded UH-60L co-manufactured by Elbit Systems for the Colombian army with the designation AH-60L Arpía IV.
 +
 
 +
Note: You will need to research both sides of the tech tree in order to be able to research this vehicle.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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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.''
+
In its fully spaded configuration the AH-60 features a marginally worse climb rate than the AH-64 Saraph of ~10m/s in a straight climb. It features a sustained top speed of ~250 m/s (0 m/s climb) in realistic settings. The sustained yaw is quite poor, but expected for a platform of this size. Pitch and roll rate are quite decent and make this helicopter feel decently mobile in conjunction with its decent climb and speed.  
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
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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.''
+
 
 +
The AH-60 does not feature any cockpit armour or armoured glass. The fuel tanks are quite large and placed in the rear of the vehicle. This tends to make them prone to getting hit and causing fuel fires in front and rear aspect shots. The vehicle itself features lots of empty space, which can be a blessing and a curse as its large signature makes it quite visible.  
 +
 
 +
Your main survivability stems from your highly advanced defence systems such as the fully digital RWR covering all radar bands. The AH-60 comes equipped with 120 regular calibre countermeasures.  Additionally it gets access to a (researchable) MAW - missile approach warning - and a laser warning receiver.  
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
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{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
 
{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
 
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 +
 
* Without load
 
* Without load
 
* 8 x ATAS (AIM-92) missiles
 
* 8 x ATAS (AIM-92) missiles
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== 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).''
+
The AH-60 puts an emphasis on ground attack. Whilst this holds true for most helicopters, its ways of defending against aircraft are fairly limited. Equipping a double pylon of ATAS will require trading it out for one of the quad pylons of air-to-ground weaponry. The 20mm GIAT M621 can be competent at defending against aircraft due to its higher rate of fire and velocity than the AH-64s M230.
 +
 
 +
Running a mixed loadout of Spike LR and AGM-114K Hellfire 2 is recommended, as depending on the vehicle, the Spikes make for a poor experience. They tend to not overpressure, but make for an excellent distraction to flood the radar of an SPAA with. Against tanks, they tend to hit critical modules, but usually fail to destroy the vehicle in a single launch. As such the Hellfire as a secondary armament can prove a lethal option on the "wounded" prey, which when it hits it also tends to destroy the target.
 +
 
 +
The AH-60 serves best, when emphasizing the usual helicopter playstyle of playing around defensive terrain, popping up to either scout or firing off ordnance. The decent climb rate of the platform is in support of that. This playstyle can be made more lethal by prioritising F&F weaponry to pop-up a few seconds later to get the kill with AGM-114 or staying hidden and waiting for hit confirmation. Spike LR can also be a strong anti-helicopter platform in its own right, as the quite slow, lofting missile tends to set off RWR at a much later, difficult to react, point in time.  
 +
 
 +
For first-spawn missile runs, the platform serves as an option, but not a competitor to the AH-64 variants found on the other side of the helicopter tree. While it is able to load the same amount of air-to-ground ordnance, its poor frontal protection as well as its smaller calibre cannon make it an inferior choice. Additionally, its mobility is not quite as good as the other platform.  
  
 
=== 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".'' -->
+
<!-- ''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:'''
''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".''
+
 
 +
* Up to 16x Spike ER ATGMs
 +
* Mixed loadouts between Spike and Hellfires
 +
* Excellent optics with modern third generation thermals
 +
* M621 bottom-mounted cannon, unusual for utility helicopter chassis
  
'''Pros:'''
 
 
*
 
*
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
 +
 +
* Both Spikes and Hellfires can be inconsistent at tracking/damaging targets
 +
* No wingtip mounts for ATAS
 +
* Massive silhouette
 +
* No armour protecting the crew
 +
 
*
 
*
  
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* ''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.'' -->
''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;''
+
* [[MH-60L DAP]] US helicopter tree analogue
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
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* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
''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;''
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''

Revision as of 02:01, 21 March 2024

AH-60
ah_60_iaf.png
GarageImage AH-60 (Israel).jpg
AH-60
AB RB SB
10.7 11.3 10.7
Research:400 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:1 020 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The AH-60 Battle Hawk is a rank VII Israeli attack helicopter with a battle rating of 10.7 (AB/SB) and 11.3 (RB). It was introduced in Update "Alpha Strike". It marks a new helicopter chassis available to the Israeli tech tree in form of the iconic Sikorsky "Black Hawk". With this new platform, new options open up for anyone choosing to tread down this part of the tech tree. Access to up to 16 of the Spike F&F ATGM in conjunction with the AGM-114K Hellfire 2 in mixed loadouts is the main appeal of this helicopter. Additionally it features a higher rate-of-fire underslung GIAT M621 cannon than its 11.3 brethren. The AH-60 "Yanshuf" (Hebrew: Owl) marks a viable alternative to it's AH-64 competitors and a step-up in every regard to the MD-500 "Lahatut" (Hebrew: Sleight of Hand) preceding it in the tech tree.

Historically the IAF has a long history with the UH-60 "Black Hawk". Dating back to tests in the 1980s the Israeli Air Force has been very interested in an alternative to their Bell-212 "Anafa" (Hebrew: Heron). With about 50 in service as utility aircraft for logistics duties it has been a landmark in the IAF helicopter fleet. In recent years the demand for more options to meet surface threats has been ushered and thus the decision was made to buy armed versions of the platform. The model in-game represents the upgraded UH-60L co-manufactured by Elbit Systems for the Colombian army with the designation AH-60L Arpía IV.

Note: You will need to research both sides of the tech tree in order to be able to research this vehicle.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 1 000 m285 km/h
Max altitude5 700 m
Engine2 х General Electric T700-GE-701C
Take-off weight12 t

In its fully spaded configuration the AH-60 features a marginally worse climb rate than the AH-64 Saraph of ~10m/s in a straight climb. It features a sustained top speed of ~250 m/s (0 m/s climb) in realistic settings. The sustained yaw is quite poor, but expected for a platform of this size. Pitch and roll rate are quite decent and make this helicopter feel decently mobile in conjunction with its decent climb and speed.

Characteristics Max speed
(km/h at _,___ m)
Max altitude
(metres)
AB RB
Stock ___ ___ 5700
Upgraded ___ ___

Survivability and armour

MAW
Alerts when an incoming missile is detected, and automatically deploys flares/chaff
IRCM
Protects against IR-guided missiles
Crew2 people
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear420 km/h

The AH-60 does not feature any cockpit armour or armoured glass. The fuel tanks are quite large and placed in the rear of the vehicle. This tends to make them prone to getting hit and causing fuel fires in front and rear aspect shots. The vehicle itself features lots of empty space, which can be a blessing and a curse as its large signature makes it quite visible.

Your main survivability stems from your highly advanced defence systems such as the fully digital RWR covering all radar bands. The AH-60 comes equipped with 120 regular calibre countermeasures. Additionally it gets access to a (researchable) MAW - missile approach warning - and a laser warning receiver.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB8 742 → 15 071 Sl icon.png
RB4 128 → 7 116 Sl icon.png
SB5 181 → 8 932 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications303 000 Rp icon.png
447 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 800 Ge icon.png
Crew training290 000 Sl icon.png
Experts1 020 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 800 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 080 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
100 / 220 / 330 % Sl icon.png
232 / 232 / 232 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods cd 98 main rotor.png
Replacing helicopter blades
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
21 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods heli flak jacket.png
Flak jacket
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods heli structure.png
Helicopter frame
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
21 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
49 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
72 000 Sl icon.png
1 200 Ge icon.png
Mods atgm heli preset.png
AGM-114
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods heli false thermal targets.png
MAW
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods atgm heli preset.png
AGM-114 2
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
21 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon block rocket.png
GATR
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
21 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods counterMeasures.png
IRCM
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
21 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods atgm heli preset.png
Spike ER
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods air to air missile.png
AIM-92 Stinger
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods thermal sight.png
NVD
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods atgm heli preset.png
Spike ER /4
Research:
49 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
72 000 Sl icon.png
1 200 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Night vision devices
Improves visibility by enhancing natural light or active illumination.
Thermal imager
Allows to see thermal radiation in the infrared range day and night
Ballistic Computer
CCIP (Guns) CCIP (Rockets) CCIP (Bombs)
alt={{{alt}}} alt={{{alt}}} alt={{{alt}}}

Offensive armament

Main article: GIAT M.621 (20 mm)

The AH-60 (Israel) is armed with:

  • A choice between two presets:
    • 1 x 20 mm GIAT M.621 cannon (430 rpg) + 120 x countermeasures
    • 1 x 20 mm GIAT M.621 cannon + 120 x countermeasures + IRCM

Suspended armament

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.

Default weapon presets
  • Without load
  • 8 x ATAS (AIM-92) missiles
  • 76 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets
  • 28 x GATR missiles
  • 4 x AGM-114K Hellfire II missiles
  • 4 x AGM-114K Hellfire II missiles + 38 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets
  • 8 x AGM-114K Hellfire II missiles
  • 16 x AGM-114K Hellfire II missiles
  • 8 x Spike ER missiles
  • 16 x Spike ER missiles

Usage in battles

The AH-60 puts an emphasis on ground attack. Whilst this holds true for most helicopters, its ways of defending against aircraft are fairly limited. Equipping a double pylon of ATAS will require trading it out for one of the quad pylons of air-to-ground weaponry. The 20mm GIAT M621 can be competent at defending against aircraft due to its higher rate of fire and velocity than the AH-64s M230.

Running a mixed loadout of Spike LR and AGM-114K Hellfire 2 is recommended, as depending on the vehicle, the Spikes make for a poor experience. They tend to not overpressure, but make for an excellent distraction to flood the radar of an SPAA with. Against tanks, they tend to hit critical modules, but usually fail to destroy the vehicle in a single launch. As such the Hellfire as a secondary armament can prove a lethal option on the "wounded" prey, which when it hits it also tends to destroy the target.

The AH-60 serves best, when emphasizing the usual helicopter playstyle of playing around defensive terrain, popping up to either scout or firing off ordnance. The decent climb rate of the platform is in support of that. This playstyle can be made more lethal by prioritising F&F weaponry to pop-up a few seconds later to get the kill with AGM-114 or staying hidden and waiting for hit confirmation. Spike LR can also be a strong anti-helicopter platform in its own right, as the quite slow, lofting missile tends to set off RWR at a much later, difficult to react, point in time.

For first-spawn missile runs, the platform serves as an option, but not a competitor to the AH-64 variants found on the other side of the helicopter tree. While it is able to load the same amount of air-to-ground ordnance, its poor frontal protection as well as its smaller calibre cannon make it an inferior choice. Additionally, its mobility is not quite as good as the other platform.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Up to 16x Spike ER ATGMs
  • Mixed loadouts between Spike and Hellfires
  • Excellent optics with modern third generation thermals
  • M621 bottom-mounted cannon, unusual for utility helicopter chassis

Cons:

  • Both Spikes and Hellfires can be inconsistent at tracking/damaging targets
  • No wingtip mounts for ATAS
  • Massive silhouette
  • No armour protecting the crew

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: https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <ref></ref>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <references />. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under === In-game description ===, also if applicable).

Media

Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.

See also

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • other literature.


Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
Utility  H-34
Attack  MH-60L DAP
Export  ▄H-34 · AH-60

Israel helicopters
Attack 
MD 500  Lahatut
Battle Hawk  AH-60
Cobra  Tzefa D/E · Tzefa A · Tzefa B
Apache  Saraph · Peten · AH-64A Peten