Lecture Notes: Air Assault Operations Handbook

Table of Contents Overview

• Chapter I: Air Mobile Operations
  • Rotary Wing Aircraft
  • Aircraft Safety
  • Aeromedical Evacuation Procedures
  • Pathfinder Operations
  • Hand and Arm Signals
  • Combat Assault
  • Air Mission Brief
  • Cold Load Training
  • Close Combat Attack
• Chapter II: Helicopter External Load Operations
  • General and Specific Equipment
  • Rigging Procedures
• Chapter III: Rappelling
  • Basic Combat Rappelling
• Appendices: Various forms, instructions, and records for operation procedures.

Chapter 1: Air Mobile Operations

Part I: Rotary Wing Aircraft

• OH-58D Kiowa Warrior: Max Airspeed 110 knots, Missions include reconnaissance and target acquisition.
• AH-64A Apache: Max Airspeed 164 knots, Primary mission is anti-armor; capable of close air support.
• UH-60 Blackhawk: Used for air assault, medical evacuation, and resupply operations.

Part II: Aircraft Safety

• Mandatory safety equipment: ID card, ID tags, earplugs.
• Approach aircraft from downslope side.
• Specific approach angles for different helicopters.
• Emergency procedures: Follow crew commands, exit quickly if fire occurs.

Part III: Aeromedical Evacuation Procedures

• Includes MEDEVAC and CASEVAC definitions.
• Advantages: Speed, range, and flexibility allow for timely treatment.
• Key aircraft: UH-1V, UH-60, CH-47.

Part IV: Pathfinder Operations

• Responsibilities include selecting, marking, and controlling PZ/LZ.
• Landing point sizes vary by aircraft.
• Requirements: Support weight, clear ground, and approach/departure routes.
• Considerations: Wind, altitude, obstacles.

Part V: Hand and Arm Signals

• Used to assist helicopters in landing and moving.
• Signals for movement directions, completion statuses, and emergencies.

Part VI: Combat Assault

• Definition: Operation using rotary wing assets to engage or seize key terrains.
• Capabilities: Attack from any direction, secure key terrains rapidly.
• Planning sequence includes ground tactical, landing, air movement, loading, and staging plans.

Part VII: Close Combat Attack

• Technique to control attack helicopters in close support roles.
• Steps to control: Communication, marking locations, describing target, and providing adjustments.

Chapter 2: Helicopter External Load Operations

Part I: General Considerations

• Advantages: Rapid movement, bypass obstacles, multiple routes.
• Limitations: Load weight restrictions, weather impacts, availability of helicopters.

Part II: Equipment and Rigging

• Detailed procedures for rigging specific loads, such as cargo nets and fuel drums.
• Safety considerations and inspection responsibilities.

Chapter 3: Rappelling

Basic Combat Rappelling

• Equipment overview includes ropes, gloves, and helmets.
• Personnel roles and responsibilities defined for rappelling safety.
• Rappelling commands and emergency procedures.

Appendices

• Forms and records for operational procedures.
• Maintenance and inspection instructions for equipment.