Quote:
Originally Posted by IDonT
The problem is that the Iowa's surface search radar has only a range of the horizon. Your long range missiles range will be useless unless you have the ability to see your target. It's like having a sniper rifle but without a scope. You can still hit a target, but not the ones that arefar to see.
Secondly, modern naval warfare (even during the 80's) involved finding the location of the enemy without him locating you. This battle will always start out with both captain's launching their helo's over the horizon to locate the enemy. The main advantage of the Kirov is that it can shoot down a helicopter at altitude at range. On the other hand, the Helix can stay within 10 nm of the Iowa and be relatively safe.
Yes the Iowa's were great ships but they are unfortunately obsolete. A single burke Flight II/A destroyer has a much better chance of engaging the Kirov 1 on 1.
|
The sat relay systems used aboard fare much farther and clearer then the old stlye surface sets. This is also why the helo is not used for spotting nor guidance for the missle sets (perhaps mid course but certainly not primary). We wouldnt trust something that important with something that can be easily shot down and we would be blind as a bat. This is not Korean/Vietnam era where the helo was used for spotting. We know long before Kirov gets into any position to fire. And I certainly wouldn't suggest the Kirov's helos are safe at 10 miles out. They certainly are not safe at all and it would be a simple matter of duck hunting although we wouldnt use an elephant gun to do it. In addition althought the helo is not used in the fashion that Kirov's is for spotting purposes you can rest assure that if she returns to sea she would be carring something much more lethal then a Seasprite for doing its normal chores such as mail and supply delivery.