First tested in Vietnam, but later developed primarily to counter massed armour thrusts across Europe, the attack helicopter may now be going back to its roots, as a fast escort for ground convoys and heliborne assaults, and as a fire support gunship. While some operators still expect each aircraft to kill a squadron of tanks, there is a broader market for less expensive though well armed and protected helicopters for peacekeeping operations, but with the flexibility to cover other missions, including anti-piracy and counter-narcotics.
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