Packing a heavy punch: Trends in light utility/light attack helicopter markets

by Charles Hollosi & Jaison Deepak

NorthStar Aviation developed its 407 Multirole Helicopter from Bell's 407 model for the UAE Air Force and Air Defence. (NorthStarAviation)

Since the Vietnam War, when the ubiquitous Bell UH-1 ‘Huey' was equipped with forward-firing rockets and guns, helicopters used for engaging ground targets have evolved into two basic categories. The first comprises transport helicopters used for air assault, armed to provide close air support (CAS) for the troops they are landing; a prime example being versions of the Russian Mil Mi-8/17 equipped with rockets and missiles. The second consists of dedicated armed attack and scout helicopters.


Get the full article by
Already a Janes subscriber? Keep reading


Brazil to update A-29 Super Tucano aircraft fleet

by Victor Barreira

A Brazilian Air Force Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano light attack/counter-insurgency aircraft. The details of Brazil's fleet upgrade are as yet undisclosed. (Janes/Gareth Jennings)

Embraer Defense and Security is to carry out the mid-life upgrade (MLU) of 68 of the EMB 314 (locally designated A-29) Super Tucano training and light attack aircraft of the Brazilian Air Force, the service's commander Lieutenant Brigadier Marcelo Kanitz Damasceno said on 17 April during a presentation to the Brazilian Committee on Foreign Relations and National Defense.


Get the full article by
Already a Janes subscriber? Keep reading


Iraqi Army Aviation Command identifies itself as CH-5 UAV operator

by Jeremy Binnie

A still from a video released on 21 April shows the Iraqi Army Aviation Command stand at IQDEX in Baghdad. (Iraqi Ministry of Defence)

Iraqi Army Aviation Command (IAAC) has confirmed it has ordered, if not already received, Chinese-made CH-5 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

The command's stand at the International Defense Exhibition in Iraq (IQDEX) held in Baghdad from 20 to 23 April was decorated with posters that showed all the aircraft it has in service, which included the CH-5 next to the CH-4 UAV operated by its 100 Squadron.


Get the full article by
Already a Janes subscriber? Keep reading


General Atomics tests podded guns on Mojave UAV

by Zach Rosenberg

A GA-ASI Mojave UAV performs a gun-run with a Dillon DAP-6 podded minigun. (GA-ASI)

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc (GA-ASI) has tested a podded gun on its Mojave short take-off and landing (STOL) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the company said in a 23 April release.


Get the full article by
Already a Janes subscriber? Keep reading


https://www.janes.com/defence-news/air-platforms/latest/packing-a-heavy-punch-trends-in-light-utilitylight-attack-helicopter-markets

Since the Vietnam War, when the ubiquitous Bell UH-1 ‘Huey' was equipped with forward-firing rockets...

Latest Podcasts

Iran Israel analysis

In this podcast Janes analysts discuss the Iranian attacks on Israel on the 14 April. They highlight the military systems used by Iran and the performance and impact of these on Israel. They also discuss the implications of this attack goi...

Listen now

A focus on Libya

China Taiwan relations

AI applications for OSINT in defence

Tracking the situation in Israel-Gaza using OSINT

Janes Case Studies

Using Janes Intara to build a common intelligence picture: Russian build up on the Ukrainian border

View Case Study

Assessing threats in the South China Sea 

A competitive assessment of the military aircraft market

Identifying an unknown aircraft

Case study: Using Interconnected Intelligence to Monitor Russian Troop Movement

News Categories

Request Consultation

Request a free consultation to discover how Janes can provide you with assured, interconnected open-source intelligence.

Air Details