GBP Chapter 309 The Birth of the Army Aviation Corps
Chapter 309 The Birth of the Army Aviation Corps
Yang Hong knew very well that although General Weimade's move seemed to be a challenge, it actually provided him with an opportunity to be the first to propose guiding opinions on helicopter combat tactics. It was a very rare opportunity. It meant that if he put forward the future three-dimensional combat tactics, he would occupy the world's military authority.
He quickly stood up and nodded to the generals. Then, suppressing his inner excitement, he spoke aloud, "Commander-in-Chief, Deputy Commander-in-Chief, Chief of Staff, and Generals. I'm sure you've all learned a bit about the effectiveness of helicopters against tanks in the ambush in Puglia. I have a few humble thoughts on their use on the battlefield, just to offer some inspiration."
"First, I wholeheartedly agree with Chief of Staff Weimed regarding the shortcomings of helicopters in actual combat. The main issues lie in firepower, protection, and range. In a large-scale combat environment, helicopters have limited range and are completely unprotected. Once they encounter intensive enemy fire, they are bound to face a significant threat. However, helicopters have the advantage of aerial combat and are highly maneuverable. If used tactically, it is difficult for the enemy to inflict substantial damage on them."
"Secondly, the results of this actual combat experiment show that if helicopters adopt stealth tactics and launch sudden attacks, they will certainly catch the enemy off guard. This not only effectively avoids the risk of enemy attack, but also ensures a single strike kill. With their excellent aerial maneuverability, helicopters are fully capable of controlling the battlefield situation."
"Third, regarding weapon configuration, through in-depth analysis of enemy tank damage, we've discovered that helicopters don't necessarily rely on heavy rockets. Please carefully examine these images, which show the damage inflicted on King Tiger and Elefant tank destroyers by different attack positions. 120mm aerial rockets are truly astonishingly powerful, capable of destroying German heavy tanks or tank destroyers in one strike. However, if launched from the top of the tank, the German heavy tank would be almost completely destroyed. This finding suggests that 120mm aerial rockets are overpowered. In fact, using 100mm or 80mm caliber rockets, and choosing the right attack angle, would also be effective in destroying German tanks. Remember, the majority of German tanks are still medium-sized Panthers, which are our primary target."
"Fourth, we can also make flexible adjustments tactically. Helicopters should work more closely with ground forces in combat. This means that helicopter units have every reason to be incorporated into the ranks of the Army's strike forces, with frontline command departments providing unified operational guidance. This will better leverage their flexibility and versatility."
"We might envision this: integrating helicopter units into army division or regiment-level structures, fully utilizing their unique takeoff and landing characteristics, and establishing temporary bases on the front lines. This would significantly shorten flight ranges and increase helicopters' air control time, while also enhancing the suddenness and flexibility of strikes. Furthermore, switching to 80mm rockets would not only increase their payload and attack power, but also allow them to be equipped with limited protective gear. This would allow helicopters to be even more effectively utilized."
"Helicopters don't necessarily need to be fully equipped with anti-tank weapons. Consider deploying them flexibly in squadrons, with a squadron consisting of 12 helicopters, eight equipped with rockets, and four with machine guns. Their firepower can pose a significant threat to enemy armored targets, while also enabling them to rapidly respond to various situations, providing cover for the entire formation and attacking low-value targets."
"This configuration gives the helicopter fleet greater adaptability and flexibility on the battlefield. They can quickly adjust their tactics based on different mission requirements, making their strikes against the enemy more effective. During the Army's offensive, these helicopters will become the most powerful support force, paving the way for the ground forces."
Yang Hong's voice was firm and powerful, as if he had already envisioned the heroic presence of helicopter formations on future battlefields. His eyes gleamed with a vision of the future. "In the future, perhaps helicopters will be able to carry assault troops, rapidly advancing to capture key roads and strategic points. With helicopters providing aerial fire support and cover, the battlefield will undergo a revolutionary transformation."
As Yang Hong continued his in-depth description, everyone in the room was captivated, a magnificent vision of a new battlefield and new transformations unfolding in their minds. In the sky, helicopters swarmed like locusts, sweeping down all enemies. Tanks and armored units then advanced rapidly, mopping up any remaining enemies. Brave commandos, supported by helicopters, dropped in at lightning speed, seizing key enemy defenses and strategic positions, cutting off their retreat. Aerial fire rained down like rain, leaving the enemy unable to escape, completely engulfed by the combined air-to-ground firepower...
Yang Hong's final words reinforced the idea that attack helicopters will become the ultimate nemesis of tanks. Their superior mobility and firepower will put tanks on the defensive on the battlefield. This revolutionary change will completely alter the landscape of future warfare.
His voice echoed in the air, and the first person to wake up was General Weimad. He caught a word Yang Hong said and asked anxiously: "Little guy, you just said armed helicopters, right?!"
Yang Hong nodded affirmatively and said, "To be more precise, the helicopters equipped by the Army should be divided into two types: general-purpose helicopters and special-purpose armed helicopters. The general-purpose helicopters are mainly used for battlefield transportation and rescue, while the special-purpose helicopters are mainly used for attack. The combination of the two will become the Army's third core combat weapon in addition to artillery and armored forces!"
As Yang Hong finished his final words, the many senior generals present spontaneously erupted in applause! Eisenhower then issued a strict gag order, making today's meeting a top-secret Allied secret. At the same time, Yang Hong was ordered to be the first to establish a helicopter unit within the 5th Army Group, with all Allied forces at his disposal should Yang Hong need it.
Three months passed quickly. Under the close protection of the 3th Army, and with the assistance of Pu Zhengsong and scientific and technological personnel from the United States, the first Army Aviation Force was officially born. It was temporarily organized at brigade level, with three battalions and an air crew regiment. Each battalion had 112 helicopters, and each battalion had two squadrons. Each squadron had 3 aircraft, including 24 carrying rockets and 2 carrying machine guns. Each aircraft was equipped with light protective armor and coaxial machine guns. In this way, the overall configuration had taken shape.