Ukrainian helicopters shot out of the sky

[pjohns]

Fighting has intensified in eastern Ukraine, with at least two Ukrainian helicopters reportedly having been shot down by pro-Rossian separatists.

From an article on the matter in FoxNews.com: 

Pro-Russian separatists shot down two helicopters in a key eastern Ukrainian city, and fighting in the port city of Odessa triggered a fire that killed dozens, as the embattled nation moved closer to the brink of civil war.

Interim Ukraine President Oleksandr Turchynov said "many" pro-Russia rebels have been killed, injured and arrested in a major offensive to regain control of Slavyansk, though it was not clear if the Kiev-backed forces had succeeded. Russia reacted angrily to the offensive by Ukrainian security forces, calling for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council after a spokesman for President Vladimir Putin warned it "effectively destroyed the last hope for the implementation of the Geneva agreements."

In the Black Sea port city of Odessa, Ukraine's third-largest city, a fire that broke out in a trade union building amid clashes killed 31. Fighting there represented another ominous milestone in the conflict that threatens to become a full-blown civil war, as Odessa holds huge historic significance for Russians and Ukrainians alike.

A Ukrainian Defense Ministry spokesman told Fox News that two Ukrainian helicopters were shot down and two of their crewmembers were killed and several Ukrainian soldiers were injured in the fighting around Slovyansk.

Residents of the city of 130,000 in the divided province of Donetsk were warned to stay indoors as a Ukrainian "anti-terrorist operation" was mounted. Two Mi24 helicopters were taken down with mobile surface-to-air missiles, killing two military officers and injuring others, according to the Ukrainian Defense Ministry website. Another army helicopter, an Mi8, was damaged but no one was hurt, it said.

And the link:  Russian separatists down 2 choppers, fighting spreads to Odessa as Ukraine teeters | Fox News

It appears that full-scale conflict is imminent.  (Of course, we can always take comfort in the fact that the Obama administration is now supplying the Ukrainian military with MREs--albeit no RPGs, in case of a full-scale invasion...)

Is it possible that the Obama administration is intentionally projecting weakness?

[Oceander]

gee, since when do grassroots separatists walk around with mobile surface to air missiles in their back pockets?

[SPQR]

gee, since when do grassroots separatists walk around with mobile surface to air missiles in their back pockets?

I agree.They are getting them from regular Russian Army forces and by the looks of it the Russian Army is ready to move.

[EC]

The hell?

How'd a MANPAD take down a 24? Either one hell of a lucky shot or one hell of a crappy pilot. I have flown 24's a long time - and you guys can keep your Apaches, the Hind is the worlds best mayhem platform, bar none. Fast as hell, very unstable (makes them way more maneuverable). One of the very few choppers you can both loop in and barrel roll. Not hugely forgiving, mind, you have to pay attention constantly. Got incoming? Flare up and take it on the belly, which is armored heavily enough that a tank would get jealous. She won't even blink.

[SPQR]

The hell?

How'd a MANPAD take down a 24? Either one hell of a lucky shot or one hell of a crappy pilot. I have flown 24's a long time - and you guys can keep your Apaches, the Hind is the worlds best mayhem platform, bar none. Fast as hell, very unstable (makes them way more maneuverable). One of the very few choppers you can both loop in and barrel roll. Not hugely forgiving, mind, you have to pay attention constantly. Got incoming? Flare up and take it on the belly, which is armored heavily enough that a tank would get jealous. She won't even blink.

It could have been a heat seeking missile like the  9K38 Igla

[EC]

It could have been a heat seeking missile like the  9K38 Igla

It pretty much has to be. Heavier warhead and targets the turbines. Even so - see one incoming, you flush one from the pod. They run far hotter. Incoming loses lock and chases the hotter sig while you head for the deck at much greater than safe speed!

[SPQR]

It pretty much has to be. Heavier warhead and targets the turbines. Even so - see one incoming, you flush one from the pod. They run far hotter. Incoming loses lock and chases the hotter sig while you head for the deck at much greater than safe speed!

They are getting better and better everytime.

[SPQR]

They are getting better and better everytime.

9K38 Igla MANPAD