Photo By Staff Sgt. Jon Soles | Chief Warrant Officer 3 Rusty Burch, of Killeen, Texas, and Chief Warrant Officer 2...... read more read more
BAGHDAD — The pilots who fly the AH-64D Apache helicopter generally agree that if the attack helicopter was a car, it would be a sports car.
Its sleek profile, speed, agility and lethal firepower make it stand out on the flight line.
But despite its looks, pilots of the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade say the Apache's best features are its ability to provide close air support for ground troops, while at the same time intimidating insurgents.
"The aircraft provides a direct fire capability and it can react quickly and get where the guys on the ground need it," said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Eric Pope, an Apache pilot assigned to Company A, 4th Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment. "It has a psychological effect as well because if bad guys hear an aircraft above, they are less likely to initiate an engagement."
Pope, a former tanker turned helicopter pilot, said the Apache is a good tool to protect infantrymen on the ground because it can respond faster than a quick reaction force or a call for artillery fire.
"The aircraft provides a direct fire capability that is able to remain on station for a long period," said Pope, a native of Houston. "Keeping those guys on the ground safe is job number one."
With Hellfire missiles, rockets and a 30 mm area weapons system, the Apache is a lethal machine, capable of heaping copious amounts of firepower upon the enemy with deadly accuracy. But the Apache can easily accomplish its mission of protecting ground troops without firing a shot, said Pope. He gave an example of such a mission in which infantrymen were looking for a high-value target while he flew above in an Apache.
"There was definitely an insurgent presence there, but they were able to walk through the town without a shot being fired," said Pope.
Capt. Ben Ramos, an Apache pilot from Brownsville, Texas, said the attack helicopter has a fearsome and well-earned reputation among insurgents.
"This helicopter strikes fear because they remember what happened to the last guy who tried to take one on," said Ramos. "I believe it scares them."
The Apache's sophisticated equipment is also used for reconnaissance and the overhead view provides eyes from the sky for ground troops. When not engaged in combat operations, the Apache also helps with route clearance and convoy security.
"These guys are on the ground knocking on doors and what we're doing is protecting them," said Ramos. "We have that bird's eye view and we can see more and we can get there faster with more firepower."
Besides its combat and reconnaissance abilities, the Apache also seems to exude a mystique that pilots say they appreciate.
"I think what people are in awe about is the mystery about it [Apache]," said Ramos. "I think the enemy knows more about the Apache than the average American."
Even though they may not meet in person, Apache pilots say they do their job for the Soldiers on the ground below them.
"As pilots, we have a deep respect for guys on the ground," said Ramos. "The infantrymen, military policemen, truck drivers; everybody conducting movement on the ground, we have a deep respect for them."
Between the earth and sky, this team of pilots and ground troops are winning the peace in Iraq. The Apache is an integral part of that team, and as long as its rotors buzz overhead, Soldiers are better protected and insurgents are discouraged.
| Date Taken: | 10.04.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 10.04.2009 05:56 |
| Story ID: | 39641 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 422 |
| Downloads: | 329 |
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