Wire/Cable Cutters on helicopters?

Yes they are used to cut power lines. When I had the "opportunity" to use them in a UH-60 the lines were spotted just before the wirestrike and we entered a nose high climb to avoid the wires which allowed th wires to clear the rotor. Anyway since these wires are stronger then you think, its better to cut them then to snag and cartwheel the aircraft or remove an aircraft part that you would rather keep.
HTH,
Mog

Yes, wires tend to be a nasty hazard when you're cruising through unfamiliar enemy territiory at 50-100 feet. Good idea to cut them rather than wrap yourself up in them!

Jay,

Its more a protective measure than an intentional one. Hitting a high tension wire at that speed doesn't bode well. The strike kits help somewhat in avoiding that.

Hey Snake,

Which markings are you putting your Whiskey NTS in?

I remember the Kiowas that 408 Squadron at CFB Edmonton used to fly, not only did they have the cutter devices, but the piece of framing that ran up the middle of the windshield had a saw edge all along it to help cut the wire.

ah.... i didn't realize that the possibility of running into power lines was so high.

Yea, they are high when you're flying low