Difference between revisions of "AH-1S Kisarazu"

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{{Specs-Card|code=ah_1s}}
+
{{About
 +
| about = gift Japanese attack helicopter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other variants
 +
| 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 needs to be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it 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.'' -->
−
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+
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.
−
{{break}}
+
 
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a gift rank {{Specs|rank}} Japanese attack helicopter {{Battle-rating}}. This helicopter was introduced in [[Update 1.89 "Imperial Navy"]].
+
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 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 ===
−
<!--Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Maximum speed, manoeuvrability, speed and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.-->
+
{{Specs-Heli-Flight}}
−
The AH-1S is a single turboshaft T53-L-703 power plant, it provides up to 1300 BHP & 210 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.  
+
<!-- ''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).
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" | Characteristics
+
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="4" | ''Stock''
 
−
|-
 
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 1,000 m)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 1,000 m)
−
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
−
|-
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
|-
 
−
|266||259|| {{Specs|ceiling}}
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" | ''Upgraded''
+
! AB !! RB
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 1,000 m)
+
! Stock
−
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
+
| 255 || 243 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}}
 
|-
 
|-
−
! AB
+
! Upgraded
−
! RB
+
| 295 || 277
−
|-
 
−
|288||277|| {{Specs|ceiling}}
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
−
<!--Examine the survivability of the helicopter. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, how many engines the vehicle has. Describe the armour, if there is any, also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.-->
+
{{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.'' -->
  
−
The AH-1S is an armoured attack helicopter offering protection to the crew and engine:
+
The AH-1S Kisarazu 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.
−
* A steel seat, which offers a thickness of 12 mm for the pilot only.  
+
* 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.
 
* 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_(Family)|Mi-24 Hind's]] 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: fuel tanks, transmission, propeller shaft & control surfaces with armour plating. Nor does it have armoured glass installed around the cockpit.
+
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.
 +
 
 +
=== 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 ===
−
<!--Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.-->
+
{{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.'' -->
 
{{main|M197 (20 mm)}}
 
{{main|M197 (20 mm)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
−
* 1 x 20 mm M197 cannon (750 rpg = 750 total)
+
* 1 x 20 mm M197 cannon, chin turret (750 rpg)
 +
* 30 x countermeasures
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
−
[[File:AH-1S_TEMP.jpg|420px|thumb|right|The '''{{PAGENAME}}''' Engaged in combat, firing a TOW missile]]
+
{{Specs-Heli-Suspended}}
−
<!--Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. 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.'' -->
−
{{main|FFAR Mighty Mouse|BGM-71 TOW|M134 Minigun (7.62 mm)}}
 
  
−
The AH-1S offers a wide range of choice for secondary armament, up to 12 choices:
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
  
−
*Without load
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
−
*28 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
+
|-
−
*76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
+
! !! width="11%" | 1 !! width="11%" | 2 !! width="11%" | 3 !! width="11%" | 4
−
*2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine gun
+
| rowspan="4" width="20%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_AH-1G_(Israel).png]]</div>
−
*2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine gun & 14 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
+
|-
−
*2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine gun & 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
+
! [[M134 Minigun (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm M134 Minigun]] machine guns (1,500 rpg)
−
*4 x BGM-71 TOW missiles
+
| || 1 || 1 ||
−
*8 x BGM-71 TOW missiles
+
|-
−
*4 x BGM-71 TOW missiles & 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
+
! [[FFAR Mighty Mouse]] rockets
−
*8 x BGM-71 TOW missiles & 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
+
| 7, 19 || 7, 19 || 7, 19 || 7, 19
−
*4 x BGM-71 TOW missiles & 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine gun
+
|-
−
*8 x BGM-71 TOW missiles & 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine gun
+
! [[BGM-71D TOW-2]] missiles
 +
| 2, 4 || || || 2, 4
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 +
* Without load
 +
* 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)
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
−
<!--Describe the tactics of playing in the helicopter, the features of using vehicles in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but 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, select the helipad which is in the ideal tactical location for your playstyle. Climb to around 1500 meters, find a target, then descend on to them. It is critically important that you engage them from the rear of side. This way, it reduces their awareness of you, since they will be looking forward, this will help you by making the adversary become disoriented when attacked. This will give you a stealthy advantage, like a ninja.  
+
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.
−
Advancing onto the target, come in as fast as possible, then slow down quickly, by raising the noise of the helicopter up. When slowed down, Engage the sight stabilizer and fire the tow missile and guide it onto the target.  
 
  
−
If the target starts moving, rolling or starts trying to evade, keep the missile on the target and adjust to what your adversary is doing. Until you see an explosion, the target going down in flames whilst the reward and notification are showing up.
+
If the target tries to evade, keep the missile on the target and adjust to counter any manoeuvres your adversary may attempt.
  
−
If out of the range, the missile will self-detonate and could give your position away, if your adversary looks around.  
+
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 denote by them self, you can only select to carry either 4 or 8 BG-71 Tow missiles.|!}}  
+
{{Notice|Remember you only have around one and a half miles before the missiles will detonate by themselves.|!}}
  
−
To overcome this, with enough time spent playing with the BG-71 missiles, you will be able to determine when you are within range based on your 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. Since the AH-1S does not offer any protection against them with countermeasures such as flairs and IRCM. This means, you need to stay alert, active & on the look out 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 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.
−
{{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|!!}}
  
−
*[[AH-1Z|AH-1Z Viper]]
+
* [[AH-1Z|AH-1Z Viper]]
−
*[[Mi-24P|Mi-24P Hind]]  
+
* [[Mi-24P|Mi-24P Hind]]
−
*[[Mi-24V|Mi-24V Hind]]
+
* [[Mi-24V|Mi-24V Hind]]
−
*[[SA.341F_Gazelle|SA.341F Gazelle]]
+
* [[SA.341F_Gazelle|SA.341F Gazelle]]
−
*[[SA.342M_Gazelle|SA.342M Gazelle]]
+
* [[SA.342M_Gazelle|SA.342M Gazelle]]
  
−
{{Notice|You may even be able to shoot down missiles with the installed 20 mm triple rotary M197 cannon.|!}}  
+
{{Notice|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. Now if you have equipped your helicopter with the additional 2 x M134 miniguns 7.62 mm machine guns, Bring your target in front of you and open fire. They will obliterate the target and send it smoking to the ground, they have up to 3000 rounds in total. That’s 1,500 Rounds per mini gun, in addition to the 750 cannon rounds for the M197, that is potentially up to 3,750 rounds!
+
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====
 
====Ground forces====
−
+
[[File:AH1fS_Gunner_view.jpg|620px|thumb|right]]
−
Playing the AH-1S in ground forces, it is recommended to load up the 8x BG-71 Tow missiles & 38x FFAR Might 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 Might 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 utilise 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.  
+
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.
 +
 
 +
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.
 
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.
 
−
 
−
{{Notice|Keep a close watch out for airplanes and other attack helicopters!|!!!}}
 
  
−
===Modules===
+
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.
−
{| class="wikitable"
+
 
−
! colspan="1" | Tier
+
{{Notice|Keep a close watch out for aircraft and other attack helicopters!|!!!}}
−
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
 
−
! colspan="1" | Survivability
 
−
! colspan="3" | Weaponry
 
−
|-
 
−
| I
 
−
| Compressor
 
−
|
 
−
| Flack jacket
 
−
|Offensive 20 mm belts
 
−
|
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
| II
 
−
|
 
−
|
 
−
| Helicopter frame
 
−
| New 20 mm cannons
 
−
| M200A1
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
| III
 
−
| Engine
 
−
| Replacing helicopter blades
 
−
|
 
−
| Gun pod M18A1
 
−
| TOW
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
| IV
 
−
|
 
−
|
 
−
| Cover
 
−
| New 7 mm MGs
 
−
| TOW 4
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
<!--''Summarize 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 - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "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:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
Line 164: Line 155:
 
* Great manoeuvrability
 
* Great manoeuvrability
 
* Very agile, with secondary load outs installed
 
* Very agile, with secondary load outs installed
−
* Great acceleration, very quick
 
 
* Good secondary weapon loadout
 
* 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
 
* Fully spaded, all modules and armaments unlocked
−
* Increased Research Points + Silver Lion gain
+
* 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:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
 +
* Slow takeoff spool-up and acceleration
 
* No missile protection
 
* No missile protection
−
* No flares
 
 
* No IRCM
 
* No IRCM
−
* No sidewinder Air-to-Air missiles
+
* 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 ==
 
== 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 big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article.''
+
<!-- ''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: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 +
 
 +
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 ==
 
== Media ==
−
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as 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
 +
<gallery mode="packed" heights=200>
 +
File:AH-1S WTWallpaper 001.jpg
 +
File:AH-1S WTWallpaper 003.jpg
 +
File:AH-1S WTWallpaper 002.png
 +
</gallery>
 +
 
 +
;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''}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
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;Related development
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* Bell [[AH-1 (Family)|AH-1]] SuperCobra
  
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* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
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;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
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{{AirManufacturer FHI}}
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{{Japan helicopters}}

Latest revision as of 20:13, 2 February 2024

This page is about the gift Japanese attack helicopter AH-1S Kisarazu. For other variants, see AH-1 (Family).
AH-1S Kisarazu
ah_1s.png
GarageImage AH-1S Kisarazu.jpg
ArtImage AH-1S Kisarazu.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

Description

The AH-1S Kisarazu 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.

It was introduced as a premium pack in Update 1.89 "Imperial Navy". It was removed from the store after the 8th Anniversary Sale, and reintroduced in Update "Hot Tracks" as a premium purchasable in-game for Golden Eagles Ge icon.png. In addition, the AH-1S Kisarazu 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 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

Flight performance

Max speed
at 1 000 m277 km/h
Max altitude3 475 m
EngineLycoming Engines T53-L-703
Power1 300 hp
Take-off weight5 t

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).

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 1,000 m) 		Max altitude
(metres)
AB RB
Stock 255 243 3475
Upgraded 295 277

Survivability and armour

Crew2 people
Speed of destruction
Structural450 km/h
Gear420 km/h

The AH-1S Kisarazu 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 Kisarazu 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 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.

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
AB5 210 Sl icon.png
RB2 827 Sl icon.png
SB3 606 Sl icon.png
Crew training10 000 Sl icon.png
Experts1 640 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 400 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 900 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 50 / 300 / 430 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 220 / 220 / 220 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Mods cd 98 main rotor.png
Replacing helicopter blades
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Mods heli flak jacket.png
Flak jacket
Mods heli structure.png
Helicopter frame
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Mods ammo.png
t_160_belt_pack
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon block rocket.png
M200A1
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods heli false thermal targets.png
Flares/Chaff
Mods weapon.png
t_160_new_gun
Mods gunpods.png
Gun pod M18A1
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods atgm heli preset.png
TOW-2
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods thermal sight.png
NVD
Mods weapon.png
M163_Minigun_new_gun
Mods atgm heli preset.png
TOW-2 4

Armaments

The AH-1S Kisarazu in-flight, being redirected to a combat zone
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)
Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon RedXCross.png

Offensive armament

Main article: M197 (20 mm)

The AH-1S Kisarazu is armed with:

  • 1 x 20 mm M197 cannon, chin turret (750 rpg)
  • 30 x countermeasures

Suspended armament

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

1 2 3 4
Hardpoints Tzefa A.png
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
Default weapon presets
  • Without load
  • 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)

Usage in battles

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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!

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

Skins
Images
  • AH-1S WTWallpaper 001.jpg
  • AH-1S WTWallpaper 003.jpg
  • AH-1S WTWallpaper 002.png
Videos
AH-1 Cobra Ultimate Review - Bob Dickinson
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
  • Bell AH-1 SuperCobra
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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