Air Assault Operations

May 98 MTV01AW-Air Assault Operations 1

 Agenda
• Terminal Learning Objective
• Enabling Learning Objectives
• References
• Capabilities and Limitations of Aircraft that Support AA
Operations
• Air Assault Planning Process
• Fire Support Considerations for AA Operations
• Considerations for Planning FA AA Operations
• Summary
May 98 MTV01AW-Air Assault Operations 2
May 98 MTV01AW-Air Assault Operations 3
 Terminal Learning Objective

Given a tactical scenario, plan fires to

support air assault operations, and plan
field artillery air assault operations.

May 98 MTV01AW-Air Assault Operations 4

 Enabling Learning Objectives

Identify the capabilities and limitations of the

aircraft available to conduct and support air
assault operations.
Describe the five phases, in proper sequence, of
the air assault operations planning process.
Identify the fire support considerations for the air
assault operations.

May 98 MTV01AW-Air Assault Operations 5

 Enabling Learning Objectives (Cont.)

• Conduct FSO coordination requirements for air

assault operations.
• Identify and discuss the considerations for
planning and conducting field artillery air assault
operations.
• Plan an air assault operation.

May 98 MTV01AW-Air Assault Operations 6

 References

• FM 71-100-3 Oct 96
• FM 6-20-50 Jan 90
• FM 6-50 Aug 92
• FM 90-4 Mar 87
• http//:www.campbell.army.mil

May 98 MTV01AW-Air Assault Operations 7

 Air Assault Operations

By definition, AASLT operations feature extended

distances and tremendous speed of execution. Air assault
operations involve deep penetrations, wide sweeps, and
bypassing enemy forces and terrain obstacles, almost
always at night. To quickly react to intelligence on hostile
forces, planning and execution must keep pace with the
accelerated AASLT tempo, maximizing surprise to ensure
effective execution at the decisive place and time.

May 98 MTV01AW-Air Assault Operations 8

 Helicopter Capabilities

• Ascend and descend at steep angles enabling them to

operate from confined and unimproved areas.
• Not necessary to land aircraft to load and unload.
• External loads may be delivered to inaccessible areas.
• Fly safely and efficiently at low altitude for cover and
concealment.
FM 90-4
App. D

May 98 MTV01AW-Air Assault Operations 9

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 Helicopter Capabilities

• Operates under marginal weather conditions.

• Land in tactical formations.
• Night and limited visibility landings and lift-off.
• Can achieve surprise, deception, and shock
through use of suppressive fires.
FM 90-4
App. D

May 98 MTV01AW-Air Assault Operations 12

 UH-60L Blackhawk

DOCTRINAL PLANNING
Lift Capacity 9,000 LBS 6,800 LBS
(External)
Combat Equip. 11 W/ Seats 11W/ Seats
Troops 22 W/O Seats 18 W/O Seats
Crew 3 3 OR 4
FA External Loads
FM 90-4
M102/M119 (W/ MIN Crew) 10-12 RDS Of Ammo
App. D-2
HMMWV (Combat Loaded)
All Environmental and Weather Dependent
May 98 MTV01AW-Air Assault Operations 13
 CH-47D Chinook
Doctrinal Planning
Lift Capacity (INT/EXT) 26,000 LBS 20,000 LBS
Combat Equipped Troops 33 33
Crew 4 4

FA Loads
• M198 Howitzer (External)
• M102/M119 Howitzer (Internal)
• 2 X Howitzers (External)
FM 90-4
• HMMWV with M102/M119 Howitzer (External) App. D-2
• 2 X HMMWV (External) “SHOTGUN” or “YOHEE”
May 98 MTV01AW-Air Assault Operations 14
May 98 MTV01AW-Air Assault Operations 15
 Helicopter Limitations
• High fuel consumption rate affects range.
• Weight and balance affect flight control.
• Hail, sleet, icing, and gusty winds will limit or preclude
use.
• Engine and rotor noise may compromise secrecy. FM 90-4
App. D-3
• Aviator fatigue requires consideration.
• Load carrying capabilities decrease with increase in
altitude, humidity, and temperature.
• Wind direction and speed affect take-off and landing
directions.
May 98 MTV01AW-Air Assault Operations 16
May 98 MTV01AW-Air Assault Operations 17
 FM 71-100-3 PG 2-11
May 98 MTV01AW-Air Assault Operations 18
 Air Assault Operation Planning

Air assault operations are divided into five phases:

• Ground Tactical Plan
• Landing Plan
• Air Movement Plan
• Loading Plan
FM 90-4
• Staging Plan Chapter 3

May 98 MTV01AW-Air Assault Operations 19

 Ground Tactical Plan (GTP)

GTP is the actual mission itself. It is ideally the same as

any other unit mission, except that it is designed to
capitalize on speed, agility and mobility of the helicopter
to achieve surprise and increase the possibility of
mission success.

FM 90-4
p. 3-7

May 98 MTV01AW-Air Assault Operations 20

May 98 MTV01AW-Air Assault Operations 21
 Elements of the GTP:
• Missions of all task force elements and methods for employment.
• Avenues of attack, sectors or areas of operations with graphic
control measures.
• Task organization to include command relationships.
• Location and size of reserves.
• Fire support to include graphic control measures.
• Combat service support.

FM 90-4
p. 3-7

May 98 MTV01AW-Air Assault Operations 22

 FS Considerations for the Ground
Tactical Plan
• Same as normal ops as outlined in chapter 3
FM 6-20-50.
- Fire Support Planning for the Offense.
- Fire Support Planning for the Defense.

FM 6-20-50
Chapter3

May 98 MTV01AW-Air Assault Operations 23

 Landing Plan

The landing plan is a sequence of movement of

elements into the area of operations, ensuring
that units arrive at designated locations and
times prepared to execute the GTP.

FM 90-4
p. 3-8

May 98 MTV01AW-Air Assault Operations 24

 Elements of the Landing Plan
• The availability, location, and size of the landing site.
• Elements must land with tactical integrity.
• The landing plan offers flexibility for changes in landing direction
or formation changes.
• Supporting fires (artillery, naval gunfire, CAS, attack helicopters)
must be planned for around the HLS.
• Artillery can be brought onto the landing site to support the GTP.
• Plan should include resupply and MEDEVAC contingencies.

FM 90-4
p.3-8
May 98 MTV01AW-Air Assault Operations 25
 FS Considerations for the Landing
Plan
• Fires to Support the Consolidation on the Landing
Zone. These fires are similar to those planned on any
objective and/or perimeter defense as described in
chapter 3 of FM 6-20-40.
• When FOs arrive on the LZ, they must be prepared to
control and use:
FM 90-4
– CAS PG 3-11
– Attack helicopter sorties
– Ordnance that was planned but not used during
May 98
the movement phase. MTV01AW-Air Assault Operations 26
 FS Considerations for the Landing
Plan (Cont.)
• Informal ACAs to allow simultaneous attack.
• Fires to isolate the landing zone.
• Final protective fires.
• Suppression of enemy air defenses.
• Prearranged signals to quickly lift and/or shift fires.

FM 90-4
PG 3-11

May 98 MTV01AW-Air Assault Operations 27

May 98 MTV01AW-Air Assault Operations 28
 Air Movement Plan

The air movement plan is based on both the

ground tactical plan and the landing plan and is
a detailed schedule of events and instructions for
the air movement of troops, equipment, and
supplies from the PZ to the LZ. It also provides
coordinating instructions regarding air routes, air
control points, aircraft speeds, altitudes,
FM 90-4
formations, and terrain flight modes. PG 3-11
May 98 MTV01AW-Air Assault Operations 29
 Two Key Elements of the AMP

• Flight routes or flight route overlays with alternate

routes and control measures.
• Air movement table:
– Aircraft allocations.
– Designates number and type of A/C in each serial.
– Specifies departure point, route to and from loading
area, and landing times. FM 90-4
PG 3-12
May 98 MTV01AW-Air Assault Operations 30
 Terms

• Chalk - Personnel on one aircraft.

• Lift - One movement from PZ to LZ. May
be one or more aircraft.
• Serial - When a lift is too large it may be
broken down into two or more serials.
AASLT handbook
PG 1-26

May 98 MTV01AW-Air Assault Operations 31

May 98 MTV01AW-Air Assault Operations 32
 FS Considerations for the Air
Movement Plan
• Plan fires to cover primary and alternate PZs
and LZs.
• Plan fires along the flight routes (SEAD and
targets of opportunity).
• EW and jamming assets.
• Chaff air-dropped by USAF to confuse enemy
AD radar.
FM 90-4
• Artillery, CAS, and attack helicopters for PG 3-19
suppression by fire.
May 98 MTV01AW-Air Assault Operations 33
 FS Considerations for the AMP (Cont.)

NOTE: CAS and/or attack helicopters may be the only assets

capable of ranging targets along flight routes and on LZs.

• Plan on-call fires along the flight route to ensure rapid adjustment
on targets of opportunity.

• Fires to support the air movement plan are executed under

procedural control, under positive control, on call, or a combination
of the three based on METT-T.
FM 6-20-50
PG B-11
May 98 MTV01AW-Air Assault Operations 34
 Loading Plan

The loading plan is based on the air movement

plan. It ensures that troops, equipment, and
supplies are loaded on the correct aircraft and
moved from the PZ in a controlled manner into
the objective area in the order of priority as
designated by the ground unit commander.
FM 90-4
PG 3-26

May 98 MTV01AW-Air Assault Operations 35

 Considerations for the Load Plan

• Coordination
• PZ selection
• PZ marking
FM 90-4
• Movement to the PZ CH 3
• Air loading table
• Tactical integrity
• Tactical cross loading
• Self sufficiency of the load
• Briefing of troops
May 98 MTV01AW-Air Assault Operations 36
May 98 MTV01AW-Air Assault Operations 37
 Bump Plan

• Must include “bump aircraft” and “bump”

personnel.
• Key personnel and bump personnel must
be identified prior to the operation.
• Ensure tactical cross-load.
FM 90-4
PG 3-33

May 98 MTV01AW-Air Assault Operations 38

 FS Considerations for the Loading
Plan

Ensuring FOs are included in load plans so

that they arrive at the LZ early in the
operation.

FM 90-4
PG 3-30

May 98 MTV01AW-Air Assault Operations 39

 Staging Plan

The staging plan is based on the loading

plan and prescribes the arrival time of
ground units and their equipment at the PZ
in proper order for movement.

FM 90-4
PG 3-36

May 98 MTV01AW-Air Assault Operations 40

May 98 MTV01AW-Air Assault Operations 41
 The Staging Plan

• Identify, establish, and provide control for

primary and alternate PZs and LZs.
• Explain the movement of troops and
equipment to the PZ.
• Establish sequence and priority for loading.
• Provide for troop briefings.
FM 90-4
PG 3-36

May 98 MTV01AW-Air Assault Operations 42

 FS Considerations for the Staging
Plan

Planning fires for primary and alternate PZ

protection without endangering the arrival
and departure of troops and aircraft.

FM 6-20-50
PG B-10

May 98 MTV01AW-Air Assault Operations 43

 FSO Coordination Requirements

• Ensures the DS Battalion FDC, the mortar platoon FDC,

and any other supporting elements have the correct fire
support plan and understand their portion of it.
• Verifies that the AATF mortars are in position to support,
if available and required. FM 90-4
PG 5-3
• Keeps fire support representatives at higher
headquarters and the supporting field artillery TOC
informed of the current tactical situation.

May 98 MTV01AW-Air Assault Operations 44

 FSO Coordination Requirements
(Cont.)
• Selects fire support means to attack targets during
the operation.
• Keeps the AATF commander and S3 informed of the
current status of fire support means available to the
AATF.
• Recommends modifications of the fire support plan
(during the OP) to react to battlefield changes, and
ensures FISTs are aware of changes. FM 90-4
p.5-3
May 98 MTV01AW-Air Assault Operations 45
 FSO Coordination Requirements
(Cont.)
• Recommends, to the AATFC and or S3, fire support
coordination measures to facilitate the attack of targets
or to provide troop safety.
• Coordinates requests for additional fire support with
higher level fire elements.
• Monitors execution of the fire support plan.

FM 90-4
PG 5-3

May 98 MTV01AW-Air Assault Operations 46

 Fire Planning Considerations

• Deception. False preparations may be fired in areas

other than the objective.
• Loss of surprise. A preparation of long duration may
reduce the possibility of surprise.
• Availability of fire support. FSO considers the assets
that can fire preparations and coordinates the
arrangements w/ the FA BN S3.
FM 90-4
PG 5-4

May 98 MTV01AW-Air Assault Operations 47

 Fire Planning Consideration
(Cont.)
• Significant targets. A known or suspected enemy force
located in the vicinity of the LZ, regardless of size,
warrants LZ preparation.
• Shifting fires. Artillery fire continues throughout the
assault phase, shifting from the LZ to known or FM 90-4
suspected targets. PG 5-4

• Obstacles to landing & maneuver. Various types of

ordnance used in a preparation can cause craters, tree
blow-down, fires, smoke, and poor visibility on and near
the LZ.
May 98 MTV01AW-Air Assault Operations 48
 FM 6-20-50
PG B-12

May 98 MTV01AW-Air Assault Operations 49

 FM 6-20-50
PG B-12

May 98 MTV01AW-Air Assault Operations 50

 Air Mission Brief (AMB)
The AMB is the order briefing for all key
participants in an air assault. An air mission
coordination meeting is the commander's
forum specifically for resolving and
synchronizing details of the entire AASLT
operation from staging, loading, air
movement, and landing plans to ground
operations. The results are briefed at the
AMB. FM 90-4
PG 3-36
May 98 MTV01AW-Air Assault Operations 51
May 98 MTV01AW-Air Assault Operations 52
 FA AA OPs Considerations
• Only bare necessities should be taken.
• Ammunition for an M119 raid may be hand carried on
the aircraft. Ammunition for an M198 raid may be
strapped to the firing platform or suspended from the
howitzer in an A-22 bag, or PLS internal load.
• A mixture of HE, WP, and ICM provides excellent
munitions effects for a raid.
• An M198 raid may include FASCAM and DPICM. FM 90-4
PG 5-8

May 98 MTV01AW-Air Assault Operations 53

 FA AA OPs Considerations(Cont.)
• Firing data can be precomputed and given to the XO
before he leaves the PZ. He may want to distribute data
to the section chiefs on the PZ.
• When determining LZ location, the highest charge
possible should be planned to increase standoff range.
• Security elements to accompany the raid should be
requested from the infantry.
• Attack helicopters should fly cover and provide SEAD.
FM 90-4
PG 5-8
May 98 MTV01AW-Air Assault Operations 54
 Air Assault Raid

May 98 MTV01AW-Air Assault Operations 55

 FA AA OPs Considerations(Cont.)
• The number of howitzers taken forward on the raid is
determined by target analysis, munitions effects tables,
aircraft availability, and desired damage criteria.
• In preparation for an M119 raid in which the howitzers
are carried internally during insertion and extracted
externally by sling load, the loads should be partially
rigged on the PZ before the mission begins.
• Emplace false insertions along the flight path. FM 90-4
PG 5-8

May 98 MTV01AW-Air Assault Operations 56

 Summary
• Terminal Learning Objective
• Enabling Learning Objectives
• References
• Capabilities and Limitations of Aircraft that Support AA
Operations
• Air Assault Planning Process
• Fire Support Considerations for AA Operations
• Considerations for Planning FA AA Operations
• Summary
May 98 MTV01AW-Air Assault Operations 57
 QUESTIONS

May 98 MTV01AW-Air Assault Operations 58