Q&A ยท 2:32:43-2:32:51

Could an attack helicopter fight wartime aircraft?

A modern attack helicopter might engage slow Second World War aircraft and could be especially well matched against the Swordfish.

Question

Could an attack helicopter dogfight a Second World War aircraft?

Short answer

Probably, depending on the matchup; it may be particularly suitable for engaging a very slow aircraft such as the Swordfish.

Notes

The speed mismatch that troubles modern jet fighters would be less severe for a helicopter. An attack helicopter is therefore a plausible, if unusual, counter to very slow propeller aircraft. Sensors and modern weapons could give the helicopter advantages even though the engagement would not resemble a conventional fighter duel. The Swordfish is the clearest example because its very low speed makes interception geometry unusually awkward for fast jets.