AviationAviation
The mission of Army aviation is to find, fix, and destroy the
enemy through fire and maneuver; and to provide combat, combat service and
combat service support in coordinated operations as an integral member of
the combined arms team.
On the modern battlefield, Army aviation, unlike the other members of the
combined arms team, has the organic flexibility, versatility, and assets to
fulfill a variety of maneuver, CS, CSS, roles and functions. These cover the
spectrum of combined arms operations. Aviation can accomplish each of these
roles-within the limits of finite assets and capabilities-during offensive
or defensive operations and also for joint, combined, contingency, or
special operations.
MANEUVER (Combat)- During combined arms, air and ground maneuver operations,
aviation executes the following missions:
Combat Support - Aviation renders operational CS assistance in the following missions:
Combat Service Support - Aviation provides assistance to sustain combat
forces primarily through air movement of personnel, supplies, and equipment and
performing aeromedical evacuation and aviation maintenance. CSS air movement
missions include:
Army aviation began on 6 June 1942 when the War Department assigned it as an adjunct to the field artillery. It was in that same year that airmen training commenced at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Like the air defense artillery, Army Aviation originated from within the field artillery.
Army aviation first tasted combat on 9 Nov 42 in the North African campaign of WWII. Small, light, fixed wing L-4s launched off of the carrier USS Ranger in the Mediterranean and acted as artillery spotters, aerial cargo resuppliers, air ambulances and command and control aircraft.
The birth of rotary winged flight is credited to Igor Sikorsky who in 1941 flew the first contraption that remotely resembled that which we know today as the helicopter. The legacy of powered vertical flight was born and the rest, as they say, is history.
The first test of the application of the helicopter in combat came during the Korean War. The star attraction was the H-13 Sioux, commonly known as the MASH helicopter for its brief introduction during the opening minute of every episode of the famous TV series. Although the Army employed both fixed and rotary wing aircraft in Korea, the helicopter was best suited to give direct support to the soldiers in the field who were isolated due to the country's mountainous terrain and lack of fixed facilities and runways. It was in Korea that the helicopter truly "earned its wings".
The jungles of Vietnam and the advent of guerrilla warfare would prove to be the true test of Army aviation and the concept of organic tactical mobility. In Vietnam the helicopter was universally employed for various missions, including: attack, air assault, aerial resupply, medical evacuation, aerial reconnaissance, and command and control. The venerable UH-1H was the backbone of most operations in Southeast Asia. It was the Huey, converted into a gunship, that was the first helicopter to deliver ordinance in combat and gave birth to the attack helicopter concept. The 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) was deployed to Vietnam in July of 1965 and was engaged in bitter combat 90 days later in several intense battles including Plei Khu and the battle of Ia Drang Valley.
In 1967, it was the Second Airmobile Division, 101st Airborne from Fort Campbell, KY that deployed to Southeast Asia to merge with its predecessor sister unit, the 1st Aviation Brigade, to eventually form one of the largest (approximately 4,000 aircraft) and most sought after brigade commands in Vietnam. 1967 held another first for aviation in Vietnam -- the AH-1 Cobra gunship was introduced. The Cobra was a highly maneuverable and very lethal weapons platform. The first of its kind: a helicopter designed specifically for the ground attack mission by aviation units. By 1968-69, the Cobra was fully integrated into Army aviation units, fighting alongside and above the infantry giving new meaning to "close air support".
Army Aviation received extremely high marks for three very important and distinct operations during the latter parts of the war. These included the Tet offensive of Jan-Feb 1968, the relief of Khe Sahn by the 1st CAV in 1968, and LAMSON 719 in February 1971 which supported South Vietnamese troops in Laos. All of these operations were unique in their own way but similar in that they all employed helicopter gunships. Finally, and probably the one mission that made aviation such a part of every soldier's vocabulary during the war-medical evacuation- more commonly referred to as "Dustoff". In Vietnam, Army aviation was instrumental in saving over 320,000 U.S. soldiers' lives by helicopter medical evacuation.
The 1973 Mideast War did much to influence U.S. war fighting doctrine, and aviation doctrine was no different. The mid to high intensity of the Yom Kippur War with awesome high tech lethal weapons would reshape the way the entire world would prepare for future battles. Surface to air missiles (SAM) with sophisticated acquisition systems changed how Army Aviation would fly into tomorrow's battle. No longer would aviation enjoy total air superiority.
To survive on the battlefield of tomorrow, Army Aviators must fly low nap-of-the-earth flight modes to avoid target acquisition and lethal SAM engagements. Technological advances in composites structures, night vision optics and infra-red target acquisition and detection systems have enabled Army Aviation to develop and field more surviveable and lethal aircraft. Army aviation now owns the night: deploying, employing and fighting a majority of all missions at night at tree top altitudes and in adverse weather. Yes, the modern battlefield has indeed changed, and so has doctrine and tactics- but all to the advantage of Army aviation.
Army Aviation was approved as its own branch by the Secretary of the Army on 12 April 1983. This significant milestone helped pave the way for Branch implementation on 6 June 1983, the 41st anniversary of organic Army Aviation. Army Aviation has gone full circle from its early meager beginning as a small specialty contributing to ground power. Today Army Aviation is a fully recognized member and leader of the combined arms team. It has distinguished itself in three wars with immeasurable contributions.
Our future is bright; it is in the hands of today's and tomorrow's aviation officer with advancing technologies, sound leadership, and devotion to our country and the profession of arms. Do you have the right stuff to be an American eagle, soaring "Above the Best"?
AH-64 Apache Advanced Attack Helicopter. This dual engined fighter is capable of speeds in excess of 170 knots. With a crew of two, the Apache is a unique weapons system. A pilot night vision system (PNVS) enables the crew to fly and fight the Apache at night without artificial illumination. An advanced target acquisition designation system (TADS), enables the crew to detect and engage simultaneous targets at standoff weapons ranges. The Apache is armed with the deadly laser designated HELLFIRE missile. Capable of carrying 16 HELLFIRE at a time, Apache is able to engage numerous armor targets from concealed positions out to ranges better than 7 KM. The Apache is also armed with a 30mm chain gun (1500m) and 2.75 inch folding fin aerial rocket (FFAR) system (10kms). Most impressive is that the Apache is as surviveable as it is lethal. A ballistic blast shield separates the two crew compartments. Its transmission can operate without oil for 30 minutes before failure. This formidable weapons system is the best attack helicopter in the world today. This combat proven veteran earned its wings during Operation "Just Cause" in Panama and was a major weapon system during Desert Storm. Assigned to attack helicopter battalions and cavalry squadron throughout CONUS and Europe.
AH-1 Cobra. First fielded in the late 1960s at the end of Vietnam, the Cobra is a combat tested veteran. It's armed with up to 8 wire guided TOW missiles (3750m), 38 2.75 FFARs (10KM) and 20mm gatling gun (1000m, 750 rounds). The Cobra is a very capable and deadly tank killer. The AH-1 has a crew of two: a pilot and copilot/gunner. Assigned to cavalry squadrons and attack units in Korea and CONUS.
CH-47 Chinook Heavy lift helicopter. Dual rotors distinguish this aircraft, capable of lifting 28,000 pounds. The Chinook has an internal load capacity of 33 combat loaded troops. Adaptable for various missions to include water operations, the Chinook is the heavy lift workhorse of our aviation fleet. The Chinook is capable of transporting an entire forward area refuel point (FARP) for deep operations cross FLOT or 2 155mm cannons with ammo and crews. Assigned world-wide primarily at Corps level or with special operations forces.
OH-58 Kiowa Aerial Scout. is a general purpose light observation helicopter. Adaptable for various light duty missions like command and control, reconnaissance, light resupply, forward observer and security missions. Requires only a single pilot. A left seater is normally dictated by mission, i.e.: copilot/navigator, commander, forward observer and aerial observer. In cav and attack battalions, the OH58 is normally armed with a pair of Stinger air-to-air missiles. The OH58 is the primary battle captain aircraft for AH-1 cav and attack battalions. Assigned to almost all units as a general purpose/light observation aircraft.
The OH-58D Kiowa Warrior. is the advanced aerial scout with high powered day TV and infrared optics, laser designator/tracker and an inertial navigation system. The mast mounted sight feature of the OH-58D allows the aircraft to remain concealed during observation and target designation. The Warrior's cockpit is a combination of state of the art electronic displays and digital communication packages. Equipped with the latest communications equipment, the Warrior is capable of nonverbal, data-burst transmissions with Apaches and field artillery units.. The OH-58D can be configured with the Stinger air-to-air missile, HELLFIRE (2), 2.75" FFARs (14), or .50 cal machinegun. The Warrior is being fielded worldwide to cavalry squadrons.
UH-1 Iroquois or "Huey". General purpose medium lift aircraft suitable for aerial resupply, air assaults (8 troops) and command and control. Payload of 2900 pounds. Normally has a crew of three-pilot, copilot and flight engineer (pilot & copilot are required). This combat veteran has been the backbone of our aviation fleet.
UH-60 Blackhawk
multipurpose medium lift helicopter.
Built by Sikorsky aircraft, the Blackhawk is a twin engine fully instrumented
workhorse capable of carrying 13 fully loaded combat troops. Normally has a crew
of three-, pilot, copilot and flight engineer (pilot & copilot are
required). With an external payload of 8000 pounds the Blackhawk hauls a wide
array of battle field systems to include howitzers and light vehicles. For
combat the Blackhawk is armed with dual door mounted M60 machine guns. A
versatile aircraft that can be configured for a multitude of missions to include
special operations, mine emplacement w/ VOLCANO and MEDAVAC.
Aviation Brigade. Common to all heavy and light active divisions throughout the Army, the aviation brigade is the principle aviation organization. The aviation brigade is considered a maneuver brigade, normally designated the 4th brigade in most divisions. It is designed to fight, command, and resource aviation forces. The typical brigade consists of 131 aircraft and has a headquarters and headquarters company (HHC), a cavalry squadron (w/air and ground assets), a command aviation company (CAC), an assault helicopter company (AHC) and one or two attack helicopter battalions (ATKHB). Forward deployed brigades have two Attack Helicopter Battalions. The brigade's intermediate maintenance falls under the DISCOM.
HHC. Contains a full staff complement for executing all staff functions to include issuance of plans and orders. The aviation brigade HQs receives priority of aircraft support from the CAC.
Cavalry Squadron. Serves as the eyes and ears of the division. The Cav conducts reconnaissance, screens, and command and control enhancement missions. The squadron consists of a headquarters and headquarters troop, two ground cavalry troops, and two air reconnaissance troops. Total of 55 ground vehicles(15 M113s and 40 Bradleys) with 21 aircraft. Each air troop has 4 AH-1s and 6 OH-58s with one UH-60 in the HHT.
Assault Helicopter Company (AHC). The primary organic air mover of the division with 18 UH-60s. Consists of a HQs section, an aviation maintenance platoon, a flight operations section and three UH-60 flight platoons.
Command Aviation Company.(CAC) Provides special electronic mission aircraft (SEMA) and field artillery observers for the division.
Attack Helicopter Battalion (ATKHB). Employed only as a battalion size force, companies are not separately employed away from the battalion for logistical reasons. Mission is to destroy armor and mechanized targets with mobility, firepower and shock effect. Battalion consists of a HHC), an aviation maintenance company, and three attack companies (6 AH-64)..
In the Light Divisions, brigade organizational structure includes an HHC, a reconnaissance squadron, two Attack Helicopter Companies and one ATKHB.
Aviation Brigade-Air Assault Division. A significantly heartier organization in aircraft and organizational structure with four Attack Helicopter Battalions, two AHBs (UH-60), a medium lift aviation battalion (CH-47) with two 16 ship companies, a command aviation battalion, an air reconnaissance squadron, a medical evacuation battalion and an aviation maintenance battalion. Total aircraft is 327: 15 OH, 52 SCT, 84 AH, 32 UH-1, 102 UH, 32 CH-47. The 101st Airborne-Air Assault division is the only unit with this organization.
Regimental Aviation Squadron (RAS). The organic aviation unit in an armored cavalry regiment. Features two attack helicopter troops, three air reconnaissance troops, and an assault helicopter troop with 15 UH-60s. Has a HQs troop and a unit maintenance company. A total of 72 aircraft are assigned.
Additional Corps level aviation organizational structures are activated
during war with operational assets to include the Corps aviation brigade with
two attack helicopter regiments and an aviation group.
