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Army Aviation Digest - Nov 1990

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    Bulletin 1-90-6 Distribution restriction: This publication approved fo r public release. Distribution is unlimited.

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    Captai n Pete VozzoDirectorate of Combat DevelopmentsU.S. Army Aviation CenterFort Rucker, AL

    CW3 Larry NiverTRADOC Project Office-ApacheU.S. Army Aviation CenterFort Rucker, ALTactics used in this article are based on the authors'opinions of a still developing weapon systemand are not official TRADOC or USAA VNC policy.

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    T HE DARKNESS is absolute, makingpossible only to feel the mist in the air. It is 0200A low ceiling hangs overhead, and fog is forminin some of the low-lying areas. The sound oturbine engines and rotor blades starting to turbreaks the sleepy night's quiet. Crews of AH-6Apache attack helicopters are very much awakeThis mission is one no one knew about yesterdayan opportunity no one expected. The warninorders were issued just 3 hours ago and missio

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    data installed only minutes ago into the datatransfer module (DTM) onboard the Apache, butthese aviators have trained for this mission foryears.

    The enemy is marching in column through anamed area of interest in which he was notexpected to go. Intelligence preparation of thebattlefield (IPB) says he should be headed inanother direction; tomorrow's attack was plannedfor striking his columns farther west. But he is now

    u.s. ARMY AVIATION DIGEST

    heading south, tonight! Something must be donequickly. With these weather conditions, the onlyreadily available weapon that can be there fast,with the required firepower to strike the enemy anaccurate blow, is the Apache ..and then only withLongbow.This introductory scenario sets the stage fordiscussing employment of Longbow in a midintensity conflict. The reader observes the tactics,techniques and procedures that Longbow-equipped

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    L ounits can employ to optimize the new weapon'scapabilities. Longbow Apache is an evolutionarystep forward in the modernization of weaponssystems to assure the needed warfighting capabilities of the Aviation force.The Longbow weapon system consists of a firecontrol radar (FeR) and a radio frequency interferometer (RFI), mounted on top of the Apache'smain rotor mast, and radio frequency (RF) guidedfire-and-forget missiles. All of these are operatedfrom a Manpower and Personnel Integration(MANPRINT) crew station highlighted by fourmultifunction display screens. The FeR processorclassifies and prioritizes targets and then displaysthem as a target page on one of the multifunctiondisplay screens. The FeR then transfers target datato the RF missiles, which can be fired accurately atenemy targets during periods of reduced visibility.Aviators can use the FeR and RF missile duringthese periods of poor visibility when laser, opticaland forward-looking infrared (FLIR) sensors aredegraded. Engagements can be made without visually acquiring the targets or tracking the missile tothem. Aircraft will not be endangered in an unmasked flight profile for long periods of time.

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    The Longbow weapon system is operatedfrom a MANPRINT crew station highlighted byfour multifunction display screens.

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    The Longbow Apache must be fully integratedinto the combined arms team. It is envisioned thatthe Army will field Longbow Apache by wholebattalions to facilitate the logistics, maintenanceand training of a different model aircraft. Thecorps could contain Longbow Apache battalionsthat would be task organized with the corps' ordivisions' AH-64A helicopter battalions.To maximize Longbow's killing potential andoptimize its advantages, the Army must review andmodify attack helicopter tactics, techniques andprocedures. Longbow offers Apache several advantages. We are most concerned with those forbattlefield operations.

    Longbow is comprised of an accurate, true,fire-and-forget missile capable of operatingduring periods of degraded visibility. Longbow can provide real-time situationalawareness and intelligence of the battlefield tothe commander.Even though the Longbow Apache would usedifferent tactics, it can still be employed at anytime in the same manner as the AH-64A helicopters, or with the AH-64A, as the situation requires.

    Mission PlanningLongbow Apaches can react to an immediateneed as in the introductory scenario. Premissionplanning, however, will be key in employing and

    controlling Longbow fires. To execute any mission,the crew needs volumes of critical information.Some of this information is standing operatingprocedure; other information is mission or timedependent. Longbow Apache systems are based ona data transfer module that quickly loads themission data and initializes the aircraft systems forthe mission.

    The Mission Planning Station transfers thecommunications-electronics operating instructionsinformation; performance planning, route and hazard and navigation waypoints; battle specific planning information; threat prioritization tables;known threat locations and targets directly to the

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    DTM for transfer to the Longbow Apache beforetakeoff. The DTM remains in the helicopter forstorage of mission information. This informationincludes target locations, spot reports, helicopterperformance, as well as the premission planneddata. The DTM stores this mission history fordebriefing and use in maintenance performanceanalysis.The crew can load fire control measures into theDTM by geographic location in a point file. Thisallows the crew to slew the target acquisition anddesignation system (T ADS) to the predeterminedgeographic location. It ensures the FCR scan doesnot overlap the location through simultaneous sen-sor operation.The DTM can be loaded with different prioritytables for the FCRs within a team. The DTM thenprovides the commander a means to control whichteam engages which targets. The crew can radarsweep an area and call up the geographic locationof any target. He can then compare the informa-

    DigitalCommunications

    tion with control measures in the fire control planor known friendly unit locations.

    Before the attack unit departs for the battleposition (BP), it is important to plan for theengagement. Once the approximate size of theengagement area (EA) and the distance from theBPs to the EA is known, one can determine thenecessary separation between the teams and theazimuths of their fire control radar scans. With thisinformation, the commander should decide tenta-tive locations for each team within a battle posi-tion.

    EngagementOne of the Longbow aircraft, usually the com-

    pany commander's, must be the primary fire con-trol point for Longbow attack units. He controlsthe fires of the Longbow attack aircraft in hiscompany and directs them into the appropriatesector of fire. As with any weapon system, he

    Improved Navigation WithGlobal Positioning System

    Improved Cooling

    ExpandedForward Avionics Bay

    Air-to-Air Capabilities

    000 Standard Computer andProgramming Language Enhanced Fault Detection location SystemData li'ansfer/Recordlng

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    should avoid certain sectors of fire to provide forthe safety of friendly forces.The sequence of events that an attack helicopterbattal ion (A TKHB) uses to engage an enemy forcewill not change with the introduction of Longbow.The proper sequence is as follows:

    Move to a holding area. Coordinate between attack and aero scout if inuse. Move to BP and select firing positions. Acquire and engage targets. Move to subsequent BP or forward arming

    and refueling point (FARP), or return to theholding area.Since current aeroscout helicopters fielded inApache battalions lack electro-optical (EO) sensors,the Longbow Apache may be forced to fight alonein their BPs at night and under reduced weather

    conditions. Aeroscout helicopters will not be a partof these engagements at the BP because of theirinability to acquire and distribute targets rapidly.The aeroscout may still be used for such things aspassage of lines, security of forward assemblyareas, or checking FARPs.When the aircraft arrive at the BPs, they shouldtake up their team positions as planned unlessadj usted by the mission commander . This is so themaximum area possible will be covered by FCRscans and as much information is gained as possible. However, the teams must maintain communication with one another. The commander can thenconfirm pre-planned zones of fire to each aircraft.Fire control measures will remain the same as forthe AH-64A except for target distribution betweenaircraft. This target distribution is complicatedbecause each Longbow aircraft may classify andprioritize the same targets. The crew may, however,prioritize their FCR on different classes of targets.As a result, distributing targets by classificationmay be performed with reasonable accuracy. Multiple kills on the same target are a distinct possibilityif fires are not closely controlled.In a BP, the commander employs the Longbowattack helicopters in teams of at least two (lead-

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    wingman). This is to ensure mutual security in theBP. Each aircraft in the team should be operatingwith its FCR prioritized in a different mode; i.e.,ground, air, moving or stationary.When the commander directs, each team's leadLongbow aircraft unmasks its FCR to conduct ascan of the EA. I f no targets are detected, the leadswill remask and prepare to unmask and scan again.The aircraft should not unmask more than twicefrom the same position. As the lead scans forground targets, the wingman should conduct airscans for security.

    I f high-priority targets are detected, the Longbow aircraft will engage immediately, able to fireseveral RF HELLFIRE missiles in sequence atdifferent targets. The crew limits the number ofmissiles it fires to ensure it has time to remaskinside the firing time lines of the threat air defense(AD). I f more than a few high-priority targets aredetected, the aircraft fires at the first aircraft andthen remasks. It hands over cueing information onthe others to the commander to be processed andgiven as target hand overs to other attack aircraft.

    I f other than high-priority targets are detectedduring the FCR scan, the attack aircraft thenremasks for target handover to the commander.The commander processes the targets for distribution and hand over to all attack aircraft teams inthe unit.After receiving their target hand over , each attackaircraft team will autonomously engage their targets. One aircraft a team fires at a time. Thisprecludes several aircraft from engaging the sametarget. I f any team aircraft cannot engage itsassigned targets because of terrain shadowing, itwill immediately pass them back to the commanderto be given to another aircraft.During successive engagements into the sameEA, only moving targets or active AD emittersshould be fired at to prevent wasting missiles ondead targets. I f all targets stop moving, the attackteams should call for artillery, if available andwithin range, or fire their rockets to cause enemymovement and ensure maximum destruction. Theattack teams may be able to verify that a particulartarget is not dead by visual confirmation with the

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    If high-priority targets are detected, the Longbow aircraft will engage Immediately, able to fireseveral RF HELLFIRE missiles In sequence at different targets.

    T ADS. The crews can then use the FCR anddetect, classify and engage with RF missiles again.When using T ADS with the FCR, the EO sensorcan point the FCR in the desired location afteridentifying the target visually or slew the T ADS toan FCR target for identification.Alternatively, the Longbow FCR can acquiretargets and the EO sensors can identify thembefore engagement. This allows effective use of theRF fire-and- forget missile or, when there is adequate visibility, the semiactive laser (SAL) missile.Longbow helicopters tasked to escort AH-64Asto and from the EA would increase the survivability of the strike by providing air defense artilleryand air threat overwatch and protection. Longbowis ideally suited to enhance the combined armsteam's capability by attacking targets in deepoperations. In this operations area, Longbow canbe employed to its fullest extent against groundvehicles with no restrictive fire control measures.Within the deep operations area between theforward line of own troops (FLOT) and the firesupport coordination line (FSCL), the fire controlmeasures the commander takes depend on how farforward other friendly forces are operating. Thetactics that should be used in this area are generallycommon to those that will be discussed later.

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    Air EngagementsOne of the priorities for the threat helicopters isto destroy U.S. antiarmor systems in the air and onthe ground. Keeping in mind that the Apachesmust get home safely, the Longbow aircraft shouldreserve 10 percent of their ammunition for thereturn flight to friendly lines. At any time or at anylocation on the battlefield, Longbow attack helicopters are liable to encounter threat aircraft. Forself-security, the attack force operates with someaircraft providing air security, while the othersoperate in the appropriate mission mode.Longbow is capable of dealing with enemy helicopters that pose an immediate threat to missionaccomplishment. Using the information gained

    from the FCR, the attack unit is capable of thefollowing actions: Avoiding detection by knowing where the enemy air systems are located. Seeing the threat at long standoff rangesbefore the threat sees it. Engaging the threat with air-to-air missiles, RFmissiles, or other weapons, before the enemygets of f the first shot.

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    ()

    Also, with the commander's knowledge of whatfriendly aircraft are operating in the area andwhere they are, Apache Longbow is able to locatethe threat from the FCR display. Attack units willsafely fire first and then deploy to cover orcontinue the primary mission. Firing in this mannerallows the attack aircraft to conduct multipleengagements of enemy aircraft in a short period oftime.

    Intelligence GatheringTo gain maximum benefit from the LongbowApache's FCR, the commander must use the vastamounts of information the FCR makes available.This information can be shared directly from thepilot as he sees it or it can be obtained from theDTM after the mission is over.Longbow can perform many scout tasks duringperiods of low visibility or visual obscuration whenother helicopters' sensors are inoperable. The commander could task crews to screen FCR data andprovide early warning information. Looking out toits maximum range, the FCR could provide thecommander with location and strength informationon the enemy force long before it closes with our

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    To gain maximum benefit fromthe Longbow Apache's FCR, thecommander must use the vastamounts of Information the FCRmakes available.

    B oown forces. The FCR also is of great value inlocating enemy air assault or attack forces en routeto their objectives.

    The DTM retains and brings back valuableinformation from deep attack missions. This includes location of forces, array of forces, speedsand directions that these forces are moving. Thecommander can use this information in determiningthe effectiveness of the attack mission, the resultsthat the mission had on the enemy's capabilitiesand the enemy's intentions.

    Deep OperationsIn deep operations, the FLOT is defined initiallyby the foremost elements of the covering force.Within the deep operations area, but forward ofthe FSCL, little chance of having friendly forcescombined with those of the enemy exists. However,special care should be taken to be aware of thelocation and activity of any long-range reconnaissance patrols that may be operating in this area.Normally, there will be no need for positive visualidentification of ground targets this far forwardsince the chance of fratricide is almost nonexistent.Crews can fire Longbow's RF missiles freely at

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    ground targets. Since several friendly units may beoperating in the deep operations area, a good IPBand operations order are necessary.In a deep strike mission, an A TKHB is muchmore survivable with the Longbow Apache's FCRproviding overwatch and early warning while enroute for the formation. Two lead LongbowApaches can operate their FCRs continuously-onein the ground mode and one in the air mode. TheLongbow formation flies contour or low-levelflight, engaging AD and air threats, or circumnavigating concentrations of threat AD and counterairto arrive at the EA. Longbow Apache helicopterswill engage only the enemy AD that poses a threatto the mission en route to the EA.

    Close OperationsThe close operations area is the place where themajority of our armored vehicles fight the enemy.The most likely use of Longbow attack units is toattack before the enemy has closed with ourground forces. The ATKHB then moves to attackfollowon or second echelon units that now are inthe deep area. The Longbow units should fire intodifferent EAs than the armored units to best usethe fires of the total combined arms team.The FCR will allow attack helicopter unit commanders to quickly and more accurately pinpointthe location of vehicles. Once ground forces arelocated and positive communication with theground forces commander has been established,the attack unit can orient on the enemy force forthe attack. In the close operations area of thebattlefield, where the helicopter is vulnerable to thelarge number of threat systems, the fire-and-forgetmissiles will enable attack aircraft to be unmaskedfor a minimum amount of time. This greatlyenhances the aircraft's survivability.Once opposing forces become mixed with ourground forces, identification, friend or foe (IFF) isa problem for the FCR. When Longbow Apachesmust engage targets within 1,500 meters of friendlyforces, the missile fired should probably be theSAL HELLFIRE. The SAL HELLFIRE can bedesignated to hit specific targets when it may beinappropriate to fire a fire-and-forget missile.When positive IFF can be determined by theaircrew and the friendly forces are avoided by morethan 1,500 meters, Longbow can be used effectivelyand decisively.

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    The global positioning system (GPS) will communicate more precise information about locationsbetween the ground force and the Longbow attackforce. The Longbow Apache will have the GPS andeventually many of the ground force vehicles willalso. This will help to clear up possible confusionabout locations of friendly and enemy forces arelocated and further reduce the chances of fratricide.

    Rear OperationsIn the rear operations area almost anything couldbe encountered. The threat could be a level-l raidinto a supply area in which Longbow targetingwould be of limited value because of the chaoticsituation and intermingling that would be present.Longbow would probably not be used in a situation like this as an attack force, but its FCR couldbe used to develop situational awareness.On the other extreme, the threat could be abreakthrough element of heavily armored combatvehicles in an area isolated from friendly forces. Inthis situation, a Longbow unit could be used at itsfullest potential and rapidly strike at an armorformation.The appropriate rear operations area commanderwould analyze the situation between these twoextremes. Longbow could be used, as necessary,

    when in positive communication with a groundforces commander.As with close operations, the GPS will help theLongbow attack force to distinguish betweenfriendly and enemy forces by pinpointing theirlocation. This will allow more accurate Longbowattacks when currently too many factors are unknown about enemy locations.ConclusionIn conclusion, Longbow Apache is an evolutionary step forward for attack helicopters. It hasfire-and-forget HELLFIRE missiles and an abilityto see more of the battlefield during obscuredconditions. These capabilities will allow it not onlyto kill more, but to survive better. LongbowApache employment also will greatly benefit allcommanders because of its capability in gatheringintelligence on hard to find targets. As the U.S.Army progresses into the 21st century, LongbowApache will provide firepower and mobility neededfor AirLand Battle-Future. -- ' - : : f

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    ARMED OH58DKIOWA WARRIOR

    THE MULTIPURPOSE LIGHT HELICOPTER

    Colonel James T. HueyProject Manager, Armed HelicopterImprovement Program, St. Louis, MO

    WTH THE POLITICAL environment inEurope changing, thedebate over how tospend already scarce resources islikely to continue. Recently, thisdebate has focused on the U.S.Army's mission-particularly theappropriateness of a perceived

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    orientation toward a set piecebattle in Europe at the expense ofworldwide contingency operations.

    For the past several years, theleadership of those organizationstasked to plan and conduct Armycontingency operations hassought to ensure that enough re-

    sources are applied to modernizethe equipment used in such operations. To that end the Armydeveloped an Operational NeedsStatement (ONS) in 1988. TheONS defines the requirements fora mUltipurpose light helicopter(MPLH) for use in contingencyoperations. I t was used to obtainthe resources necessary for procurement.

    Figure 1 lists some major ONSrequirements. The term MPLH isderived from the observation thatone aircraft, which could meet allthese requirements, is truly multipurpose-

    An armed aircraft. A troop transport aircraft. A litter-carrying, medical

    evacuation aircraft. An aircraft capable of exter

    nal cargo operations.

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    OPERA TIONALREQUIREMENTS PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

    Out-Of-Ground Effect (OGE) hover C-130 air transportable , two toat 4 ,000 feet pressure altitude, 95 three at a time with weaponsdegrees Fahrenheit (F) mounted , capable of offload on

    Capabili ty for air-to-air Stinger dirt strip within 15 minutes day or(ATAS), .50-caliber machinegun, night (10 minutes desired)HELLFIRE, and 2.75-inch rockets

    2,000 pound cargo hook Transport six combat troops Medical evacuation capabili ty LOGISTICAL Night vision goggles compatible

    cockpit REQUIREMENTS Worldwide navigation system Operate 2 hours at 4,000 feet , 95 Communication within military degrees F

    spectrum Must be assembled and deployed AN/APR-39 radar warning receiver without accompanying test Perform mission with a crew of equipment

    two Capable of being armed either Combined mission radius of at during flight or on C-130 tailgate

    least 100 kilometersFIGURE 1: Some of the major requirements of the operational needs statement.

    FIGURE 2: Rapid deployment kit for the armed OH-58D.

    ~ TWO-POSITION VERTICAL FIN, , - - . . L ~ - - - - ' "

    FOLDINGJHORIZONTALSTABILIZER7 TUBE--...........ROCKETLAUNCHER

    r FOLDING MAINj f ROTOR BLADES

    AHIP UTILITY HOISTJ 11KNEELING LANDING GEAR--./ '

    u.s. ARMY AVIATION DIGEST

    All of these elements are com-bined in one light helicopter thatcan be rapidly deployed world-wide (figure 2).

    Headquarters, Department ofthe Army (HQDA), and the Pro-gram Executive Office (PEO),Aviation, compared the require-ments of the ONS with the capa-bilities of existing aircraft. Theyhad to determine if any aircraftalready fielded could meet theserequirements. Examination of the.capabilities of existing aircraft isa necessary first step in the mate-riel acquisition process.The selection of an existing air-craft to perform the MPLH mis-sion would have the dual benefit

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    FIGURE 3 (above) : Actual rapid deployment ki t installed on an armedOH-580.

    FIGURE 4 (right): Offloading a single armed OH-580 from a C-130.

    of reduced (or no) developmentcosts and fewer logistics impacts.

    The logistics benefits of afielded system include the following:

    The cost avoidance of initialspares and training.

    The less tangible benefit ofnot adding another aircraftto a maintenance and supplysystem nearly overloadedwith single purpose (mission)aircraft.

    The armed OH-58D Warriorwas an obvious candidate for theMPLH role. As the Army's firsttrue aeroscout, it has proven itself at the National Training Center, Ft. Irwin, CA, and in Europeduring Return of Forces to Ger-

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    many (REFORGER) exercises.The armed OH-58D has alsoproven itself in the field artilleryaerial observation role. It showedits potential in close air supportoperations through several successful demonstrations with modified F-16 Fighting Falcons. But,most importantly, it has provenitself in combat in the PersianGulf during Operation PrimeChance.

    There was significant concernthat the armed OH-58D mightnot be able to meet the rapiddeployment requirements of theONS, particularly at night. BellHelicopter Textron, Inc. (BHTI)demonstrated the rapid deployment potential of the armed OH-58D earlier (September 1988).BHTI had developed a speciallydesigned kit for this demonstra-

    tion (figure 3). They were able tooffload a single armed OH-58Dfrom a C-130 Hercules on theramp at the Dallas Naval AirStation, TX, during daylightwithin 6 minutes.

    The stopwatch was started atC-130 ramp down; then thearmed OH-58D was offloaded(figure 4) and reassembled and,finally, the stopwatch wasstopped at the time of the OH-58D's takeoff. The remainingtask was to demonstrate a nightdeployment of two armed OH-58Ds; offloaded from a C-130,onto a dirt strip; reassembled using Army personnel; and in theair, mission-ready, within the 15minutes (lO desired) required bythe ONS.

    To accomplish that task, theU.S. Army Helicopter Improve-

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    ment Program (AHIP) projectmanager and Task Force (TF) 118of the XVIII Airborne Corps, Ft.Bragg, NC, conducted a demonstration. Several planning sessionsin January 1989 led to the development of a realistic scenario.The scenario required that a C-130 land at Sicily Drop Zone atFort Bragg, at night, with twoarmed OH-58D aircraft on board.

    BHTI developed two prototyperapid deployment kits. The installed kits allow-

    The vertical fin to rotate. The horizontal stabilizers to

    fold. The fuselage to be lowered

    (after removal of the ultrahigh frequency antenna andthe lower wire cutter), usingjacks mounted to rapid deployment skids.

    The hinged armament pylonarms to fold inward (closerto the fuselage).

    The kits also contain- A hoist for rapid installation

    or removal of the mastmounted sight (MMS).

    A mount for securing theMMS to a skid.

    An airborne heading reference system (AHRS) rapidwarmup system.

    The AHRS warmup system allows a second aircraft battery tomaintain the power to the AHRS,thereby allowing the AHRS tocontinue its alignment processduring engine start. Without thewarmup system, alignment couldnot begin until after engine start.The AHRS would not be aligned

    FIGURE 5: Troop seat-cargo platform ki t for the armed OH-58D.

    u.s. ARMY AVIATION DIGEST

    ~~~ A L EACH SIDE

    when the aircraft was ready fortakeoff.

    BHTI also developed prototypetroop seats. The seats would allow six troops (three per side) tosit externally along the fuselageon both sides of the aircraft(figure 5).

    BHTI loaned both prototypekits to TF 118 to equip twodemonstration aircraft. One aircraft was armed with an M-260rocket pod and a .50-caliber machinegun. The second aircraft(unarmed, no weapons pylons ormast-mounted sight) was configured with troop seats.

    The U. S. Army Aviation Systems Command, Directorate forEngineering, St. Louis, MO, provided airworthiness releases forthe duration of the rehearsals andflight demonstration for bothOH-58D aircraft at 5,200 poundsand 100 knots.

    The release for the armed aircraft approved the modificationfor the AHRS warmup systemand weapons firing (.50-caliberand 2.75-inch rockets). It waslater revised to allow Stinger andHELLFIRE missile firings.

    U.S. Air Force (USAF) regulations required a transportabilitycertification for the armed OH-58D before flight on the C-130.As part of the certification process, a test loading was conductedat Pope Air Force Base (AFB),NC, on 10 February 1989 withrepresentatives from the USAFMilitary Airlift Center, PopeAFB; USAF Military AirliftCommand, Scott AFB, IL; andthe USAF Aeronautical SystemsDivision, Wright-Patterson AFB,

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    Dayton, OH. The test loadingwas successful and an air transportability certification in C-130Hercules and C-141 Starlifter aircraft was provided for armedOH-58D aircraft configured withrapid deployment kits.

    TF 118 conducted several rehearsals at various locations onFt. Bragg, both day and nightduring the 3-week period preceeding the demonstration. Representatives from the U.S. ArmyTraining and Doctrine Command,System Manager-Scout and theU.S. Army Aviation Center, Ft.Rucker, AL, documented thetraining to include developmentof task lists for each crew-

    member. The optimum numberof crewmembers for speed andefficiency was determined to befour. Only tools found in thestandard toolbox were allowed.

    The demonstration took placeon 2 March 1989 at 1930 hours(about 30-percent illumination).The crews used chemical lightsticks. Observers needed night vision devices to view the demonstration. The second (unarmed)aircraft to emerge from the C-130was ready for takeoff in 7 minutes and 30 seconds.

    It delayed its departure waitingfor the other aircraft. The first(armed) aircraft to rolloff the C-130 took of f with the second

    FIGURE 6: Armed OH58D firing (2.75inch rockets).

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    aircraft at 10 minutes and 40seconds after C-130 ramp down.After a flight to demonstratetheir airworthiness, both aircraftwere reloaded into the C-130. Reloading took about 22 minutes.Practice has shown that bothaircraft can be airborne in aslittle as 8 minutes. The time required depends on variables suchas level of darkness, soil conditions, use of power tools andcrew training.

    The actual demonstration tooklonger because o f -

    Wet soil. Only table of organization

    and equipment handtoolsused.

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    TYPICALEACH SIDE

    FIGURE 7: Litter kit for the armed OH-580.

    Z CARGO HOOKCARGO HOOKBEAMFIGURE 8: Cargo hook for the armed OH-580.

    Use of an untrained loadmaster. (One load master hadpracticed with the Armycrews but was unavailablefor the demonstration because he had broken his toein an unrelated incident.)

    A problem with one of theprototype jacks.

    The enthusiasm and professionalism of everyone, particularlythe Army crews from TF 118,

    contributed immeasurably to thesuccess of the demonstration.

    Range and time constraints prevented verification of the aircraft's ability to fire its weaponsas part of the demonstration.However, TF 118 kept the rapiddeployment kit on one of theaircraft. The rapid deploymentconfigured OH-58D successfullyfired Hydra 70 rockets and the. 50-caliber machinegun on 15March 1989 (figure 6) and Stinger

    u.s. ARMY AVIATION DIGEST

    and HELLFIRE missiles on 20April 1989.

    Secretary of the Army, theHonorable Mr. Michael P. W.Stone, chaired the HQDA-Ievelreview of the armed OH-58D andthe MPLH provisions on 6 December 1989. As a result, he approved the OH-58D as th eMPLH. He decided that all OH-58D aircraft planned for production (243 total) will be armed andat least 81 aircraft will haveMPLH kits installed. Mr. Stonesigned the memorandum formalizing these decisions on 8 January1990 and sent it to the Aviation

    P E ~ .Efforts are currently underway

    to initiate the armed and MPLHprograms and to incorporateMPLH provisions on the aircraftin production. Figure 7 showspreliminary design of the litters.The lower litters should fit on the 'troop seats and the upper litterswill attach to a platform mountedto upper hard points on the fuselage. Troop seats will be designedfor securing small cube cargo (noheavier than the troops). BHTIalready has a commercial cargohook for the model 206 Je tRanger, which can be installed onthe OH-58D. Figure 8 shows preliminary design of the cargohook. Crew emergency cargo release methodology and designhave not been completed.

    The President's budget provides funding to test and fullyqualify the armed OH-58D andthe MPLH configuration. Thefirst MPLH configured aircraftwill be fielded in fiscal year 1992.The MPLH is on the way!

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    These fresh and often rediscoveredideas will enable the Apache andits cosmic electronics to kill l ike achampion on the next battlefield.Good head work within the cockpitproduces . .

    . .GoodHuntingCaptain(P) D. Mark Ferrell

    Apache Combat Developments OfficerU.S. Army Aviation CenterFort Rucker, AL

    T HIS ARTICLE TELLS how-to-fight ina low-intensity conflict (LIC), low-to-midthreat, from the AH-64 Apache's cockpitpoint of view. Army doctrine defines a LIC asthe following: a political-military confrontation between contending states or groups below conventional war and above the routinepeaceful competition among states.

    Our definition has this meaning: we havebeen waiting to slam HELLFIRE missiles intoa guard's tank division; however, the divisionwill probably not show for this fight. Thisdoes not mean the Apache is out of a job in a

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    LIC. Ouns and rockets have never been out ofstyle in a LIC, and the Apache has the meansto employ these weapons.

    'We will look at the switch o logy , organiza-tion, formations and procedures to employ theApache, day or night, in the LIC. I havedrawn information from numerous publications, doctrinal white papers, unit standingoperating procedures, personal flying experiences and other services. The Department ofTactics and Simulation, Ft. Rucker, AL, has awhite paper on running and diving fire thatwas the primer for this article. I f you have notread it, you may write for a copy.

    My greatest source of information aboutattack helicopters in a LIC comes from what Icall the "father-to-son" school of tactics.More than 10 years ago, I was fortunate tohave an attack helicopter company assignmentwith an abundance of combat-hardened veterans. From them I learned the art form ofrunning and diving fire. Their lessons are ascorrect today as they were in the skies ofVietnam. I am indebted to their mentorship.

    To prove the worth of every profile discussed in this article, I have flown the profilesnumerous times in an Apache. Each flightproduced a kneeboard pad full of informationand also exposed things that did not work.Switchology

    An Apache is no good to anyone if theswitches are not in the right place when it'stime to shoot. In this article, the pilot primarily uses the rockets; the copilot gunner (CPO),the 30mm cannon. The rockets are Hydra 70swith 10-pound, high-explosive, remote, fusedwarheads. The cannon will fire the standard30mm high explosive, dual-purpose round.

    Using the aerial rocket control subsystem,the pilot will select the type of rockets to use;for example, 6RC. With remote fusing, thepilot can select the height of burst detonation

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    from bunker penetration (3 meters thick)through superquick (first contact). I f the targetis within a tree canopy, the pilot can enter thetree height to enable the rocket to penetratethe canopy's foliage, or building roof, todetonate at an effective point.

    After setting the quantity of rockets to fire,the pilot should also set the range to manualor automatic. A manual range of 3 kilometers(kms) works well en route as a battlesight;otherwise the pilot uses laser-ranging against aknown target. The pilot can use automaticrange calculations, based on the pilot's line ofsight (LOS) and radar altitude. However, thepylons take a beating because of constantchanging variables. With either ranging option, the pilot's sight is the helmet mounteddisplay (HMD) with a broken I-beam steeringcursor.

    The CPG has some options on how to setup the cockpit, such as placing switches invarious settings. My preference is to use thesight select target acquisition designation sys-

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    tern (T ADS) and acquisition select gunner'shelmet sight. This allows the T ADS to followmy head, but I have the option of slaving theT ADS if I sight a target. This allows for astabilized sight from which to change fields ofview and engage the target. If the pilot sights atarget, the CPG's HMD's symbology will cuethe CPG to the target, or he can acquisitionselect the pilot's helmet sight.

    Be cautious if you use the sight selectHMD/TADS, because the CPG's HMD willbe active sight. I f you use the head downdisplay in the optical relay tube with thisswitch setting, the gun will still follow theHMD. The T ADS might be looking at thetarget, but the rounds will be going whereyour head and HMD are pointed-straightdown!

    Last, but not least, don't forget to "pushthem-up." Place the arming switch to armed.The two types of attack aviators are those whohave forgotten to arm their weapons beforepulling the trigger and those who will forget.What is comical on the range can be deadly incombat. Train (no ordnance onboard) to flywith the arming switch to armed. Flying withswitches "hot" while safeguarding the triggerswill become automatic. Do not forget thevideo recorder-it is hard to be a hero withoutproof.Organization and Formations

    For maximum flexibility, the lead-wingmanteam provides the best organization for employment in a LIC. Use of the lead-wingmanteam enables proper lookout techniques, aggressive maneuvering, rapid weapons employment and good mutual support. Despite thesize of the organization, the team is the basisfor all maneuvers.

    Two basic tactical formations specificallyare designed for the lead-wingman team: combat cruise and combat spread. Users can find

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    both of these formations in Field Manual(FM) 1-107, A ir Combat Operations.

    While primarily directed toward an airthreat, these two formations are ideally suitedfor control of immediate team maneuvering.Basic air combat maneuvers are described inFM 1-107. These maneuvers are the ' 'battledrills" from which one can quickly bringguns-to-bear onto a ground threat when flyingin a combat cruise or spread.

    FIGURE 1: Combat Cruise

    Combat cruise (figure 1). The wingmanmust position himself to best visually cover thelead aircraft. He must be prepared to employthe weapons to support the leader. Combatcruise is the likely night formation with thewingman flying off the lead's right side.

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    RULE: Avoid flying the trail position!When the lead and wing both fly thesame ground track, these conditionsexist: observation as a team is re-duced; fire can be placed on theentire team without adjustment; andthe enemy is alerted by the leadaircraft, in which case the enemytakes cover or fires on the wingman.Ducks won't fly in trail; neithershould we.

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    FIGURE 2: Combat Spread

    Combat spread (figure 2). This formationprovides especially good lookout for the team.Do not forget to check each other's 6 o'clockposition. Several third world countries haveacquired a respectable number of attack helicopters. Conflict may be low-intensity, but itcan rapidly become high threat once tracersfrom a HIND-D (Soviet Mi-24 attack helicopter) go flashing past your canopy!

    RULE: First to sight wins the fight!The team must effectively scan thehorizon and the surrounding terrain.Within the team, overlapping cover-age among aircraft is a must. If anaircraft takes fire, the other teammember has to see it happen toprovide suppressive fires quickly.Each crewmember must be as-signed a specific area of lookoutresponsibility. At no time shouldboth crewmembers look in the samedirection. Sore necks, after flying amission, are an indication of goodlookout techniques.

    Attack MethodsFinding, fixing and then piling on is the

    name of the game in a LIC. Two attack

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    methods the Apache can use, each with itsown particular weapons employment techniques, are as follows:

    Diving fire. To employ diving fire, theenemy must be armed only with small arms,nothing greater than light machineguns. I f theenemy has a man-packed missile, diving firebecomes an unhealthy option. However, thehigher altitudes used with diving fire willprovide greater standoff from small arms.Altitudes will vary with the situation; against atarget with nothing greater than a light machinegun, a beginning altitude of 3,000 feet is agood start.

    The team can use an initial point (IP) orestablish an orbit over the target. Using an IP,the lead should be at the beginning altitudewith the wingman in combat cruise of 200 toSOO feet above the leader. Wing must positionhimself with enough separation to be in thedive and ready to fire as the leader pulls of ffrom the target. The orbit, sometimes called aracetrack, can have the lead and wing 180degrees out from each other, again with 200 toSOO feet vertical separation.Before beginning the dive, the CPG willacquire the target with the T ADS to cue thepilot to the target. Since the pilot will firerockets from a dive, no laser ranging isnecessary for the rockets. Enter the dive at 100knots. At this airspeed, the pylons will be inflight stow and remain so during the dive. Thepilot will have a broken I-beam for a rocketsteering cursor in the HMD.

    Starting at 3,000 feet, 100 knots and with aIS-degree dive angle, the pilot will have about10 seconds to conduct the attack. During this10 seconds, the pilot must acquire the target;align the rocket steering cursor with cueingfrom the CPG's T ADS; maintain constanttorque; keep the aircraft in trim; employflares; and fire the rockets. At the end of this10 seconds, the aircraft will be at ISO knots

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    and passing through 1,800 feet as the pilotbegins a 2- to 2.S-G (gravity) pullout.

    During the pullout, the CPG engages withthe gun. Do not forget to employ flares. Theintelligence officer said there was no missilethreat, but would rather tell him in person thathe was wrong than to have my wing tellinghim about the one that flew up my exhaust.

    The wingman should be in the dive as leadpulls off the target to cover him. The wingmanmust be a trusting individual with a good senseof timing. Lead climbs out to the beginningaltitude, watches the wingman to cover himand prepares for a reattack.

    RULE: Avoid overflight of the tar-get! Shooting up bad guys will tendto make them want to shoot at you.Do not help the enemy's firing solu-tion by flying over the top of them.Disengage before you enter into the"deadman zone." The deadmanzone is the range of the threat'sweapon systems that can bring youdown. If the situation forces you toenter into the zone, pass throughquickly. In this case, speed is life.

    If a steep dive angle of 30 degrees is used,engagement times will decrease. Beginning at3,000 feet and SO knots, the pilot will haveonly 7 seconds before passing through 140knots and 1 SOO feet. The pilot can use a steepdive when firing against a target located in anopen area surrounded by tall trees or buildings. A steep dive is a quick-shot.

    Running fire. Running fire is an effectivemethod when the team flies in the terrainflight mode. I t offers a good mix of weaponsaccuracy and aircraft survivability. Running

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    ) $--"Initial Point~8 km

    FIGURE 3: Running Fire

    BUMP

    ROCKETS

    6 km

    fire is used when the team fights an enemyarmed with man-packed missiles. This is a LICwith a mid-level threat. In addition, runningfire is used when fighting in a sandy and dustyenvironment. In the desert, the last thing youneed is a 300-foot dust signature while thehelicopter hovers.

    A few years ago, some AH-l Cobra unitsstarted to use "high-energy tactics" to keepalive; in other words, running fire. This occurred after a couple of Operation Bright Starsand trips to the National Training Center, Ft.Irwin, CA. We Apache pilots should notforget this when our LIC just happens also toinclude tanks, missiles and lots of sand.

    Additional switchology for running fire begins with the CPO entering a grid location forthe target into the fire control computer (FCC)and Doppler. This gives the aircraft a rapidpre-point to the target, using the TADS,steering information and range read down forthe pilot. The CPO lases for range informa-

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    GUN

    4 km 2 km

    Targetra

    tion, but still the pilot should enter a manualrange of 4 to 5 kms as a backup into the aerialrocket control system.

    The pilot uses a cooperative rocket engagement when the CPO acquires the target withthe T ADS and when the pilot aligns the rocketsteering cursor over the T ADS LOS. Thepylons articulate in elevation below an airspeed of 100 knots. It's a good idea to verifythis in advance. Other than these additions,switchology remains the same as in diving fire.

    An IP located about 8 kms from the targetis the starting point for a running fire attack(figure 3). The IP should be a terrain featurerecognizable either day or night. Before departing the IP, the CPO pre-points the T ADSto the target and selects the Doppler entry forthe target. At the IP, the team enters into alow orbit, 180 degrees out from each other,masked from the target for security.

    The lead departs the IP at 80 knots flyingcontour toward the target. At 6 kms, the pilot

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    performs a "bump" to gain intervisibly withthe target. This bump is nothing more than agradual climb that allows the CPG to sight thetarget with the T ADS. Once the CPG has thetarget, the pilot stops the bump and stabilizesthe airspeed at 80 knots.

    During the day, the CPG can use direct viewoptics (DVO), then switch to day television(DTV) for cooperative fire or use DTVthroughout. Going heads-down for the DVOcan be uncomfortable, but may be required ifthe target is identifiable by color. It's "shootthe guys by the red truck" target descriptionthat makes the DVO worth keeping.

    At about 5 to 5.5 kms, the pilot aligns therocket steering cursor with the CPG's TADSLOS and begins engagement. Since the airspeed is 80 knots, the pylons articulate and thepilot uses laser ranging. A 3- to 5-degree diveangle is about all that is required. At 3.5 kms,the rocket engagement ends and the aircraft isaccelerated to 120 knots for a follow-up gunshot and turn-off away from the target.

    During the acceleration, the pilot can remask the aircraft and bump up at 3 kms forillustrat ion by Paul Fretts

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    the gun attack. At 2 kms, the pilot turns offand positions for a reattack or returns to theIP. Do not forget your chaff or flares as youturn away from the target. If you fire aHELLFIRE missile against a tank using running fire, move the IP back 2 kms and startthe bump before passing 8 kms. Fire themissile and turn of f before crossing 6 kms. Irecommend you not press for a gun shotagainst this mid level-threat unless you reallydesire a Distinguished Flying Cross ... and aPurple Heart!

    The wingman once again positions himselfto fire as the lead is coming off the target. Thewing makes the run in from the IP in combatcruise or spread, depending on how the leaderhas briefed the attack. In running fire againsta more lethal threat, the wingman can be giventhe role of "shooter" or "cover." As itimplies, the cover has the wingman protectingthe leader during the leader's attack. The wingdoes not engage the target unless the leader isthreatened. Shooter is just that. The wingattacks the target with the leader.

    Here is a trick when shooting the gun. Limityourself to 1O-round bursts with a second ortwo between them. Anything more can preventthe FCC and stabilization system from keepingup with the recoil-induced shaking of theaircraft .Attack Patterns

    As a football team has plays to run, theApache team uses basic patterns to plan forrunning and diving fire. In any particularsituation, the team leader, like a coach, canuse these attack patterns to begin control ofthe fight. These patterns are not set in stone.During fast-moving situations, the team leadermust adjust them to the moment. These attackpatterns are a starting point, a place fromwhich the team leader establishes a sense oftiming and control.

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    .. ..................

    .FIRE

    . ......... ... --.......~ . ~ ." ......'" .FIRE ..

    '.'. FIRE..........~ . . f

    ..... .... .. .. ~ . . .'........../ . . FIRE\

    i t ~FIGURE 4: Cloverleaf

    Various considerations help the leader selectthe attack pattern: the number of Apachesused; target characteristics; weapons capabilities (yours and theirs); friendly forces in thearea; and the requirement for a change indirection for later reattacks.

    Attack patterns are the cloverleaf, "L,"inverted "V" and racetrack as follows:

    Cloverleaf. The cloverleaf uses an IP withthe team in combat cruise. This attack patternis best employed against a point or small areatarget that the team can attack from anydirection (figure 4).

    The cloverleaf a l l ~ w s the team to placecontinuous fire on the target from severaldirections. Because the direction changes witheach attack, the enemy cannot concentrate itsfire in anticipation of later attacks. Withcorrect lead-wing timing, the cloverlead en-

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    FIGURE 5: OIL" FIGURE 6: Inverted "V "

    hances the mutual support within the team.L. The L pattern also uses an IP(s), either

    with a single or dual team. With a "fourshipper," each team employs the combatspread to have a large volume of fire within ashort duration (figure 5).

    The L is excellent against linear targets whenthe fires of one team crosses the other's, thus"Xing" the target. Teams can fire simultaneously or in phases, forcing the enemy tofight in two directions. Teams use the Lpattern during swift, violent attacks.

    Inverted V. The V is a disengagement pattern from the combat cruise when the teamtakes fire. As the lead engages with the gunand breaks away from the target, the wing canaccurately fire rockets to cover (figure 6).

    The V allows for maximum ordnance ontarget within a short period. The idea is to

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    LAZ V "5"-135-degree turnFIGURE 7: Racetrack - l -minute outbound- turn inboundEARDROP

    -120-degree turn -re-attack or egress- l -minute outbound- turn inbound-re-attack

    FIGURE 8: Reattacks

    turn the table on anyone foolish enough toshoot at something that is out looking fortrouble in the first place.

    Racetrack. This pattern is particularly suitedwhen the team needs to provide continuousfire. This method is also called the "elliptical"or "wagon wheel" (figure 7).

    The racetrack ensures generally safe condi-tions for friendlies on the ground. This patternis most adaptable during the pickup and land-ing zone phases of an air assault securitymission, formerly called escort. The team mustmodify the pattern so the enemy cannot pre-dict this type of attack. Do not forget the trailposition rule.Reattacks

    Three maneuvers work better for reattacksafter the initial run at a target: teardrop, lazy

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    LAZ V "8"-130-degree turn -25-second inbound-25-second outbound -130-degree turn-130-degree turn -re-attack or egress

    "s" and lazy "8" (figure 8). They allow asafe egress from the target, as well as providephasing between the leader and wingman oramong teams when the teams conduct a four-ship attack.

    Pilots should turn with no more than 60degrees of .bank to save energy. Teams useairspeeds of 100 to 120 knots, but drop below100 knots before firing rockets. These re-attack maneuvers greatly benefit the wingman.Instead of wondering what the leader will donext, a simple, "leads out right, reattack,teardrop" is enough said for the wingman whocovers the lead.A Scenario

    The situation for this scenario is an Apacheteam already at the IP. Both Apaches areloaded with 76 rockets and 1,200 rounds of

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    30mm each. A friendly infantry company contacts a larger enemy force attempting to surround it. The enemy has a man-packed missilecapability. The time is late afternoon withgood weather; the terrain is rolling hills withtrees and open areas. The friendlies are alonga tree line with 100 meters of open groundbetween them and the enemy.

    Scout aircraft have conducted a hasty reconnaissance and secured the area. They have alsoselected an IP that allows the Apaches toattack with the sun to their backs. This IP alsointersects terrain features and provides a ridgeline for masking once the Apaches have completed their attacks. The scouts brief theApache team leader using a format similar toa joint air attack team format. The scoutsestablish communication between the Apachesand the ground commander. The scouts moveto screen the area to prevent any other enemyforces to enter.

    The scouts come from the on-station attackunit or an air cavalry squadron. Despite whothey are, the scouts perform a critical role inthe success of any mission. Just try doing allof this without them!

    RULE: Never fire until you know thefriendly positions! So often a teamwill arrive on station with its "fangsout and hair on fire," ready to hurtsomebody. Do not allow impatienceto hurry you into killing the goodguys. If necessary, make a run atthe target cold, a "recce" role, toverify the situation.

    The ground commander will be using smoketo mark the position, both right and leftboundaries. Since the smoke will be colored,

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    the CPG will use the DVO to fix the position.At night, the commander can use strobe lights,flares or star clusters. The best possiblemarker the ground commander could usewould be a laser designator to point out thetarget to the Apaches. I f the scouts are OH-58D Kiowas, it becomes "an easy day at theoffice" as you pick up on their laser spots.

    The Apache team leader has formulated thesituation and selected running fire as theattack method and the racetrack as the attackpattern. He wants the wingman behind himand to his right side. Both lead and wing willuse rockets to engage during this attack. Theteam leader briefs the wingman using thefollowing format:

    "Running, racetrack" -Attack methodand attack pattern.

    "Cruise right" -Formation. "Shooter, shooter"-Lead and wingman

    roles. "Rockets, rockets"-Lead and wingman

    weapons.As the team calls, departing the IP , the

    ground commander replies, "Smoke Out."About the time that the lead Apache hasconducted the bump, the smoke is up andvisible. The leader makes a "visual on greensmoke" call. The ground commander verifiesthat green smoke is his. If a laser designator isused, the attack lead uses the calls "laser on,""spot," and "terminate." The CPG acquiresthe target treeline b)' way of pre-point anddirection from the friendly position.' A"tallyho" call is made to inform everyone theteam has sighted the target and the leader isattacking. As the CPG lases the target forrange, he also designates the target for thewingman's laser tracker. The pilot chooses theamount of rockets to fire on each pass. Theleader may put a pair out to confirm the targetis the correct one early on during the firstattack run. However, once the team finds the

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    target, it's time to beat up the bad guys. With76 rockets onboard, firing 6 to 8 pairs perattack run will give 5 to '6 passes at the target.As the rockets impact, the ground commandershould be passing corrections to you. This notonly helps your aim, but your wingman's aswell. In addition, the scouts can provide heading corrections from their screen position asthe leader makes the initial run inbound on thetarget.

    As the leader completes the rocket attack,he can select to press in with the gun. As therange drops below 2 kms, the leader terminates the attack. The wingman is already intothe run, having sighted the target by either thelead's laser spot or impacting rockets. Theleader calls "leads out left, reattack, teardrop" to his wingman.

    The wing now knows what the leader isdoing and can position himself for the nextrun as he comes of f the target. Note that theleader said, "out left," not "breaking left."It's a small point, but aviators should use theword "break" only when taking fire, not aspart of normal radio traffic.

    RULE: Beware of target fixation!Flight maneuvering close to theground is risky business. Do not letan obsession to hit the target causeyou to stop flying the aircraft. Letthe CPG "padlock" the target, thatis the purpose of the image autotrack in the TADS.

    During the reattacks, the leader has toadjust to the attack methods and patterns asnecessary. Be sneaky; do not become predictable. Return to the IP once in a while so theground commander can sort out the chaos.

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    The leader must be thinking consistently aboutthe next move, staying ahead of not only theteam's aircraft but also the enemy's. This iswhat the fighter pilots call "situational awareness" and what myoid teachers use to call"good head work."

    The team remains on station, making repeated attacks until it destroys the target or isrelieved by another team. Do not fire up all ofyour ammo, keep a little for self-protectionfor the trip back to the forward arming andrefueling point. We won in this scenario,because our teamwork and tactics were established before the first shot was fired.Conclusion

    I intentionally have avoided any discussionabout the missions that an attack helicopterunit might conduct in a LIC. The debate overwhat we call close air support, deliberateattack or fire support can be fought elsewhere-that's another article.

    The use of the HELLFIRE missile has onlybeen briefly discussed. That is not to say thatthe HELLFIRE isn't useful in a LIC. Myaviator friends from Ft. Bragg, NC, provedtheir worth in Panama when they neededpinpoint destruction.

    Much of what I have written may seembasic. However, just count the number of guysin our Apache units with 1,000 hours or morein attack aircraft and much less combat experience. What you discover may surprise you.There is a new crop of young tigers in ourunits now, many of whom have not beentaught the information in this article.

    So strap one of those multimillion dollarnoisemakers to your backside and give theseideas a try. Analyze what you find and putwhat works into your bag of tricks. I lookforward to hearing your comments and tryingyour variations and new ideas. Good luck andgood hunting. --.=-r

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    The AH-64Apache StingerIntegration:

    An Insight to Weapons and Training

    CW3 Thelbert B. Lee.6th Cavalry BrigadeFort Hood, TX

    THE ADVENT OF modernadvanced helicopters suchas the OH-58D Kiowa,UH-60A Black Hawk and AH-64Apache has confirmed Army Avi- ation's commitment to fight andwin on the future battlefield.These advanced aircraft tout phenomenal capabilities in weaponstechnology and maneuverability26

    that will give the Army a decisiveedge in combat. The ground commander will be given flexibilityand options never realized underthe AirLand Battle concept.The completion of productionproveout-government technicaltest (13 October 1988 through 10February 1989) has provided datathat characterize the performanceparameters of air-to-air Stinger(ATAS) on the AH-64A. TheA T AS system that was assessedreveals ideas on how Stinger willevolve in the scheme of weaponsemployment in the air-to-air(ATA) scenario.

    A firm understanding of theweapons capabilities presently installed on the AH -64 providesinsight on how Stinger will fill thevoid that exists in AT A combatoperations.The 30mm chain gun on theApache is the weapon of choicefor the close-in ATA battle. Theability to slew the gun off-axisprovides a distinct advantage overfixed-gun weapon platforms. The

    disadvantage is the effectiveweapon range in which the battlewill take place. The current30mm on the AH-64 has a maximum range of 3,000 meters. Witha rate of fire of 625 rounds perminute and a muzzle velocity of860 meters per second, maximumeffective engagement ranges forATA combat will be significantlyless that 1,500 meters. This undesirable situation moves the crewwithin the adversaries' weaponsranges and forfeits maximumstand-off capabilities.

    Rockets allow helicopter engagements at ranges intermediateto those of missiles and guns. Themaximum effective range of theHydra 70 folding fin aerial rocket(FFAR) for direct fire is 7,000meters. However, maximum ef-

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    fective range for rockets on theAH-64 is software limited to6,500 meters. Rockets are suitableweapons for placing effective fireon enemy helicopter formationsor for firing on helicopters inlanding zones. Rockets are primarily used in diving or horizontallyoriented attacks. While testing isnot complete, flechette (nails)rounds show promise as theFFAR for air combat. Because oftheir nature, rocket engagementsare subject to inaccuracies. Rapiddepletion of rockets also can beexpected since they are normallyfired in salvos for maximum effectiveness. A preliminary test determined the number of rocketsto be fired and the range toachieve the highest level of hitprobability. This analysis showedthat firing 3 pairs of rockets at arange of 2,000 to 2,500 meterswould result in a 75- to 82-percent hit probability.The HELLFIRE missile systemon the AH-64 can be an effectiveATA weapon against slow-moving or hovering targets at greaterstandoff ranges. This missilebe used to engage beyond theadversaries weapons and detection ranges. The disadvantage ofHELLFIRE comes into playasthe target's range decreases andmoves within its own detectionand engagement ranges. Airbornetargets close to intermediateranges may be difficult to engagewith HELLFIRE because of theability of the target to maneuverrapidly and mask in terrain. Alaser guided missile requires thatline-of-sight be maintained withthe target throughout the engagement. HELLFIRE was designedfor the air-to-ground (ATG) roleand thereby lacks the maneuverability for airborne targets.Weather conditions and battle-

    field obscurationscantly degradeperformance.

    can signifi- tremely difficult to defeat by evaHELLFIRE sive maneuvering.

    The introduction of Stinger tothe weapons systems of the AH-64 significantly increases the capabilities of the aircraft in ATAcombat. Stinger compliments current aircraft armament. It provides the crew with a passiveinfrared (lR) homing, better thana Mach 1, fire and forget, dedicated ATA missile.

    Stinger is equally suited to operate in sky and terrain environments. This lightweight missile isreadily available in the field, andis installed on the aircraft virtually unmodified. All four missilescan be uploaded and ready inseconds. The pilot or copilot gunner can employ the Stinger byusing the integrated helmet anddisplay sight subsystem (lHADSS)or the target acquisition and designation system (TADS). Integration of ATAS on the AH-64provides off-axis slaving of themissile seeker. The missile seekerdecreases target acquisition timeand limits unnecessary aircraftmaneuvering.Stinger is ideally suited to thesuperior night-fighting capacity ofthe Apache. The forward lookinginfrared (FLIR) systems and powerful optics of T ADS allow formaximum standoff missile employment. These systems alsoserve as good target identification. The night environment provides ideal operating conditionswhere targets provide a strong IRsignature for FLIR detection andan excellent IR signal-to-noise ratio for Stinger acquisition. Itspassive IR-homing seeker head allows Stinger to be fired withoutalerting hostile aircraft radarwarning devices. Superior flightmaneuverability makes Stinger ex-

    Capabilities of the Stinger arelimited much like any other IRdevice. Factors such as terrain,weather, increased temperatureand battlefield obscuration degrade the sensitivity of th eStinger. The IHADSS engagements also have night limitationsbecause of the restriction thatengagements are done in widefield of view (FOY). This canmake target identification at intermediate ranges difficult. TheT ADS presently has the wide andmedium FOY FLIR integrated forATAS engagements. ATAS integration into the present weaponsplatform of the AH-64 gives theApache unrivaled defensive coverage in the close-in as well as thestandoff ATA battle.Future additions to the AH-64weapons platform also might include Sidewinder, Sidearm andMistral, which have already beensuccessfully fired in contractortesting. This will give the Apachea multimissile capability and addsnew dimensions to current mission performance.Many tactical scenarios will involve ATA combat with the ATGmission. The primary mission ofthe AH-64 is antiarmor. Withinthat primary mission, ATA combat will become a necessity to beable to continue with the originaiobjective. The antiarmor missionwill be severely jeopardized if thecapability to defend against theair threat does not exist. In addition, munitions used for the ATGmission may be needlessly wastedwhile trying to counter the airthreat.Stinger will provide the commander with the ability to effectively counter and destroy enemyair threat. Particularly important,

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    the missile will afford the capability to defeat the air threat without becoming decisively engaged.Enemy air threat will be lesslikely to pursue an offensive aircombat posture, once the significance of A T AS on the AH -64Apache is common knowledge.The pilot is the key to makingthese advanced aircraft performtheir impressive capabilities. Asaircraft have modernized, pilottraining has lagged. Today'sArmy aviator graduates fromflight school and aircraft qualification courses with basic flyingskills and skills in tactical employment of his respective aircraftand weapon systems. Now thetask of advanced tactical trainingfor the individual is left to theunit to which he is assigned.However, the majority of trainingis collective and does not emphasize enough the .individual's skilland proficiency. I f our assets areto be employed to their maximumcapacity, the void that exists inadvanced tactical training for theindividual aviator must be filled.Over 10 years ago the MarineCorps recognized the need to conduct specialized advanced aviation training and to developinnovative tactics that reflect themodern battlefield. In 1976 theMarine Weapons and TacticsTraining Program was established. The purpose of this program was to train experiencedMarine Corps aviators in themost effective tactical employment of their current aircraft andweapons. The key element was todevelop a Weapons and TacticsInstructor (WTI) Course and toultimately place a WTI into eachMarine aviation unit. The WTICourse is a comprehensive postgraduate course for Marine Corpsinstructor pilots. It includes aca-

    28

    demic instruction in threat analysis, weapons and systemscapabilities, integrated operationsplanning, and training and management. In 1978 the programwas commissioned Marine Aviation Weapons and TacticsSq uadron-One (M A WTS-l),Yuma, AZ. Since that time, theMarines have amassed significantexperience and data in the tacticalemployment of helicopters andweapons in the ATO and A T Ascenarios.

    The V.S. Army currently doesnot have a training program suchas MAWTS-l in existence. Weare, however, moving forward tobetter prepare our aviators forthe significant threat that will bepresent on the modern battlefield.The integration of ATAS on theOH-58C and D and the AH-Q4Aproves that the V.S. Army isserious about protecting thesevaluable assets. Assets that willbe lucrative targets in the sight ofthe enemy. An ATA combat maneuver training program has beendeveloped.Coordinating drafts of TrainingCircular 1-107, Air Combat Oper-ations, and the Commander'sGuide to Air Combat ManeuverTraining, dated March 1988, areawaiting approval for future use.These manuals provide ArmyAviation units, the commandersand aircrews with proposed tactics to be employed in the counterair scenario.

    The Army's air combat maneuver training will be completedwith an exportable training package. The package consists of 24flight and 21 academic hours.Aviation units use this package totrain their pilots in ATA combat.There is a drawback, however, inthat the ATA training program isoptional. The unit commander

    must request it. I f the commander desires the training, hemust provide his own flight hoursto complete the program.A T A combat on the modernbattlefield will not be optional; itis a real threat and it will definitely happen. The adage of suppress, report and bypass is not anoption for the aircrew who havebecome decisively engaged bythreat aircraft. Forced disengagement from a helicopter ATA battle is not possible; you fight oryou will die. Only one aircraftwill emerge to fight again andcarryon with its mission. Theaircraft that survives will bearsuperior weapons and an aircrewwith superior fighting skills.Many options are available tobetter train our pilots to fight andsurvive in combat. An advancedtactical training program couldand should be developed to enhance our fighting skills. Thisprogram could be in the form ofan add-on to our present Instructor Pilot Qualification Course.These advanced tactics-trained instructors could then return totheir units and administer thetraining program to each pilot.

    I f that is not feasible, consideration should be given to usingMAWTS-l to train our instructors. The V.S. Army presentlyhas exchange officers who arequalified WTIs and MAWTS-ls.Every effort should be made touse MAWTS-l skills and trainingto establish our own advancedtactics program.Advanced aircraft and weaponswill only be as effective as thepilots who fly and employ them.The need for ATA weapons andtraining is overwhelming. The future battlefield will not be forgiving of those with inferiorweapons and fighting skills.

    NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 1990

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    AVIATION PERSONNEL NOTES93P Security Clearances

    Your battalion is planning a field trainingexercise. The S2 provides you with a list ofpersonnel with security clearances who will beauthorized access to the tactical operationscenter (TOC). As the aviation operations noncommissioned officer (NCO) in charge, youscan the list of names. Most or all of theoperations specialists who work for you arenot on it; names are missing. You make aphone call to the S2 and tell him there must bea mistake on his list of names because none ofyour 93P aviation operations specialists are onit. He matter of factly tells you the listcontains those personnel who have securityclearances. At this time you start brainstorming on how to correct this problem. You knowthey cannot be used in the TOC and you cannot work 72 hours straight, so what can youdo in order to successfully accomplish the mission? This scenario actually happens in manyaviation units time and time again.

    At this year's annual aviation NCO symposium at Ft. Rucker, AL, comprised of command sergeants major and sergeants major,93P security clearances were discussed. Thesenior NCO panels declared the lack of security clearances a major problem and wantedthis military .occupational specialty (MOS) tohave a security clearance requirement.

    The Aviation Personnel Proponency wascalled on to investigate the issue. After a quickreview of AR 611-201, Military OccupationalClassifications and Structure, there was, infact, no requirement for a security clearance.

    u.s. ARMY AVIATION DIGEST

    For a security clearance requirement to appearin AR 611-201, certain criteria must be met.The Military Occupational ClassificationStructure Guide governs changes to AR 611-201. First, there is the prerequisite that at least50 percent of the MOS authorizations requireaccess to classified information. For MOS93P, requirements for a security clearance arewell over 50 percent. The next prerequisite wasto determine the level of security clearancenecessary for the MOS. The Department ofDefense requires every soldier who has accessto classified material to obtain an appropriateclearance for the material handled. For 93P,the security clearance required is secret, sincethe predominate number of positions in theM OS will be handling secret material.

    I t is only fair that the 93P soldier be able toperform to prescribed standards. Clearly, thelack of an appropriate clearance doesallow that. The APP has submitted a changeto require security clearances for all 93P soldiers. Pending approval, the transition periodfor full implementation into AR 611-201 willtake from 18 to 24 months. I f approved, thefollowing changes will take place:

    Each new recruit will be required to havea security clearance to get into the MOS.

    Every soldier who is currently in the MOSmust obtain a security clearance.

    Those personnel who are unable to obtainsecurity clearances will be reclassified intoanother M OS.

    For further information contact Master Sergeant Estes, APP, AUTOVON 558-4313/3423.

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    A viation Personnel Notes, continued

    Regular Army (RA) Integration UponPromotion to MajorA recent review of other than RA ActiveComponent category majors has revealed someofficers who have neither accepted nor declined their RA appointment. Under the provisions of the Defense Officer PersonnelManagement Act (DOPMA), officers musteither accept the appointment by executing aDepartment of the Army (DA) Form 71 (Oathof Office) or decline in writing. There is amisunderstanding that this integration is automatic. This is not true.

    In accordanc.e with Army Regulation (AR)601-100, Appointment of Commissioned andWarrant Officers in the Regular Army, officers are automatically considered for RA nomination upon selection to major. Once thenomination . s approved by the President andconfirmed by the Senate, the officer musteither take the RA oath of office upon promotion to major and sign a DA Form 71 ordecline the appointment in writing. The DAForm 71 or the declination is then forwardedthrough the officer's military personnel division to the U.S. Total Army Personnel Command (PERSCOM).

    Pre-DOPMA officers on active duty beforeSeptember 1981 have the option to accept ordecline the RA appointment. However, if declined, the officer will not be able to servemore than 20 years active federal commissioned service. Post-DOPMA officers may decline. However, by law, they must leave Activeduty within 90 days.

    Contact your personnel assignments officerat PERSCOM for additional information.

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    Aviation Publications UpdateThe 1990 version of the Army AviationPersonnel Plan (A2P2) is scheduled for distri

    bution in early December at the annual A viation Commanders' Conference, Ft. Rucker,AL. Worldwide distribution will follow shortlythereafter. The 1990 version of A2p2 containsmany changes that incorporate the latest inaviation personnel planning. It will answerquestions that many of you have about yourcareer development. Aviation soldiers and civilians are thanked for the input they providedover the past months that enabled the AviationPersonnel Proponency (APP) staff to addressissues important to you. Your continued inputis encouraged. With 'your help appropriatechanges will be implemented for the 1991edition.

    The second edition of the U.S. Army Warrant Officer Flight Training (WOFT) programpamphlet was distributed in November. Thepamphlet is sponsored by the U.S. ArmyAviation Center, Ft. Rucker, AL, and is thesole-source document used by recruiters toanswer almost any question about the WOFTprogram. This pamphlet applies to the ActiveArmy, Army National Guard, and the U.S.Army Reserve. Because of monetary considerations, the primary distribution of these pamphlets is directed toward the U.S. ArmyRecruiting Command for use by its recruiters.A limited supply will be provided to retentionand reenlistment offices. All potential applicants should review this pamphlet to determinethe exact application procedure and individualprerequisites. See your local recruiter for de-tails. ~

    NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 1990

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    AccidentsDisaster at Ft. Hood150,000 Accident-Free Hours

    Aeronautical ServicesDA Regional RepresentativesDirect User Access Terminal ServiceImportant Changes to FLIP TerminalNational Security Areas

    AircraftAH-IF TOW Cobra Hot MockupsAH-64 Stinger Integration-An Insightto Weapons and TrainingApaches In The DesertGood HuntingIn Relative Obscurity (OV-l Mohawk)OH-58D Warrior-The MultipurposeLight HelicopterRemotely Piloted Vehicles: OneMarine's Perspective

    u.s. ARMY AVIATION DIGEST

    May-lunluI-Aug

    lan-FebMay-JunMar-AprJul-Aug

    Sep-OctNov-DecSep-Oct

    Nov-DecMay-lunNov-DecluI-Aug

    AirshowsParis Air Show Review

    Air Traffic ControlFlight Data Input-Output SystemNEXRAD Looks Into Severe WeatherSpecial Requirements for FlightInspection AircraftTactical Ground Controlled ApproachThe Mobile Maintenance Contact Team

    Aviation ForceA Relevant Force for the FutureDefining the Army Aviation TotalCombat System in the 1990sQuality of the Aviation Force

    lan-Feb

    Mar-AprJul-Aug

    May-Jun

    lan-FebSep-Oct

    May-JunJan-FebJul-Aug

    Aviation Life Support EquipmentFire By Friction, Ration Cans, Mar-AprPocket StoveWalk-Around Safety Harnesses, luI-AugBack to BasicsWearing Walk-Around Safety lan-FebHarnesses

    CompetitionThe 1989 W orId Helicopter Champions May-lunWorld Helicopter Championships, May-lun1970 to 1989

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    AVIATION DIGEST 1990 SUBJECT INDEX

    DeploymentsEaglestrike: A Korean/U .S. CombinedAviation Force OperationREFORGER 90: ReadinessREFORGER 90: ReservesREFORGER 90: Support

    Mar-AprJul-AugJul-AugJul-Aug

    Evaluation and StandardizationA Cockpit We Can Live WithDealing with an In-Flight EmergencyDES Equivalency EvaluationsDES Evaluation Focus

    Flight TechniquesAvoiding the Zig-Zag MonsterHelicopter Operations in aMicroburst EnvironmentSquawk 7700

    HistoryAbove and Beyond the Call of DutyArmy Aviation Policy, 1945 to 1950A Stamp for Army Aviation's50th AnniversaryGrand Opening, Army AviationMuseum

    32

    Mar-AprJan-FebJul-Aug

    Mar-Apr

    Mar-AprMay-JunJul-Aug

    Jul-AugSep-OctJul-Aug

    May-Jun

    Seven and GrowingThe Army Ground Forces and theHelicopter, 1941 to 1945The Israeli Air Force and the1982 Lebanon War

    LogisticsAH-IF TOW Cobra Hot MockupsBecoming a USAALS InstructorCome Now, a Productive FieldTraining Exercise?Division Aviation Support BattalionUSAALS: A Brief History

    MaintenanceA Drama Needing a Happy EndingFocus on T ASN-AStorage, Analysis,. Failure, Evaluationand Reclamation of Aircraft PartsScheduled for DisposalThe Army Aviation NationalMaintenance Point, A HistoricalBriefThe Army Oil Analysis Program

    MedicineAeromedical Aspects of HelicopterAir Combat

    Mar-AprMay-JunJul-Aug

    Sep-OctJul-AugJan-Feb

    Mar-AprMay-Jun

    Jan-FebMar-AprSep-Oct

    May-Jun

    Jul-Aug

    Jan-Feb

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    AVIATION DIGEST 1990 SUBJECT INDEX

    A viators and Alcohol: A Personal May-Jun Operation Genesis: The Birth of Sep-OctExperience OPFOR Air Assault at the NTCModular Medicine-Health Services Mar-Apr Helicopter Operations in a Microburst May-JunSupport in the AirLand Battle EnvironmentPLS: Taking the Search Out of Sep-Oct Search and Rescue in the Deep Attack Jan-FebSearch and RescueUse of Nonsedating Antihistamines Jul-Augfor Army Aviation ApplicationsWhere Have All the Flight Surgeons Jan-Feb PersonnelGone?

    Preference Statements: Additional Jan-FebRequirements for ProcessingAlcohol Waivers: R&A of theCalendar Year 1989 MasterNational Guard Sergeant Selection Board;PERSCOM Aviation Directory;

    TACTS/ACMI Adopted to National Jan-Feb Attention All Aviation LogisticsOfficers (OAC 15D); UnderwaterGuard Helicopters Training for Army Helicopter CrewsAviation Career Incentive Pay; Mar-AprArmy Aviation Engineering TestPilot Program; Warrant Officer

    NCO Flight Training ProgramInformation Booklet; Noncom-missioned Officer LogisticsThe Third Annual Aviation Sep-Oct ProgramNoncommissioned Officers Army / American Council on Education May-lunSymposium-1990 Registry Transcript; OfficerPersonnel Management Directorate(OPMD); Reconfiguration ofReserve Component AviationOfficer Advanced CourseNight Vision Devices (RC-AVOAC)Seeing Better in the Dark Jul-Aug Promotion Updates; Officer Distribution Jul-AugPlan; SOA, SI and ASI Changes;Acquisition Corps Established;MWO Position Recoding

    Aviation Commissioned Officer Sep-OctOperations Branch Qualification; Oath ofCommissioning for WarrantOfficers; Order of Saint Michael;Arctic JAAT Mar-Apr A viation Warrant Officer RankCoding; Army Aviation PersonnelAttack Mission Planning Sep-Oct Plan; Flight Training Age Limit;Master Warrant Officer Training;Culminating Points in Aviation Jan-Feb Military Occupational SpecialtiesOperations and Additional Skill Identifiers; TIs

    U.S. ARMY AVIATION DIGEST 33

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    AVIATION DIGEST 1990 SUBJECT INDEX

    Regular Army (RA) Integration UponPromotion to Major; AviationPublications Update; 93P SecurityClearances

    Nov-Dec

    Research and DevelopmentDiopter Focus Adjustment of ApacheIHADSSExtended Operations and SoldierJudgment: A Human-System

    Design ChallengeMoral Disruption by Maneuver

    SafetyA Cockpit We Can Live WithFlight Safety Parts Program UpdateNothing Mysterious About WhatMakes A Good PilotPreparation, the Key to SafetySafety Integration: An Investmentin our Future ReadinessSafety, Just Say YesThe Positive Control Area150,000 Accident-Free Hours

    Tactics

    Jan-FebJan-Feb

    Mar-Apr

    Mar-AprMay-JunJul-AugJul-AugJul-AugJul-AugJul-AugJul-Aug

    Aviation Doctrine, Tactics, Mar-AprTechniques and ProceduresEmployment of Copperhead, a Tactical Jan-FebScenario

    34

    Flying Air Cavalry Missions in theLow-Intensity ConflictMoral Disruption by Maneuver

    TrainingACCP and Resident Training StrategyAH-64 Stinger Integration-An Insightto Weapons and TrainingApaches in the DesertArctic JAATArmy Engineering Test PilotsATP-The Commander's ToolAviation Lessons Learned at theCombat Training CentersEaglestrike: A Korean/U.S. CombinedAviation Force OperationEmployment of CopperheadEnlisted Aeroscout Observer CourseUpdateEntrenando Aviadores para la Defensade American Latina (TrainingAviators for the Defense ofLatin America)!vlANPRINT Training CoursesMinnesota Reservists Train in AlaskaReforger 90: ReservesThe 1990 Maintenance Test PilotTraining UpdateTough, Realistic Training

    Mar-AprMar-Apr

    Jul-AugNov-DecSep-Oct

    Mar-AprMar-AprSep-OctSep-Oct

    Mar-AprJan-FebSep-OctJan-Feb

    Jan-FebSep-OctJul-AugSep-OctJul-Aug

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    PEARL!SPersonal Equipment And Rescue/survival Lowdovvn

    The u.s. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory(USAARL) Reminds Aviators to Check SPH-4(Sling Suspension) Helmet Liners

    Our records show that the first correspondenceon changing the old 3/8-inch polystyrene (styrofoam) liners to a 1/2-inch liner was written in 1976.The difference between these two is a 33 percentincrease in impact protection when the I12-inchliner is used. A stockage of the old 3/8-inch linerswas found and USAARL was asked if these areacceptable. The answer is no! The only acceptableliner for use in the SPH-4 helmet with the slingsuspension is the 1/2-inch liner. We obviouslyprefer the thermoplastic liner system for crashprotection, but we also understand funding constraints and appreciate unit aviation life supportequipment (ALSE) shops that are continuing to getthe job done with what they have. Our thanks tothe 112th Medical Detachment, Maine Army National Guard, for showing the concern to ask thequestion.

    Point of contact (POC) for USAARL is Mr. JoeLicina, AUTOVON 558-6893. POC for ALSE isMr. Jim Angelos, AUTOVON 693-3574.Seat Belts for OV-1 Mohawk Ejection SeatMohawk units are reminded to save the kochfittings from their old OV-l seat belts. Thesefittings are reusable. New seat belts, national stocknumber (NSN) 1680-01-232-9692, are procuredwithout end fittings.

    More on Seat BeltsReplacement of leather backing pad on standardaircraft seat belts is authorized. The followinginformation will be included in the next change toTechnical Manual 55-1500-204-25/1, General Aircraft Maintenance Manual.To replace the leather backing pad, simply drill

    out the old attaching rivets to remove the leather.Using the old leather pad as a pattern, cut a newone from 1/8-inch thick natural leather.Install the new leather pad using aluminumrivets,NSN 5320-00-117-6827, and washers, NSN5310-00-076-9900, per the original construction (seefigure).

    Washers,NSN

    ~ ~III

    5310-00-076-9900 -.$

    'IT;::' Rivets, NSN! 5320-00-117-6827(2 each)

    . / Va-inch, leatherbacking

    pad(2 each) _____ ..-, G

    If you have a question about personal equipment or rescue/survival gear, write PEARL 5 AMC Product Management Office, ATTN:AMCPM-ALSE, 4300 Goodfellow Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63120-1798 or call AUTOVON 693-3573 or Commercial 314-263-3573.

    u.s. ARMY AVIATION DIGEST 35

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    AVIATION LOGISTICSu.s. Army Aviation Logistics School

    THE KEYSTONE TO AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCEMW4 Jesse H. Dizeu.s. Army Aviation Logistics SchoolFort Eustis, VA

    IT'S 1500 HOURS on Friday. Two slicks need aMOC (maintenance operational check) and a scoutrequires a test flight. Forty percent of the aircraftmechanics are involved in other military duties. Allthe shops have a work backlog. The "old man" ischewing on me about the maintenance section'sphysical training scores. And my new flight suit isalready stained and smells like lP-4 jet fuel. Baseoperations just called to relay the field coordinatesof an AH-IG Cobra down with a chip light. Thescouts reported an OH-58 Kiowa red x'd formaking funny noises. I won't make it home in timefor supper again tonight. All in all, this is a typicalday in the life of an aviation maintenance warrantofficer.I'm the unit's aviation maintenance technician, a

    warrant officer. The enlisted maintenance personnel are promoted out of shops and off the flightline. The commissioned officers move out and upto better things. However, the maintenance technician plays the aircraft maintenance game for yearson end. The end result is that, by proxy, the

    36

    aviation maintenance warrant officer is the institutional memory and technical subject matter expert(SME) for Army aircraft maintenance. In addition,the new tables of organization and equipment(TOEs) have added unit maintenance trainer to t


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