Video Shows a CH-46 Sea Knight Helicopter Being Struck by Missile

**kellyhound** · #1 ● 12-12-2007, 05:31 PM

[On February 7, 1991, during the Gulf War (Operation Desert Storm), a CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter from the United States Marine Corps was struck by a SA-7 Grail (Strela-2) surface-to-air missile. The helicopter was on a mission to transport troops and supplies in the vicinity of the Kuwait-Iraq border.

The SA-7 Grail is a portable, shoulder-fired, heat-seeking missile system commonly used by various military forces. In this case, an Iraqi soldier fired the SA-7 missile at the CH-46 Sea Knight, successfully hitting the aircraft. The missile strike caused the helicopter to crash, resulting in the loss of lives among the Marines on board.

This incident was one of several during the Gulf War where coalition forces encountered surface-to-air missile threats from Iraqi forces. The SA-7 missile was known for its ability to target and home in on the heat emitted by aircraft engines, making it a significant threat to helicopters and low-flying aircraft.

The Gulf War saw various engagements and encounters, with coalition forces eventually prevailing and liberating Kuwait from Iraqi occupation. The conflict had a significant impact on military aviation tactics and technology, leading to advancements in aircraft defense systems to counter threats like the SA-7 missile.