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From: vrdxhq!vrdxhq.verdix.com!bsmart@uunet.UU.NET (Bob Smart)
Newsgroups: sci.military
Subject: Re: air defense wires
Summary: anti aircraft wires
Message-ID: <5516@cbnews.ATT.COM>
Date: 7 Apr 89 23:12:51 GMT
References: <5480@cbnews.ATT.COM>
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From: vrdxhq!vrdxhq.verdix.com!bsmart@uunet.UU.NET (Bob Smart)

In article <5480@cbnews.ATT.COM>, mcgrath@nprdc.navy.mil (James McGrath) writes:
> 
> 
> From: mcgrath@nprdc.navy.mil (James McGrath)
> Helicopters flying nap-of-the-earth (NOE) have been downed by striking
> power lines and other high wires.  It seems logical that one might
> deliberately string wires across passes, saddles, or even between tall
> trees as a means of defense or interdiction against NOE air operations.
> Does anybody know whether such measures would be effective and whether
> they have ever been used?


This was used in Vietnam and is believed to have caused the downing of
at least one F-111. The wires were strung across a valley that was a 
often used route. I believe they had other wires hanging from the main
cross wires. Another simple counter measure that was used was to fire
chaff up in front of the aircraft. The terrain following radar would see
an obstruction and point the aircraft up giving a good IR target right
up the tailpipe.

The Army was conducting tests at NASA Langley to develop cable resistant
helicopters back in 1983-85. They hung the Helo from the old
Lunar Lander frame and swung it down into the wires. ( same method
that was used to test some small planes for crashability.) I left
the Air Force and the area in 85 and didn't here any more about the 
program.

Bob Smart (bsmart@verdix.com)