Apache over Libya

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AAA (Anti Aircraft Artillery, also known as Triple-A). Typically ZU-23-1 and 2, and ZPU-4, 23mm calibre weapons designed to shoot down aircraft. They have a 400 rounds per minute rate of fire, a muzzle velocity of about 1000m per second and are effective up to 4,500ft and out to 4km. They replaced the older 14.5mm ZPU-1 and 2, which have a slower (approximately 150 rounds per minute) rate of fire and a shorter range. These weapons were prolific in Libya and were often mounted on the back of pickup trucks. AAA mounted on pickup trucks are known as ‘technicals’. In Libya they were also used directly against ground forces.

American lady in the wing. Better known as ‘bitchin’ Betty’, this calmly enunciating voice tells us when things go wrong. Her real name is Erica Lane and she’s from Alabama. The software-triggered voice announcements gain the attention of aircrew and alert them to what is going wrong. She informs us of everything from a missile being launched at us to an engine failure.

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