Fighter Sweep
  • Home
  • Military Aviation
  • Air Force
  • Navy
  • Spec Ops
  • Expert Analysis
  • Careers
  • Photos
Home Previous Post Next Post
Follow @fightersweep

Former Army Ranger and pilot discusses footage of Kiowa pilots supporting ground forces against the Taliban

January 1, 2019
FighterSweep Staff No Comments Military Aviation, Video

Editor’s note: Erik Meisner served in Attack Company, 2nd Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment as a rifle team leader with deployments to the Middle East, Central America and Asia. He is also a licensed pilot. The following is his breakdown of the footage below:

This raw video shows how air assets can support ground forces in a dynamic environment. It appears that the Kiowa pilots try to initially slow down a pair of fleeing Taliban fighters on a motorcycle with warning shots. Maybe to allow the US forces in pursuit to catch up. Maybe because they don’t have clearance to engage yet.

Once they have the authority to engage the enemy, two OH-58 Kiowa helicopters coordinate fire and trap the enemy taking cover near a group of trees, firing both rockets and machine guns. From that point, it’s just a matter of time before they are eliminated. You can see how close the Kiowas are to the action as the crew hand signals the dismounted infantry while they assess what’s left of the enemy fighters.

While serving in 2nd Ranger Battalion, we used to coordinate with MH-60 DAP and AH-6 Little Bird helicopters in similar scenarios. Although the MH-60 isn’t as maneuverable as the Little Birds or Kiowas, they did carry a heavy compliment of weapons and were crazy accurate. And were always a welcome sight for any ground troops. Videos like this remind me how awesome it was to work with motivated pilots and air crews in the Army.

This article was written by Erik Meisner and was originally published on LoadOutRoom.com

Related Posts

  • Watch: Classic F-14 shoot down of two Libyan MIG-23’sWatch: Classic F-14 shoot down of two Libyan MIG-23’s
  • Watch: The first flight of what could be the US military’s future long-range assault aircraftWatch: The first flight of what could be the US military’s future long-range assault aircraft
  • Watch: New footage shows the agility of America’s Apache helicoptersWatch: New footage shows the agility of America’s Apache helicopters
  • Watch: Stunt pilot Fred North shows just how low the Huey can flyWatch: Stunt pilot Fred North shows just how low the Huey can fly
  • Watch: Incredible footage of helicopter pilot putting rotor within inches of a mountain to rescue skier in the AlpsWatch: Incredible footage of helicopter pilot putting rotor within inches of a mountain to rescue skier in the Alps

Find Us on Facebook

FighterSweep.com

Sign Up
for the Newsletter

What’s Hot

  • May 21, 2022

    The Flying Fortress got all the Press, But the Liberator had the Numbers

  • September 4, 2019

    Photo Gallery: McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II

  • blue-angels-reporter-blacks-out-passes-out
    December 5, 2017

    Watch: News Reporter Blacks Out on Ride with US Navy Blue Angels

Follow Us

Facebook Twitter Twitter

Recent Comments

  • Speir Mor Media Amazing history and pride in the old B-52! And that’s one hell of a range. [...]
  • disqus_lkVjMrnsGt As an 8th grader in 1960 I first became acquainted with the 1952 Washington [...]
  • SWS Irrational fears and misinformation is not a reason to get a waiver from a [...]
  • Paul Otts Apparently yours included since all you posted was criticism of others.

© Copyright 2022 SOFREP Media Group. All Rights Reserved.

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Advertisers