Mike
29 December 1999, 15:18
Fayetteville (NC) Observer-Times
March 11, 1999
Headed For Trouble
The 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment is built to operate in hot spots. During the Special Operations Forces Capabilities Exercise recently at Camp Mackall they demonstrated their ability to fight in tight spaces
By An Observer-Times Staff Report
If the mission requires getting a small group of people into or out of a hot spot, then Army special operations helicopters have much to offer. The 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment of Fort Campbell, Ky., flies several helicopters that are specially equipped for dangerous missions in hostile territory. They often train with soldiers of the 75th Ranger Regiment, which has headquarters at Fort Benning, Ga. Both belong to the U.S. Army Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg. The ‘‘Night Stalkers’’ and the Rangers showed their stuff last week in a demonstration at Camp Mackall at the USASOC Army Special Operations Forces Capabilities Exercise. The MH-60K, a modified Black Hawk helicopter, can operate from ships or remote sites. The twin-engine utility helicopter can be used for operations in urban areas, to searching for downed pilots behind enemy lines or resupplying troops in hostile territory. The helicopter can be configured with extra fuel systems to fly without being refueled for 5.5 hours or more than 700 miles. The aircraft also is configured with an air refueling probe which can increase its range. Troops can slide down ropes from the hovering helicopter for quick insertion into tight spaces. The MH-60K can shoot back, too. It has two M-134 7.62 mm Gatling guns. The MH-47E, a modified Chinook helicopter, can carry heavy loads dangling underneath its belly. It can drop parachutists from the air or carry wounded people. The twin-rotor, twin-engine helicopter was especially built for demanding special operations missions. It can land, drop its tail and let out soldiers and reconnaissance vehicles. The crews and helicopters are equipped to fly at night and in adverse weather. An aerial refueling probe allows in-flight refueling and an external rescue hoist can lift people out of hot spots. Two turbine engines with digital electronic control provide more power than the standard CH-47 during hot weather. Two fuel tanks can carry 2,068 gallons of fuel. The MH-6J light assault helicopter is a single-engine helicopter that can carry up to six combat troops and their equipment. Its small size allows it to be carried in a cargo airplane.
March 11, 1999
Headed For Trouble
The 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment is built to operate in hot spots. During the Special Operations Forces Capabilities Exercise recently at Camp Mackall they demonstrated their ability to fight in tight spaces
By An Observer-Times Staff Report
If the mission requires getting a small group of people into or out of a hot spot, then Army special operations helicopters have much to offer. The 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment of Fort Campbell, Ky., flies several helicopters that are specially equipped for dangerous missions in hostile territory. They often train with soldiers of the 75th Ranger Regiment, which has headquarters at Fort Benning, Ga. Both belong to the U.S. Army Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg. The ‘‘Night Stalkers’’ and the Rangers showed their stuff last week in a demonstration at Camp Mackall at the USASOC Army Special Operations Forces Capabilities Exercise. The MH-60K, a modified Black Hawk helicopter, can operate from ships or remote sites. The twin-engine utility helicopter can be used for operations in urban areas, to searching for downed pilots behind enemy lines or resupplying troops in hostile territory. The helicopter can be configured with extra fuel systems to fly without being refueled for 5.5 hours or more than 700 miles. The aircraft also is configured with an air refueling probe which can increase its range. Troops can slide down ropes from the hovering helicopter for quick insertion into tight spaces. The MH-60K can shoot back, too. It has two M-134 7.62 mm Gatling guns. The MH-47E, a modified Chinook helicopter, can carry heavy loads dangling underneath its belly. It can drop parachutists from the air or carry wounded people. The twin-rotor, twin-engine helicopter was especially built for demanding special operations missions. It can land, drop its tail and let out soldiers and reconnaissance vehicles. The crews and helicopters are equipped to fly at night and in adverse weather. An aerial refueling probe allows in-flight refueling and an external rescue hoist can lift people out of hot spots. Two turbine engines with digital electronic control provide more power than the standard CH-47 during hot weather. Two fuel tanks can carry 2,068 gallons of fuel. The MH-6J light assault helicopter is a single-engine helicopter that can carry up to six combat troops and their equipment. Its small size allows it to be carried in a cargo airplane.