FM 57-35 Airmobile Operations - Survival Books

WWW.SURVIVALEBOOKS.COM87. Liaisona. A joint operation requires close and continued liaison betweenArmy and Navy elements. Immediately upon receipt of a warningorder for an amphibious airmobile operation, the commander ofthe Army unit involved must establish liaison with appropriateNaval agencies.6. Liaison officers must be prepared to brief appropriate Navypersonnel on Army aircraft characteristics, dimensions, and capabilities, and other information which will assist ship personnelin preparing to operate with the airmobile unit.c. Aviation liaison officers must obtain from the ship's Air Department appropriate information as to communication frequencies, call signs, navigational aids, training requirements, shipcharacteristics, and other data which might affect the operationsof the helicopter unit.88. Characteristics of Aircraft Carriera. Description.(1) At the present time, the Essex-class carrier is the standard platform used for amphibious airmobile operations.It is described here as a guide. When another type floating platform is to be used, the airmobile force commandermust obtain detailed information on its characteristicsearly enough to make his plans accordingly.(2) The flight deck of the Essex-class carrier is about 880feet long, varying slightly with individual ships, and80 to 120 feet wide, depending upon whether it has anaxial or angled deck.(3) The hangar deck is about 600 feet long and 50 feet wide.It is divided into three hangar bays, numbered 1, 2, and3 from forward aft. The bays are separated by firecurtains.(4) There are three aircraft elevators, one for each hangarbay. Numbers 1 and 3 are centerline elevators, number2 is deck edge.b. Aircraft Capacity. The number of helicopters that can beoperated effectively depends on the size of the flight deck andflight turnaround time. The maximum number of helicoptersthat can be operated efficiently are 26 to 28 single rotor lighthelicopters and 9 medium helicopters. The hangar deck storagecapacity varies between 36 and 40 helicopters, depending uponthe types of helicopters embarked. Twelve helicopters may belaunched simultaneously, 9 light and 3 medium transport, in 3AGO 2294B £9