CHAPTER EIGHT
ARMY AVIATION
8-1 GENERAL. Army aviation and infantry units can be fully integrated with other members of the combined arms team to form powerful and flexible air assault task forces that can project combat power throughout the entire depth, width, and breadth of the modern battlefield with little regard for terrain barriers. These combat operations are deliberate, precisely planned, and vigorously executed. They are assigned to strike the enemy when and where he is most vulnerable.
8-2. AIR ASSAULT . a. Successful air assault execution is based on a careful analysis of METT-TC and detailed, precise reverse planning. Five basic plans that comprise the reverse planning sequence are developed for each air assault operation. They are:
(1) Ground Tactical Plan. The foundation of a successful air assault operation is the commander’s ground tactical plan. All additional plans must support this plan. The plan specifies actions in the objective area to ultimately accomplish the mission and address subsequent operations.
(2) The Landing Plan. The landing plan must support the ground tactical plan. This plan outlines a sequence of events that allows elements to move into the area of operations, and ensures that units arrive at designated locations at prescribed times prepared to execute the ground tactical plan.
(3) The Air Movement Plan. The air movement plan is based on the ground tactical and landing plans. It specifies the schedule and provides instructions for air movement of troops, equipment, and supplies from PZs to LZs.
(4) The Loading Plan. The loading plan is based on the air movement plan.
It ensures that troops, equipment, and supplies are loaded on the correct aircraft.
Unit integrity is maintained when aircraft loads are planned. Cross-loading may be necessary in order to ensure survivability of command and control assets, and the mix of weapons arriving at the LZ are ready to fight.
(5) The Staging Plan. The staging plan is based on the loading plan and prescribes the arrival time of ground units (troops, equipment and supplies) at the
PZ in the order of movement b. The battalion is the lowest level that has sufficient personnel to plan, coordinate, and control air assault operations. When company size or lower operations are conducted, the bulk of the planning takes place at battalion or higher headquarters. c. Selection and Marking of PZs/LZs.
(1) Small unit leaders should consider the following when selecting a PZ/LZ:
(a) Size. Minimal circular landing point separation from other aircraft and obstacles is needed:
1. Observation helicopters – 25 meters
2. UH-1, AH-1 – 35 meters
3. UH-60, AH-64 – 50 meters
4. Cargo helicopters – 80 meters
(b) Surface conditions. Avoid potential hazards e.g. sand, blowing dust, snow, tree stumps, large rocks.
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(c) Ground slope.
1. 0% - 6 % -- land upslope
2. 7% - 15% -- land sideslope
3. over 15% -- no touchdown (aircraft may hover)
(d) Obstacles. An obstacle clearance ratio of 10 to 1 is used in planning approach and departure of the PZ and LZ (E.g.: a ten foot tall tree requires
100 feet of horizontal distance for approach or departure). Obstacles will be marked with a red chem light at night or red panels during the daytime. Markings will not be used if they cause the position to be seen by the enemy.
(e) Approach/Departure. Approach and departure are made into the wind and along the long axis of the PZ/LZ.
(f) Loads. The greater the load, the larger the PZ/LZ must be to accommodate the insertion or extraction.
(2) Marking PZs and LZs.
(a) Day. A ground guide will mark the PZ or LZ for the lead aircraft by holding an M16/M4 rifle over his head, by displaying a folded VS-17 panel chest high, or by other coordinated and identifiable means.
(b) Night. The code letter Y (Inverted Y) is used to mark the landing point of the lead aircraft at night (figure 8-1). Chemical lights or “beanbag” lights are used to maintain light discipline. A swinging chem light may also be used to mark the landing point.
Figure 8-1 . Inverted Y. d. PZ Operations. Prior to arrival of aircraft, the PZ is secured, PZ control party is positioned, and the troops and equipment are positioned in platoon/squad assembly areas.
(1) Occupation of patrol/squad assembly area. Patrol leader/squad leader should accomplish the following:
(a) Maintain all-around security of the assembly area.
(b) Maintain communications.
(c) Organize personnel and equipment into chalks and loads.
(d) Conduct safety briefing and equipment check of troops.
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Figure 8-8 . Large, one sided PZ
(2) UH-60 Loading Sequence.
(3) Unloading.
Figure 8-9 .
UH-60 Loading Sequence.
Figure 8-10 . Unloading Sequence.
(4) Tactical loading sequence
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Figure 8-11 .Tactical Loading Sequence
(5) Tactical unloading
NOTE: Is best using 1 door, nearest the cover and concealment
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Figure 8-12 . Tactical Unloading Using 1 Door e. Safety. Safety is the primary concern of all leaders when operating in/around aircraft. The inclusion of aircraft into Ranger operations carries an inherent “high” risk factor. The following guidelines are to be considered.
(1) Approach the aircraft from 90 degrees to 45 degrees off the nose.
(2) Weapons with blank firing adapters are pointed muzzles up.
(3) Weapons loaded with live ammunition are muzzles down.
(4) The ballistic helmet is worn.
(5) When possible, an air crew safety brief is conducted with all personnel.
At a minimum it will include loading and offloading, emergencies, and egress procedures.
(6) Leaders need to carry a manifest and turn a copy into higher.
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