Twelve airborne early warning helicopters would make it practical to maintain two airborne continuously in the scenario. Positioning one north of the islands and one south would offer warning of approaching aircraft at greater distances. Attackers could try to evade detection by flying low and slowly, but those profiles would consume fuel less efficiently. Reduced fuel margins mean less range, less time over the target and fewer aircraft able to participate. The same surveillance could also close down Argentine night resupply flights sooner.
Notable Point · 1:20:59-1:22:04
Early warning changes the Argentine fuel problem
Helicopters north and south of the Falklands could force attackers into less efficient approaches and reduce their operating options.