FM 57-35 Airmobile Operations - Survival Books

WWW.SURVIVALEBOOKS.COMLow altitude reduces the enemy's capability to detect themovement and to place long-range, large caliber weaponsfire on the aircraft in flight. By flying low, aircraft takemaximum advantage of irregularities in the terrain, thusgaining some protection from small-arms fire.(5) Flight speed. The prescribed speed to be flown dependson the type of aircraft, the formation, and the use ofexternally slung loads. The aircraft normally fly at therated cruising speed except that when two or more typesof aircraft fly in a single serial, they fly at the cruisingspeed of the slowest aircraft.c. Air Movement Table.(1) The air movement table may be published as a part of thecoordinating instructions in the operations plan/order oras an annex to the operations plan/order. It includes theserial organization, designation of loading zones for eachserial, and a time schedule.(2) The serial sequence is based on the commander's priorities for arrival of units in the objective area. The serialorganization is based on the tactical plan of the airmobileunit. Transport aircraft unit integrity within serials isdesirable; however, it is sacrificed to maintain the integrity of the units being lifted and to comply with thepriorities and tactical plan established by the commander.The assault echelon may be organized in one or more liftsas stated in paragraph 22a.d. Movement Control. Movement control information includesthe designation and location of the flight control elements, emergency procedures, and communication and navigation information.For small-scale operations, navigation may be merely by pilotageand the use of terrain features for air control points (ACP's).For more complex operations, manned ACP's with electronic navigation facilities and terminal guidance and control in the landingareas may be required. En route navigational facilities and terminal guidance in the objective area may be provided by the unitbeing airlifted or by Field Army pathfinder detachments. Theterm "pathfinder" as used throughout the manual refers to especially selected and trained Army personnel whose mission is to aidin the terminal navigation and control of Army aircraft. Thecommander must carefully weigh the advantages derived from theemployment of pathfinders against the possibility of loss of tacticalsurprise resulting from their employment. When the commanderdecides to use pathfinders, the personnel within the battle group32 AGO 2294B