Helicopter Gunnery Overview…Helicopter Gunnery Overview…

Focus: HELLFIREFocus: HELLFIRE

SpecificationsSpecificationsAGM-114K/L (Hellfire-2/Longbow Hellfire-2)

• Warhead: HE shaped charge/Tandem HEAT • Fuse: Impact • Guidance: Semi-active laser/Inertial & MMW radar • Propulsion: Solid Rocket• Range: 9 km

• Contractors:Boeing/Lockheed Martin

OH-58D Kiowa WarriorOH-58D Kiowa Warrior

AH-64 Apache LongbowAH-64 Apache Longbow

Commander’s AssessmentCommander’s Assessment

• Experience Levels of Unit Aircrews• Results of Previous Gunnery Ranges• Total Training Level of Unit• Personnel Assignment Stability• Diagnostic Testing of Unit Proficiency• Maintenance Status of Aircraft Weapon Systems• Determine Time/Resources Required & Available

Planning the TrainingPlanning the Training

• Develop Program of Pre-gunnery Instruction

• Academic/Hands-On/Non-Aircrew Training

• Plan

- Pre-Live-Fire Assessment

- Intermediate Live-Fire

- Advanced Live-Fire

Effective Assessment & TrainingEffective Assessment & Training

• Set Standards

• Start Early

• Be Thorough

• Be Flexible

• Train Continually

Subject Areas & TechniquesSubject Areas & Techniques

• Flight Proficiency• Map Reading, Navigation & Terrain Analysis• Armament• Ammunition• Crew Duties• Target Acquisition & Identification• Mission Planning• Range Operation & Safety

Qualification GatesQualification Gates

• A helicopter gunnery “gate” is a task or tasks grouped in a training event that a soldier or unit must perform to standard before progressing to more complex tasks or events.

• Major Gate Types:– Individual Gates– Crew Simulator & Ground Training Gates– Crew Live-Fire Gates

Scoring CriteriaScoring Criteria

• Target Effect– For Hellfire Missile engagements, target must

be hit to achieve target effect.

• Engagement Time– Start:

• Controlled Presentation (Pop-Up)

• Uncontrolled Presentation (Fixed)

– Stop: Target Effect or “mission complete”

Engagement ScoringEngagement Scoring

• Each engagement worth 100 points.• Crew duties & time-of-flight figures are

integrated into engagement time tables.• Minimum 7 of 10 successful engagements

– DISTINGUISHED900-1000 pts.– SUPERIOR 800-899 pts.– QUALIFIED 700-799 pts.– UNQUALIFIED <700 pts.

Hellfire Missile ScoringHellfire Missile Scoring

• AH-64 Apache VRS/OH-58D Kiowa Warrior AVTR/Other DA- approved objective scoring systems, if available.– Switchology, Crew Coordination, Proper Employment

Techniques– Aircraft/missile range/envelope are GO-LAUNCH?– Line-of-sight/laser energy on target for required time?– Proper grid coordinates keyed for remote engagement.– Missile & Laser Range-Finder/Designator (LRF/D) on

same code.

Post Live-Fire TrainingPost Live-Fire Training

• After-Action Review– Commander assesses unit strengths/weaknesses

& standardization.– Design next gunnery/missile training program.– Continuity during personnel turnover.– Objective data on gunnery to solicit

modifications to publications.

ReferencesReferences

• FM 1-140

• Boeing Aerospace Corp.

• Lockheed Martin Aerospace

• Jane’s Defense Information