VOLUME I Multinational Maritime Tactical Instructions and Procedures

helicopter will provide all available target information to the supporting aircraft. If it is equipped to do so,
the helicopter may be requested to illuminate the target. Special precautions should be observed by attack
aircraft, particularly during periods of reduced visibility and at night, to ensure that the helicopter is safely
clear of dropped illumination devices, the attack flightpath, and weapon effects.
8304 EMPLOYMENT OF A HELICOPTER ACTION GROUP (HAG)
a. Alert State. The limited endurance of missile-armed helicopters prevents, in most cases, the
keeping of a HAG at airborne alert. Missile-armed helicopters should, therefore, normally be placed at the
highest possible alert state (see Chapter 1).
b. Selection of a HAG Rendezvous. The HAG rendezvous should normally be in the direction
of the threat, in order to make best use of the short on-task time of the helicopter.
c. Attack Procedure. The prime requirement for a successful missile attack is precise information
about the position, course, and speed of the target. The need for the missile-firing helicopter to be in visual
contact with and/or be pointed in the general direction of the target mainly depends on the capability of the
sensors available and the missile used. In case of a visual attack, a flare-dropping helicopter may be used.
d. Provision of Helicopter Operating Facilities. When a SAG is to cooperate with a HAG,
units with helicopter refueling facilities should be included in the SAG to increase the effective range and
endurance of the HAG.
8305 HELICOPTER IDENTIFICATION/ RECOGNITION AND ATTACK TACTICS
MTP 1(D), Vol. I
The aim of this procedure is to extend the range at which a surface force can identify/recognize and
attack lightly armed surface units such as fast patrol boats.
a. Employment. Helicopters can be employed to investigate contacts held by other units. By day,
helicopters should be able to make visual identification/recognition if weather conditions permit. However,
at night, a method of illumination is normally required. Identification/recognition and attack procedures
are described in paragraph c.
b. Altitude Separation. If more than one missile-armed helicopter is launched, it may be necessary
to allocate different height bands for HAG separation. The following altitudes are recommended:
HAG 1
(Feet)
HAG 2
(Feet)
Illuminator
(CANDLE)
HAG Commander
(CONTROLLER)
Attack Aircraft
(ATTACKER)
1,500 2,000
800 1,000
400 600
If each HAG is operating on a separate frequency, it will be necessary for HAG commanders to man
an additional common frequency for coordination. If cooperating with fixed-wing aircraft, altitude separation
should be imposed and departures from these altitudes made only while under positive control.
c. Identification/Recognition and Attack Procedures. By day, two aircraft comprise the
HAG carrying out this procedure: the CONTROLLER (control aircraft) and the ATTACKER (probe or
8-13 ORIGINAL