War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

AH-1Z

2024-05-16T02:59:52Z

U46222881: /* Usage in battles */

{{About
| about = American attack helicopter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other variants
| link = AH-1 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=ah_1z
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American attack helicopter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.81 "The Valkyries"]].

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Heli-Flight}}


The AH-1Z is a highly agile attack helicopter, with speeds up to 306 km/h in arcade and 287 km/h in realistic & simulator modes. With a maximum height that exceeds the capability of most other attack helicopters in this game, it can go up to 6,000 meters compared to the [[Ka-52]] (5,400 m), the [[AH-64D]] (5,400 m), and the [[EC-665 Tiger HAD]] (4,300 m).

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 1,000 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
|-
! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 267 || 254 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}}
|-
! Upgraded
| 306 || 287
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Heli-Armour}}


* 12 mm steel - engine
* 20 mm composite boron-carbide - pilot/gunner seats
* 12 mm steel - pilot seat

When fighting the AH-1Z, it is always a good bet to get the "High Ground" or altitude advantage of this vehicle. Try to strafe it and get around to its blinds spot, as it can't use the tail rotor effectively when moving, and will yaw and flip when making a strong attempt to turn-on-target. Always aim for the cockpit, as one the gunner is knocked out the turret becomes unusable. When coming up against a Zulu with gun pods or secondary weapons (especially the lethal AIM-9L), know that the pilot can still fire these even if the gunner is knocked out. However, it is unlikely that a Zulu will take a gun pod over a full missile rack.

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Heli-Armaments}}
[[File:AH-1Z Front Aspect.jpg|thumb|300px|AH-1Z displaying one of many armament options. AIM-9L Sidewinder air-to-air missiles x 2, 70mm Hydra-70 M247 rocket x 38, 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine gun x 2]]
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Heli-Offensive}}

{{main|M197 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 1 x 20 mm M197 cannon (750 rpg)
* 120 x countermeasures

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Heli-Suspended}}


The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="6%" | 1 !! width="6%" | 2 !! width="6%" | 3 !! width="6%" | 4 !! width="6%" | 5 !! width="6%" | 6
| rowspan="8" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! [[M134 Minigun (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm M134 Minigun]] machine guns (1,500 rpg)
| || || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! [[Hydra-70 M247]] rockets
| || 19 || 19 || 19 || 19 ||
|-
! [[AGM-114B Hellfire]] missiles
| || 2, 4 || 2, 4 || 2, 4 || 2, 4 ||
|-
! [[AIM-9L Sidewinder]] missiles
| 1 || || || || || 1
|-
! [[AIM-9M Sidewinder]] missiles
| 1 || || || || || 1
|-
! [[APKWS II (M151)]] missiles
| || 7 || 7 || 7 || 7 ||
|-
! [[APKWS II (M282)]] missiles
| || 7 || 7 || 7 || 7 ||
|-
|}

{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}

* Without load
* 2 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x AIM-9M Sidewinder missiles
* 76 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets
* 28 x APKWS II (M151) missiles
* 28 x APKWS II (M282) missiles
* 4 x AGM-114B Hellfire missiles
* 8 x AGM-114B Hellfire missiles
* 16 x AGM-114B Hellfire missiles
* 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine guns (1,500 rpg = 3,000 total)
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==

[[File:AH-1Z Deploying Flares.jpg|thumb|300px|AH-1Z performs evasive action while deploying flare series.]]
Using the AH-1Z Viper after the AH-1F requires some learning time, as the playstyle between the two has unique differences in ammunition, views, and overall gameplay.

The AH-1Z is an attack helicopter that excels in its role. In fact, it is one of the best attack helicopters in the game, with speeds up to 411 km/h (255 mph). The AH-1Z offers a large array of ordnance selections, from miniguns and rockets to Hellfire missiles. Additionally, the AH-1Z can carry a combination of missiles, rockets, or miniguns together. To optimize your loadout, choose a role to specialize in, whether it be air protection or ground attack, though this attack helicopter can do it all.

To effectively use the AH-1Z Viper, make sure to adjust your tactics to the map. For example, on maps with rocks and hilly terrain, stay low and use cover to get into a position where you can dominate the battlefield. On open and flat maps, climb to a high altitude and assess the situation, ensuring to scan the map and not get fixated on a single location.

The AH-1Z has three main playstyles focused on dominating in the following roles: medium and close range, long range, and air protection/support.

However, the AH-1Z does have one drawback. Due to the increased size and changes to the center of gravity in high-pitch and tight turns, it is possible to lose control. It is advisable to counteract this by keeping the nose of the helicopter level or reducing the turn radius. If required to make a tight turn, such as when evading surface-to-air missiles, ensure there is enough room to recover the helicopter—ideally at least 1,000 feet—and increase the pitch of the blades to 100% to adjust for yawing.

====Close/medium range====
The AH-1Z offers a combination of wing-mounted ordnance and ordnance packages which are available from Rocket pods, Machine guns, Hellfire missiles.

In an nonupgraded configuration it can carry up to 76 x Hydra-70 rockets or two pods with machine guns, but taking them to the battle will reduce the amount of Hydras to 38. Using these weapons will force you to get close to the ground units and make the helicopter vulnerable to turret-mounted anti-air weapons or SPAAGs, so it is recommended to stay at very low altitude and use the high level speed to evade fire.

Hydra rockets are not as reliable as long range AGMs, their accuracy is not great and in most cases even if the player manages to get close to the battlefield it will be able to destroy only a few units or disable their weapons and other components.

====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 1,100 mm of penetration with a speed of 475 meters per second.

Firing the Hellfire missiles, you will notice that you cannot see them. 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 relocate to another part of the battle zone. Performing this action will substantially reduce the chances of being shot down by enemy vehicles.

One of the drawbacks of the Hellfire missiles is, at very 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 then engages the rocket motor and immediately ascend in height, making it impossible to track from launch.

{{Notice|The Hellfire missiles require time to adapt to, however once learnt they become one of the most potent missiles in the game.|!!!}}

====Self-Defense Armament====
Best role armament selection: AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles and machine guns

An AH-1Z Viper offers a unique set of capabilities compared to any other helicopter on the battlefield. It can be equipped with improved close-range Sidewinder air-to-air missiles. The Sidewinder missiles provide the capability to shoot down up to two enemy aircraft. They can shoot down other rotary-wing aircraft (helicopters) or fixed-wing aircraft (airplanes) provided an adequate missile-lock. The missiles can also be equipped with the additional payloads, such as Hellfires, machine gun pods and rocket pod configurations, providing a versatile offensive and defensive solution.

The AH-1Z can outmanoeuvre and outperform many of its 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, which also has 1,500 rounds per gun. That's a total of 3,750 rounds of ammunition. Not forgetting the wing-mounted AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles. This combination of impressive weapon systems can support extended air-to-air capabilities on the battle space.

To attack other helicopters with the Sidewinders, you will need a rear aspect shot – get a lock and fire one of the Sidewinder missiles! Bang the enemy aircraft explodes.

To attack using the cannon and miniguns, line up with the foe, come in fast and slow down – align your angle of attack with the side of the enemy, this will yield 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 rotor elements.

=== Pros and cons ===


[[File:AH-1Z sillouette.jpg|thumb|300px|AH-1Z performing an attack run with the 20 mm chin-mounted cannon]]

'''Pros:'''

* Can carry up to 16 Hellfire AGMs
* Good AIM-9L and 9M air-to-air missiles for self-defense
* Excellent ground attack capabilities
* Thin front-aspect profile

'''Cons:'''

* Weak airframe takes heavy damage from even roof-mounted MGs of enemy tanks
* Poor flight performance with full payload
* Lacks passive infrared countermeasures (IRCM)

== History ==

In 1996, the USMC launched the H-1 program in cooperation with the Bell company. The H-1 program was a plan to upgrade and modernize the Navy's existing fleets of AH-1 and UH-1 helicopters, in order to extend their service life and lower future operating costs. This was achieved by developing a new version of each helicopter model respectively. The new AH-1Z Viper, also known as "ZuluCobra", received upgraded avionics, fire control systems, engines and an improved four-blade rotor system, among other improvements. Furthermore, both the new Viper and UH-1Y were designed in a way to use mostly identical parts, achieving the desired reduction in operating costs and ease of maintenance as a result. The AH-1Z Viper conducted its maiden flight in December 2000, with three prototypes being built for testing in 2002. Small-scale production began in 2003 before the Viper was approved for full-scale production in November 2010. The USMC has ordered for 189 Vipers to be delivered to the fleet by 2021, with only a few dozen machines being in service today.

''- From [[wt:en/news/5756-development-ah-1z-viper-a-lasting-legacy-en|Devblog]]''

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=ah_1z Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150px">
File:AH-1Z WTWallpaper001.jpg
File:AH-1Z WTWallpaper002.jpg
File:AH-1Z WTWallpaper003.jpg
File:AH-1Z WTWallpaper004.jpg
File:AH-1Z WTWallpaper005.jpg
File:AH-1Z WTWallpaper006.jpg
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|jqqkMMieZ54|'''The Forgotten Viper - AH-1Z''' - ''JustinPlaysYT''|YhDp-lSh7vk|'''"AH-1Z Viper - "American Thoroughbred" [Helicopters]''' - ''BaconGaming''|yHuUGzezChI|'''Best after-party picks''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 5:35 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|QHz4LwNtVrU|'''The Shooting Range #143''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 06:30 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|hNnQ8_7BfP4|'''{{PAGENAME}} vs Mi-35M''' - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}

== See also ==


;Related development

* Bell [[AH-1 (Family)|AH-1]] SuperCobra

;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* Agusta [[A-129 International|A129]] Mangusta

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/5756-development-ah-1z-viper-a-lasting-legacy-en|[Devblog] AH-1Z Viper - A Lasting Legacy]]
* [[wikipedia:Bell_AH-1Z_Viper|[Wikipedia] Bell AH-1Z Viper]]

{{AirManufacturer Bell}}
{{USA helicopters}}

SA 316B Alouette III

2024-03-05T01:57:58Z

U46222881: /* Description */

{{About
| about = French utility helicopter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Alouette (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=sa_316b
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

Based on the SA 313B, the Alouette III was developed by Sud-Aviation and later built by Aerospatiale, the larger SA.316A took its maiden flight on February 28, 1959, with production following in 1961. It was a larger design that allowed being attached with heavier armament, being used as a decent light attack helicopter, however its main task was for transport of both troops and cargo, being capable of insane amounts of power at high altitudes for the time thanks to its 570 hp engine. Thus, it remained as a very trusted and respected helicopter for search and rescue operations. This good reputation was also due to its good reliability, ease of maintenance, and low price tag. The military variants were fitted with all sorts of armament, from 7.62 mm machine guns, to fixed 20 mm cannons, SS.11 ATGMs, Mk.44 torpedoes and rocket pods.

Introduced in the update [[Update 1.87 "Locked On"]]. The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is slow, very sluggish and a very big targets. This poses a threat to the player, since it's very easy to shoot down by enemy SPAA if it's not played properly. Thus is only recommended for players that already have experience in flying helicopters. Its main asset are the SS.11 ATGM and its decent range for its BR. While it may lack the thermal sight found in other helicopters and perhaps not match their agility or mobility, these shortcomings can be offset by the skill and proficiency of the player. Excellent situational awareness is essential to staying alive. Use the terrain and hide behind trees and hills, peak up just to launch your ATGM. If possible ask a team member to mark the potential targets using the map or even better, a scout drone if avaliable.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Heli-Flight}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}'''is a very early helicopter, and compared to faster and more agile attack helicopters like the AH-1G at similar BR, the Alouette suffers a lot, with cruise speed that rarely exceeds 180 km/h, you would be one of the slowest helicopters out there, and you will also lose a lot of speed while manoeuvring as is common in all helicopters.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 0 m - at sea level)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
|-
! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 167 || 155 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}}
|-
! Upgraded
| 202 || 185
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Heli-Armour}}

The Alouette III has no armour to speak off, and with a cockpit made almost entirely of glass, it's very easy being pilot sniped by enemy SPAA or even roof-mounted MGs from tanks and APCs in helicopter Arcade Battles. Also, since the engine has no protection and it's very exposed outside of the fuselage, it's possible being set on fire if the enemy has incendiary projectiles.

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

Important modifications:

* Flak jacket (To reduce chances of pilot snipe)
* Helicopter frame (To increase structural integrity)
* All the mobility modifications (Since the Alouette is a very slow and sluggish helicopter)

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Heli-Armaments}}
=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Heli-Suspended}}

{{main|AS.11}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

* 4 x AS.11 missiles

The Alouette III can only be equipped with the AS.11 missile, a very slow and early ATGM. Compared to the TOW or HOT-2, it's very sluggish and does not like to turn, avoid drastic changes of course and launch it from higher altitude to increase its firing range.

== Usage in battles ==

'''Helicopter AB''':

It's a very sluggish and slow helicopter, and it is outmatched by others like the Mi-24A and the AH-1G that are very common at that BR. Its cruise speed at 190 km/h in AB makes it capable of reaching enemy convoys or formations only if it's close, but it's able to take out the enemy SPAA with its relatively long range SS.11 ATGMs, so that the rest of the team can finish the combat and go to the next objective.

'''Realistic/Simulator Battles:'''

Against player controlled ground targets, the Alouette also struggles. Compared to the Z-11WA that sits at a very similar BR, it's less agile, slower, and has worst armament, while enemy SPAA can be very lethal up to 5 km in a neutral matchmaker. Thus it is crucial to stay behind cover, use the hills and terrain to your advantage and only peek above the terrain to launch your AS.11 missile.

Ask team members for help locating targets, if possible, communicate with one of your team members or squadmates so that, with a scout drone, they mark the best targets to take out with the SS.11, especially high priority targets like heavy tanks and other dangerous opponents that can pose a threat to your team.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Carries air-to-surface missiles that are deadly against ground targets at mid-range
* Good range for the ATGMs if launched from higher altitudes
* Starts with ATGMs and there is no need to investigate them as a modification

'''Cons:'''

* No guns for close combat
* Has just access to mediocre ATGMs
* No armour and slow speed, pilots and engine can be sniped with ease
* Very big target, easier to hit for enemy SPAA

== History ==

[[File:SA 316B Alouette III.jpg|thumb|379x379px|Belgian Marines SA 316B Alouette III]]
Built off of the successful SA.313B Alouette II, the SA.316B Alouette III has been a proven and reliable airframe much like its predecessor. Developed by Sud-Aviation and later built by Aerospatiale, the larger SA.316A took its maiden flight on February 28, 1959, with production following in 1961. Production of the initial variant lasted until 1968 when it was eventually replaced by the SA.316B model. Powered by the Turbomeca Artouste IIIB outputting 570 HP, the Alouette III has incredible power at high altitudes, and has been an invaluable asset in militaries as a light-transport helicopter as well as search & rescue services throughout the world. With its larger size and excellent all-around visibility from the enclosed, rounded glass cockpit as well as the more powerful engine it proved invaluable as a light-attack helicopter as well. Some mission-specific armament can include mounting of a 7.62 mm machine gun on a tripod fitted to the right-side doorway, 20 mm cannon affixed to the left side as well as 2-4 AS.11 anti-tank missiles or 2 Mk.44 torpedoes as required.

The SA.316B was produced in France from 1961 until 1985 when French factories were shut down, although production continues as of 2021 by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) as the Chetak, extending the service life of the Alouette III in multiple militaries well into the future with new parts continuing to be manufactured under the HAL name. Many air forces over the years have claimed usefulness of the SA.316B including France, Argentina, India, and Austria, including some former operators are South Vietnam, Yugoslavia, and Upper Volta to name a few. Notably, Argentina was seen using them in the Falklands war in 1982, with one having been present on the deck of the ARA General Belgrano (formerly the USS Phoenix (CL-46) in US Navy service) during her sinking at the hands of the HMS Conqueror (S48) Churchill-class nuclear submarine. Although it has been retired in service with France, the helicopter is still seen flying in militaries around the world, and will continue to be seen well into 2022 and beyond providing light-attack as well as transport roles whenever needed.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=sa_316b Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
File:SA 316 WTWallpaper 002.jpg
File:SA 316 WTWallpaper 007.jpg
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|2RX3Y1-HJHE|'''The Shooting Range #142''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 04:25 discusses the SUD Aviation Alouette.}}

== See also ==


* [[IAR 316B]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6062-development-sa-316b-alouette-iii-the-high-flying-skylark-en|[Devblog] SA.316B Alouette III: The High-Flying Skylark]]
* [https://www.militaryfactory.com/aircraft/detail.asp?aircraft_id=348 <nowiki>[Military Factory]</nowiki> Aerospatiale Alouette III]

{{AirManufacturer Aerospatiale}}
{{France helicopters}}