Article

2016-07-11 Syria-Lebanon-Iran

Intense video shows the moment a Russian helicopter is downed by ISIS in Syria

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Posted by Besoeker 2016-07-11 12:29|| E-Mail|| Front Page|| [336090 views ] Top

#1 I've looked at this vid over a dozen times. I'm calling ground fire, possibly RPG, but not MANPAD. While Soviet era MANPADS can engage at minimum altitudes of 30-50 meters, no vapor trail was visible. The downed aircraft was engaging ground targets with rockets at low altitude (possibly less that 1200 feet) when hit with whatever brought it down.

Posted by Besoeker 2016-07-11 12:53|| 2016-07-11 12:53|| Front Page Top

#2 The tail rotor lit up around 13s into the video. Could it have been a 50-cal technical or something? It seems an RPG could make that kind of flash. Could a 50-calibre?

Posted by gorb 2016-07-11 13:01|| 2016-07-11 13:01|| Front Page Top

#3 I would immediately guess rapid disassembly of missile #3 with fuel charge exiting rear of launch tube quickly followed by impact ignition from striking the tail boom. Note missile ignition flares for #1-2 occur at front as missile exits pod, #3 appears at rear.

Somebody failed to pull the 'Remove before Flight' flagged pin.

Need input from Pan for certain.

Posted by Skidmark 2016-07-11 13:23|| 2016-07-11 13:23|| Front Page Top

#4 B, I agree with you. If it was a manpad there would be a trail of smoke and parts going up after impact, I could find no evidence of that. An RPG would not have a smoke trail but a shot like that would be a one off shot at that aircrafts speed. My best guess is it took AAA fire and the gunner just barely hit the rear of the aircraft severing the tail.

Posted by 49 Pan 2016-07-11 13:28|| 2016-07-11 13:28|| Front Page Top

#5 That's not rocket fire, no smoke from the front. I'm pretty sure all the flashes was AAA hammering him.

Posted by 49 Pan 2016-07-11 13:31|| 2016-07-11 13:31|| Front Page Top

#6 I would immediately guess rapid disassembly of missile #3 with fuel charge exiting rear of launch tube quickly followed by impact ignition from striking the tail boom. Note missile ignition flares for #1-2 occur at front as missile exits pod, #3 appears at rear.

Somebody failed to pull the 'Remove before Flight' flagged pin. Need input from Pan for certain. Posted by Skidmark

Very interesting theory. One would have to be quite brave to engage a Mi35 on a gun run. The prudent thing to do would be to wait until he's finished and makes his turn. Add to that the second aircraft kept right on rolling toward the action.

You may have something there Skid.

Posted by Besoeker 2016-07-11 14:12|| 2016-07-11 14:12|| Front Page Top

#7 Looks like some wide open ground, poor concealment choice. Didn't see any tracers, not that there has to be but would be nice at a distance shot vs. moving helicopter.

My money is on Skid's square.

Posted by swksvolFF 2016-07-11 14:38|| 2016-07-11 14:38|| Front Page Top

#8 I like skids analysis, unlike #1-2 the majority of flare #3 appears at the rear of the launch tube, then a very small flare immediately following at the front of the launch tube, then the catastrophic tail explosion. Who knows if it's coincidence or connected but the timings right for either.

Posted by teapot 2016-07-11 17:43|| 2016-07-11 17:43|| Front Page Top

#9 I have a question for those who know helicopters - other than coming down too fast with fuel and ammo, did the pilot make a good recovery?

Looked like he got it right side up and rotating.

Posted by swksvolFF 2016-07-11 18:08|| 2016-07-11 18:08|| Front Page Top

#10 Why would ISIS be recording it if they weren't planning on attacking it?

Posted by gorb 2016-07-11 18:17|| 2016-07-11 18:17|| Front Page Top

#11 I went back through gun footage on the MI24 and 36, not exactly sure which aircraft this is. If it was a hang fire, the rocket burn would have been 6 seconds or so making the rocket hang fire not it. It looks like 20mm hitting the aircraft to me and when I look at other footage of MI aircraft being shot down it kinda fits. These two aircraft were reportedly returning form a mission. Russians are notorious for same way in and out of a target, meaning they are bait on their way out. My dumbass 2 cents worth. Oh, and the recovery sucked, not too much he could do but try to keep it level on impact, he seemed to do that ok....

Posted by 49 Pan 2016-07-11 18:47|| 2016-07-11 18:47|| Front Page Top

#12 Thanks Pan.

Posted by swksvolFF 2016-07-11 19:26|| 2016-07-11 19:26|| Front Page Top

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