OBJECTIVESOBJECTIVESTo provide the students To provide the students

an overview of what an overview of what airmobile operation is, its airmobile operation is, its missions for airmobile missions for airmobile forces, its limitations, forces, its limitations, training and operation. training and operation.

SCOPESCOPEDEFINITION OF AIRMOBILE DEFINITION OF AIRMOBILE

OPERATIONSOPERATIONSMISSIONS FOR AIRMOBILE FORCESMISSIONS FOR AIRMOBILE FORCESLIMITATIONS OF AIRMOBILE LIMITATIONS OF AIRMOBILE

OPERATIONOPERATIONAIRMOBILE TRAININGAIRMOBILE TRAININGPATHFINDER OPERATIONPATHFINDER OPERATION

Airmobile Operation Airmobile Operation (Heliborne Operation)(Heliborne Operation)

– is an offensive operation in – is an offensive operation in which combat forces and their which combat forces and their equipment move about in the equipment move about in the battle field aboard air vehicles battle field aboard air vehicles under the control of the ground under the control of the ground force commander, to engage in force commander, to engage in ground combat.ground combat.

LIMITATIONS OF AIRMOBILE LIMITATIONS OF AIRMOBILE OPERATIONSOPERATIONS

1. Adverse weather conditions may 1. Adverse weather conditions may curtail the use of helicopters.curtail the use of helicopters.2. Limited support weapons, heavy 2. Limited support weapons, heavy equipment and means of equipment and means of communication.communication.3. Limited capability to engage to 3. Limited capability to engage to sustained sustained combat.combat.4. Lack of vehicular mobility.4. Lack of vehicular mobility.5. Vulnerability to enemy action during 5. Vulnerability to enemy action during landing, assembly and pick-up.landing, assembly and pick-up.6. Loss of the element of surprise if air-6. Loss of the element of surprise if air-mobile operation is often resorted to by mobile operation is often resorted to by the commander, since the enemy may the commander, since the enemy may learn to counter-act such operation.learn to counter-act such operation.

MISSIONS FOR AIRMOBILE FORCESMISSIONS FOR AIRMOBILE FORCES 1. Reconnaissance and security operations to block 1. Reconnaissance and security operations to block

and screen enemy avenues of approach as:and screen enemy avenues of approach as: a.Covering force.a.Covering force. b.Flank guard.b.Flank guard. c.Rear area security force.c.Rear area security force.2. Anti-Airborne, Anti-Airmobile and Anti-Dissident 2. Anti-Airborne, Anti-Airmobile and Anti-Dissident operations.operations.3. Seizure and retention of key terrain.3. Seizure and retention of key terrain.4. Feints, demonstrations and other diversionary 4. Feints, demonstrations and other diversionary actions.actions.5. Economy of force missions.5. Economy of force missions.6. Counter-attack of enemy penetrations.6. Counter-attack of enemy penetrations.7. Long-range combat patrols.7. Long-range combat patrols.8. Raids.8. Raids.9. Counter guerillas operations.9. Counter guerillas operations.

AIRMOBILE TRAININGAIRMOBILE TRAINING 1. Helicopter Team Organization - a 1. Helicopter Team Organization - a helicopter team, also referred to as helicopter team, also referred to as heliteamheliteam consists of combat equipped consists of combat equipped troops lifted in one helicopter at one time. troops lifted in one helicopter at one time. In forming heliteams, the following In forming heliteams, the following principles are considered:principles are considered:a.  Unit Integrity - this means that unit a.  Unit Integrity - this means that unit organization of forces are preserve organization of forces are preserve whenever possible. whenever possible. b. Tactical Spread - key personnel and b. Tactical Spread - key personnel and important equipment are judiciously important equipment are judiciously distributed on the different aircraft to distributed on the different aircraft to forestall their total loss in the event that forestall their total loss in the event that some aircraft will not successfully reach the some aircraft will not successfully reach the landing zone.landing zone.

Heliteam Organization and Seat Heliteam Organization and Seat DesignationDesignation

SQUAD LEADERSQUAD LEADERTeam Leader Team LeaderTeam Leader Team Leader

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 91 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9  

    ““A” Fire Team “B” Fire TeamA” Fire Team “B” Fire Team    

5 4 23 1

9 8 7 6 C/CAP

PP – PilotAP – Asst. PilotC/C – Chief Crew - Direction of

Seat

Note: If seats are not arranged for airmobile operation,the gunner seats at no. 1.

The size of the heliteam is determined by the weight The size of the heliteam is determined by the weight carrying capability of the helicopter and the weight of the carrying capability of the helicopter and the weight of the troops and equipment to be transported. The allowable troops and equipment to be transported. The allowable cargo load (ACL) of the helicopter is affected by its type, cargo load (ACL) of the helicopter is affected by its type, the elevation of pick-up and landing sites, the humidity the elevation of pick-up and landing sites, the humidity and weather conditions and its fuel load. Since most of and weather conditions and its fuel load. Since most of the helicopters available for use of AFP have the ACL of the helicopters available for use of AFP have the ACL of nine combat equipped personnel (equivalent to 240 lbs nine combat equipped personnel (equivalent to 240 lbs each), it would be best to organize AFP units into each), it would be best to organize AFP units into heliteams of 9 men composed of:heliteams of 9 men composed of:

1 Squad leader (heliteam commander)1 Squad leader (heliteam commander)2 Fire team leaders (A and B)2 Fire team leaders (A and B)6 members of A and B fire teams and their 6 members of A and B fire teams and their equipment.equipment.

   The more senior fire team leader is the assistant The more senior fire team leader is the assistant heliteam commander. He familiarizes himself with the heliteam commander. He familiarizes himself with the duties of the heliteam commander and assists him in his duties of the heliteam commander and assists him in his duties aside from controlling his own fire team. He duties aside from controlling his own fire team. He assumes command when it becomes necessary.assumes command when it becomes necessary.

2. Heliteam Commander’s Responsibility - the 2. Heliteam Commander’s Responsibility - the senior commissioned or non-commissioned Army senior commissioned or non-commissioned Army

Officer of the Heliteam is the heliteam commander Officer of the Heliteam is the heliteam commander and he has the following responsibilities:and he has the following responsibilities:

A. Inspect each individual member of the A. Inspect each individual member of the heliteam for proper uniform, equipment while heliteam for proper uniform, equipment while in the assembly area.in the assembly area.

B. Musters the members of the heliteam in B. Musters the members of the heliteam in the assigned assembly area prior to the assigned assembly area prior to enplanning.enplanning.

C. Checks all equipment assigned to the C. Checks all equipment assigned to the heliteam and sees to it that they are properly heliteam and sees to it that they are properly located before the team is called to the located before the team is called to the loading zone.loading zone.

Heliteam Commander’s Heliteam Commander’s Responsibility Cont.Responsibility Cont.

D. Ensures that all weapons are in safe D. Ensures that all weapons are in safe position, all loose gears of the men are position, all loose gears of the men are properly secure and they do not carry properly secure and they do not carry anything higher than their heads.anything higher than their heads.

E. Leads his heliteam from the assembly E. Leads his heliteam from the assembly area to the control point and ready circle in area to the control point and ready circle in the loading zone.the loading zone.

F. Supervises the enplaning of his heliteam.F. Supervises the enplaning of his heliteam. G. Supervises the deplaning of his heliteam G. Supervises the deplaning of his heliteam

personnel and equipment at the landing personnel and equipment at the landing site.site.

3. Loading Procedure3. Loading Procedure - within the loading - within the loading site, troops will be assembled at an site, troops will be assembled at an assembly area. Here orders are issued and assembly area. Here orders are issued and administrative matters are completed. administrative matters are completed. Troops are then group into heliteams and Troops are then group into heliteams and heliteam commanders make their final heliteam commanders make their final briefing. When directed, the heliteams are briefing. When directed, the heliteams are moved to the control point and from the moved to the control point and from the control point, the loading supervisor directs control point, the loading supervisor directs them to the ready circles. The ready circles them to the ready circles. The ready circles are alert points from which the heliteam are are alert points from which the heliteam are called to be enplannedcalled to be enplanned..

4. Enplanning Procedure - helicopter loading is 4. Enplanning Procedure - helicopter loading is conducted with the maximum speed commensurate conducted with the maximum speed commensurate with safety. In enplanning helicopters, the following with safety. In enplanning helicopters, the following procedures may be used as guides:procedures may be used as guides:

On signal from the troop loading officer or the On signal from the troop loading officer or the signalman who marshaled the helicopter to signalman who marshaled the helicopter to land, the heliteam commander leads his team land, the heliteam commander leads his team on the double from the ready circle to the on the double from the ready circle to the aircraft. aircraft.

The heliteam commander ensures the team The heliteam commander ensures the team members are in proper sequence within the members are in proper sequence within the column to facilitate rapid enplanning and column to facilitate rapid enplanning and loading of equipment. They dash to the loading of equipment. They dash to the helicopter at port arms keeping their heads helicopter at port arms keeping their heads low. low.

Enplanning Procedure cont.Enplanning Procedure cont. Upon reaching the aircraft, the heliteam Upon reaching the aircraft, the heliteam

commander takes position near the skid of the commander takes position near the skid of the helicopter and assist team members to enplane.helicopter and assist team members to enplane.

Personnel enter the helicopter carrying rifles in Personnel enter the helicopter carrying rifles in their hands and seat on positions indicated in their hands and seat on positions indicated in figure 104.figure 104.

Crew-served weapons maybe loaded in parts. The Crew-served weapons maybe loaded in parts. The light machinegun is loaded in its three main light machinegun is loaded in its three main groups, each carried by individual members. The groups, each carried by individual members. The 81MM mortar is loaded into component loads; the 81MM mortar is loaded into component loads; the complete base plate, the tube and bipod assembly. complete base plate, the tube and bipod assembly. The 60MM mortar maybe loaded as a whole. Care The 60MM mortar maybe loaded as a whole. Care should be taken such that the weight of the load is should be taken such that the weight of the load is equally distributed on the starboard and port side equally distributed on the starboard and port side of the aircraft.of the aircraft.

Enplanning Procedure cont.Enplanning Procedure cont.When seated, each army places his When seated, each army places his

rifles between his knees, fastens his rifles between his knees, fastens his seatbelts and raises his right arm to seatbelts and raises his right arm to signal the heliteam commander that he signal the heliteam commander that he is ready for take off period.is ready for take off period.

When the heliteam commander sees When the heliteam commander sees that all members are strapped and that all members are strapped and ready to be airborne, he either gives ready to be airborne, he either gives the crew chief a thumbs-up signal or the crew chief a thumbs-up signal or taps the pilot’s shoulder and signals taps the pilot’s shoulder and signals him to take off.him to take off.

5. Enplanning Procedure Aboard Ship - 5. Enplanning Procedure Aboard Ship - the basic procedure in enplanning aboard the the basic procedure in enplanning aboard the ship is the same as the procedure when ship is the same as the procedure when enplanning ashore. The size of the loading enplanning ashore. The size of the loading site may differ due to the limitation of a ship site may differ due to the limitation of a ship deck, but generally heliteam loading deck, but generally heliteam loading procedures remain the same.procedures remain the same.6. Deplanning Procedure - 6. Deplanning Procedure - when when approaching the landing zone, the pilot or approaching the landing zone, the pilot or crew chief will orient the heliteam crew chief will orient the heliteam commander as to the direction of north, commander as to the direction of north, south, east and west. They must also try to south, east and west. They must also try to establish for the heliteam commander his establish for the heliteam commander his position in relation to an object that is well position in relation to an object that is well known to him on the groundknown to him on the ground..

PATHFINDER OPERATIONPATHFINDER OPERATION An Army Troop Leader must know the basic An Army Troop Leader must know the basic pathfinder techniques to guide aircrafts to his unit’s pathfinder techniques to guide aircrafts to his unit’s position, to conduct close air support, to deliver vital position, to conduct close air support, to deliver vital supplies or to pick-up casualties. Likewise, he must supplies or to pick-up casualties. Likewise, he must know how to select and prepare an appropriate drop know how to select and prepare an appropriate drop or landing zone for a particular aircraft. Pathfinder or landing zone for a particular aircraft. Pathfinder operation may include:operation may include:

A. DROP ZONE OPERATIONA. DROP ZONE OPERATION Here, cargoes or paratroopers will be dropped on Here, cargoes or paratroopers will be dropped on specified areas selected and prepared by a specified areas selected and prepared by a pathfinder. If the aircraft to conduct the drop is on pathfinder. If the aircraft to conduct the drop is on the ground of known location, the pathfinder may the ground of known location, the pathfinder may give him terminal guidance thru the radio.give him terminal guidance thru the radio.

1. Factors in Selection of 1. Factors in Selection of Drop ZoneDrop Zone a. Access to area by supported units.a. Access to area by supported units.

b. Obstacles.b. Obstacles. c. Altitude (Actual) of aircraft during delivery.c. Altitude (Actual) of aircraft during delivery. d. Type of aircraft employed. d. Type of aircraft employed. e. Type of loads, which could be personnel, equipment e. Type of loads, which could be personnel, equipment

or or combination of both.combination of both. f. Adequate aircraft approach and departure routes. It f. Adequate aircraft approach and departure routes. It

is desirable to direct aircraft to fly into the wind during is desirable to direct aircraft to fly into the wind during the air delivery since the slower ground speed gives it the air delivery since the slower ground speed gives it more time over the drop zone and assures a more more time over the drop zone and assures a more compact delivery pattern.compact delivery pattern.

g. Method of drop, which could be high velocity drop g. Method of drop, which could be high velocity drop (last minute deployment) low velocity drop (early (last minute deployment) low velocity drop (early deployment) and free drop.deployment) and free drop.

2. Drop Zone Formulas2. Drop Zone Formulasa. Required Length of Drop Zone:a. Required Length of Drop Zone:

D=RTD=RTD-Distance in metersD-Distance in metersR-Rate of aircraft (ground speed) in R-Rate of aircraft (ground speed) in meters per secondmeters per secondT-Time required for release of cargo T-Time required for release of cargo in seconds.in seconds.

b. Conversion of knots 2 meters b. Conversion of knots 2 meters per secondper second

Knots x 0.51=meters per secondKnots x 0.51=meters per second

2. Drop Zone Formulas 2. Drop Zone Formulas cont.cont.

c. Time over Drop Zone: T=D/Rc. Time over Drop Zone: T=D/Rd. Forward Throw of Dropped d. Forward Throw of Dropped

Cargo:Cargo:FT=R/2FT=R/2FT-Forward throw in metersFT-Forward throw in metersR-Rate of aircraft (ground speed) in R-Rate of aircraft (ground speed) in metersmeters

2. Drop Zone Formulas 2. Drop Zone Formulas cont.cont.

e. Wind drift: D=KAVe. Wind drift: D=KAVD – Drift in metersD – Drift in metersK – Constant: personnel parachutesK – Constant: personnel parachutesA – Altitude of drop (actual altitude) in A – Altitude of drop (actual altitude) in hundreds of feethundreds of feetV – Velocity of surface winds in knotsV – Velocity of surface winds in knots

  Note: This formula assumes that the Note: This formula assumes that the surface winds and winds aloft are the surface winds and winds aloft are the same and that jumpers do not perform same and that jumpers do not perform anti-drift action while airborne.anti-drift action while airborne.

3. Expedient Methods Of 3. Expedient Methods Of Determining Wind VelocityDetermining Wind Velocity

a. Grass Drop Methoda. Grass Drop Method - extend arm straight - extend arm straight out and drop dry grass from hand. Point out and drop dry grass from hand. Point extended arm at dropped grass on the extended arm at dropped grass on the ground. The angle formed between the arm ground. The angle formed between the arm and the body, divided by 4, is the wind and the body, divided by 4, is the wind velocity in knots.velocity in knots.

b. Angle Of Smoke Methodb. Angle Of Smoke Method - make a small - make a small bonfire and observe the smoke blown by the bonfire and observe the smoke blown by the wind. If the smoke goes: wind. If the smoke goes:

(1)(1)      Straight up = No windStraight up = No wind(2)(2)      30 degrees from vertical wind 3-5 knots30 degrees from vertical wind 3-5 knots(3)(3)      60 degrees from vertical wind 5-7 knots60 degrees from vertical wind 5-7 knots(4)(4)      Along the ground = wind in excess of 8 knotsAlong the ground = wind in excess of 8 knots

4. Exit Point Determination by Vector Count Method -the 4. Exit Point Determination by Vector Count Method -the vector count method is the basic way for a jumpmaster vector count method is the basic way for a jumpmaster aboard an aircraft to determine the exit points over the drop aboard an aircraft to determine the exit points over the drop zone for his jumpers to hit the desired impact areas.zone for his jumpers to hit the desired impact areas.

Following are the procedures for this method:Following are the procedures for this method: a. A drift parachute, streamer or a dummy jumper a. A drift parachute, streamer or a dummy jumper

is dropped on the aircraft’s first pass over the is dropped on the aircraft’s first pass over the desired impact point (IP).desired impact point (IP).

b. The aircraft then turns to allow the jumpmaster b. The aircraft then turns to allow the jumpmaster keep the drop zone and the drift parachute, keep the drop zone and the drift parachute, streamer or jumper in sight. The pilot then adjusts streamer or jumper in sight. The pilot then adjusts his flight pattern so that his flight path passes his flight pattern so that his flight path passes over the parachute or streamer that had hit the over the parachute or streamer that had hit the ground in line with the desired impact point for the ground in line with the desired impact point for the first jumper.first jumper.

Exit Point Determination by Vector Count Exit Point Determination by Vector Count Method cont.Method cont.

c. As the aircraft passes over the parachute or streamer on c. As the aircraft passes over the parachute or streamer on the ground, the jump master starts a count of about one the ground, the jump master starts a count of about one second interval (one thousand one, one thousand two, one second interval (one thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand three….), stopping the count directly over the thousand three….), stopping the count directly over the desired IP for the first desired IP for the first jumper.jumper.

d. He then immediately begins a second count as the d. He then immediately begins a second count as the aircraft moves over and away from the desired IP for the aircraft moves over and away from the desired IP for the first jumper. When the second count equals the first count, first jumper. When the second count equals the first count, the aircraft is over the exit point for the first jumper.the aircraft is over the exit point for the first jumper.

e. The pilot then maneuvers the aircraft to fly parallel to the e. The pilot then maneuvers the aircraft to fly parallel to the long axis of the drop zone and over the exit point. And long axis of the drop zone and over the exit point. And additional passes necessary to drop all jumpers or cargoes additional passes necessary to drop all jumpers or cargoes aboard the aircraft are flown over the same exit point. aboard the aircraft are flown over the same exit point. Slight adjustment of flight paths may be made based on Slight adjustment of flight paths may be made based on the the observed impact points of preceding jumpers.observed impact points of preceding jumpers.

5. Drop Instruction to Aircraft of 5. Drop Instruction to Aircraft of Known Location.Known Location.

Following is an example of radio instruction given Following is an example of radio instruction given to an aircraft on drop mission:to an aircraft on drop mission:

a. HORNET (aircraft’s call sign) This is JAGUAR a. HORNET (aircraft’s call sign) This is JAGUAR (your call sign).(your call sign).

b. HEADING TO DROP ZONE DEGREES (reckoned b. HEADING TO DROP ZONE DEGREES (reckoned from location of aircraft)from location of aircraft)

c. DROP HEADING ______ DEGREES c. DROP HEADING ______ DEGREES (recommended flight heading over DZ)(recommended flight heading over DZ)

d. DROP ALTITUDE _____FEET, DROP SPEED d. DROP ALTITUDE _____FEET, DROP SPEED _____KNOTS (recommended altitude and ground _____KNOTS (recommended altitude and ground speed of aircraft over DZ)speed of aircraft over DZ)

e. BE ADVICE ______ (include approximate e. BE ADVICE ______ (include approximate dimensions of DZ, enemy situation, wind condition dimensions of DZ, enemy situation, wind condition and other pertinent information to aid pilot)and other pertinent information to aid pilot)

5. Drop Instruction to Aircraft of 5. Drop Instruction to Aircraft of Known Location. Cont.Known Location. Cont.

f. CONTINUE APPROACH FOR VISUAL f. CONTINUE APPROACH FOR VISUAL GUIDANCEGUIDANCE

g. HORNET, STAND BY … (when aircraft g. HORNET, STAND BY … (when aircraft approach exactly as desired and you wish approach exactly as desired and you wish to give the signal for jumpers or cargoes to to give the signal for jumpers or cargoes to exit from the aircraft. This morning is given exit from the aircraft. This morning is given 5-10 seconds prior to5-10 seconds prior to drop).drop).

h. EXECUTE, EXECUTE, EXECUTE. h. EXECUTE, EXECUTE, EXECUTE. (jumpers or cargoes exit at every word)(jumpers or cargoes exit at every word)

i. NO DROP, NO DROP…(if not safe to i. NO DROP, NO DROP…(if not safe to drop).drop).

B. PICK-UP ZONE OPERATIONB. PICK-UP ZONE OPERATION In the conduct of airmobile In the conduct of airmobile

operation, an Army Officer or NCO operation, an Army Officer or NCO may be tasked to assist in the may be tasked to assist in the control of aircraft and in the control of aircraft and in the loading of personnel and supplies loading of personnel and supplies in pick-up zones. They may also be in pick-up zones. They may also be required to select and prepare required to select and prepare pick-up zone. In this kind of duty, pick-up zone. In this kind of duty, knowledge of the basic pathfinder knowledge of the basic pathfinder techniques involved in pick-up techniques involved in pick-up zone operation will be very useful.zone operation will be very useful.

1.1. Factors to Consider in Selection of Factors to Consider in Selection of

Pick-up Zone.Pick-up Zone. a. a. Size of Landing AreaSize of Landing Area - the pick-up - the pick-up site should be free of tall trees, site should be free of tall trees, telephone or power lines or similar telephone or power lines or similar obstruction on the approach or obstruction on the approach or departure ends. Obstacles which departure ends. Obstacles which cannot be eliminated must be clearly cannot be eliminated must be clearly mark and the pilot should be properly mark and the pilot should be properly warned about them during approach. warned about them during approach. For planning purposes on obstacle For planning purposes on obstacle ratio of 10-1 should be used.ratio of 10-1 should be used.b. b. Number and Type of AircraftNumber and Type of Aircraft. . c. c. Landing Formation of Aircraft.Landing Formation of Aircraft.d. d. Surface ConditionSurface Condition (dusty, muddy, (dusty, muddy, etc) etc) - loose debris must be - loose debris must be removed.removed.

e. Ground Slopee. Ground SlopeZero to 7 percent --- Land up-slopeZero to 7 percent --- Land up-slope7 percent to 15 percent --- Land side-slope7 percent to 15 percent --- Land side-slopeMore than 15 percent --- No landMore than 15 percent --- No land

f. Approach or Departure Directionf. Approach or Departure Direction - over - over lowest lowest obstacles and into the wind if possible.obstacles and into the wind if possible.g. Windsg. Winds - maximum allowable for utility - maximum allowable for utility helicopters:helicopters:

Crosswinds -------- 10 knotsCrosswinds -------- 10 knotsTailwinds ----------- 5 knotsTailwinds ----------- 5 knotsHeadwinds ---------- 40 knotsHeadwinds ---------- 40 knots

h.  Loads. h.  Loads. i.  Obstaclesi.  Obstacles - remove obstacles if possible. Mark - remove obstacles if possible. Mark all obstacles not apparent to aircraft. Obstacle all obstacles not apparent to aircraft. Obstacle ratio must be at least 10 feet horizontal distance to ratio must be at least 10 feet horizontal distance to 1 foot vertical distance.1 foot vertical distance.

2. Pick-up Instruction to 2. Pick-up Instruction to Aircraft of Unknown LocationAircraft of Unknown Location

Following is an example of radio pick-up Following is an example of radio pick-up instruction given to an aircraft of unknown instruction given to an aircraft of unknown location:location:

HORNET, THIS JAGUAR. WILL GIVE VISUAL HORNET, THIS JAGUAR. WILL GIVE VISUAL GUIDANCE TO GUIDANCE TO PICK-UP ZONE (when aircraft PICK-UP ZONE (when aircraft comes to view).comes to view).

TURN RIGHT/LEFT (which ever is appropriate) TO TURN RIGHT/LEFT (which ever is appropriate) TO HEADING ______ DEGREES (reckoned from position HEADING ______ DEGREES (reckoned from position of aircraft).of aircraft).

STEER RIGHT/LEFT (which ever is appropriate)... STEER RIGHT/LEFT (which ever is appropriate)... ON COURSE (aircraft will continue turning ON COURSE (aircraft will continue turning right/left until the pilot hears the command “ON right/left until the pilot hears the command “ON COURSE” which you will give the moment the COURSE” which you will give the moment the aircraft face your direction).aircraft face your direction).

Pick-up Instruction to Aircraft Pick-up Instruction to Aircraft of Unknown Location cont.of Unknown Location cont.

BE ADVICE PICK-UP ZONE IS ABOUT 200 BE ADVICE PICK-UP ZONE IS ABOUT 200 BY300 METERS, SURFACE MUDDY, TALL BY300 METERS, SURFACE MUDDY, TALL TREES NORTH OF PZ, WILL MARK TREES NORTH OF PZ, WILL MARK POSITION WITH RED SMOKE (include other POSITION WITH RED SMOKE (include other pertinent information to guide pilot).pertinent information to guide pilot).

WIND_______DEGREES AT ____ KNOTS (when WIND_______DEGREES AT ____ KNOTS (when aircraft approach aircraft approach to land)to land)

LAND_______DEGREES (recommended LAND_______DEGREES (recommended landing direction).landing direction).

CLEAR TO LAND. WILL POSE SIGNAL MAN CLEAR TO LAND. WILL POSE SIGNAL MAN TO ASSIST IN LANDING.TO ASSIST IN LANDING.

C. LANDING ZONE C. LANDING ZONE OPERATIONOPERATION

    1. Landing Zone Plans1. Landing Zone Plans - there are - there are two general maneuver plans for two general maneuver plans for airmobile assaults that differ primarily in airmobile assaults that differ primarily in the proximity of the landing zones to the the proximity of the landing zones to the initial objectives assigned to the initial objectives assigned to the heliteams. They are the following:heliteams. They are the following:

Landing Assault Forces Immediately Landing Assault Forces Immediately Adjacent to Initial Objectives. Adjacent to Initial Objectives.

Landing Forces which Assemble and Landing Forces which Assemble and Reorganize Before Attack of Initial Reorganize Before Attack of Initial Objectives.Objectives.

C. LANDING ZONE C. LANDING ZONE OPERATION cont.OPERATION cont.

2. Consideration in the 2. Consideration in the Selection of Landing Zones.Selection of Landing Zones.

In the first type of assault, the landing sites In the first type of assault, the landing sites are selected to capitalize on the element of are selected to capitalize on the element of surprise and capability of small forces to land surprise and capability of small forces to land as a unit on almost of any type of terrain.as a unit on almost of any type of terrain.

In the other type, the selection of landing In the other type, the selection of landing zones is premised on the suitability for zones is premised on the suitability for landing, assembling and reorganizing larger landing, assembling and reorganizing larger units without enemy interference.units without enemy interference.

3. 3. Hand and Arm Signals to Hand and Arm Signals to Assist in LandingAssist in Landing

- all AFP should be familiar with the standard hand - all AFP should be familiar with the standard hand and arm signals to be able to assist helicopters and arm signals to be able to assist helicopters pilots in landing. Normally, familiarity with this hand pilots in landing. Normally, familiarity with this hand and arm signals will be adequate, for most of them and arm signals will be adequate, for most of them could be easily remembered. Signals at night may could be easily remembered. Signals at night may be given with flashlights held in each hand.be given with flashlights held in each hand.

a. Assume guidancea. Assume guidance j. Land j. Land b. Hoverb. Hover k. Stop k. Stop c. Move Aheadc. Move Ahead l. Take Off l. Take Off d. Move Backd. Move Back m. Sling-load, Hook-up Complete m. Sling-load, Hook-up Complete e. Move Upwards e. Move Upwards n. Sling-load, Unhook Load n. Sling-load, Unhook Load f. Move Downwardsf. Move Downwards g. Move Leftg. Move Left h. Move Righth. Move Right i. Spot Turni. Spot Turn

summarysummaryDEFINITION OF AIRMOBILE DEFINITION OF AIRMOBILE

OPERATIONSOPERATIONSMISSIONS FOR AIRMOBILE FORCESMISSIONS FOR AIRMOBILE FORCESLIMITATIONS OF AIRMOBILE LIMITATIONS OF AIRMOBILE

OPERATIONOPERATIONAIRMOBILE TRAININGAIRMOBILE TRAININGPATHFINDER OPERATIONPATHFINDER OPERATION