Page 43 - Royal Jordanian Air Force Book
P. 43
WHERE WE ARE NOW FIGHTING SQUADRONS
NO. 10 AND 12 COBRA SQUADRONS
The 10th Squadron is known as the mother of attack There is a plan to render the rockets laser-designated
helicopter squadrons, as it was established before and thus fitter for pinpoint targeting, an upgrade
the 12th Squadron, though both were created in that would reduce the number of missiles fired
1985 in Amman, before they were disengaged to and minimize collateral damage. It participates in
King Abdullah II Air Base in Ghabawi when the base internal and external operations, including national
was established in 1999. security, anti-terrorism, border security missions
and other types of combat missions.
The type of aircraft they use, the Cobra AH-1F of
various models, is the only heavy-attack, anti-armor The Cobras are undergoing an upgrade program to
helicopter in the Armed Forces. Known as "The increase the range of the weapons used, improve the
Flying Tank", the Cobra mainly supports armored targeting system and enhance effectiveness of the
ground units and the two squadrons participate in attack vehicle in general.
regular joint military drills with army units.
The 10th and 12th Squadrons pilots also provide
Its mission includes destroying the enemy's tanks, routine training and orientation courses for new
cutting its supply routes and delaying its retreat, graduates from King Hussein Air College-based
using the TOW anti-tank missiles with a range of Squadron 5, especially on the firing systems unique
3,750 meters. It also carries 2.75 inch free missiles to the Cobra.
with a range of around 7 km, and a machine gun
that is used against light targets. Other helicopters available at King Abdullah Air Base
are mainly used as utility vehicles and although they
can be armored with attack systems, they would
remain light-attack helicopters.
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