Marine Expeditionary Unit Vertical Envelopment Risk?

via Navy Matters.

We often discuss amphibious assault problems and one of the common rationalizations for those shortcomings is the notion that we’ll use helos to conduct all or portions of the assault landings. This kind of vertical assault is deemed by its supporters to be fast, stealthy, powerful, and “safe”. I say “safe” because no one who discusses helo assaults ever includes a factual and logical assessment of helo survivability on the modern battlefield. Well, with that lead in, you know we’re going to look at it.
Far and away, the best historical record is the Viet Nam war. The US had undisputed control of the air, at least in areas where helo operations took place, and faced an enemy with no practical radar or electronic detection capabilities that applied to helos. US helos could roam the skies unhindered. Indeed, helo insertions were a common tactic. So, what were the helo losses in Viet Nam? 1%? 5%? Surely not much more than that.
From the Viet Nam Helicopter Pilot’s Association website comes this statement (1).
“Total helicopters destroyed in the Vietnam War was 5,086 out of 11,827.”
That’s a 43% loss rate.

Read the whole thing here.