So hear me out, weapons like this stinger use guidance tech to hit helicopters. Why cant weapons like the NLAW and javelin do the same, maybe with different software?
In: 1
Jav- yes, targeting helicopters and low, slow flying aircraft are in its stated capabilities. Its a fire-and-forget, medium range guided missile.
NLAW- no. It has much simpler “guidance”, much, much less range, warhead is designed for fly-over top attack (explodes and shoots downward on target), and would be completely wasted on trying to shoot an aircraft.
Some guided anti-armor weapons like hellfires can be used against helicopters because a moving helicopter isnt actually that difficult to track, theyre actually kinda slow and predictable. By their low-altitude and pop-up nature, the range at which to target them is within the range of long-range anti-tank weapons. But dedicated anti-air weapons intended to hit all types of aircraft need to fly fast, have very long range, and be maneuverable enough to track jets going 500-ish mph pulling 9g turns.
Latest Answers