What Have Kiowa Warrior And Lynx Wildcat Got In Common?

The Agusta Westland Lynx Wildcat reconnaissance helicopter is often criticised for having it's sensors mounted on it's nose.

Many believe a reconnaissance helicopter should have these sensors mounted above the rotor head in what is known as a Mast Mounted Sight (M.M.S.).

This is where the OH 58D Kiowa carries it's sensors.

Mounting the sensors up high allows the helicopter to see over cover while hovering behind it protected from enemy fire.

This was very useful during the Cold War when these helicopters were expected to be falling back on to friendly terrain ahead of advancing Soviet tank armies.

However,recent operations have seen American forces moving fast and high over terrain controlled by the enemy.

Seeing what is beneath the helicopter is now regarded as more important than hiding behind hills and you can't do that with an M.M.S..

Which is why the latest "F" model of the Kiowa Warrior will have it's sensors relocated to the aircraft's nose.

Just Like the Wildcat.

But with even better all round coverage thanks to the under nose location.

There have also been suggestions that Mast Mounted Sights suffer from vibration more than nose mounted sights.

The Words Of John Bellingham

"Recollect,Gentlemen,what was my situation.

Recollect that my family was ruined and myself destroyed,merely because it was Mr Perceval's pleasure that justice should not be granted;sheltering himself behind the imagined security of his station,and trampling upon law and right in the belief that no retribution could reach him.

I demand only my right,and not a favour;I demand what is the birthright and privilege of every Englishman.

Gentlemen,when a minister sets himself above the laws,as Mr Perceval did,he does it as his own personal risk.

If this were not so,the mere will of the minister would become the law,and what would then become of your liberties?

I trust that this serious lesson will operate as a warning to all future ministers,and that they will henceforth do the thing that is right,for if the upper ranks of society are permitted to act wrong with impunity,the inferior ramifications will soon become wholly corrupted.

Gentlemen, my life is in your hands,I rely confidently in your justice."