U-boats spend much of their time on the surface in the period used for this scenario. Their guns could threaten a slow helicopter approaching to attack. Rockets would give the aircraft some standoff distance. That threat provides a reason to develop helicopter rocket armament earlier alongside convoy patrols.
Notable Point · 43:52-44:40
Why convoy helicopters would need rockets
Surfaced U-boats could fight slow helicopters with their guns, encouraging earlier rocket armament.