Army Aviation Digest - Jun 1967

UNITED
DIRECTOR OF ARMY AVIATION, ACSFOR

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
MG Robert R. Williams
5
COMMANDANT, U. S. ARMY AVIATION SCHOOL
MG Delk M. Oden
ASST COMDT, U. S. ARMY AVIATION SCHOOL
COL M. H. Parson
DIGEST EDITORIAL STAFF
MAJ L. J. Herman Jr., Editor-In-Chief
Richard K. Tierney, Editor
William H. Smith
Diana G. Williams
Tina Johnson
GRAPHIC ART SUPPORT
Harold G. Linn
Harry A. Pickel
Dorothy L. Crowley
Angela A. Akin
DIRECTOR, U. S. ARMY BOARD FOR AVIATION
ACCIDENT RESEARCH
COL Warren R. Williams
USABAAR EDUCATION AND LITERATURE DIV
Pierce L. Wiggin
William E. Carter
Ted Kontos
Charles Mabius
ARMY AVIATION
'1GESJ
JUNE 1967 VOLUME 13 NUMBER 6
LEITER, GEN Harold K. Johnson
ARMY AVIATION OF THE FUTURE,
MG Robert R. Williams
DAYS OF DECISION-YEARS OF CHALLENGE,
MG Delk M. Oden
THE CARE AND KEEPING OF ARMY AVIATION,
MG W. N. Redling
ARMY AVIATION, THE NEWEST MEMBER OF THE
TEAM, MG Robert H. York
THAT SOMEBODY UP THERE, MG Harry H. Critz
THE FLYING PART OF ARMOR, MG A. D. Surles, Jr.
TALONS FROM THE SKY, BG G. P. Seneff, Jr.
A COLORFUL QUARTER CENTURY OF ARMY
AVIATION AIRCRAFT'
FIXED WING AIRCRAFT
ROTARY WING AIRCRAFT
ARMY AVIATION IN ACTION
PEARL'S
CRASH SENSE
SHARE ITS
U-21, THE ARMY'S NEW UTILITY AIRCRAFT
1
2
6
10
14
16
21
26
28
30
31
32
34
39
60
64
The mission of the U. S. ARMY AVIATION DIGEST is to provide information of an operational or
functional nature concerning safety nnd aircraft accident prevention, training, maintenance, operations,
research and development, aviation medicine, and other related data.
The DIGEST is an official Department of the Army periodical published monthly under the supervision
of the Commandant, U. S. Army Aviation School. Views expressed herein are not necessarily those of
Department of the Army or the U. S. Army Aviation School. Photos are U. S. Army unless otherwise
specified. Material may be reprinted provided credit is given to the DIGEST and to the author, unless
otherwise indicated.
Articles, photos, and itcms of interest on Army Aviation nre invited. Direct communication is author-
ized to: Editor.inChie!, U.S. Army Aviation Digest, Fort Rucker, Alabama.
Use of funds for printing this publication has been approved by Headquarters, Department of the
Army, 29 December 1964.
Active Army units receive distribution under the pinpoint distribution system as outlined in AR 3101,
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scriptions, 54.50 domestic and S5.50 overseas, are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U. S.
Government Printiog Olbce, WashioJ(ton, D. C., 20402.
UNITED STATES ARMY
THE CHIEF OF STAFF
TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF ARMY AVIATION
On behalf of all the men and women of the United States Army,
I extend heartiest congratulations to Army Aviation, as well as appre-
ciation for its achievements of the past twenty-five years. Since its
beginnings in 1942, Army Aviation has advanced with the Army in
acquiring new capabilities and refining old approaches to land war-
fare. In recent years especially, aviation has been essential to our
consideration of concepts and techniques for improving the Army1s
performance in combat.
A fledgling in World War II, Army Aviation proved its value to
the combat commander and went on to develop increasingly important
abilities for fulfilling Army roles and missions. Today in the war in
Southeast Asia, Army aircraft are involved in virtually every combat
and combat support operation. Aviation personnel have met the chal-
lenges of operating in a difficult environment against an unseen enemy,
and they have accomplished their tasks regardless of these hazards.
Their bravery, professionalism, and dedication to duty represent
the noblest of soldierly virtues.
I join your comrades in arms in expressing pride in your out-
standing accomplishments. We know you will maintain this record
of service to our country throughout the coming years.
& ~
General, United States Army
Chief of Staff
2
ARMY AVIATION
OF THE FUTURE
Major General Robert R. Williams
Director of Army Aviation
A
FEW predictions for 1980:
The Army will have 18,000 aircraft.
The Chief of Staff or the Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, the
Commandant of the Infantry School, Armor School, and half the
division commanders will be Army aviators.
The Army's tactical transport aircraft will be VTOL but will be
cruising at speeds of well over 300 knots.
The Huey will still be with us in large numbers.
The 0-1 may still be in the inventory.
These predictions for 13 years in the future will no doubt startle
many. Some tacticians will say it's ridiculous; the budgeteers will plan
for some new locks to put on the budget; proponents of other high
cost Army programs will gird themselves to protect their share of the
budget, for they will realize the funds for such an expanding program
must come from somewhere; and personnel management people may
shudder a bit thinking about providing pilots to fly all these aircraft.
As background and possibly to place some of the older readers in a
better frame of mind to accept the rationale that led me to these
predictions, I ask that each reader step back in his memory an equal
distance-13 years.
U. S. ARMY AVIATION DIGEST
In 1954 would you have be-
lieved that by 1967:
The Army would have over
9,000 aircraft and a still rapidly
growing inventory?
The Army would pay in the
millions for a single aircraft?
There would be one Army di-
vision with over 450 aircraft?
Two four s tar generals would
wear wings (Howze and Powell);
two commandants of the Infantry
School would have been Army
aviators, (Powell and York); in
one infantry division in 1963 all
three general officers would be
pilots; the youngest general offi-
cer in all the services today would
be an Army aviator (General
Klingenhagen) and three of the
youngest generals (Klingenhagen,
Blanchard and Burdette) would
be Army aviators?
The Army Aviation School
would be expanding to an output
of 625 pilots per month.
The UH-l, just an idea in the
minds of a few in 1954, would be
coming off the production line at
today's rate?
The armed helicopter would be
a very effective weapons system
and one would be designed spe-
cifically for the mission of direct
fire support?
Helicopters would attain speeds
of over 175 knots?
A small observation helicopter
(the OH-6) would fly nonstop
from coast to coast?
The 0-1 would still be in high
demand in 1967 and will prob-
ably be with us for some time?
The argument will be made
that the demands for Army avi-
ation and its present somewhat
explosive growth is o'Ccasioned by
the conflict in Vietnam and is just
a fad. I will grant that the con-
flict in Vietnam has provided an
almost ideal military application
for Army aviation, but I will also
contend that it is providing a
proving ground for Army aviation
and indoctrination of personnel
JUNE 1967
that will have a lasting effect on
fu ture Army organiza tion and
tactics in all levels of war. The
leaders of our Army for the 1970-
80 time period will almost with-
out exception have fought in
Vietnam. They will fight as bat-
talion or brigade commanders.
For one year they will conduct
their operations based primarily
on airmobility. Troop movement
by air, resupply by air, air recon-
naissance, -aerial command posts
and direct fire support by armed
helicopters will become a way of
life with them. In the future as
they write doctrine, draw up or-
ganizations, or prepare equipment
requirements for the Army of the
fu ture they will lean heavily on
their past experience with airmo-
bility.
This is the beginning of the
true air age - not -the crest. From
an Army standpoint, we have in
the past employed aircraft pri-
marily in specialized or high pri-
ority roles. Aircraft were used
only when they were the only
means of accomplishing the mis-
sion or when the priority was
high enough to "justify" the use.
Our aircraft were in addition to
our ground vehicles. N ow we are
learning to depend on aircraft as
a primary and accepted means of
accomplishing our mission and
learning to capitalize on the
speed and effectiveness they pro-
vide. This has come about in large
part through the greatly improved
dependability of aviation. Our
aircraft are much improved; our
pilots are more highly trained;
and we have learned much about
operating in adverse weather and
in the field.
A direct parallel exists in civil
air travel. The combination of
speed, comfort, dependability,
safety and convenience offered to
the customer by the present day
airlines has caused a rapid in-
crease in airline travel.
"A recently completed 'Gallup
The Army leaders of 1970-80 will almost
without exception have fought
in Vietnam
Poll' for Trans World Airlines
showed that in 1964 only 34 %
of the adult U. S. population had
flown on an airliner. By the end
of 1966 this proportion was 42 %
and growing at a rate of 12 % a
year. By the 1970s, when the new,
air transportation-conscious gen-
eration reaches adulthood, they
will boost the figure to 60%."*
Figures I and 2 on the following
page depict the increase in the air-
line fleet and passengers over the
past 20 years and the forecast of
the future on which the airlines
are basing multibillion dollar in-
vestments.
Another parallel exists in gen-
eral aviation, the civilian counter-
part of Army aviation. Companies
and individuals are finding that
Gen Clifton F. Von Kann; Text,
US Air Transport Forecasts and an An-
swer to the Challenge.
THOUSANOS
I-
L.L..

FLEET SIZE OF U.S. SCHEDULED AIRLINES
3 0:::
U
0:::

50
SOURCE' AIR TRANSPORT ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
ICy 6680 PROJECTION IS BASED ON INFORMAL FORECAST)
60 65 80
CALENDAR YEARS
Figure 1
today's aircraft provide a de-
pendable means of getting their
job done. General aviation (which
can best be defined as all civil
aviation outside of the airlines)
has considerable similarity to
Army aviation. types
craft found in general aVIatIon
are of the same size and charac-
teristics as Army aircraft and are
employed in much the way.
The following charts depIct the
growth of general aviation over
the past 20 years and the forecast
growth (fig. 3 and 4).
A similar plot can be made for
the growth of Army aviation over
the past 20 years (fig. 5).
The similarity of the data pre-
sented on airline, general aviation
and Army aviation growth should
be noted. These statistics provide
the basis for my first prediction.
My second prediction is based
on the growing importance of
Army aviation and on the people
who are now Army aviators. Let's
do a little analysis of the group
who are potential generals in the
1970-80 .period. They are now
lieutenant colonels and colonels.
4
Graduates of War Colleges
(colonel on active duty): Army
aviation 35.9%; overall 34.7%.
Selected for promotion to
colonel on last list: Army avia-
tion 45.4%; overall 28.6%.
. Selected for promotion to lieu-
tenant colonel on last list:
Army aviation 76.0%; overall
74.5%.
MILLIONS
400
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
45
CIl
0:::
(!)
Z
UJ
CIl
CIl

a...
PASSENGERS OF U. S. SCHEOULED AIRLINES //'
55
I
I
I
/
/
,
,
,
/
1-..' ,
0,

(;,
'-<J /
Q:-/

/
/
SOURCE: AJR TRANSPORT ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
(CY 6680 PROJECTION IS aASED ON INFORMAL FORECASTI
60 70 75 ao
CALENDARJJ"RS
Figure 2
Selected for Command and
General Staff College in 1967:
Army aviation 22.3% of total
selected.
The following is a quote from a
statement made by the Under
Secretary of the Army to a Con-
gressional Committee: .
"In closing, I wish to take thIS
opportunity to recognize the out-
standing achievements of Army
aviators during this period of tur-
bulence, unprecedented
and pioneering on new frontIers
in the use of aviation in military
operations. The
sionalism, and unfalhng dedIca-
tion to duty of these men and
their crews have been in the finest
Army tradition. They have un-
hesitatingly accepted every chal-
exceeded every expectation,
and taken personal dislocations
and inconvenience in stride. Our
Army, like any organization, is
no better than its people. These
men have shouldered a major
share of our undertaking in Viet-
nam which has led to making to-
day's Army the finest ever fielded."
I am confident that, with the
growing importanc.e of
ation and the cahber of mdlvl-
duals who are now Army aviators,
there will be many general officers
wearing wings in the fu ture.
My third prediction is based on
TIiOUSANOS
180
160
I-
140
0:::
U
120
0:::

100
ao
60
Figure 3
Figure 4
HUNDREDS
40
L.L..
35
0:::
u
0:::

20
Figure 5
THOUSANDS
20
16
12
/
I
ACTIVE CIVil AIRCRAFT /
GENERAL AVIATION FIXED WING AIRCRAFT /
I
I
I
t;/
(;"'/

I
I
/
SOUOCE, A. 195466 INVENTOII\' ,
/
I
,
1966 AEROSPACE FACTS AND FIGURES
8. 196680 FORECAST,
FAA PO
70 80
YEARS
6-
..
I
I
,
/
I
ACTIVE CIVIL AIRCRAFT I
GENERAL AVIATION ROTORCRAFT f
/
I
/
I
I
1-..1
0'
g/
Q:;/

I
I
I
SOURCE, A. 195566 INVENTORY,
I
f
f
I
I
1966 AEROSPACE FACTS & FIGURES
8. 1966ao FORECAST
FAA-PO
65 70
CALENDAR YEARS
..
ARMY AIRCRAFT
70 75 ao .
the money and brain power tha t
have gone into trying to cross-
breed the helicopter and the air-
plane during t ~ past 15 years.
Starting with the XV-l and XV-3
in 1952 and continuing through
the composite research aircraft
project now in progress, slightly
more than one-half billion dollars
have been spent to achieve a
usable high speed VTOL aircraft.
Several of these programs have
been highly successful in demon-
strating the technical feasibility
of V/STOL systems. However,
they have not yet been proved to
the extent that they can live in
the unrefined environment of the
Army in the field.
Concurrent with the V/STOL
effort, much has been done to im-
prove the speed, stability and re-
liability of the helicopter. I fore-
see that there will be marked in-
creases in rotary wing aircraft
technology and that aircraft, which
lift off on rotors, will be able to
cruise at speeds above 300 knots
by stopping, stowing or tilting the
rotor blades to eliminate rotor
drag.
My fourth and fifth predictions
are based on the time-proved fact
that a really good aircraft just
will not go away. Every now and
then off the production line comes
a real winner. It makes a name
for itself early in life and every-
body just has to have one. Produc-
tion gets stretched out. Then the
aircraft lives long after produc-
tion ceases. A good utility air-
craft can have an amazingly long
life. The H uey will in my opinion
last as a highly serviceable aircraft
just as the old DC-3 has. In 1980
the pilots of all U. S. services and
of many nations will probably be
cussing it as slow, hard to fly and
obsolete-but they will still be
flying it.
No matter how many studies
we write showing that the 0-1
should be replaced, they are still
in demand. Maybe the next gen-
eration of pilots will give up.
JUNE 1967
Flying has been described as
hour after hour of boredom
punctuated by moments of stark
terror. Army aviation's growth
however, can best be described as
month after month of stress and
labor punctuated by days of des-
peration. I am sure that all avia-
tors and nonaviators, who have
worked so hard to bring airmo-
bility to the Army, feel proud and
well rewarded for their long hours
of work.
N ow before the rotor wash com-
pletely clouds my crystal ball, I
"This is the beginning of the
true air age-not the crest"
want to say that I see continued
growth for Army aviation, with
its future development limited
only by the imagination and in-
genuity of those of you who will
be at the controls. As modern
technology rapidly advances, Army
aircraft of the 1980-90 time period
may even stagger the imagination
of those of us who have witnessed
our progress from the Cub to the
Cobra. Army aviation is on the
move and all of us should consider
it an honor to be a member of
the team. ~
5
DAYS OF DECISION-
YEARS OF CHALLENGE
Maior General Delk M. Oden
Commandant, U. S. Army Aviation School
The success of Army aviation can be traced primarily
to the Aviation School (both at Fort Sill, Okla., and
later Fort Rucker, Ala.) where most of today's air-
mobile concepts were born.
A
RMY AVIATION'S "star"
burns brightly in Vietnam
today. Our aviation personnel
and units have accepted the chal-
lenge of combat and have proved
the validity of many of the con-
cepts and tactical applications of
Army aviation for which they
also fought valiantly, but in a
different way, on the home front.
Today in Vietnam airmobile op-
erations supported by Army heli-
copters are the backbone of op-
erations against the elusive Viet
Congo
Almost without exception op-
erations begin with helicopter
lifted forces moving into strategic
positions to surprise the enemy,
to block his retreat, to capture
his base camp, or to fix his posi-
tion. Regardless of the size of the
encounter, Army helicopters are
employed throughout the opera-
tion in lifting reinforcements, ef-
fecting vertical envelopment, re-
supply, reconnaissance, and evac-
6
uation of casualties. When the
operation ends the Army helicop-
ter is the last combat vehicle to
leave the battlefield. This nor-
mally involves lifting the rear
guard from its last contact with
enemy forces to the security of its
base camp.
Our ground forces in Vietnam
are sold on airmobility. They
like the idea of being picked up
refreshed and rested at their base
camp.
~ e y look over their shoulders
as the lift helicopters depart the
landing zone, knowing they'll be
back with food, ammunition, and
reinforcements. They know too
the helicopters will be available
to return them, as quickly as
they brough t them, to medical
attention if they're wounded in
the engagement. When the battle
is over and uppermost in their
minds is rest, hot food, and a
shower, the sound of familiar
popping blades of Army helicop-
ters is heard in the distance, and
they are soon back wi thin the se-
curity of their home base.
Yes, the ground trooper likes
this kind of support because it al-
lows him to meet the enemy
when he, the trooper, is at his best
both physically and mentally.
Our ground forces returning from
Vietnam will be Army aviation's
strongest supporters in the fu-
ture, because they have found a
better way to go to war and they
will insist on that way for the fu-
ture.
Since the first shipment of
Army aircraft from the United
States in 1961, the whirling blades
of the Army's choppers have never
stopped turning in defense of
freedom in Vietnam. Our first
aircraft commitment, the banana-
shaped CH-21 helicopter, was
transported to Vietnam by air-
craft carrier. These choppers lit-
erally "hit the beach running,"
in flying from the carrier decks
under their own power, and in
U. S. ARl\IY AVIATION DIGEST
lifting troops into combat within
three days after their arrival.
For several years following this
initial commitment, United States
advisers and the Army's aircraft
carried the load of the United
States effort in Vietnam. As the
Communist buildup in South
Vietnam moved ahead at a rapid
pace the loyal forces of the Re-
public of Vietnam were stagger-
ing under an avalanche of de-
feats, and the prospects for vic-
tory lay heavily with the Viet
Congo A dramatic success in bat-
tle was needed to bolster the sag-
ging morale of the government
forces. Such a success was supplied
in the battle of Dong Xoai in
June 1965, which saw the Free
World Forces turn defeat into
victory largely through the use of
Army aviation.
Armed helicopters launched
continuous attacks against the
enemy regiment surrounding the
Dong Xoai Special Forces camp,
while troop-carrying helicopters
JUNE 1967
landed continuous reinforce-
ments. When the heavily out-
numbered garrison was out of
ammunition and the remaining
defenders were dead or wounded,
Army helicopters braved a bar-
rage of point-blank enemy fire to
evacuate the survivors of the
doomed fortress. On the same
day, within three hours after this
evacuation, Army helicopters
fought their way back into the
soccer field next to the Dong
Xoai garrison, the same spot from
which they had evacuated the
survivors. They unloaded a strik-
ing force of Vietnamese Rangers,
and then reinforced this element
with additional troops until the
Dong Xoai garrison was again in
friendly hands.
In the Pleiku campaign begin-
ning in October 1965, the mag-
nificent 1st Cavalry Division
(Airmobile) fought a running
battle with the three regiments
of a North Vietnamese division
in the Air Cav's first baptism of
fire. Helicopter-borne elements
of the division assisted in break-
ing the enemy's siege on the Plei
Me Special Forces camp and then
chased the North Vietnamese di-
vision all the way to Cambodia,
inflicting thousands of casualties
on the enemy.
History may well record this
campaign as the turning point of
the war in Vietnam. This was the
enemy's first commitment of a
division size force, and they were
soundly defeated. A force of this
size has never since been commit-
ted in the Vietnam conflict. Fol-
lowing the success of the 1st Cav-
alry Division in the Pleiku cam-
paign we began hearing the
phrase, "We have stopped losing
the war in Vietnam."
The strength of Army aviation
has expanded until today we have
over 2,200 aircraft in the Viet-
nam conflict. They provide the
mobility that allows our forces to
meet the guerrilla threat with
considerably fewer ground troops
7
Blades of Army helicopters have never stopped turning in the defense of the Republic of Vietnam
Here a sergeant of the 1st Cavalry DiVision directs the landing of a Huey arriving with supplies
than anyone would have antici-
pated would be required just a
few years ago.
We know that Army airmobil-
ity through the use of helicopters
is an accepted doctrine today as
a result of the test of combat in
Vietnam. However, during the
early years of challenge that be-
gan on 6 June 1942, only a few
stout hearted individuals fought
the battle for the advancement of
Army aviation.
Following its birthdate and
during the early years of the reign
of the fixed-wing aircraft, the
progress of Army aviation moved
slowly. The helicopter was the
shot in the arm needed to get the
program going, and the turbine
powered Huey was the champion
that permitted the breakthrough
in airmobility. Armed helicopter
development closely paralleled
the airmobility concept, meeting
with similar difficulties.
The revolutionary concepts of
aerial firepower and troop mobil-
ity were brought to the forefront
when the Army shocked the mili-
tary world with the introduction
of "Sky Cav" during Exercise
Sagebrush in the middle 50s. Re-
8
percussions went all the way to
the Secretary of Defense, and
there a decision was made to al-
low the Army to continue its ex-
periments with the Sky Cav con-
cept. The lid was off; a program
that had been pushed laboriously
forward by the sweat and tears
of a few individuals began to
move under its own momentum,
gathering size and speed. In
Vietnam it matured.
The nucleus for the advance-
ment and growth of Army avi-
ation has been the Aviation Cen-
ter and School. It was at the
school that the early battles were
fought through concepts, doc-
trine, and experimentation with
airmobility and the armed heli-
copter. The campaign had started
at Fort Sill, Okla., with the Ar-
tillery School. Aviation moved
on to Fort Rucker in search of
its own place in the sun and an
opportunity to spread out.
Since this early beginning many
other military posts have added
momentum to the big push
through significant contributions
to the advancement of airmobil-
ity. On the birthday of Army avi-
a tion, the center and school pause
to acknowledge the loyal support
and well wishes of the many and
varied military and civilian
groups and activities.
The A via tion Cen ter and
School have reacted in a most
commendable manner to the chal-
lenge of the accelerated demand
for Army aviation support
throughou t the free world. The
growth of the school during the
past 18 months has far exceeded
any other growth period in the
history of Army aviation. Many
new training programs are under-
way at Fort Rucker, most of which
are heavily Vietnam oriented. A
noticeable sense of combat ur-
gency and direction is associated
with all training now being con-
ducted at the Aviation School.
A look at some development
data and statistics from the Avi-
ation Center will reveal the mag-
nitude of this expansion in avia-
tion training. During the past
year Fort Stewart, Ga., was se-
lected as an addition to the train-
ing base for the original purpose
of conducting primary fixed wing
flight training. The 16 weeks of
the initial entry primary fixed
wing training was moved from
Fort Rucker and established at
Fort Stewart in July 1966.
In a very recent addition to the
:Fort Stewart complex, the facili-
ties of Hunter Air Force Base at
Savannah have been turned
to the Army. This installation
has been designated Hunter Army
Airfield and is part of the Fort
Stewart command. Hunter will
be primarily a helicopter training
area and will be the school's
training base for the AH-l G
HueyCobra. We will graduate
and send to Vietnam the first in-
structor pilots from our Cobra
course this August.
As a result of the steady expan-
sion of training, the flying hour
program at Fort Rucker more
than doubled during the past 18
months. This is represented by an
increase from 31,000 flying hours
per month in January 66 to 70,000
per month in June 67. In fiscal
year 68 this monthly rate will in-
crease to in excess of 80,000 flying
hours per month for a yearly to-
tal of approximately one million
fiying hours.
The total operating budget for
the Aviation School and Center
for fiscal year 67 stood at $80 mil-
lion. In fiscal year 68 the budget
will increase to $96 million.
Expansion in student training
is even more impressive. The big
buildup in student load began
early in 1966. The history of the
training program at the Aviation
School in the several years imme-
diately preceding 1966 had been
a very gradual buildup of rotary
wing training and a gradual de-
cline in fixed wing training. In
the three years prior to 1966 the
average student load was 74 heli-
copter pilots and 85 fixed wing
pilots. By September 1966, the
school was graduating 290 heli-
copter pilots and 30 fixed wing
pilots.
This number has steadily in.
creased. In April 1967 the school's
output reached an all time high
JUNE 1967
Aviation training geared to combat
of 375 helicopter pilots and 50
fixed wing pilots each month.
These figures of training
growth and expansion are impres-
sive, but the end is not yet in
sight. A new training goal has
been established and this fall the
school will begin its buildup to
graduate an additional 200 heli-
copter pilots per month at the
Army Aviation School element at
Fort Stewart, Ga. This will bring
the total school ou tpu t to 625
pilots per month for an annual
total of 7,500 Army aviators. As
you are well aware this yearly
output will exceed the total avi-
ators in the Army aviation pro-
gram before the beginning of the
big buildup.
We have proved in Vietnam
that the helicopter has a surviv-
ability on the battlefield beyond
many peoples' expectations. The
testbed for this survivability has
been at treetop level within range
of even the smallest of the enemy's
individual weapons. With appro-
priate modification of our tactical
employment of helicopters we
have every reason to believe that
our survivability against a sophis-
ticated enemy would be as good
as it has been against the guer-
rilla. The battlefield advantage
of maneuver, mobility, and aerial
firepower will be just as impor-
tant, just as decisive, in a sophisti-
cated environment as we have
found it to be in the counterin-
surgency environment.
If you think back to World
War II and the Korean war you
can recall numerous instances
where a heliborne force could
easily have broken a deadlock
with enemy forces, traversed an
impenetrable wooded area, per-
formed a critical river or
assaulted the enemy rear areas.
The Rhine River would not in
itself present any obstacle to a
heliborne force on the offensive.
Our hasty retreat from the Yalu
River in Korea when heavily out-
numbered by Red Chinese forces
cost us thousands of lives and
millions of dollars worth of
equipment. This costly retreat
could have been accomplished as
an orderly withdrawal by the use
of helicopters in a defensive role.
Horizons Unlimited are the
marching words for Army aviation
in the future. At the same time
we must bear firmly in mind that
we cannot march off and leave the
ground trooper for the sake of
aircraft sophistication. The limit-
iug factor must not be budgetary
considerations or size, but the
ability of our aircraft to continue
to live with and be maintained
by our forces under field condi-
tions.
On this 25th anniversary of
Army aviation we honor our dead
and wounded of the war in Viet-
nam. We are ever mindful that
the sacrifices of many of these
gallant flying were made
freely for their country. Many
factors unite in the motivation of
a man to achieve such a high
plateau of service and sacrifice,
not the least of which is his de-
sire to advance the capability of
the Army through its aviation.
Army aviation looks to the fu-
ture. With the coming of the
Cobra and follow-on systems for
direct fire support, airmobile op-
erations will improve. Increased
payload, fuel range, and speed
for all our helicopters will allow
us to better support our surface
forces. The future of Army avi-
ation is bright, and we are only
beginning to exploit the possi-
bilities for the application of our
new found aerial firepower and
tactical airmobility.
9
Army aircraft maintenance and supply
training accounts for the major portion
of the activities of the Transportation
School at Fort Eustis, Va.
The Care
Anti Keeping
OF ARMY AVIATIO
Major General W. N. Redling
Commandant, U. S. Army Transportation School
A
s MANY PROPONENTS
of Army aviation are prob-
ably aware, Department of the
Army General Order No. 76
(1952) assigned the responsibility
for logistical support of Army
aviation to the Transportation
Corps. The number of this gen-
eral order is not important; the
date of the document is, because
the order charged the Transpor-
ta tion Corps wi th a grea t and
growing responsibility (a respon-
sibility that all personnel in the
Corps continue to shoulder with
pride) in the field of fixed- and
rotary-wing aircraft.
Today Army aircraft mainte-
nance and su ppl y training ac-
counts for the major portion of
the activities of the Transporta-
tion School at Fort Eustis. A
meaningful insight behind the ra-
tionale of this newly acquired re-
sponsibility can be gained by re-
10
viewing some of the factors which
led up to this most significant de-
velopment.
During the period following
the Korean war, the Transporta-
tion Corps in carrying out its mis-
sion - that of transporting men
and equipment - was acquiring
more and larger helicopters and
was rapidly becoming a major
user of Army aircraft. Simulta-
neously, maintenance and supply
problems were becoming increas-
ingly complicated in all arms and
branches that used rotary-wing
aircraft to satisfy mobility re-
quirements. It was soon conclud-
ed that the Ordnance Light Avi-
ation Maintenance Companies
which were charged with most of
the logistical support of this type
of activity were no longer capable
of accomplishing the specialized
maintenance and supply responsi-
bility demanded by the ever-
increasing inventory and variety
of aircraft.
These considerations, combined
wi th a general concern for more
effective supply and maintenance
procedures, led to the decision to
concentrate all responsibility for
maintenance and supply, includ-
ing training, in one branch of the
service and, if possible, at one
location. Accordingly, in 1952 the
Department of the Army, having
decided to give the responsibility
for aviation maintenance and
supply to the Transportation
Corps, started looking for a suit-
able location.
A team visited the Transporta-
tion School at Fort Eustis, Va.,
to determine the caliber of in-
struction given by the School and
to survey existing facilities. Suf-
ficient space was desired not only
to conduct aviation maintenance
courses but also to institute other
courses of instruction related to
the logistical support of aircraft
and aircraft units. Since some
buildings previously used for
marine and highway training were
found suitable for aviation main-
tenance training, it was not long
before the maintenance training
program was established at Fort
Eustis. At the outset the entire
staff was composed of two officers
and a civilian who supervised
about 85 instructors.
The reminiscences of an early
member of the aviation group at
Fort Eustis illustrate the growing
pains initially experienced at the
Transportation School. Fresh out
of flight training and still wear-
ing Ordnance insignia, he re-
ported to Fort Eustis in mid-1953.
Not knowing where to go, he
asked the MP at the front gate
for directions to the flight strip.
The MP replied, "There are no
airplanes around here. You better
go over to Langley Air Force
Base. That's where all the avia-
tors are."
At this time, there was so little
aviation activity at the Transpor-
tation School that only two avia-
tors were assigned; they were in-
structing the officer classes on the
employment of Army aviation.
Our reminiscing aviator recalls
that in 1953 the only visible evi-
dence of aviation activity at Eustis
was the airstrip. This was a run-
way 2,000 feet long covered with
pierced steel planking but with-
out a control tower. The only
facility available was an old
wooden building left over from
the days of the CCC which was
used as an operations office. In
front of this operations building
was a Lister bag and in back,
that obsolete necessity, a "two-
holer." The total flying equip-
ment at this time was one H-13.
one L-19 and an LC-126, which,
if your aviation history is not up
to snuff, is a Cessna 195 purchased
for military use.
JUNE 1967
Initial planning for mainte-
nance training started late in
1953, about the same time that
our early aviator changed his
Ordnance insignia for a TC wheel.
At this time, he was issued a di-
rective to get ready to teach avia-
tion maintenance training sub-
jects and to prepare requisite
lesson plans. From October 1953
to June 1954, he and his few asso-
ciates wrote lesson plans like mad.
Another stimulating challenge
for these pioneers was the acquisi-
tion-a better word might be
"scrounging" -of suitable train-
ing aids. They went all over the
Tidewater area gathering up parts
from wrecked aircraft. They paid
weekly visits to the Navy junk-
yard in Norfolk, Va., to pick up
components that could be used in
training the classes. Dedication
was much in evidence. One in-
structor made a monthly trip with
a rental trailer to a Naval Air
Station a few hundred miles down
the coast to pick up any aircraft
salvage that had accumulated
during the month.
Little or no attention was paid
to the origin of the component.
After all, a pump was a pump. In
the process they acquired a collec-
tion of components of every de-
scription. These were
torn down and reassembled, and
step-by-step lesson plans were de-
veloped. Eventually, the first stu-
dents arrived and classes started
about I July 1954.
Other than the airfield the only
area available for flight line activ-
ity was an old driver training
range used by the Highway De-
partment of the Transportation
School. The instructors moved
some L-19s and H-13s out there
and taught inspection, runup
procedures, operational checks,
taxiing. and other related main-
tenance procedures right out in
the open field. There were no
hangars or shops. The only per-
manent facility was a bleacher
which had been covered over to
keep out the wind and rain, and
equipped, of course, with that
modern convenience-the Lister
bag.
A major addition to the physi-
cal plant was made in 1955. Mem-
bers of the Field Servicing Branch
procured and erected, by their
own effort, a surplus metal build-
ing to accommodate personnel
and training aids during incle-
ment weather. For the next few
years, no great changes were made
in the physical plant, but many
improvements in training aids
were made as the junkyard items
were replaced by components of
aircraft in the Army inventory.
What probably helped most at
this early stage was the degree and
An instructor discusses the T53 turbine engine troubleshooter trainer
Care and Keeping of Army Aviation
it was noted that some of the
torque functions on one compo-
nent of the H-19 required as much
as 500 foot-pounds. The largest
torque wrench we had in our tool
sets was for 400 pounds. So we
fabricated a wrench and then at-
tached 5 feet of gas pipe to it
with a 10-pound fish scale on the
end of it for calibration. To
tighten the fan hub nut-the one
causing the problem-we detailed
about a dozen men to hold the
fan steady, applied a K factor to
compensate for both the weight
and the bend in the pipe and ap-
plied the requisite amount of
pressure. The next step was to
write to the Chief of Transporta-
tion to urge him to get the tool
sets equipped so that the mainte-
nance training mission could be
performed in a satisfactory man-
ner. It might be to
note though that the nuts tight-
ened under this less-than-recom-
mended procedure went their full
life.
type of dedication found among
aviation personnel of all grades.
Many of our members were recent
transferees from other arms and
branches of the Army. These peo-
ple, rather than be separated from
their first love, pulled up long
established roots and joined the
Transportation Corps family.
Above all, they wanted to stay
with and contribute to further
development of the new concept
of mobility.
Most Army aviation personnel
will agree that this strong sense
of belonging has persisted since
the first steps were taken toward
initiation of the concept to per-
mit the Army to develop and em-
ploy aircraft responsive to its own
unique requirements. Without
this firm loyalty, this strong de-
sire to be associated with avia-
tion, it would have taken us many
more years to develop the pro-
gram to the point we have at-
tained.
An interesting expedient de-
veloped by this early group of
devotees was in the area of crash
rescue training. A couple of in-
structors went up to Patuxent
Naval Air Station and picked up
a crashed Navy F6F. This wreck
was hauled down to Fort Eustis
on a commercial flatbed and in-
stalled with great pride in the
training area. Apparently the in-
structors would push it over a
bank and then haul it out with
wreckers to show the students
proper crash rescue and recovery
procedures.
This aspect of the training pro-
gram eventually caused a bit of
trouble to the Aviation Depart-
ment. Among the instructors was
a very eager first lieutenant-a
real bug as far as airplanes were
concerned. On nights and week-
ends, he would go dowri to the
crash rescue site and work on the
]2
engine. He finally fixed it up
enough to run, but it made so
much noise and caused so many
complaints from residents on the
post that the IG made an inquiry
and declared it to be illegal.
In our efforts to establish prop-
er maintenance training proce-
dures, we soon learned that:
standards of aircraft logistics are
extremely rigid, aircraft compo-
nents are most sensitive to logis-
tics, aviation supply is an ex-
tremely complicated matter, and
an acceptable level of aircraft
availability cannot be attained
in terms of the supply response
adequate for ground vehicles.
Furthermore, we learned that air-
craft, once procured, no matter
how refined in design and quality,
require a high level of mainte-
nance.
Each plane had its own com-
plement of. special tools as well
af) its individual peculiarities and
sensitivities to certain mainte-
nance techniques. This was some-
thing new. Our experience with
railway equipment, landing craft,
and trucks had not, to say the
least, completely prepared us for
this new role with its finer toler-
ances. After all, with a truck or
boat, if something goes wrong,
you can stop in the shade or drift;
with an airplane, you do not have
this alternative. A basic philoso-
phy was adopted and continues
today: "Out of ground effect is
no time to discover the part was
faulty or the mechanic untrained.
Each must be proved before be-
coming a part of the aircraft or
aviation team."
Another problem confronting
the School was that of securing
the proper type of equipment for
use in training. The tool system
had not caught up with the air-
craft. We often found that we
had to improvise. For example,
Particularly vexing problems
encountered resulted from lack of
continuity of assignments and the
difficulty of maintaining a reser-
voir of skilled aviation mainte-
nance personnel. As aircraft be-
came more complex and the
inventory rose, maintenance and
mechanical problems also became
more complex. Aircraft were be-
ing brought into the inventory
more rapidly than the MOS code,
which identified the skill of the
mechanic, could be revised. As a
result, mechanics were being
trained and fed into the mainte-
nance system without an adequate
means of identifying their type
of skill. The personnel people did
not always recognize the require-
ments of the aviation field. They
sometimes made personnel assign-
ments on the basis that mainte-
nance or supply were the same
whatever the type unit.
Many addi tions have been
made to maintenance training
facilities. We now have grown
from a few bays in boat sheds to
a total of 36 buildings, occupying
over 540,000 square feet. More
space and facilities are being built
or are on the drawing boards.
During the past year, three new
hangars have been constructed
and 23 World War II buildings
have been converted to classrooms
to accommodate the increased
workload, which has grown about
300 percent since the summer of
1965.
Today the maintenance train-
ing program consists of 20 avia-
tion maintenance military occu-
pational specialty (MOS) produc-
ing courses and two other courses
for officers. Nine of these courses
apply to rotary-wing aircraft, nine
to both rotary-wing and fixed-
wing aircraft, and the remaining
four to fixed-wing only. During
fiscal year 1967, in-resident stu-
dent personnel in excess of 14,000
will be undergoing training in
the aviation maintenance courses.
Approximately 350 officers will
receive training in aircraft main-
tenance and 30 pilots will be
trained annually in the Aircraft
Maintenance Test Pilot Course
(UH-l). The Aircraft Mainte-
nance Test Pilot Course is the
newest of the officer courses; the
first class was graduated in Sep-
tember 1966. A total of 491 classes
of all types will be conducted
throughout the coming year.
On an average day 3.200 en-
listed students and 107 officer
students in residence are attend-
ing 103 enlisted and five officer
courses.
Nine different types of heli-
copters and six different types or
fixed-wing aircraft are used for
training in the aviation mainte-
nance department at the present
time. including the OH-6A
(LOH) and the CH-54A Flying
Crane. Programs are being de-
veloped for the HueyCobra, the
JUNE 1967
Advanced Aerial Fire Support
System (AAFSS), and the U-21A.
With extensive resources avail-
able, an ever growing body of
talent, and more efficient equip-
ment to use for training, the con-
tribution of the U. S. Army
Transportation School to Army
aviation continues to keep pace
with aviation developments. Con-
stant liaison is maintained with
industry. Experiences in Vietnam
are being studied and pertinent
changes are already being made
in the curriculum and in methods
of ins truction.
Great progress has been made
in Army aviation in the past 25
. years; growth continues as cur-
rent challenges are met and future
requirements anticipated. The
contribution that Army aviation
is making in Southeast Asia, in-
deed throughout the world, is
being documented in many ways
and in many forms. We might ask
ourselves, "When can or when
will its contribution be assessed?"
It is probably a bit too early to
make any conclusive assessment.
Everyday, through experience
gained in teaching aviation main-
tenance or in studying the achieve-
ments of the graduates of the
Transportation School, we find
that change is needed here, that
improvement is required there.
New units are being created. New
equipment is coming into the
inventory.
Army aviation is now in the
process of receiving its first big
field test. Its capabilities are be-
ing tested under a variety of con-
di tions, and new lessons are con-
stantly being learned. It is func-
tioning as an effective member of
the military team. This may be
the answer to the question of how
or when will the contribution of
Army aviation to the overall
Army effort, indeed that of the
Transportation School to Army
aviation, be assessed. In the final
analysis, the .achievements of the
team are dependent upon the in-
dividual contribution of each
member. ......
Students at Fort Eustis receive instruction on a CH-34 transmission
ARMY AVIATION-
the newest member of the team
The real reason Army aviation has progressed so dynamically
is that it has never lost sight of its real purpose: to augment
the capability of land forces to conduct prompt and sustained
combat operations incident to land warfare.
Maior General Robert H. York
Commandant, U. S. Army Infantry School
E
VERYONE is looking up to
Army aviation, and right'iy so.
Remember when the Infantry
Division was authorized only II
aviators and 10 aircraft? Compare
this to the modern airmobile di-
vision with over 938 aviators and
434 organic aircraft. What ac-
counts for Army aviation's growth
by seven league bounds? What
fed it and kept it alive during
the cutback in military resources
which occurred after World War
11 and Korea? What is its future?
The Army airmobility concept
was born of necessity to reduce
the widening gap between fire-
power and mobility of the indi-
vidual soldier. That gap, once
recognized, had to be breached if
we were to maintain a balance
among the combat functions of
firepower, mobility, intelligence,
support, and command and con-
trol.
So' time and circumstances dic-
tated the airmobile approach. The
concept was developed, tested,
and, as we all well know, it has
14
withstood the final test of com-
bat. But what about the formative
days of Army aviation? Why did
it grow so rapidly and strong?
The real reason Army aviation
has progressed so dynamically is
that it has never lost sight of its
real purpose: to augment the
capability of land forces to con-
duct prompt and sustained com-
bat operations incident to land
warfare. In my opinion the key
word here is augment} because by
providing this essential augmen-
tation to our combat forces, Army
aviation has taken its rightful
place alongside the other mem-
bers of the Army team.
Another major reason Army
aviation has become a full-fledged
and highly respected member of
the Army team is through the
demonstrated professionalism of
the men who make up its ranks.
This professionalism not only
applies to the officer and warrant
officer aviators but also to the
many others who perform the less
glamorous but nevertheless im-
portan t tasks from crewchief to
fuel truck driver. These are un-
sung heroes, bu t a lion's share of
the credit must be attributed to
them. Perhaps special recognition
should go to crewchiefs, many of
whom not only must fly long
hours wi th their aircraft, bu t also
put in equally long weary hours
maintaining them under the worst
possible field conditions. It would
be impossible to fully recognize
all the many different jobs being
done by these soldiers, but the
spirit to render the best possible
service has permeated throughout
the men of Army aviation and is
strongly reflected in their pride
of performance. Although their
individual contributions vary, col-
lectively they make up the total
effort, and that effort is over-
whelming!
I could reiterate some of the
impressive statistics accrued by
the men of Army aviation, but by
the time you read this article they
will undoubtedly be surpassed
by others even more impressive.
Besides, statistics are not all that
Obstacles such as dense jungle (right) slow down and tire the infantryman. But
Army aviation provides the means to bypass these obstacles and arrive in the
target area fresh and ready for combat (above)
important. What is important is
the feeling of mutual respect that
is being established as a result of
their deeds and the developing
reliance on Army aviation by the
other members of the Army team.
N ow that Army airmobility is
an integral part of our thinking,
what is it doing to further en-
hance its future? In Southeast
Asia, this bold new concept has
opened a dimension in warfare
that is perhaps the greatest tacti-
cal innovation since the German
blitzkrieg of World War II.
Because of it we are now able
to employ more effectively our
singularly most important asset-
a physically fit, well equipped,
highly motivated combat soldier
on or very> near his assignecLo.b-
jective area. His strength is no
longer sapped by exposure to
rigorous approach marches over
difficult terrain. Instead he has
JUNE 1967
bypassed that terrain by helicop-
ter. We have emplaced him, re-
placed him, resupplied him, and
elimina ted his need to burden
himself with heavy equipment.
We have reinforced him and pro-
vided close intimate fire support
when he got into a scrap. Most
significantly, we have withdrawn
him from one area within the
battlefield to another. All of these
have been accomplished over and
over again by aerial means I
Obviously then, the value of
the individual combat soldier has
been greatly increased through
Army aviation, simply because we
can now accomplish much more
with our resources.
In addition to being able to
rapidly deploy airmobile forces
and their equipment and supplies
about the battle area, Army avia-
tion has performed other essential
combat functions equally well.
Through the speed and range of
the aerial vehicle and its ability
to overfly obstacles, the procure-
ment of timely, accurate intelli-
gence information by our combat
forces has been tremendously in-
creased. Army aircraft have pro-
vided the ground commanders
with airborne eyes and ears that
have significantly enhanced their
reconnaissance, surveillance, and
target acquisition efforts and en-
abled them to greatly expand
their area of influence.
Perhaps one of the greatest con-
tributions Army aviation has
made has been in the area of
command and control. In the pre-
vious wars our Army has fought,
commanders in many instances
'were required to assess the tactical
Continued on page 62
15
THAT
SOMEBODY
UP THERE
Supports This Cannoneer
Major General Harry H. Critz
Commandant, U. S. Army Artillery and Missile School
F
OR AN 80-YEAR period ex-
tending from the Civil War
through the ini tial commi tmen t
of U. S. Forces in World War II,
field artillerymen valued avia-
tion as a supplement to ground
observation teams, and it wasn't a
wholly reliable supplement at
that. Whether it was a hydrogen-
filled balloon of Civil War vintage
or a stubby Piper Cub, the mis-
sion was the same-observe and
adjust fire. It was for this purpose
that aviation organic to the artil-
lery was first authorized on June
6, 1942, at Fort Sill, Okla.
Today, the artilleryman's ap-
preciation of aviation has sharp-
16
ened. Operations being conducted
in Vietnam bear witness to a
much larger role than that which
prompted the War Department
to provide the artillery wi th or-
ganic aircraft. Aircraft now serve
not only as aerial observation
platforms, but provide the Army
with airmobile capabilities, aerial
resupply, aerial reconnaissance,
and a growing aerial artillery fire
support. Despite these innova-
tions and diverse applications of
aviation, the role of observation
now merits greater emphasis than
ever before.
Aerial observers were first tac-
tically employed by U. S. forces
during the Civil War. Professor
Thaddeus Lowe became the first
aerial forward observer of an
American unit when he success-
fully directed artillery fire from
a balloon against Confederate
forces on September 24, l86l.
Aerial observers continued to sup-
port Union ground forces through-
out the Civil War with varying
degrees of success.
Balloonists were trained at Fort
Sill during World War I, and bal-
loon units continued their train-
ing until the last unit was de-
activated in 1942. Only one bal-
loon was on station at Fort Sill
at the outbreak of World War I,
but with America's entry into the
conflict, the artillery's penchant
for balloon observation ushered in
a hectic period of training.
During World War I, Fort Sill
witnessed the construction of the
Henry Post Airfield, named in
honor of Second Lieu tenan t
Henry B. Post, a pioneer military
aviator, who was killed in an air-
plane accident near San Diego,
Calif., on February 9, 1914. Con-
struction of the field started Au-
gus t 8, 1917, and the field was
sufficiently completed by January
1918 to accommodate the balloon
school-a five-week course with a
capacity for 315 students.
A Balloon Corps training school
was established at the post where
aviators and observers were
trained and special technical
courses were given to enlisted
personnel. During the war years,
the school trained more than 700
balloon officers and organized 89
balloon companies. Thirty-three
of these companies were sent
overseas.
Although development of the
airplane during World War I
made the balloon obsolete, the
Artillery saw little application
for the airplane in an observation
role. Thus, balloon companies
were kept on active duty through
the years between the two world
wars.
What dealt the balloons their
deathblow was the inevitable
adoption of the airplane for aerial
observation purposes. The deci-
sion to use the plane for this pur-
pose was not a sudden change of
heart but merely a revival of tac-
ticians' though ts. Also, develop-
ment of the airplane had pro-
gressed significan tly from the
Ba"oons played an important role as
vation platforms in the early history of
Army aviation. But they were extremely
vulnerable to airplanes and fire. The
loon at right bursts into flames and
jures 24 men on the afternoon of 2 April
1918 at Post Field, Fort Sill, Okla.
JUNE 1967
planes used in the Army as early
as 1915.
It was in 1915 that America's
first squadron arrived at Fort Sill
to conduct experiments in artil-
lery fire observation. Designated
the First Aero Squadron, the unit
consisted of airplanes of the J. N.
tractor type (Curtiss JN3). Incle-
ment weather conditions and me-
chanical difficul ties grounded the
planes for more than two months.
As a result, the experiment failed
to convince the artilleryman of
the airplane's potential.
While at Fort Sill, however, the
squadron did contribute a "first"
in aviation. The first aerial photo
mosaic was developed, using a
Brock automatic camera. The
aerial photographic work done at
this time resul ted in the redesign
of the Brock camera and in further
development of aerial cameras.
Only one plane was stationed at
Fort Sill at the outbreak of World
War II. Development of aerial
observation with planes continued
on a sporadic and generally in-
effective course until 1941. A vari-
ety of aircraft were in the experi-
ments, including a strange looking
craft, tagged an "autogiro," which
provided a modified plane body
with rotor blades. At that time
no one could see any use for the
weird looking flying machine.
In 1941 aviation organic to the
Artillery received its big shot in
the arm which led to the estab-
lishmen t of the Air Training De-
partment at the Artillery School
at Fort Sill in 1942. Results from
large maneuvers undertaken in
May 1941 and later trials in Ten-
nessee during June resulted in
recommendation to the War De-
partment that the light airplanes
be made a regular component of
the artillery. But it may have
been an article wri tten by MA J
William W. Ford, a field artillery-
man, aviation enthusiast, and
sportsman pilot, which served as
the major inducement to the War
Departmen t' s proposal. In his
article Major Ford outlined his
concept of aviation in the Field
Artillery. The article, published
in the FIELD ARTILLERY
JOURNAL, was forwarded to
MG Robert M. Danford, then the
Chief of Field Artillery.
Following a visit to Fort Sill
and a discussion of aviation with
Major Ford, General Danford re-
submitted an earlier recommen-
da tion to the War Departmen t
that light aircraft manned by ar-
tillery officers be made organic to
That Somebody Up There
Under the organization inaugu-
rated in 1942, two airplanes-Iow-
performance aircraft of the Piper
Cub type-two pilots, and one
mechanic were made organic to
each field artillery battalion, to
each divisional field artillery head-
quarters, and to each field artillery
brigade or group headquarters.
Thus, each infantry division was
authorized 10 aircraft-2 in each
of the four field artillery bat-
talions and 2 in the division artil-
lery headquarters-and each arm-
ored division was authorized 6
aircraft-2 in each of the three
field artillery battalions. It was
not until later that the armored
division had an artillery head-
quarters.
division and corps artillery units.
Prematurely, the recommendation
was disapproved. Major General
Leslie J. McNair, Chief of Staff
of General Headquarters and later
the first Commanding General of
the Army Ground Forces, felt that
a fair trial must be given the new
system of air support commands-
and generally favored the massing
of su ppon elemen ts as opposed to
General Danford's proposal.
Subsequently, however, the Of-
fice of the Chief of Staff ordered
a test of General Danford's pro-
posal. After the originally sched-
uled test was interrupted by the
attack on Pearl Harbor, the Sec-
ond Infantry Division and the
13th Field Artillery Brigade were
designated test units. Lieutenant
Colonel Ford, recently promoted
from major, was placed in charge
and the tes t was ordered to pro-
ceed at Fort Sill.
Major Gordon J. Wolf, a re-
servist who had been correspond-
ing with Colonel Ford, was re-
called to duty to help select
personnel for the test group and
organize the air training detach-
ment under which they would
function.
Instruction began on 15 J anu-
ary 1942. The students, thereafter
referred to as the "Class Before
One," were divided into A and B
flights. Instruction consisted of
flight and ground training, and
both of these were further divided
into three stages.
Training was completed at Fort
Sill on February 28, 1942. The
civilian instructors returned to
their homes while the "Class Be-
fore One" students split into two
grou ps and departed for con-
tinued testing elsewhere.
By the end of April 1942, the
tests were completed, and the
groups reassembled at Fort Sill to
await the outcome of more than
18
three months of tedious work.
The boards appointed to ob-
serve the tests were impressed.
Their findings and recommenda-
tions to the War Department high-
ly favored organic aviation for field
artillery units. Despite concern
over the "vulnerability of the light
planes," General Headquarters
concurred in the recommenda-
tions.
On June 6, 1942, the War De-
partment authorized organic Army
aviation. That same month, Lieu-
tenant Colonel Ford was pro-
moted to colonel and named di-
rector of the Department of Air
Training of the Field Artillery
School.
Al though the Artillery had
proved the advantage and the
feasibility of organic aviation, it
could not rest on its laurels. Op-
position to the concept of organic
aviation persisted and was heard
on several occasions. Friction
soon developed between the Army
Ground Forces and the Army Air
Forces over the organization and
control of liaison aviation. This
issue was further complicated in
1943 when the question arose as
to what type of plane should be
used by the ground force. In this
year General McNair, who by
this time had been firmly con-
vinced of the need for organic
aviation, offered the following
arguments:
"The planes are right where
they are needed, not back at some
centralized airfield.
"The present organization, un-
like any other, insures satisfactory
unit communications.
"By daily association, complete
understanding between the pilots
and other battalion officers is
obtained."
It wasn't until more than a
year later that organic aviation
was assured permanence.
With the organization estab-
lished, necessary courses for this
tactical training were organized
in the Air Training Department
set up in the Field Artillery School
at Fort Sill. The first graduation
occurred on September 18, 1942,
with 18 graduates constituting the
first class to follow the "Class Be-
fore One." A majority of the early
graduates and all available planes
except those used for training at
the school were sent overseas to
initiate the equipping of units
taking part in the invasion of
North Africa.
While the first graduates were
experiencing combat action, train-
ing at Fort Sill continued. The
Army Aviation School reached a
peak enrollment of almost 300
students and by the end of the
war 263 pilots and 2,262 mechanics
had been trained there.
It was from combat reports that
the Army recognized that require-
ments existed for aircraft usage
other than merely for observation.
In 1943, artillery aviators started
aerial medical evacuation, par-
ticularly in jungle areas of the
South Pacific. At the same time,
artillery aviators in both theaters
began flying limited supply, com-
munication relay, surveillance and
reconnaiss3.nce and wire laying
missions. In addition, they also
were used in controlling advanc-
ing armor and infantry, and mak-
ing aerial photographs.
By the end of the war, prepara-
tions were underway to expand
organic aviation to other branches
based on the variety of missions
undertaken by aviators in combat.
During the late forties, tests
were conducted on various models
of observation planes to replace
the L-4, which was used exten-
sively during the war. Most were
found wanting, although the L-17,
thought to be strictly an "airport
airplane," later far ou tperformed
its supposed capabilities in Korea.
Finally, the Army settled on the
L-19, which was designed by
Cessna. The original contract for
420 L-19s was let in 1950. The air-
craft, with slight modifications, to
include designation (now 0-1),
remains, pending replacement by
the light observation helicopter.
While the Army was trying to
decide on a light observation
plane for the Artillery, training
continued at Fort Sill with the
L-4 Piper Cub and a variety of
experimental models.
Much of the aviation training
at Fort Sill was concerned with
fixed-wing aircraft; however, ro-
tary-wing aircraft were to play a
most important part of the
School's overall operations.
The acceptance of the helicop-
ter gave the Army greater mobil-
ity and versatility and gave Fort
Sill aviation a heavier training
req uiremen t.
This latest concept in aVIatIOn
was introduced formally to Fort
Sill in October 1948 when the
Army established the advanced
tactical training course there.
Colonel Hubert D. Gaddis set up
the flight training course and
flight standardized the first Army
rotary-wing instructor pilots. In
August 1954, when the Army Avi-
JUNE 1967
L-4s with pontoons were tested at Fort Sill during World War II
ation School was moved to Camp
Rucker from Fort Sill, the rotary-
wing course was changed from a
section of the flight department
to a department of its own.
While at Fort Sill, aviators
were trained to fly the H-25 and
the OH-13 helicopters. With a
requirement for a greater number
of pilots, the Army implemented
the first warrant officer class at
Fort Sill in 1951. August 1953
witnessed the first full class of
these rotary-wing aviators.
Also in 1953 the first instru-
ment examiners course was started
at Fort Sill. The LC-126 was the
instrument trainer for the first
four examiners.
The loss of the Aviation School
in 1954 dealt a blow to Fort Sill's
aviation activity, but did not ter-
minate it. A new role was adopted
for Fort Sill in 1955 with the
training of CH-34 Choctaw heli-
copter aviation companies.
Instrument training resumed at
Fort Sill in 1957. The Cessna 182s
and Piper Comanches were used
as primary instrument trainers for
this program. The Spartan Avia-
tion School and, later, Ross Avia-
tion were the instrument program
contractors. In addition to this
program, tes ts were begun on the
T-37 Cessna jets which were to be
used as high performance planes
for artillery observation.
During the summer of 1958, the
54th Transportation Company
received twelve CH-37 medium
helicopters. The CH-37 was the
first helicopter with the capability
to lift a 105-mm howitzer and
crew. CH-37s and attached sling
loads were a common sight at Fort
Sill until the Chinook assumed
the old Mojave's role.
Fort Sill was first affected by
the growing involvement in Viet-
nam when Headquarters and
Headquarters Detachment of the
45th Transportation Battalion
Headquarters deployed in 1961.
This Sill unit, which had served
as training headquarters, was the
second aviation unit to move to
Vietnam.
The loss of Fort Sill's aviation
training headquarters brought
new changes, and the aVIatIOn
units stationed at Fort Sill were
assigned to the 1st Field Artillery
Brigade. This was Fort Sill's avia-
tion headquarters until 1963 when
the Artillery Aviation Group
(Provisional) was formed.
Aviation continued growing and
diversifying at Fort Sill as a new
breed of "tiger" was born. The
armed helicopter "tiger course"
was implemented in 1963 to train
helicopter aviators in tactical, ter-
rain and combat flying.
It was also in 1963 that Fort
Sill became further qualified
"medium weight" in the Army
aviation arena. The CH-37 Mo-
19
That Somebody Up There
viding our maneuver forces with
artillery fire suppDrt. This system
has the capability not only to de-
liver indirect fire from the
ground, bu t also to fire on targets
of DppDrtunity frDm the air while
moving to a new position. Further
development of the aerial artillery
cDncept will lead to' even more
avenues fDr employment of a sys-
tem of this type. At present, a
method of quickly detaching the
rocket mounts from the aircraft
is being develDped. This develop-
ment wDuld allow the battery to
continue firing from dug-in posi-
tions while the aircraft were be-
ing used for ammunition resup-
ply. Wars, both present and fu-
ture, could use a system as flexible
and mobile as this.
javes, already on station, were
joined by the CV-2 Caribou of
the 57th Aviation Company. Fort
Sill aviation was now capable of
moving the artillery to just about
any place at any time.
With Fort Sill's Artillery Avia-
tion Group capable of handling
any assigned mission, III Corps
Artillery moved on post in August
1964. Henry Post Army Airfield
had a new face to' meet these re-
quirements. Three new hangars
and a cDmplete taxiway could now
handle any aircraft in the Army
inventory. The Artillery Aviation
Group (Provisional) was redesig-
nated the Artillery Aviation
CDmmand.
With an expanding traInIng
program, Fort Sill branched out
into other areas. With a need for
more responsive fire support for
airmobile forces, test and evalua-
tiDn of future fire support systems
was initiated in 1963. In March
of that year the Committee for
Aerial Artillery Test and Evalua-
tion (CAA TE) was formed. The
committee was composed Df mem-
bers from each department of the
School with the director of the
Gunnery Department as chair-
man. To provide the committee
with an DrganizatiDn capable of
accomplishing its required mis-
sions, the 1st Aerial Artillery Bat-
tery (ProvisiDnal) was organized
in May of that year.
One of many missions assigned
the committee was to determine
the most feasible means of employ-
ing aerial artillery. Four CH-34s
and 50,000 rDunds of 4.5-inch
rocket ammunition were made
available for test purposes.
Since direct firing of aerial
rockets was an accomplished fact,
emphasis was placed on develop-
ing a suitable indirect fire capa-
bility. Certain adaptations were
required before the CH-34 heli-
20
copter could be used fDr this pur-
pose. One 10-tube, 4.5-inch rocket
pod was affixed to' each side of
the aircraft. Initially all quadrant
elevation and traverse was accom-
plished manually. Later develop-
ments resulted in a more sophis-
ticated system featuring electri-
cally controlled quadrant eleva-
tion and traversing mechanisms.
Although this system has yet to
accomplish the accuracy desired
for a direct support artillery
piece, progress has been made to-
ward an acceptable weapon. The
ability of the aerial artillery bat-
tery to receive a fire mission in the
air, to land, and to complete the
mission with indirect fire was apt-
ly demonstrated by the test group.
The battery was laid for direction
and the first rounds in adjustment
were on the way in 2Y2 minutes
after the first aircraft landed. Fire
from two aircraft equaled that of
a battalion of 105-mm howitzers
firing two vDlleys.
In April 1964, for the first time
in the histDry of the Artillery, an
aircraft was placed on line with
other artillery weapons at Fort
Sill's Artillery Firepower Demon-
stratiDn. This was true recogni-
tion by the Artillery and Missile
School of the concept of a flying
artillery weapon.
Tests have proved the helicop-
ter-mDunted rocket system to be
as accurate as the ground launcher
for the same rocket. However,
research indicates product im-
provement in the rocket propel-
lant and launcher conditions will
increase range and accuracy for
the aerial system. The feasibility
of combining the 4.5-inch rocket
and the UH-I helicDpter is being
considered.
The First Aerial Artillery Bat-
tery (PrDvisional), in its testing
at Fort Sill, has given the Army
an entirely new concept for pro-
Fort Sill's cDntributiDn to avia-
tiDn spans a period of more than
50 years. Indications are that it
will continue. Artillery observa-
tion testing and training brought
the first tactical Army aviation
squadron to Fort Sill in 1915 and
it was fDr this purpose that Dr-
ganic aviation was authorized 27
years later in 1942. As U. S. units
became engaged in combat, avia-
tion was fDund to be extremely
useful in Dther aspects of opera-
tions. Artillerymen were early in
expressing their preference for
the plane over the balloon and,
in turn, promoted the adoption
of the helicopter.
ThroughDut the gradual de-
velDpment of Army aviation, the
veteran redleg, recDgnizing the
significance of aerial support,
mustered greater respect fDr the
Army aviator.
Having gained the cDnfidence
of the veteran redleg, the Army
aviatDr continues to strive for
even greater proficiency in sup-
porting the Artillery. However,
he retains enough professiDnal
pride never to allow the artillery-
man to' forget that he's that some-
body up there watching out for
him. ~
The Flying Part of Armor
Armor and aviation have had a maior
common interest over all others - mobility
C
OMl\1ANDERS throughout military history
who have gained a mobility differential over
their enemy, made maximum use of available fire-
power, maintained effective control of their forces,
reacted quickly to accurate and timely information
of their enemy, and provided for adequate combat
service support have been the most successful on
the battlefield. Essentially these keys to success are
the five major functions of combat commonly re-
ferred to as command and control, maneuver, fire-
power, intelligence, and logistics. All are essential
to success in combat, although one may carry more
weight than another in a particular operation. In
any operation the commander at each level with
the assistance of his staff considers each of these
functions in relation to his mission.
Historically and currently, Armor, with its char-
acteristics of armor protected firepower, great mo-
JUNE 1967
Maior General A. D. Surles, Jr.
Commandant, U. S. Army Armor School
bility and organizational flexibility, has tactically
exemplified the combat functions described above.
Complementary to, and coincidentally with, the
ever developing capabilities of Armor, early recog-
nition of Army aviation potential has extended
Armor's combat power into the third dimension.
Armor and aviation have had a major common
interest over all others-mobility.
I think it can be said that Armor has provided
the basic philosophy of mobile warfare upon which
Army aviation has grown and developed. Many
may feel that this is an unduly parochial statement
on my part; however, it is not intended to be taken
in this light. Armor has always stressed highly
mobile combat operations with a predominance of
mounted combat. Army aviation elements are or-
ganized to take maximum advantage of a greatly im-
proved mobility differential over all ground forces.
21
It has that great advantage of
not being restricted by the ter-
rain, thus markedly enhancing the
elements of surprise and subse-
quent shock effect on the enemy.
Lack of a ground gaining and
holding capability of our present
aviation units should be recog-
nized by all commanders and off-
set by integrating their combat
power and favorable characteris-
tics with the ground forces' plan
of operation. No pure force, tank,
infantry, etc., possesses all the in-
gredients essential to conduct ef-
fective sustained combat opera-
tions. It was recognized early by
armor leaders that Army aviation
from inception was a necessary
part of the combined arms team.
The first use of Army aviation
elements to extend the reconnais-
sance capability of ground ele-
ments cannot easily be fixed. In
World War II, for example, Cubs
organic to the field artillery bat-
talions were used on numerous
occasions to perform reconnais-
sance for ground elements other
than their parent organizations.
The arming of the first Army air-
craft would also be very difficult
to specifically pin down. It is
known, however, that an aviator
in the 4th Armored Division as
early as August 1944 threw hand
grenades from his Piper Cub.
Later he wired the struts of the
aircraft with bazookas on each
side.
I am sure tha t many other ideas
were in the minds of our early
Army aviators that were not tried
for one reason or another. The
fact remains that the concept of
using Army aircraft in a unit de-
signed to perform the tradi tional
missions of armored cavalry was
born through the farsightedness
of many officers. This discussion
of the air cavalry concept is not
intended to be a historical record
with documentation, but is to out-
line the development and growth
of this concept.
AIR CA V ALRY CONCEPT
Developmen t of the air cavalry
concept was based on the need
for a reconnaissance and security
unit with greater mobility than
ground mobile forces.
The first experimental "Sky
Cav" company was organized and
tested on Exercise Sagebrush in
1955. A follow-on Sky Cav com-
pany (provisional) was organized
and tested in 1957 on Exercise
Sledge Hammer. These test re-
sults indicated the feasibility of
integrating Army aviation ele-
ments with ground elements, but
further study and testing were
needed to perfect a suitable or-
ganizational structure.
In 1957 the term "Sky Cav"
was replaced by the term "Aerial
Combat Reconnaissance." The
Army Aviation School already had
by this time an ACR platoon
(provisional) that had been con-
ducting demonstrations at Fort
Rucker, Fort Benning, Fort Knox,
and other military installations.
These demonstrations greatly as-
sisted in spreading the word and
stimulating imagination and in-
terest in the promising capabili-
ties of air cavalry units.
The first Aerial Combat Recon-
naissance Company (experimen-
tal) was activated in 1958 at Fort
Rucker. Aircraft organic to this
unit were equipped with weapons
systems fabricated and designed
at Fort Rucker. This unit, al-
Left: General Bruce Clark of CONARC
visits the Aviation School in late 1960
where MG Ernest F. Easterbrook (center),
the school commandant, briefs him on
early helicopter armament experiments.
MAJ Carroll M. Cook, ACR company com-
mander, pOints to a kit which later
evolved into the M-1 and M-2 armament
subsystems. WO Clarence J. Carter of
ACR is at right. Above: a closeup of the
kit Major Cook is pointing out
U.S. ARMY AVIATION DIGEST
though equipped wi th jerry-rig
weapons systems, demonstrated
such potential it caused many of
the doubters to change their views
on the armed helicopter mobile
task force.
Major General Robert Grow
said, "Leading cavalrymen have
contended from time immemorial,
reconnaissance to be effective
must include fighting; therefore,
our reconnaissance units must be
able to survive and accomplish
their mission on the modern bat-
tlefield." The ACR company was
given this capability tQ fight for
information through use of its
armed helicopters and airmobile
elements. Although the ACR com-
pany was never fully tested in the
field, it did accomplish, through
the use of many demonstrations,
the objective of assisting in getting
other actions taken which did
result in a similar unit being
organized and tested.
The Armor School made its
contributions to the Sky Cav and
ACR units through recommenda-
tions to CONARC, direct liaison
with the Army Aviation School,
providing test evaluators, and
closely monitoring the entire pro-
gram. During this period, the
Armor School was also applying
all the capabilities of this concept
to the area of traditional missions
performed by armored cavalry
units. Therefore, it was no sur-
prise when CON ARC in 1959 di-
rected the Armor School to pre-
pare advance plans for an armed
helicopter mobile task force which
was to be specifically designed to
augment the traditional missions
performed by armored cavalry
elements. The school was further
directed to prepare a draft train-
ing text and a tentative plan of
test.
In meeting the requirements
outlined in these directives, the
Armor School worked in close co-
ordination with the Army Avia-
tion School. The unit designed
JUNE 1967
The 55-10 on the H-13 (above) is an early helicopter armament experiment
was an Aerial Reconnaissance and
Security Troop (ARST) which
closely paralleled the organization
of the ACR company. The origi-
nal uni t proposed by the Armor
School was as shown in the dia-
gram on this page. It is signifi-
cant to note the similarity of this
original unit with the present air
cavalry troop. This is primarily
due to the original unit being
organized with a combined arms
team, a combat proved organiza-
tional concept that optimizes
flexibility.
The weapons systems were the
best that had been developed at
Fort Rucker. The ARS test troop
was organized a t Fort Benning
and in January 1960 moved to
Fort Stewart for training and test-
ing. Final results of this test
1 LOH
1 LOH
1 HEL
(CARGO,
IT)
proved beyond a shadow of a
doubt the requirement for and
the feasibility of the air cavalry
concept.
This unit was also evaluated in
Europe on Winter Shield I in
1960. A provisional ARS troop
was activated and trained under
the supervision of the 14th Ar-
mored Cavalry Regiment. The
Armor School provided the regi-
ment with all the information
that was available at that time to
assist them in training and operat-
ing. The troop was attached to
the 14th Armored Cavalry Regi-
ment for the entire exercise, al-
though it did perform missions
for other ground elements.
The ARS troop was the firs t air
cavalry unit that really had the
capability with its aircraft and
4
4 HEL,CARGO, LT
1 HEL 1 HEL 1 LOH
(CARGO, (CARGO,
LT) LTl
23
armamen t systems to perform the
traditional missions of the armored
cavalry. It, like our present air
cavalry troop, was primarily em-
ployed to extend the security and
reconnaissance of a ground ele-
ment by working in conjunction
and in close coordination with
the supported ground element.
This does not mean that it can-
not operate independently but it
is most effective when employed
with a ground force.
In 1961 Armor School repre-
sentatives headed a test and evalu-
ation team whose primary objec-
tive was to determine if the light
observation helicopter (LOH)
could be maintained and logisti-
cally supported, if assigned at the
armored cavalry troop level. An
air scout section consisting of four
LO H was assigned to an armored
cavalry troop, 8th Cavalry, 4th
Infantry Division. Tests were con-
ducted at Fort Lewis and Yakima
Firing Center.
The air scou t section performed
its own organizational level sup-
port, and backup organizational
maintenance support was provided
by helicopter mechanics who had
been integrated into the squad-
ron' s maintenance elements. Scout
helicopters remained with the
troop at all times and were em-
ployed by the troop commander
to augment and extend his recon-
naissance and security capability.
Test results indicated that the
LOH could live with the armored
cavalry troop, could be main-
tained by the pilot and crewchief
observer, and could be logistically
supported in the same manner as
other troop elements.
In 1962 the air cavalry troop
was made organic to the divi-
sional armored cavalry squadron
wi th the reorganiza tion of the
Army division under ROAD. The
TOE for this troop provided it
with the most advanced helicop-
ters and armament systems. Some
armament systems specifically de-
signed by civilian industry through
the research and development
program of the Army were now
available.
It was also in 1962 that the
Armor School provided represen-
tatives for the Army Tactical o ~
bility Requirements Board (the
Howze Board) that was being
formed. The work of this board
laid the foundation for the funda-
mental concept for the 11 th Air
Assault Division, Air Cavalry
Squadron, and Air Cavalry Com-
bat Brigade.
The Air Cavalry Combat Bri-
gade later changed to the Air
Cavalry Brigade and was never
organized, primarily due to other
higher priority commitments for
aviation equipment and personnel.
The 11 th Air Assault Division
had an organic air cavalry squad-
ron. This squadron now is or-
ganized with three air cavalry
troops and one ground armored
cavalry troop. The 1st Cavalry
Division (Airmobile) has been
operating very successfully in
Vietnam for over a year. Its air
cavalry squadron, 1/ 9 Cavalry,
has proved itself in combat.
In 1964 an air cavalry troop re-
placed the aviation company or-
ganic to the armored cavalry
regiments.
Two separate air cavalry squad-
rons, 3/ 17 and 7/ 17 Cavalry, were
activated at Fort Knox in Novem-
ber 1966. These squadrons are
organized under the same TO E of
the air cavalry squadron organic
to the 1st Cavalry Division (Air-
mobile).
Air cavalry units presently au-
thorized in the Army include: one
air cavalry troop organic to each
divisional armored cavalry squad-
ron; one air cavalry troop Of-
ganic to each armored cavalry
regiment; one air cavalry squad-
ron organic to the 1st Cavalry
Division (Airmobile) ; and two
separate air cavalry squadrons in
training at Fort Knox, Ky.
I think it is obvious to every-
one that the air cavalry concept
is on the move. Advanced scout
and fire support helicopters will
be entering the inventory of Army
aircraft in the near future that
will greatly enhance the capabil-
ity of these units to perform their
combat mission.
DIVISIONAL COMMAND AND
CONTROL HELICOPTERS
Armor historically has used
Army aviation elements to assist
in the command and con trol of
its formations. General 1. D.
White, when he was commander
of the 8 th U. S. Army in Korea
said, "Army aircraft have been my
long right arm. With them I can
reach out to any part of the com-
mand as the need arises."
Armor commanders need Army
aviation support for performing
such missions as radio relay, for-
mation control, command visits,
staff visits, liaison activities, etc.
The Armor School position on
the G-series TOE as pertains to
command and control aircraft
au thorized is that there are not
enough. The division headquar-
ters command aviation section
needs more than six helicopters if
it is to fulfill its mission. For
example, where will the DISCOM
(division support command) ele-
ments get helicopter support for
command and control? These ele-
ments are scattered throughout
the division's area of operation,
and it has been proved that the
tactical elements aren't going too
far without this support.
Brigades need more than four
LOR becaust! each commander
of the attached combat maneuver
battalions should have one LOH
under his operational control, in
24
addition to requirements of bri-
gade headquarters. Divisional ar-
'mored cavalry squadron head-
quarters should be provided with
an organic aviation section for
command and control. The squad-
ron commander should not use
helicopters assigned to the air
cavalry troop for this purpose.
This would be the same as taking
a reconnaissance vehicle or tank
from one of the ground cavalry
troops.
After-action reports from Viet-
nam reinforce this need for in-
creasing divisional command and
control helicopters. We should
take another hard look at the
divisional requirements for or-
ganic Army aviation support.
FUTURE TREND
Where does Armor go from
here? Within the decade a new
highly sophisticated main battle
tank will appear. Although this
tank will possess a greatly en-
hanced capability in firepower,
protection, and mobility, it will
still be tied to moving and fight-
ing on the ground. Yet, at the
present moment a bold new idea
of mo,ring and fighting from the
air by ground forces is emerging.
The Infantry has taken full ad-
vantage of the potential of air-
mobile formations to ride the
riflemen to the battle scene where
he dismounts to fight on foot.
The air cavalry units conduct
reconnaissance and security opera-
tions from the air to complement
the ground force formations. As
mobility of our ground forces in-
crease, the need for more air cav-
alry units will continue to grow.
Armor is looking forward to a
Dynamic Tri-dimensional Mobil-
ity (DTM) concept for maneuver-
ing and fighting mounted, from
air and ground combat vehicles.
Integration of air-armor maneuver
units into armor formations will
provide a marked increase in rna.
JUNE 1967
bility over present armor forma-
tions. These air-armor maneuver
units must live within the battle
areas with other ground armor
units and have a capability of
seizing and holding ground. Yet,
while these air-armor units lift
from the ground, their firepower
and shock effect will remain and
be enhanced.
The key to the Armor DTM
concept will remain the balance
of firepower, protection, and mo-
bility. Just maneuvering rapidly
through the air without the capa-
bility to seize and hold ground
will be improper. Likewise, armor
protection to the point of reduc-
Armor looks to the future
with the Dynamic Tri-di-
mensional Mobility (DTM)
concept which promises
air-armor maneuver units
living among other
ground armor units and
boasting firepower, shock
effect, and a capability
of seizing and holding
ground
ing mobility and, therefore, los-
ing rapid mobile reaction will be
undesirable.
The Armor DTM concept will
not infringe upon the missions of
the tactical air force, infantry air-
mobile forces, or even air cavalry
forces. Army aviation elements
will play an even bigger role in
this concept, which assuredly will
grow and thrive on the battlefield
of the future. The horse was re-
placed by wheeled and tracked
vehicles; yet, the role of the cav-
alry did not change to any extent,
and its capability for conducting
tradi tional missions was grea tly
enhanced. N ei ther will the DTM
concept change Armor's role, but
it will change its methods of op-
erating and greatly enhance its
ca pabili ties.
Charging horse-cavalrymen with
drawn sabers became a thing of
the glorious past with develop-
ment of the machinegun. Reluc-
tantly, the cavalrymen dismounted
from their horses and mounted
th eir new fire-spurting armored
vehicles. Again, we face the chal-
lenge of mounting a portion of
our forces in air vehicles that dart
about the battlefield, very close
to the ground, bringing heavy
volumes of firepower to bear on
the enemy with great speed, sur-
prise, and shock effect.
Major General Adna R. Chaf-
fee said, "It is often said, and it
may be true in the abstract, that
the principles of war do not
change. It is, nevertheless, absa.
lutely true that methods do
change and are constantly chang-
ing. We may study the great cap-
tains of the past to learn of their
principles and, above all, of their
character, ,but do not let us be
tied too much to their methods.
For methods change with every
change of armament and equip-
ment."
We will continue to stress, as
we have in the past, at the U. S.
Army Armor School, that the
armor commander must take max-
imum advantage of the most fav-
orable characteristics of each ele-
ment of his combined arms team,
which I am sure will continue to
grow in Army aviation strength
and combat effectiveness.
I take pleasure in extending my
congratulations to all Army avia-
tion personnel, on the 25th anni-
versary of Army aviation, for a
job well done. I am sure each of
you will continue to exercise your
technical know-how, imagination,
and ingenuity that has contributed
so much to the success enjoyed
by the Army aviation program.
25
--
TALO M H KY
tilt is with extreme pride) deep humility and great expectation
that I congratulate Army aviation on its silver anniversary. I am
proud to be associated with the magnificent men who wear the
Army aviators badge-humble as I recall the many whose fantastic
accomplishments in the skies over every battlefield of the last 25
years have brought us to our position of high esteem today-have
great expectations as I study the faces of our newest members) shin-
ing with dreams and plans of even greater deeds to come."--
G. P. SENEFF, JR., BG, USA, Commanding, 1 st Aviation Brigade.
T
HEIR FLIGHT log boasts a
million hours in the skies of
Vietnam. Their insignia depict
an attacking golden hawk spread-
ing its awesome talons, set against
the sword of U. S. Forces in Viet-
nam. Their motto is "Nguy
Hiem," the Vietnamese phrase
meaning DANGER. Flight plans
for their aircraft record their
presence over Vietnam from the
26
northern reaches of jungle cov-
ered mountains, southward to the
rice-rich paddies of the vast Me-
kong Delta.
This profile describes the of-
ficers and men of the Army's larg-
est aviation unit, the 1st Aviation
Brigade. One must, however, see
such an organization in action to
fully realize its impact on the war,
for the Army force structure has
not reflected an aVIatIOn unit of
this magni tude since the Army
Air Forces days of World War II.
I t is necessary here to view the
course of events which led to the
brigade's establishment in May of
1966 before reviewing part of its
first year in operation as a full-
fledged member of the Army
Team in Vietnam.
The year was 1965. The Army's
air role was destined to play an
increasingly vital part in the Viet-
nam war-a war which was taking
on the appearance, if only in
numbers alone, of a conflict fought
a few thousand miles to the north
in the fifties. There was no doubt
in 1965 that Army aircraft were
in Vietnam to stay. Many more
were to come.
As D. S. ground troops poured
into this region of Southeast Asia
it became necessary to chart
course for the arrival of greater
numbers of faster, larger, more
sophisticated aircraft. This took
on urgent and immediate impor-
tance, as did pilots and crews to
man them.
Aviation units settling in read-
ily met the challenge as the mas-
sive buildup shifted into high
gear. Battalions, companies, pla-
toons, detachments, sections of
aviation, however small, were de-
barking at so fast a clip that
diminishing control and manage-
ment became apparent.
This rapidly changing situation
spawned the inevitable. A head-
quarters was established to pro-
vide command, control and staff
planning for aviation units, other
than divisional, to more effective-
ly supP.ort D .. S. AR VN (Army
RepublIc of VIetnam) and the in-
creasing numbers of Free World
Assistance Forces. This
headquarters was labeled an Avia-
Group (Provisional). Later
In the same year it became the
Aviation Group, command-
Ing the several battalions and
companies of aviation which then
dotted the battle map.
The months that followed saw
Army aviation reaching dimen-
sions in Vietnam not dreamed of
a year before. Four of these
months had hardly elapsed before
it was realized that arriving avia-
tion uni ts were ou tgrowing the
control of the new group. The
problem was intense. The solu-
tion was obvious: another group.
JDNE 1967
Few escape the fury of the "Hawks"
By winter, the 17th Aviation
Group was formed with a mission
akin to that of the 12th.
Only the D. S. divisional or-
ganic aviation and special avia-
tion support units remained out-
side the command of the two
newcomer groups.
It wasn't long after the old
Army Support Group had blos-
somed into its own massive head-
quarters called D. S. Army, Viet-
nam, that the need for a single
subordinate aviation headquarters
became apparent. Needed was a
headquarters that would be
charged wi th the hierarchy of
command, staff planning and ad-
ministrative supervision of the
two groups. The result was called
an Aviation Brigade (Provi-
sional). On 23 May 1966 the bJ.-i-
gade became officially the 1st
Aviation Brigade.
July saw the creation of the
newly named "Capital Aviation
Battalion" by the brigade. In the
wake of reorganization, the 13th
Aviation Battalion parted com-
pany from 12th Aviation Group
control to continue Army avia-
tion's involvement deep in the
Delta.
August found the 13th Aviation
Battalion and the Capital Avia-
tion Battalion trading their vari-
ety of patches for that of the
"Golden Hawk." Early that month
the new shoulder patch had been
approved by the Institute of
Heraldry.
Early 1967 saw more new units
coming-to relieve men and ma-
chines who had been flying twice
as much as either are supposed
to fly.
No major combat operation
since the brigade's inception has
found itself without support in
one form or another from one or
more of the brigade's ten bat-
talions, whose 44 aviation com-
panies hold ti tIe to more than
half of the Army's aircraft on
Vietnamese soil.
The wide assortment of aircraft
cast their shadows over the entire
length of Vietnam. These ma-
chines lent to combat operations
the versatility and awesomeness
of the Huey slicks and gunships;
the strength of the Chinook; the
eyes of the Bird Dog; the reliabil-
ity of the Otter; the variety of the
Beaver; the sophistication and
electronics of the Mohawk; and,
for a few months, the STOL
capability of the Caribou.
The accomplishments of these
aircraft and the gallant men who
fly them provide the basis for any
review of the brigade's first year.
A glance at their results is to
know success in combat.
During a 6-month period, a
staggering 1,008,167 operational
sorties were flown under severe
weather and hazardous combat
conditions. Brigademen entered a
tctal of 460,069 hours in their
logs for this half-year period in
every variety of mission. One
Continued on page 63
27
Above: Professor Lowe at Fair Oaks
A COLORFUL QUARTER-CENTURY
OF ARMY AVIATION AIRCRAFT
T
HE OFFICIAL birthday of Army aviation is 6 June 1942, when
the War Department authorized light aircraft organic to the Field
Artillery. However, this climaxed an endeavor that began on another
June 6th-in 1861 when Professor Thaddeus S. C. Lowe demonstrated
how balloons could provide aerial support to the ground forces. Since,
the Army has used many aircraft in its sincere search for optimum
aerial support of the ground operation. Aircraft on the next six pages
certainly are not all of those that have contributed to the development
of Army aviation-but they are representative. (See the Jun-Oct 1962
DIGESTs for a complete history of Army aviation aircraft.)
Above: An L-5 at Ft Rucker's Army Aviation Museum
Below: An L-16 at The Presidio, Calif., in 1951 Below: An L-17 parked in Korea in 1954
The L-4 (above) was the principal combat airplane used by Army aviation throughout World War II
In 1946 Army aviation obtained its first hellcopters-H-13s/
similar to the one above. Early in 1952 Army aviation received
its first transport helicopter/ the H-19 (below)
Above: The original Grasshopper patch worn by the first
liaison pilots at Fort Sill/ Okla./ in the early 1940s. It is from
the A-2 jacket of MG Robert R. Williams/ Director ~ .
Army Aviation/ who donated it to the U. S. Army AViation
Museum. Below: Army aViation' s first L-19 was obtained in
December 1950. It made its debut in Korea in February 1951
and is still active in Vietnam
In 1960 the Army boosted its observation capability with the OV-1
FIXED
WING
AIRCRAFT
The highly successful CV-2 (below) joined
the Army in 1959 and was transferred
to the Air Force in 1967
The U-6 (above) replaced the L-17 in 1951 and
provided an additional transport capability at the
front in Korea. In 1955 the Army obtained
the U-1A (below) which carries a larger load
The U-8 (below) is the Army's command aircraft
Above (top to bottom): The UH-19, CH-34 and CH-37. In 1954
the Army supplemented its UH-19 transport capability with
the CH-34, and in 1956 added the CH-37, then the
world's largest twin-engine helicopter. Right: In 1966
the Army got a big lift from the CH-54
Above: The UH-1, obtained in 1956, was the Army's first turbine
helicopter. Right: In 1961 the first CH-47s went to work for the Army.
Below: CH-21s, obtained ir. 1954, carried the early load in Vietnam
ROTARY
WING
AIRCRAFT
T
HE SOLDIER at the left
might well be telling the Viet-
namese boy why he sees so many
Army aircraft flying over his
country.
American soldiers with their
helicopters and airplanes are in
the Republic of Vietnam-just as
their predecessors were in Korea,
Africa, Europe and the Pacific-
to continue the seemingly eternal
struggle against those who would
deny mankind his inherent right
to freedom.
The helicopter right above you,
the soldier might be saying, is the
powerful Crane, which can lift
ARMY A VIA
)N IN ACTION'
thousands of pounds. Above it is
the sleek Mohawk taking off on
an observation mission. Beside it
is the Cayuse, the Army's newest
and fastest observation helicopter.
In the center, troops climb
down from the Chinook, a huge
transport helicopter that can carry
as many as 32 troops into combat.
In the far upper corner, one of
many heroic Huey door gunners
is at work. Below him, the deadly
Cobra, newest attack helicopter,
joins its Huey cousins and then at
the lower right bares it fangs on
a fire mission.
the following 28 pages prepared
by the United States Army Board
for Aviation Accident Research
personal equipment and
rescue / survival lowdown
Tired, after paddling ashore,
Pearl stands at water's edge.
She removed boots to aid in
paddling. Shore was sandy, so
she waded in with bare feet.
Had shore been rocky or cov-
ered with shells, she would
have used boots to save her
tootsies. First order of busi-
ness was to dry her clothes.
While dressing, Pearl heard
sound of aircraft. Quickly, she
got out her survival kit and
removed the pen gun.
She fired two flares, but the sound of the aircraft faded away. Thirsty, Pearl took the water bag
from the survival kit, filled it at the water's edge, and dropped in purification tablet. Thirst satis-
fied, she felt hunger pangs and decided to try her fishing luck. Using the saw blade from the kit,
with the pen gun as a handle, she cut a fishing pole and attached line and hook.
Plastic top of kit breaks off on perforated end to form shovel. Using this, with pen gun as handle, Pearl dug until she found a nest
of grub worms for bait. She fished through the reeds at the edge of the water and her efforts were soon rewarded. Pearl shows off
1% pound crappie, main course for lunch.
Using survival knife, she quickly scales her lunch and carves filets. Teflon
covered metal portion of survival kit serves as ideal frying pan with pen
gun attached as handle. Pearl wears gloves to protect her hand from
heat as she fries fish filet.
Hunger satisfied, Pearl waited for several hours, but heard no sound of searching
aircraft. She decided it was time to make her way back to civilization and put on
the wrist compass from the kit. Checking directions, she gathered her equipment ...
and followed the advice of Mr. Horace Greeley. Late in the afternoon, she came to a
road and put up her thumb. Some lucky motorist was in for a delightful surprise.
Dear Pearl,
You doll! Why did the world's greatest aviator
have to discover you in a magazine? Where were
you when I was dazzling the wiregrass beauties
around Fort Rucker? Now that I've seen you, I ~
very disappointed that you didn't avail yourself of
the opportuni ty to admire my masculine form and
hear about my heroic exploits.
N ever fear! I, Hora tio Frozzleforth, have a propo-
sition for you. Forget the pen guns, smoke flares,
and all the other unnecessary survival gear you've
been peddling I I know a nice little deserted island
off the coast of Florida where I could teach you the
art of survival in ways 'you've never dreamed of!
You and I will go to the island with nothing but
our bare hands and ingenui ty. We will be en tirely
alone, with no outside help or interference. I will
teach you everything you need to know! I will
show you how to survive in the water and on the
beach-how to serve a six course meal from the
sea and jungle I
In the evenings, after your lessons, we will sit
around the campfire and watch the sun sink into
the Gulf. While we sip our coconut cocktails, I will
tell you about my vast flying experience and how,
single-handed, I captured a whole Viet Cong
regiment.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I urge
you to accept!
Fondly,
CPT Horatio Frozzleforth
Dear CPT Frozzleforth:
I am thrilled and delighted to accept your invi-
tation. My mother, my aunt, and six of my cousins,
who are all professional boxers, have agreed to go
with us. I'm sure we'll all benefit from your great
experience. When shall we leave?
PEARL
Dear Pearl:
Request that you supply this headquarters a cur-
rent list of all individual rescue and survival equip-
ment authorized for aviators. Please include the
source of authorization.
This unit has been experiencing difficulty pro-
curing these items because of our inability to cite
specific authoritative references. Any assistance
given this request will be greatly appreciated.
Dear CPT Dolan:
CPT David A. Dolan
Flight Support Section Leader
Hq, 1st Support Brigade
Thank you for your letter and interest. The
specific authority for your unit to draw individual
aviator equipment, to include rescue and survival
items, is found in CTA 50-901, dated 5 October
JUNE 1967
37
If you have a question about
personal equipment or
rescue and survival gear, write
to Pearl
U. S. Army Board for Aviation
Accident Research
Fort Rucker, Alabama 36360
1966. In addition, CT A 50-901 was changed by
message AMXCP-A1 (EBP) 3619, dated 24 January
1967, to add the Signal Kit Personnel Distress (pen
gun flare kit) and the gray gauntlet glove.
Of particular interest to me is a new personnel
survival kit which has been developed and is on its
way to Vietnam. This kit (see pages 34-36) is much
improved and should be available for issue later
this year.
I hope the above is helpful. If not, be sure to
drop me another line.
PEARL
Dear Pearl:
I think you missed one of the most obvious mis-
takes of our misguided Army aviator as pictured
on page 49 of the March issue of the AVIATION
DIGEST. He is not wearing a flight suit. After four
years in Army aviation it is disheartening to see
the flight suit remain a neglected stepson. I have
always believed that it was designed and produced
with safety in mind. Evidently this is not the
case ....
Isn't it time for the U. S. Army Board for Aviation
Accident Research to take a stand? Let's either
endorse flight suits, encourage their wear, or get rid
of them and concentrate efforts on protecting that
layer of skin between blousing garters and boot
tops that is invariably exposed while flying in an
Army fatigue uniform. Yes, I tuck my trousers in
my boot tops. Do you? How many on your staff do?
My next point concerns survival gear. Why can't
each Army aviator be issued a personal survival kit
and knife when he draws his first APH-5? Seems it
would save a lot of trouble and eliminate all that
38
good gear safely locked away in the supply room
syndrome I have found all too prevalent.
Dear Mr. MeN air:
CW2 Charles T. McNair
Department of Tactics
Fort Rucker, Alabama
Thank you for your letter and interest. The
U. S. Army Board for Aviation Accident Research
has taken a posi tion on the wearing of flight suits.
This position has been that all personal equip-
ment, such as helmets, flight suits, gloves, and com-
bat boots be worn on tactical flights. However,
USABAAR can only recommend. It cannot dictate
policy.
There is a small development requirement (SDR)
for aviation crewmember's flight clothing presently
under study. This new flight suit will look like
fatigues in order to satisfy field commanders. At
the same time, it will be permanently fire resistant
(the present flight suit is not) and will be as func-
tional as the present flight suit by adding the
required pockets.
There are survival kits in the Army system. The
personal individual survival kit now available in
CONUS is the SEEK-I. In this issue, I am demon-
strating a new survival kit that is being sent to
RVN. Another 100 of these kits are being evaluated
for possible adoption worldwide. It has been rec-
ommended that this kit (with a survival knife) be
issued to student pilots along with their APH-5
helmets. In addition, the kit should be inspected
annually for completeness and for the service life
of some items in the kit.
PEARL
crash sense
"IT COU DN'T
HAPPEN TO MEl"
JUNE 1967
E
GO IS A NECESSARY PART of our total per-
sonality. We must like and admire ourselves if
we are to live with what we see in the mirror 24
hours every day. If we don't, conflicts arise and we
develop traits described by gentlemen wearing thick
glasses and white coats. Ego is one of the driving
forces that makes us want to do weII or excel in all
of our activities. When we govern it with common
sense, it becomes a healthy asset.
Unfortunately, the ego doesn't limit its growth
by reality. It not only feeds on ability and accom-
plishments, but it has a healthy appetite for false
pride. Given the chance, it will prod us into actions
beyond our ability. It will give us a false sense of
security in situations we are unable to cope with.
In short, we develop a sometimes arrogant, some-
times complacen t, IT-COULDN'T -HAPPEN -TO-
ME attitude. For those who spend their working
hours as mattress testers, this is of little conse-
quence. But for those who fly, work around, or
ride in aircraft, it can be fatal.
39
lilT COULDN,/T HAPPEN TO MElli
TAIL ROTOR
FATALITY
I heard a thud from the rear
of the aircraft and felt a
severe shudder. I knew something
had struck the tail rotor . . .
Pilot: "I was on a routine helicopter mission in
an OH-23G and my first stop was made to pick up
two passengers. I landed, cut the throttle back to
40
Passenger approached from right rear and walked into tail rotor
idle, and saw three people standing next to the
passenger lounge. After about 30 seconds, one of
the people started toward my aircraft, approaching
to the right rear.
"I yelled at him and motioned for him to ap-
proach the aircraft to the front.
"When he got to the helicopter, I opened the
door and he asked who I was waiting for. I told
him who I was supposed to pick up. Before I had an
opportunity to reprimand him for approaching the
rear of the helicopter, he turned and ran back
toward the building to pick up a box.
"An officer started toward the aircraft, approach-
.. practically every soldier may expect to be in
and around helicopters during his Army service.
It is considered essential that he receive training in
propeller and rotor hazards during his basic training.
ing to the right front. I opened the right door and
started to adjust the seat belts on the right side. As
the officer arrived and started to enter the aircraft, I
turned to the left side and started to adjust the
left seat belt. At this time, I heard a thud from the
rear of the aircraft and felt a severe shudder. I
knew something had struck the tail rotor, so I
jumped out the left side and found the body of
the soldier who had first approached lying to the
rear of the aircraft. I called for someone to get a
doctor, but it was quite evident that nothing could
be done for him."
Flight surgeon: "Careful interrogation of the
people who knew the soldier failed to bring out
any medical reason for his actions. He apparently
was in a hurry, excited and slightly apprehensive
about his first helicopter ride, and completely for-
got that a helicopter has two rotor blades. An effort
should be made to inform everyone of the basic
hazards inherent in entering helicopters."
Investigation board: "The board determined that
the pilot was fully qualified and was on an author-
ized and scheduled mission to transport two pas-
sengers. Command regulations permit passengers to
board or disembark from helicopters while the
engine is running, providing the pilot has cau-
tioned the passengers about the dangers of the rotor
blades. In this case, the pilot felt he had fulfilled
this requirement. Shortly after landing, he saw an
individual approaching the helicopter in a dan-
gerous manner. He motioned and called to the
individual to prevent him from walking into the
tail rotor. The pilot felt that the individual realized
JUNE 1967
his dangerous act. However, the soldier later used
the same route again that he had intended to use
the first time.
"It was concluded by the board that the deceased
either did not understand the dangers of heli-
copters, or he had forgotten them .... His anxiety
or excitement may have influenced his judgment.
"The pilot was possibly a victim of circumstances.
He thought he had conveyed his message to the
prospective passenger. When the soldier approached
the aircraft the second time, the pilot was pre-
occupied in preparing the seat belts. Therefore, he
did not observe the soldier's movement.
"The primary cause of the accident was the pas-
senger's failure to use proper procedure in ap-
proaching a helicopter .... "
Letter of transmittal: " ... All units have been
directed to conduct quarterly training in propeller
and rotor blade hazards.
"Commanders have been directed to survey prin-
cipal heliports and institute measures to reduce
rotor blade hazards ....
"The increased use of helicopters in military
operations indicates that practically every American
soldier may expect to be in and around helicopters
during his Army service, either as a passenger, or
in some other role. It is considered essential that
every s o l ~ e r receive training in propeller and rotor
blade hazards during his basic training and period-
ically thereafter .... It is further recommended that
posters showing hazardous and safe areas around
each type and model of helicopter be distributed
throughout the Army."
41
lilT COULDN'T HAPPEN TO ME!"
MISSED APPROACH
the CV-2 was approaching from the southeast at a low altitude.
The landing gear was down and the aircraft was heading toward the mountain.
GCA controller: "A Caribou was calling ap-
proach control on a common frequency, so I was
receiving the call the same as approach control.
They were having a little bit of trouble locating
him, so I offered my assistance because they didn't
have SIF jIFF interrogator equipment and we did.
I located it after I had the pilot squawk for iden-
tification. I got positive radar contact seven miles
sou tho The Caribou was proceeding on a sou th-
westerly heading.
"I saw that in approximately two miles it would
intercept the on-course. I advised approach control
that I had a weak target on it . and a strong IFF
return. I asked if they had any contact on radar,
but I got the impression they were too busy at the
time. They tried to find him, but they were work-
ing a departure at the same time. As the Caribou
. crossed the on-course, I decided I'd take control of
the aircraft and give the pilot a right turn.
"I zeroed his turn, gave him the lost communica-
tion procedure and all runway information for a
surveillance approach to runway 34. He acknowl-
edged all transmissions. . . . I rolled him ou t on
final and he appeared to roll out on course at
approximately eight and one-haH miles, heading
345. At this point, I lost radar contact. All I had
was the IFF. I advised the pilot that I had lost radar
contact and had an IFF target only, and that the
continuation of the approach would be IFF target,
with no radar separation applied. He acknowledged
and I noticed the IFF target to be slightly left of
the on-course ....
"I saw a video target once again at approximately
seven and one-half miles. It appeared to be left of
the on-course, maybe a quarter of a mile. The
42
IFF target appeared to be very close to on-course,
maybe slightly left. At this time, I gave the pilot
a right turn to 040. I wanted to see how he tracked
as long as I had video. I wanted to give him a
considerable turn so I could figure out a good
heading for final. However, I lost radar contact
again and was still on IFF. I brought him back on
course and rolled him out with a heading of 350,
this time at seven miles .... I told him to prepare
to begin his descent in one mile. I gave him another
check, a 15-second warning to begin his descent in
15 seconds at six miles. I told him to begin his
descent from 4,500 and that GCA recommended
750 fpm for 90 knots. This was the second time I
advised him of this. I always advise an aircraft a
second time so the pilot gets it for sure .... I told
him not to acknowledge further transmissions on
final unless requested to do so .
" ... At five miles, I gave him a passing altitude
of 4,000 feet. He advised me that he was at 4,300
feet and making up for it. At this time, I gave him
slightly left of course .... He proceeded inbound
and at four miles I gave him a slight left correc-
tion . . . then on course, and told him his passing
altitude should be 3,500 feet in his descent. He
acknowledged, saying 'We've made up for it,' mean-
ing that he had made up for his higher altitude at
the five mile mark.
"At that time, my IFF target started to bloom.
I got a bulging target. ... I was still trying to get
a video return from the aircraft, but was unable
to at three miles. I gave him no on-course informa-
tion at three miles because I wasn't sure of it. The
target was blooming badly left and right at that
time. I told the pilot that his passing altitude
should be 3,000 feet in his descent and he acknowl-
edged. . . . I was concerned over the blooming tar-
get, so I decided to call the approach off just out of
3,000 feet and three miles. I told the pilot radar
contact was lost and to execute a missed approach,
climbing outbound on a heading of 360
0
to 3,500
feet. I told him to reverse his course with a left
turn when he reached 3,500 feet, and to contact
approach control. The pilot acknowledged. Ap-
proximately 20 seconds later, I got another trans-
mission from him asking the frequency to contact
approach control. I gave him the frequency and he
said, 'Thank you.' That was the last transmission
I got from him .... "
Question: "After you got identification of this
aircraft, you vectored it to a position where you
could put it on final approach. Is this true?"
Answer: "Partially. It crossed the on-course while
approach control was trying to get a target on it.
I had to reverse the pilot's course and descend him
to an altitude to intercept the glide path."
Question: "Do you know what his altitude was
when he started descending?"
Answer: ''I'm pretty sure that it was 5,500 feet.
I gave the pilot a right turn to a heading of 090
0
,
and instructed him to descend to and maintain
4,500 feet."
Question: "Did he acknowledge this when you
gave it to him?"
Answer: "Yes, he did."
Question: "You indicated that when you did
this you had a weak radar target and a strong IFF
return. Would you explain this?"
Answer: "Yes. The radar was working a t half
power that day and from what I can understand
JUNE 1967
43
.. the pilots did not have
a full understanding of the
implications of an IFF
onV approach. ~ h e V did not
realize that their
position in relationship
to the centerline could not
be accurately pinpointed.
from conversations with previous pilots we had
given departures to, the overcast was quite heavy.
At half power, it's difficult for the radar to cut
through the overcast. It is actually quite a job
when operating at full power. The IFF return is
not the same. I was getting a strong IFF return
and a weak radar return."
Question: "What type of advisory did you give
the pilot at that time?"
Answer: "I advised him that the continuation of
his approach would be with an IFF target only
and that radar separation could not be applied."
Question: "What was his answer to your ad-
visory?"
Answer: "I don't remember his exact words. It
was something like 'wonderful' or 'marvelous.' It
gave me the indication that he wasn't too excited
about getting an IFF approach, but did approve
of it."
Question: "What were your intentions by con-
tinuing the IFF? Did you hope to get radar back
and bring him in, or were you attempting to vector
him to the airfield?"
Answer: "My intention was to give him an ap-
proach using IFF. When the IFF started getting
out of hand, I realized the approach could not be
continued and I discontinued it by giving him a
missed approach."
Witness: "Another soldier and I noticed a CV-2
approaching from the southeast at a low altitude.
44
The landing gear was down and the aircraft was
heading toward the mountain. The top of the
mountain was completely hidden by fog. As the
aircraft approached our position, there was no
change in the pitch of the engines, and none as it
neared the mountain. As the aircraft disappeared
into the fog, we heard the sound of an apparent
crash."
The airplane struck trees, crashed, and came to
rest inverted. The crew of four and nine passengers
were killed. Two passengers sustained critical in-
juries, 14, passengers sustained major injuries, and
three passengers escaped with minor injuries.
The point at which the Caribou struck the
mountain was measured and determined to be 4,300
feet left of the approach path for runway 34.
Investigation board analysis: " ... Sensing that
approach control was busy assisting an aircraft
which was outbound, and apparently unable to
concentrate on a target for the approaching air-
craft, the controller decided to direct the surveil-
lance approach. After transmitting adjustment
turns, the control targeted the aircraft as on-course,
eight and one-half nautical miles from touchdown.
The controller transmitted missed approach in-
structions which were acknowledged by the pilots.
The controller stated that the GCA equipment was
presenting a weak radar target and a strong IFF
interrogator return. He again stated that at the
eight and one-half nautical mile mark, he lost radar
contact and had only IFF interrogator return. At
this point, the GCA controller advised the pilots
that radar contact had been lost and that he was
receiving an IFF target only. He further transmitted
that the continuation of the approach would be
with an IFF target and no radar separation could
be applied. This condition was acknowledged by
the pilots.
"After discussions with other pilots, and analysis
by the board members, it is the opinion of the
board that the pilots did not have a full under-
standing of the implications of an IFF only ap-
proach. They did not realize that their position in
relation to the centerline could not be accurately
pinpointed. When a duplicate approach was made,
operating the GCA equipment at one-half power,
the radar video target was lost prior to the time
the aircraft was established on the final approach
course. The operator was unable to regain the
radar video target. During this duplicating ap-
proach, the weather conditions, with the exception
of precipitation, were such that the aircraft had to
be targeted while flying through clouds. Although
the cloud conditions were not a duplicate of those
present at the time of the crash, the GCA equip-
ment was required to target the aircraft while it
was in clouds ....
"The IFF interrogator target return presents an
arc shaped target which can cover as much as a
two-mile area on the radar scope. During a sur-
JUNE 1967
veillance approach, the GCA controllers, under
normal conditions, provide course and distance in-
formation. Altitude is the responsibility of the
pilot. Advisory service for altitude at various dis-
tance marks is furnished by the GCA controller.
Altitude advisories were given to the pilots of the
crashed aircraft at each mile interval. ... "
Indorsements: "Concur with the finding that the
descent of the aircraft to 2,100 feet after issuance
and receipt of missed approach instructions con-
stitutes the primary cause of the accident. Like-
wise, concur that a principal contributing cause
was the use of the SIF j IFF interrogator beacon,
with resultant inaccuracy .... "
"N otwithstanding improvement in ground navi-
gational equipment and controller personnel, it
remains the fundamental responsibility of the
aviators to comply with emergency instructions as
issued."
"There was one additional navigational instru-
ment available and evidently functioning which,
if used, would have indicated to the pilot that he
was considerably to the left of the approach course.
This was the ADF which was tuned to the ADF
beacon at the airfield, but evidently not used as a
crosscheck by the pilot or copilot.
"Failure to use all available instruments as cross-
checks during instrument approaches is a habit
easily acquired and constant emphasis on avoiding
this habit is essential."
45
Witness: "I was flying on a northeasterly course
when I saw a helicopter ahead and to my left, at
about 200 feet below. My altitude was 2,000 feet.
The aircraft went into what appeared to be a nor-
mal simulated forced landing. It turned a little
more than 90 across in front of me, after which
the nose started to tuck under. It continued tuck-
ing until I was looking at the skids. After the nose
had tucked about 90, I saw a flashing in the rotor
which gave the appearance of the rotor starting to
come apart. The aircraft continued somersaulting
until I lost sight of it for about the last 200-300
feet of its descent to the ground. I started turning
after losing sight of the aircraft and saw it on the
ground."
The helicopter continued to tuck under at the
point where the witness lost sight of it, coming to
an inverted position. As it did so; a main rotor
blacie severed the tail boom. The pilot was thrown
out of the aircraft and struck by the same blade.
The helicopter rolled over laterally and hit the
ground in a level upright position with little or no
rpm. The pilot was found 45 yards from the
wreckage and 90 to the flight path.
Examination of the wreckage showed the force
trim selector switch in the left (copilot's) position.
The antitorque pedals for both the pilot's and
copilot's positions had been adjusted to the full
rear position. The fore and aft cyclic control fric-
tion lock was found to be five turns toward the
lock position. Both seat belts and shoulder har-
nesses were unlocked. According to the pilots who
had flown the aircraft last before the accident, the
antitorque pedals had been left with the right seat
pedals in the full extended position and the left
seat pedals aft in the next to last position.
The pilot was also qualified and experienced in
fixed wing airplanes. He held a commercial rating
and had flown more than 500 hours. He frequently
rented airplanes for pleasure flights.
Colleague: "One evening several weeks before
the accident, my friend and I left the flight line,
immediately changed clothes, and drove to the air-
port in my car. Another friend was with us. He
and I untied the plane while our friend went in
and checked the plane out and got the keys. When
he came back, he made a short preflight and we
got in. I was in the back seat and my friends were
in the fron t.
"We took off and headed for an airport near a
large city. He didn't gain much altitude right at
first because he wanted to do some tree level flying
after we were away from the airport. He did quite
a lot of tree level flying. No fancy maneuvers, just
flying as close to the trees as possible and into
46
clearings, pulling out just over the trees.
"After passing a town, he brought the plane to
about 2,000 feet, let our colleague take the controls,
and gave himself a forced landing to about 10 feet.
We then climbed back to altitude and flew straight
to our des tination.
"When we landed, we met my friend's girlfriend
and went to the snack bar for hambargers and
cokes. Then we started back to the town where our
base is located. The girl was in the back left wi th
our colleague, and my friend and I were in the
front. He took off, got up to flying altitude, and
then let me have the controls. He had given me a
couple of hours instruction before. By this time it
was dark, so we headed straight for home.
"I flew the plane until we were almost halfway,
where my friend unfastened his safety belt, moved
through the space between the two front seats into
our colleague's lap, while his girlfriend moved
from her seat into the pilot's seat. My friend then
took her seat in the back. After they were fastened
back down, I gave the girl the controls. She flew
for awhile, until we were approaching our town,
then my friend and I exchanged seats in the same
manner. He let his girlfriend fly the plane through
final, but, because it was dark, he took over and
made the approach and landing, then taxied back
to the hangar .... "
Airport manager: "Several weeks prior to his
fatal accident, I walked into the hangar at the air-
lilT COULDNIT HAP'PEN TO ME!II
CHANGED
SEATS?
It zs speculated that he landed
the aircraft and changed to
the left seat. Why he did this
is unknown . ..
U. s. ARMY AVIATION DIGEST
port and saw one of our planes making takeoffs
and landings. I asked who was flying as the land-
ings were not too good. I watched another landing
and it was very bad, so I went into the office and
asked them to advise the pilot to come to the r m p ~
"He was amazed that I should stop him from
flying. However, in addition to the bad landings,
several people had told me that he had ta-xied ou t
so fast that the plane was almost flying. I told him
he was acting smart and was a show-off and that I
did not wan t him to fly the airplane any more. I
also told him that if he did not change his ways
he would surely kill himself. He asked me to fly
with him and I told him that I did not have time.
"He continued to call me the next week and the
last time he called, I told the clerk at the airport
to make an .appointment for the weekend and I
would ride with him. I met him at the airport, gave
him a checkride, and he demonstrated satisfactory
ability and proficiency. I then told him he could
fly the plane locally, but not to land at any other
airport.
"Later he came back and rented the plane. In
about one-half hour, he called and reported that
he had damaged the wing in landing at another
airport. He flew the plane back to the airport and
this was the last contact that I had with him."
Colleague: "I went on a fixed wing flight with
him several months prior to his accident .... We
took off in the early afternoon and flew for about
JUNE 1967
. . . he decided to
change seats in flight
he apparently released his
safety harness and belt,
frictioned the collective, and
began a move
to the right seat
47
lIlT COULDNIT HAPPEN TO ME!II
Main rotor blade strike on pilot's
helmet was confirmed by laboratory
analysis. Pilot did not have seat
belt or shoulder harness fastened
and he was thrown out while aircraft
was in uncontrollable attitude
two hours. During this flight, several maneuvers
were not made the way I thought they should have
been done. He made very tight turns and stalls at
low altitude. This led me to term:inate the flight
sooner than planned. I have over 2600 hours fixed
wing time and I considered these maneuvers dan-
gerous.
"He told me on several occasions that he liked
to fly low and fast .... I talked with him after his
first flight on the day of the accident and he said
that he had been up to a lake, buzzing two girls
on water skis .... "
Flight surgeon: " ... The sequence of events on
the day of the accident were, in general: The pilot
arose at the usual time, met a formation, then re-
turned to his room to catch a little extra sleep
while his colleagues had breakfast. According to
them, he never ate breakfast. . . . He was in bed
about 2230 the evening before, and asleep about
2300. He did not appear upset or despondent and
there was no evidence of organic illness. . . . He
neither drank nor smoked, and was never observed
48
taking medication, not even aspirin.
"He flew the aircraft for two hours, then re-
turned to refuel. While his aircraft was being
refueled, he confided to a colleague that he had
gone to a small airport where he had a fixed wing
accident the previous weekend. He reported that
after he left the airport he had flown over a lake
and buzzed some girls on water skis, causing them
to fall into the lake. He made no reference to any
difficulties during his first flight.
"After refueling, he took off and what happened
from that time until he was seen by the one and
only witness to his fatal descent is unknown. It is
speculated that he landed the aircraft and changed
to the left seat. Why he did this is unknown. It is
speculated that he flew in the left seat until it was
time to return to the base. He began the return in
a northeasterly direction and, about 8-10 miles
from the base ... he evidently decided to return
to the right seat in flight .... He apparently re-
leased his safety harness and belt, frictioned the
collective, and began a move to the right seat. It
is speculated that he inadvertently pushed the
cyclic and the aircraft went into the disastrous
attitude described by the witness. (Attempts to
change from the left to right seat on the ground by
the accident investigation board resulted in inad-
vertently pushing the cyclic.)
"It is believed the aircraft was approximately
600 feet above the ground, at an airspeed of 50-55
knots. The witness lost sight of the aircraft when
it was about 250-300 feet above the ground.
"N 0 doors were on the helicopter and the pilot
was thrown out of it in any of several uncontrolled
positions at approximately 100 feet .... A main
rotor blade struck his helmet, causing skull frac-
tures, lacerations of the jaw, fractures, and other
injuries. The blade strike caused instantaneous
death and the pilot was dead when he hit the
ground ....
"Among the items found to indicate a left seat
position were the anti torque pedal settings on the
left side in the full aft position, as near to him as
possible. He was very short, about 5'6". The pilot
who flew the aircraft last in the left seat used a
different pedal setting entirely. The pedals on the
right side were also in the full aft position. The
seat belts on both sides were unfastened, with no
evidence of strain or tear, and the force trim con-
trol toggle switch was adjusted for the left seat. ...
"The major disconcerting area is the pilot him-
self. His spoken and observed antics while in the
air are alarming and certainly lend credence to a
set of bizarre but plausible suppositions."
The aircraft accident investigation board found
the cause of this accident to be: "Suspected self-
induced control movement ... which resulted in
an uncontrollable aircraft attitude."
Listed as contributing factors were: "Pilot was
not properly secured by the restraining system,
which caused him to be thrown from the aircraft
while in an uncontrollable attitude," and "a strong
possibility exists that he may have attempted to
change seat positions while in normal flight."
Among the recommendations made were: "That
the widest possible dissemination of facts surround-
ing this accident be brought to the attention of
flight personnel," and "that USABAAR consider
using this accident for prevention purposes in exist-
ing safety publications."
JUNE 1967
HILL
1028
In vzew of the szx aircraft
destroyed on this one
particular hill) an article
in the Aviation Digest
is needed to publicize
Hill 1028 ...
UH-ID aircraft commander: "We got up at 0500
and planned on a 0600 takeoff. The weather looked
bad so we decided to eat breakfast. I called the
weather station and they said the ceiling was 400
feet and was breaking up and looked pretty good
to the sou tho
"We took off at approximately 0700. I was flying
from the right seat. I was on instruments and the
pilot was maintaining visual reference with the
ground.
"We entered a pretty solid fog bank and I started
a climbing left turn. I think I may have gotten
vertigo. Either the pilot or one of the passengers
pointed to the front and I saw a hill. It was coming
at me awfully fast. I flared the helicopter and
leveled the skids.
"After impact, I must have been knocked out ....
"There was no pressure exerted by any of the
passengers about continuing the flight or turning
back prior to the crash. I had flown the helicopter
two hours the day before and it was a good flying
ship. All the instruments were functioning properly.
We had 1,000-1,100 pounds of fuel on board and it
took 95% Nl for takeoff. I don't know if the pilot
was on the controls with me at the time of the
crash or not. There was no fire prior to ground
impact."
Crewchief: " ... We were flying low level over a
49
"IT COULDN'T HAP'PEN TO ME!"
road to the valley where the weather was clearing.
We were flying about 200 feet above the ground
and at about 90-95 knots airspeed. We started to
hit fog down to the road and the aircraft com-
mander pulled up and tried a 180 turn to the
left in the fog, at about 80 knots. I could see the
trees about 200-250 feet below, then grass and fog
blended together.
"The next thing I saw was the ground closing in
fast. The aircraft commander pulled up with pitch
and cyclic. Then we hit and rolled end over end,
and the shi p was on fire at firs t impact. I was
Burned UH-1D on Hill 1028. Arrow pOints to wreckage of
C-123 which crashed in same location
50
thrown from the aircraft approximately 25 yards ....
The aircraft was in flames by the time I was able
to turn toward it. People were rolling out and
machinegun rounds were going off from the heat
inside. I found the aircraft commander next to the
front of the aircraft about six feet away, face down.
I saw the pilot's hand on fire outside the window
and reached in and pulled him ou t. He rolled
away from the wreckage down the hill. I picked up
the aircraft commander and started to get away
from the wreckage when a fuel cell blew up and
flames began shooting out in all directions ....
When help came, we walked down the hill."
Accident investigation board narrative: " ... The
weather in the area at this time of year can best
be described as variable and uncertain for both
ceiling and visibility, with numerous showers and
intermittent ground fog. Current weather observa-
tions can be extremely misleading. The aircraft
commander received his weather briefing by phone
shortly before takeoff .... The route of flight was
south along a highway. Altitude varied between
50 and 1 00 feet above the terrain. During the flight,
thin patches of fog were encountered. However, it
was 'in and out' until they reached a point just to
the west of Hill 1028. At this point, the aircraft
entered a fog bank and did not break out.
"The aircraft commander had been watching the
flight instruments while the pilot maintained visual
contact with the ground. When the aircraft did not
break out of the fog bank, the aircraft commander
started a climbing left turn. While in the turn, at
an airspeed of approximately 80 knots, he saw the
hill and flared. The aircraft struck the hill (slope
estimated to be 50) in an estimated 50 nose high
attitude ....
"It hit hat:d enough to crush the skids upward
and allow the bottom of the fuselage to be crushed .
. . . At the time of impact, as the aircraft slid for-
ward, the left aft fuel cover section was ripped out
of the fuselage and left sticking in the ground.
"The helicopter skidded forward about 35 feet
up the hill and began to nose forward, ripping out
the bottom front plexiglass. As the front end dug
in, the aircraft flipped over, landed on its top, and
began burning. This is when the passengers found
themselves in an inverted position, locked in their
seat belts, except for the crew chief who was thrown
from his seat belt when the aircraft started to flip.
As the passengers unlocked their seat belts, they
fell and rolled out the left, down the steep slope ....
"Analysis: A visual flight was attempted, instru-
ment conditions were encountered, and the air-
craft crashed ....
"The crewchief was thrown from the aircraft on
impact due to not having his seat belt tightly
secured ....
"The aircraft commander was not instrument
qualified and was unable to properly evaluate the
situation.
"In view of the unit's mission, its aviators are
required to be away from their home station for
extended periods. Due to the shortage of instrument
qualified aviators, it is not possible to assign an
instrument qualified aviator on all missions ....
"In view of the number of aircraft destroyed on
this one particular hill (one C-123, one A-IE, one
CH-47, and three UH-Is) it is suggested that an
article be written and submitted to the AVIATION
DIGEST in order to publicize Hill 1028."
The board stated that the cause of the accident
was the aircraft commander inadvertently flying
into actual weather conditions which exceeded his
capabilities and resulted in his becoming dis-
oriented while making a climbing left turn. It listed
contributing factors as:
Weather-ceiling and visibility diminished dur-
ing the flight.
The desire to complete the mission.
A left turn while flying from the right seat, which
further restricted visual references.
Spatial disorientation caused by frequent changes
from visual to instrument flight conditions.
The board recommended a NOTAM be pub-
lished warning all pilots of the hazard of flying up
the highway when low ceilings and visibility pre-
vail. It also recommended publication and re-
emphasis of the hazards resulting from attempts to
fly VFR in IFR conditions.
Although the aircraft was destroyed by fire, all
occupants survived. The aircraft commander, pilot,
crewchief, gunner, and four passengers sustained
major injuries. One passenger escaped injury.
Flight surgeon: "The major injury producing
mechanism was that of rapid and total deceleration
upon impact. This resulted in compression frac-
tures of the lower spine in seven of the nine indi-
viduals. That this is the limit of the severity of the
injuries, with the exception of a 30% body burn
suffered by the pilot, must be directly attributed to
the fact that all seat belts and shoulder harnesses
held, even though the aircraft came to rest in an
inverted position. The crewchief was thrown from
the aircraft at initial impact, not due to the failure
JUNE 1967
of his seat belt, but because he was wearing it in a
loose position to facilitate control of his weapon in
covering low level flight.
"The burns suffered by the pilot involved only
those areas not covered by clothing. He was flying
with his fatigue sleeves rolled up and suffered
severe arm burns.
"Although no recommendations could be made
to prevent the rapid deceleration injuries, it has
certainly been demonstrated that vertigo may result
from the combined use of instrument and visual
references. In addition, it is recommended that all
people flying in aircraft wear their sleeves rolled
down and gloves if at all possible. It should also
be recommended that all passengers wear seat belts
securely fastened, as this has certainly been demon-
strated as effective in preventing serious injuries."
Reviewing official: "Concur with the cause fac-
tors as stated by the accident investigation board.
"Concur with the recommendations by the board.
In addition, the battalion has published an instru-
ment familiarization training circular ... which
will provide basic helicopter instrument training
for noninstrument rated rotary wing aviators. All
units within the battalion have been briefed on
this accident and have been directed to cite this
accident and its causes in quarterly special weather
briefings to be conducted for all aviators.
"Reference the flight surgeon's analysis and rec-
ommendations, the battalion SOP spells out spe-
cifically that all crewmembers will be equipped with
and wear flying gloves, and that sleeves will be
rolled down while flying. Increased command em-
phasis has been directed to insure compliance with
the SOP in this respect."
Third indorsement to letter of transmittal:
". . . The findings and recommendations of the
investigation board are approved with one excep-
tion. It appears that the aircraft commander in-
tentionally rather than inadvertently flew into the
weather .... "
USABAAR policy requires that publication of
accident accounts be completely anonymous, with
no reference to names, dates, or places. This policy
has been followed in the account of the above
accident. However, in view of the recommendation
of the aircraft accident investigation board that
Hill 1028 be pUQlidzed, and in view of the large
number of aircraft which have crashed on this one
hill, it is considered essential that the location of
Hill 1028 be given. Hill 1028 is located south of
Pleiku, along highway 14.
51
lilT COULDN'T HAPPEN TO ME!II
While on the subject of low
visibility VF R flying, it is
appropriate to include a lesson
taught by Mr. Gerard Bruggink
in the Aviation
Safety Orientation Course
conducted by USABAAR.
This lesson
is entitled .
AS FAST
AS YOU
CAN SEE
52
You are flying your helicopter at treetop level,
trying to maintain visual contact while visibility
is limited to 1,000 feet. You are on the lookout for
obstacles that may loom out of the grayness around
you, hoping you'll have enough room to make an
evasive turn when necessary. Feeling slightly uneasy,
you have reduced your airspeed from 100 to 80
knots.
A practical question at this point is: How much
forward distance will you travel from the moment
you see an obstacle until you complete the first 90
of an evasive turn? If your total forward travel
exceeds the existing forward visibility, you are in
trouble. In that case, the accident board would
probably blame your demise on: "Flight into low
ceiling and visibility conditions without an appro-
priate reduction in airspeed." (This is a direct
quote from one of the many reports on weather
accidents.)
There is no reason to doubt that our colleagues
who killed themselves under poor visibility condi-
tions slowed down when walking in the dark or
driving in the fog. Their failure to use the same
protective instinct when flying can be explained
only by a lack of understanding of the relationship
between safe forward speed and existing visibility,
as shown on the figure below.
The figure is based on the assumption that it takes
about five seconds to perceive, to make a decision,
676
FT
l' l'
80 KNOTS 40 KNOTS
u. S. R ~ f Y AVIATION DIGEST
and to start a corrective maneuver (W ADC Tech-
nical Report 58-399-VISION IN MILITARY
AVIATION). The forward distance traveled dur-
ing these five seconds-under no-wind conditions-
is a function of TAS and is shown by the straight
line on the lower portion of the graph. At 80 knots,
the aircraft's forward displacement in five seconds
is 676 feet.
Assuming that the evasive maneuver consists of
a coordinated turn, it is obvious that the first 90
of this turn will bring the aircraft closer to the
obstacle over a distance equal to the radius of the
turn. For reference purposes, a bank angle of 30
is used as a standard. At 80 knots, this would pro-
duce a turn radius of 984 feet (and a rate of turn
of about 8 per second). Therefore, the total dis-
placement of the aircraft towards the obstacle, from
the moment of perception until the completion of
a 90 turn, would be 676 + 984 == 1,660 feet. With
a given visibility of 1,000 feet, your problem is
simply the lack of 660 feet to maneuver in. In
other words, a collision becomes inevitable unless
you engage in some last second acrobatics which
7000
i=
w

I-
z
w

u
<
-'
0..

o
'" -<

o
"-

o
I-
1000
o
/

r;(

CHART 1
,
i J

.-
1-V4
i I II
I II
Ii
J
I
" I .
'4: I

, r-;-
4

<:>
I .'
/ / 'i
l
f
..
I /
"
REACTION
j' )
I DISTANCE
At
(5 SECS)
II
If.J'-
l'

"
"
iIIfII"""
.dI!'#
1/4

..""
1/8
o 40 80 120 160 200 220
TAS (KNOTS)
CHART SHOWING THEORETICAL RelATIONSHIP BETWEEN
EXISTING VISIBILITY AND MAXIMUM SAFE AIRSPEED
JUNE 1967
would probably only increase the spectacularity of
your mis.hap.
What would your chances be if you reduced your
speed to 40 knots with the same 1,000 foot visibility?
A look at the figure shows that your total forward
displacement in that case would be 338 + 246 == 584
feet. This would give you an approximate 400 foot
visibility margin (and a six second time margin).
Chart 1 shows the theoretical relationship be-
tween existing visibility and maximum safe air-
speed for various speeds and bank angles. It can
easily be seen that the fixed wing pilot who operates
in a higher speed region has to give himself a lot
more maneuvering room under conditions of poor
visibility. For instance, at 180 knots his total dis-
placement towards the obstacle during an evasive
maneuver with a 30 bank angle is about 1 nautical
mile. The implication is that, at 180 knots, he
needs at least 1 Y:4 nm visibility. When he reduces
his speed to 100 knots, his forward displacement is
about 2,300 feet and a visibility of 1/ 2 nm would
give him a reasonable margin of safety.
The chart is based on no-wind conditions. It
speaks for itself that a headwind works in a pilot's
favor and a tailwind against him. It should also
be noted that poorly visible obstacles such as high
tension lines may increase the existing visibility
requirements by a factor of 10 or more. The dotted
lines on the chart show the total forward displace-
ment when bank angles of 20 and 40 are used.
(Take into consideration the increase in stall speed
when you increase the bank angle: at a bank angle
of 40 the stall speed increases by about 14 percent,
and in a 60 bank by 40 percent.)
The only purpose of this discussion is to show
that, theoretically at least, existing forward visi-
bility is directly related to maximum safe airspeed
as shown in chart 2.
CHART 2
VISIBILITY MAX SAFE AIRSPEED
600 ft Below 40 knots
1/8 nm Below 50 knots
1,000 ft Below 60 knots
2,000 ft Below 90 knots
1 nm Below 175 knots
To summarize, the charts don't tell you how to
fly your airplane when visibility is poor. They are
only a reminder that the smart pilot doesn't fly
faster than he can see.
53
lilT COULDN'T HAPPEN TO ME!II
"WHAT
ARE
YOUR
INTENTIONS?"
this was the question
asked three highly
experienced aviators
The engines of a twin engine airplane were
started at 1150. It took off with an IP, pilot, and
copilot aboard at 1224 for a flight of 816 nautical
miles. The IP filed IFR, estimating 04:30 en route,
with an estimated 00: 30 to his selected alternate.
He listed 06:00 hours of fuel aboard. Destination
weather was given as 300 feet overcast, 1 mile visi-
bility, forecast to improve. Alternate weather was
given as 25,000 feet broken, 7 miles visibility.
Communications log:
1624- As the airplane approached an en route
reporting point, the center asked for identification.
The pilot stated that the transponder was inopera-
tive. He was cleared direct to his destination and
instructed to climb and maintain 9,000 feet.
54
1626- The airplane was cleared to descend to
4,000 feet and the pilot was instructed to report
leaving 5,000 feet. At 1629, he reported out of 9,000
feet for 4,000 feet. At 1631, he reported descending
to 6,000 feet and asked for destination weather. The
weather was given as 100 feet obscured, with 1/8
mile visibility in fog. At 1633, the pilot was told
to hold on the 052 radial at his destination at 4,000
feet. These instructions were repeated and he was
told to expect further clearance at 1650. The pilot
requested the airport with the highest ceiling in the
vicinity of his destination and was told to stand by.
Communications were difficult, but the pilot
acknowledged loud and clear.
1641- The pilot was advised that a nearby air-
port was open for approaches and to switch to an-
other channel. The center relinquished control to
the recommended alternate at 1642. At 1646, the
pilot called the center and requested clearance to
another airport. He was asked if he had approval
to land at the requested airport and advised of a
30 minute delay. At 1648, the pilot reported out of
4,000 feet for 6,000 feet and was told to expect a
direct routing from his original destination to his
requested airport. This was repeated. Ten seconds
later, the pilot cancelled IFR and this was the last
center contact. The airplane was seen on radar
proceeding southwest toward the airport the pilot
had requested.
1703- The pilot called the alternate originally
,recommended to him and asked for its ceiling. He
was given a pilot report of 1,000 feet overcast,
1 Y2 miles visibility, altimeter 30.12. At 1707, the
pilot reported over the outer marker at 4,000 feet,
VFR, and stated that he would like an approach.
He was told to expect an IFR clearance at 1740. At
1708, he was given the airport weather as 800 feet
overcast, I Y2 miles visibility, and asked for the full
serial number and type aircraft. The pilot acknowl-
edged and said that he expected approach clear-
ance at 1722.
Approach control: "Roger, understand holding
Fuel .panel from crashed airplane shows main tanks selected, with fuel boost pumps on auxiliary tanks
VFR. Maintain VFR."
Pilot: "Will let down to 3,000 feet."
Approach control: "Leave area or maintain 4,000
feet."
Pilot: "Will remain VFR."
1723- Approach control called the pilot and
asked, "Are you still with me?"
Pilot: "Affirmative. Holding outer marker, 4,000
feet, thank you."
Approach control: "Expect approach clearance
at 40, as previously issued."
1732- The pilot was told to revise his approach
clearance time to 1745 and asked if he copied. He
replied, "Affirmative." At 1734, approach control
called the pilot and told him he could expect to go
to a reporting point. He was given new weather of
200 feet overcast and 3/4 mile visibility in fog. The
pilot acknowledged. At 1736 the pilot was asked if
he was still at 4,000 feet VFR and able to maintain
to the reporting point. He replied that he could
and was instructed to proceed to the reporting
point, maintain 4,000, and report over the report-
ing point for IFR clearance. At 1740, approach
control asked the pilot his location and he replied
that he was coming up on the reporting point,
about 3 miles short. At 1741, approach control
JUNE 1967
issued a blanket call, giving the visibility as 1/2
mile.
1742- Approach control: "Are you still over the
reporting poin t?"
Pilot: "Right now."
Approach control: "Descend and maintain 3,000
feet, report leaving 4,000 feet."
Pilot: "Roger, out of 4 now."
1743- The pilot reported at 3,000 feet and ap-
proach control told him to expect his clearance at
47.
1746- Approach control: "Clear alternate outer
marker via reporting point and ILS course, depart
another reporting point 220 radial inbound on
localizer at 2,000 feet. Report reporting point in-
bound leaving 3,000 feet."
Pilot: "Roger, out of 3 now."
Approach control: "What time do you estimate
the reporting point inbound?"
Pilot: "Will leave reporting point in 30 seconds."
1749- Approach control: "Your clearance limit
is the outer marker. Hold northwest on localizer,
1 minute patterns, left turns. The aircraft ahead of
you just missed his approach."
Pilot: "Roger."
Approach control: "Expect further clearance at
55
lilT COULDN'T HAP'PEN TO ME!"
1800." The pilot acknowledged and was advised that
another pilot reported 200 feet overcast and 3/8
mile visibility in fog. He was told to report at the
outer locator, holding.
1750- Other aircraft in the vicinity started di-
verting to other airports. At 1751, approach con-
trol issued a blanket call, stating that the weather
would go to zero-zero until 2400 and later.
1754- The pilot reported outbound in the hold-
ing pattern over the outer marker at 2,000 feet. At
1755, talking to another aircraft, approach control
reported the visibility steadily dropping, then at
1/ 4 mile.
1756- Approach control called the pilot and
asked, "What are your intentions?"
Pilot: "We'd like to shoot an approach right now.
We're procedure turn, inbound."
Approach control: "Roger .... Airport weather,
pilot Ireport, 200 feet overcast, visibility one-quarter.
This is below ILS runway 16 straight-in minimums.
Advise if you still wish to shoot the approach."
Pilot: "Roger, we still want to shoot the approach
at pilot's discretion. Over."
Approach control: "Roger, understand. Cleared
for 16, ILS approach. Report outer locator in-
bound."
Pilot: "Roger, thank you."
1759- Approach control: " . . I have new
weather, sir."
Pilot: "We're outer marker, inbound."
Approach control: "Weather, pilot report, 100
feet overcast, 1/4 mile visibility in fog. Contact
tower. ... "
The airplane crashed 2% miles from the ap-
proach end of the ILS approach, approximately 200
feet to the right of the approach path. The right
wing hit a 70foot tree, shearing the outer portion
of the wing. The airplane rolled inverted to the
right, sheared the left wing, then crashed to the
ground inverted and skidded about 10 feet. All
three occupants sustained fatal injuries.
Investigation board analysis: "After finding their
destination below minimums, the crewmembers ap-
parently were undecided as to what their course of
action should be for 32 minutes from 1631 through
1703 hours. They then appeared to have misunder-
stood their approach clearance as 22 minutes past
the hour, rather than 40 minutes past the hour.
At 23 minutes past the hour, a 1740 approach time
was verified by approach control, acknowledged,
and accepted by the crewmembers. At 1732, ap-
proach control issued a new approach time of 1745.
Once again, this was acknowledged and accepted. It
56
appears from this, because no fuel shortage was
mentioned, that there was no concern by the crew
about the shortage of fuel. The possibility exists
that the crew figured fuel consumption from takeoff
time and disregarded the fact that at least 30
minutes of ground time was used prior to takeoff.
Additionally, at least two climbs and descents were
made and fuel consumption in climb is more than
double the consumption at cruise power ....
"Two more extensions of approach times were
given (1747 and 1800) and acknowledged with no
apparent concern over a shortage of fuel. The first
time any apparent concern was shown was when the
decision was made to land at the pilot's discretion
with the weather below ILS minimum. The board
feels that the aircraft ran out of fuel because of the
following facts:
"Total engine operating time at 1800 (apparent
time of the accident) was six hours and six minutes.
"Due to the altitude and time of year, heater op-
eration was required. Maximum heater consump-
tion is three gallons per hour. An average of two
gallons per hour is considered normal consumption.
"Using two gallons per hour heater consumption
and the flow charts for the ins taIled engines, cruise
power (65 %, not considering climb) consumes 39.6
gallons per hour. This gives an endurance of 5
hours and 32 minutes. The normal cruise power on
this aircraft is 65 %. Additionally, the IP was
known to have always used the power chart to de-
termine 65 % and then cruised at that power set-
ting.
"The left engine was not developing power at
impact. This was determined by the type of pro-
peller damage, postcrash propeller governor inspec-
tion, the lack of fuel found during engine fuel in-
jection system inspection, and the position of the
propeller and throttle cockpit controls.
"The right engine was attempting to develop
takeoff power, as determined by propeller damage,
propeller governor inspection, the limited fuel
found in the engine fuel injection system, and the
position of the throttle and propeller cockpit con-
trols.
"A fuel management problem was indicated in
that the cockpit fuel selector valves were both se-
lecting fuel from the main fuel cells, and both fuel
boost pumps were found in the auxiliary tank po-
sitions. Both main tanks contained no more than
residual fuel during the postcrash inspection. A
small postcrash fire occurred on the outbound side
of the left engine nacelle, causing minor paint blis-
tering. Insufficient fuel was available to sustain
combustion."
Cause factors: "1. Lack of knowledge: incorrect-
U. S. ARl\IY AVIATION DIGEST
ly assumed six hour fuel endurance (flight plan was
filed with six hours of fuel). Normal flight planning
is for 5 hours and 30 minu tes endurance.
"2. Lack of discipline: remained undecided on a
course of action in the destination area for 32 min-
utes; then held on top for another 53 minutes in a
rapidly deteriorating situation (weather, fuel, air
traffic) while VFR weather was within 15 flying
minutes."
The three men aboard this aircraft were all high-
ly experienced aviators. The IP had more than
7,000 flying hours and held a special instrument
rating. The pilot was a master Army aviator with
more than 4,500 flying hours, and the copilot was a
master Army aviator with more than 5,000 flyIng
hours.
Two questions remain unanswered about this
accident. Why did this highly experienced crew
fail to plan for and moni tor their fuel consum p-
tion? The apparent answer is that they did not
know the fuel consumption rate or the endurance
limitations of the airplane. This is indicated by the
fact that the IP listed six hours of fuel aboard on
DD Form 175, while normal flight planning for the
airplane is for 5 hours and 30 minutes. Why did
they continue to mill around in the destination
area and the alternate, knowing the weather was
deteriorating rapidly, when it was clear only 15
minutes away? The answer to this question is more
complex. There was an obvious desire to get as
close as possible to their destination. This desire,
coupled with pride and overconfidence, may have
tipped the scales of judgment just enough to result
in the faulty decisions which led to the crash.
the density altitude was low and the pilot didn't
feel that the passengers would present
any problem . . .
UN UALIF ED
OH-23C pilot: " ... After arriving at my desti-
nation, I refueled, filed a local flight plan for four
hours, checked the weather, and made a map recon-
naissance.
"I departed the airfield at 1005 and flew to the
area where I was to meet my passenger. I flew
around the area approximately an hour attempting
to locate him .... I located my passenger and
landed at a point near the junction of two roads.
I had no problems with the low reconnaisance or
the approach and landing. I shut down and got out.
"It was decided that I would have two passengers
who wanted to make an air reconnaissance of the
area. After takeoff, we toured the area for 15 min-
utes and returned to the point of departure.
"I set up an approach into the wind and all
seemed normal. I terminated approximately 15
feet short of my intended touchdown point at a
hover of about 6-8 feet, moving slowly forward. At
this time, I noticed a slight power loss to 2900 rpm.
I attempted to add more throttle, only to discover
that full throttle had already been applied. The
rpm kept dropping slowly.
JUNE 1967
"The helicopter then started to back up slightly.
I lowered collective pitch some and gave forward
cyclic. We began to descend, but continued back-
ward with the rpm still dropping. I then realized
we were going to the ground. . . . I t appeared as
though we went backwards enough to put the air-
craft over very unfavorable terrain, rough and slop-
ing. I decided to turn 180
0
right, gain some air-
speed, and descend to possibly regain enough power
to sustain flight. I realized that with some airspeed
I could descend at least as much as the slope. I also
aligned the aircraft wi th our path over the ground,
thinking I could run the skids on the ground to re-
gain power and rpm. I gained approximately 15
mph and lowered collective, maintaining direc-
tional control. Apparently this was not enough, be-
cause the left skid struck the ground. The aircraft
then turned to the right, uncontrolled, and hit a
second time on the left skid. The skid tucked under
and the aircraft rolled on its left side and came to
rest. ... "
The pilot and his two passengers escaped injury,
but the helicopter was a total loss.
57
lilT COULDN'T HAPPEN TO ME!"
58
RPM was lost when approach was terminated below hilltop on down-
wind side. Helicopter hit on left skid and rolled on its left side
the mission was assigned to the pilot by the company commander,
who later informed the pilot he was cleared for passengers
Accident investigation board: " . .. The pilot
had a total of 72 helicopter flying hours. Of these,
61.3 hours were in OH-13s during a qualification
course. He had started OH-23C transition training
and had 7.5 hours in the OH-23C, of which 2.5
hours were dual rides given by two instructor pilots.
No checkout work sheet was made by the first in-
structor pilot. The checkout work sheet made by
the second instructor pilot showed that maximum
performance takeoffs, running takeoffs, running
landings, slope operations, confined area, pinnacle,
decelerations, and reconnaissance had not been per-
formed. A night checkout was not performed. The
pilot stated he had not left the traffic pattern dur-
ing the two instructor pilot rides and that he had
not made any touchdown autorotations. He also
stated that he discussed his difficulty with rpm con-
trol with the second instructor pilot. The board
noted that there was no remark about rpm control
in the remarks section of the check ride report ....
"The board asked the pilot if he had ever taken
a written examination on the pilots handbook for
the OH-23C and his answer was no. When asked if
he had studied the pilots handbook, the answer was
no.
"The board found that the mission was assigned
to the pilot by the company commander, who later
informed the pilot he was cleared for passengers
and made the remark 'Passengers' along with his
initials on the rotary wing check ride report, but
did not date it. The pilot stated that the company
commander had not ridden with him as an IP ....
"The company commander was asked if he was
aware of the hours required for transition in the
OH-23, and his answer was that it was normally 10
hours, but he wasn't quite sure of the training cir-
cular that required or stated the required time.
Asked if he knew that the pilot was not qualified
in the aircraft at the time he assigned the mission
to him, the company commander answered that he
did not know the exact hours, but that the pilot
had planned on flying the aircraft 1.5 hours the
JUNE 1967
evening of the day before the accident and that he
would get more time on the trip out to pick up his
passengers. . . . When asked how many hours of
dual instruction he thought the pilot had in the
OH-23, the company commander said he thought
it was three or four hours ....
"The board asked the pilot if he was ever told at
any time not to carry two passengers and the an-
swer was no. When asked if he had ever demon-
strated his ability to carry two passengers, the an-
swer was also no. When asked why he elected to
carry the two passengers, the pilot answered that
the density altitude was low and he didn't feel that
it would present any problem.
"The board noted that the ballast bar had not
been moved to the rear, but the cockpit loading fell
within the range limit so that the ballast bar did
not have to be transferred. The board determined
that minimum and maximum cockpit loading of
the OH-23 was not explained to the pilot and that
he was not fully aware of the cockpit loading and
e.g. limits. There was no load limit plaque in the
aircraft. ...
"The board concluded that transition training
had not been completed in accordance with AR
95-4 and that the pilot was very inexperienced in
the OH-23 .... "
With respect to landing spots and available ap-
proaches, the board concluded:
"The least desirable approach path was selected
to the point of the intended landing. The pilot
elected to approach across two deep gullies toward
a steep hillside, when two ridge lines were avail-
able as approach paths.
"There were more favorable landing sites in the
immediate vicinity that could have been considered
and still have been within sight of the driver of the
vehicle that was to pick up the passengers.
"The approach selected was terminated short of
the intended point of touchdown. It was into the
wind, but was terminated below the top of the hill
and on the downwind side .... "
59
Q
-ID PILOT: "I was cleared into position on
the approach end of runway 25. I waited
momentarily while a UH-I landed on the runway
ahead of me. I t then hovered to the parking area
on the north side of the strip and set down. I was
cleared for takeoff and proceeded down the run-
way, using short field technique.
"I lifted off at about 45 mph, gained about four
feet of altitude, and lowered the nose of my air-
craft. At this time, I noticed a UH-I hovering out
from the parking area on my right and turning
east, between the runway and the UH-I parking
line. As I came abreast of the UH-I, its rotorwash
stalled out my right wing. It dipped sharply down
and struck the ground. My aircraft veered sharply
to the right, into the UH-I parking area.
"With full left aileron, the 0-1 began to right
itself. As I regained control, I was in a medium
bank to the left at low airspeed. I rolled out on a
southwesterly heading, and continued my climbout
to the south. Both my observer and I were unaware
that the wing had actually hit the ground, so we
continued the mission.
"A subsequent check with the tower revealed
that the UH-J had not been cleared to hover and
attempts by the tower to contact it by radio proved
unsuccessful. This is not the first near-accident I
have experienced as a result of a UH-I hovering
near or onto an active runway as I was landing or
taking off in an 0-1. The UH-l pilots do not seem
to understand the principles of flight applicable
to light aircraft. They often display little regard for
common safety precautions. I have attempted on
numerous occasions to contact UH-I aircraft on
the ground by radio, both on tower frequencies
and on guard, but have met with only partial suc-
cess. Although some pilots display a high regard
for ground safety, especially around fixed wing
aircraft, some seem to feel that once they have
completed their approach, there is no need for
60
excerpts from near-accident
and flight hazard reports
control or radio contact during ground operations."
* * *
Twin engine fixed wing pilot: "After being di-
rected to the parking ramp by the tower (no follow-
me vehicle), I had to wait five minutes for the op-
erations sergeant to park the aircraft. He did not
use any arm and hand signals. He just pointed to
the general area he wanted the airplane in.
"I asked the operations sergeant if he could ar-
range for avionics to repair one of our omnis. He
said it was 'highly impractical' to arrange for this
because we (1) would need a work order, and
(2) have to cross the field to get it approved. There
was no transportation available. Since it was close
to quitting time and transportation for our crew-
chief (who would have to supervise the repair)
would not be available, we decided to leave the
omni alone.
"We requested fuel and oil, but the vehicle did
not arrive prior to the 1630 hours cutoff time. Since
no transportation was available after that time to
take us to our billets (three miles away), we had
to postpone the refueling until the next day prior
to departure. Also, no time was available for the
crewchief to adequately perform his postflight in-
spection.
"The next morning our crewchief reported to
the field at 0630 and once again requested POL. I
arrived at 0700 and when I checked on the progress
of refueling, I was told that the alert section had
been notified and it was 'being taken care of.' I
made out and filed my flight plan, proposing a
0800 takeoff. At the same time, the copilot pre-
flighted the aircraft. He came back to operations at
0730 and stated that the POL vehicle had not yet
arrived. After being told once again by the PFC,
who was the only man in operations, that the alert
section was taking care of it, I decided at 0745 to
take my problem to the airfield commander. He
took immediate action and by 0825 we were fueled
and ready to taxi out for takeoff.
H The described circumstances prevented the
performance of proper maintenance and encouraged
a slip-shod, hurry-up attitude that is often first in
the sequence leading to an accident. This is exactly
what the Army aircraft accident prevention pro-
gram is striving to eliminate. Won't you help?"
* * *
U-6A pilot: " ... We had just broken formation
at 300 feet and were following a formation of two
UH -1 Bs and a Flying Crane when my aircraft was
caught in the rotorwash of the crane. I was holding
a medium bank when this happened, at approxi-
mately 100 mph, and was just beginning a climb.
"The aircraft banked sharply over 90
0
and the
rudder and aileron were very stiff and reacted
against my corrections. It happened very quick,
but I believe I lost about 100 feet of altitude before
the U-6A could be brought under control. My
flight path led into some hills approximately 500
feet high .... I had been caught in a downdraft in
mountainous terrain in the past and it was very
similar to what I experienced this time."
* * *
U-IOA pilot: "While in no. 1 position, awaiting
takeoff clearance for runway 35, two four-engine
jets were cleared for takeoff on runway 17 approxi-
mately two minutes apart. Immediately after the
second jet neared the departure end of runway 17,
I was given takeoff clearance. I refused to take the
active at that time due to probable wake turbulence
from the jets at my end of the runway. At that
time, a single engine aircraft, awaiting takeoff on
runway 08, requested and was given takeoff clear-
ance. At the time the pilot reached the junction of
runways 08 and 35, he was approximately 50 feet
in the air. When he hit the wake turbulence, his
aircraft lost approximately 15 feet and appeared to
be out of control. Fortunately, he was flying across
the area of turbulence, instead of parallel to it,
and was able to recover successfully.
"Had I accepted the takeoff clearance issued, I
would very likely have lost control of the aircraft
and become a statistic in the weekly accident sum-
mary. It demonstrated very vividly to me the dan-
gers involved when we take chances to beat other
traffic out of an airfield."
* * *
OH-23D pilot: "While on a traInIng flight, I
experienced what I at first believed to be air tur-
bulence. After leaving a confined area, I again
JUNE 1967
experienced rough flight. At this time, I discovered
that the engine was cutting out, then surging. I
elected to return to an airfield, feeling it would
be safe.
"Halfway to the airfield, over a river, the engine
got worse, so I elected to make a precautionary
landing. I started an approach to a slope area,
bringing in full throttle in order to hold 3 I 00 rpm.
On final, the engine cut out, surged to 3700 rpm,
then quit. I had to go into autorotation at approxi-
mately 10- I 5 feet. Fortunately, I was able to land
on a hill crest with no damage.
"A lot could have been avoided by making a
precautionary landing when the first sign of engine
failure was noticed. I would have had a more suit-
able landing site and could have landed under
much better conditions if I had."
* * *
UH-IB pilot: "I was flying as aircraft commander
of an armed UH-IB during combat operations. The
aircraft was equipped with an M-16 type armed gun
system, modified so that the rocket pods could be
jettisoned separately. All crewmembers smelled
smoke after we pulled out from our second firing
pass.
"During both passes, all machineguns fired, and
all rockets were expended. After smelling smoke,
the rocket pods were immediately checked and one
rocket was seen to be hung up. Since it could not
be determined whether the rocket was burning or
had just failed to fire, the pods were jettisoned.
During this period, the fire team leader had
maneuvered his aircraft into position to check for
fire, but had seen nothing.
"As we turned toward the nearest airfield, the
crewchief saw smoke coming from a point near the
base of the transmission housing. I decided to land
immediately in an infantry battalion CPo After
landing, we found the source of the fire was a
burning rag in the space between the 7.62 ammuni-
tion trays and the rear cabin bulkhead. Damage
was limited to a slight scorching of the bulkhead
upholstery. The cause of the fire was determined to
be hot brass expended from the M-60 door guns
dropping on the rag.
"This space between the arms trays and bulkhead
is frequently used for storage of rags, books, etc.,
by the crew. It is certain that the SOPs in this unit
will be changed to stop this practice and this inci-
dent should be brought to the attention of a l ~
61
ARMY AVIATION - NEWEST MEMBER
Continued from page 15
situation and make key decisions
from a position somewhere to the
rear of their forces. Their situa-
tion reports might have been sec-
ond, or depending on communi-
cations, third hand information.
N ow through the command and
control helicopter, the command-
er can place himself at a vantage
point in the air where he can
personally observe and influence
all of his forces engaged in a
specific operation. This is not to
say that commanders did not per-
sonally influence units in the past.
They most certainly did. But to
do so mean t tha t they would be
required to pick a specific unit
w here they fel t their presence
might be most required.
through the capabilities of the
newest member of the team.
Still there are opponents to the
growth and development of Army
aviation who have rationalized its
combat success in Southeast Asia
by stating that we are now en-
gaged in a war that is completely
unique. They will readily ac-
know ledge mobili ty as the key to
success in this particular war, be-
cause victory hinges on our ability
to mass, assault and destroy the
enemy before he fades into the
safety of his inhospitable terrain.
What they will not acknowledge
is the potential of the Army air-
mobility concept in its envisioned
application in higher intensity
warfare. Strangely enough, how-
ever, if you consider the pattern
of war we are presently fighting
in the jungles, mountains, and
paddies of Vietnam, it could very
well be the pattern of future con-
flicts, with tactical modifications
to cope with the specific situation.
Through the continuous appli-
cation of sound tactics and tech-
niques, Army aviation, like the
vulnerable but highly versatile
infantryman, can accomplish its
assigned tasks regardless of the
intensity of warfare encountered.
We can fully appreciate that in a
higher intensity environment the
possibility of exposure to enemy
long range artillery fighter bomb-
ers and armor forces would prob-
ably require some changes in our
methods of employing Army air-
craft. I am sure that imaginative
flying soldiers will be able to cope
with these new requirements with
the same positive attitude they
have maintained in the face of
other challenging situations.
Army aviation has come a long
way in 25 years. But the route
has been strewn with frustration
and unacceptance. Despite the
formidable obstacles, however, it
has continued to grow and thrive
to fulfill the needs of a modern
well balanced Army. Its future
growth and potential will be
limited only by the foresight and
motivation of the men who will
employ its unique capabilities in
a manner to provide even greater
service to the Army team. In the aerial command post,
the airmobile force commander,
wi th the aid of a small balanced
staff and superior radio commu-
nications, can effectively control
all facets of an operation. He can
quickly lift or shift a fantastic
variety of fire support and, as re-
quired, modify or alter his plan.
When necessary he can discard
one plan and adopt another in
seconds. The old adage "shoot,
move, and communicate," which
has long rep res en ted the legs of
the tripod of military success, has
taken on a fresh new meaning
Troops of the 173rd Airborne Brigade jump into the assault from a UH-l
62
of many was the movement of
1,893,821 troops on the battlefield.
That is more personnel than are
necessary to completely man 126
Army combat divisions. Resupply,
a prominent capability of Army
ail', accounted for cargo trans-
ported which tipped the scales at
138,288 tons.
The art of helicopter gunnery,
fast becoming a legendary capa-
bility, categorizes our pilots and
gunners as true professionals.
Their expertise in gunnery tac-
tics and the variety of skills
forged in the landing zones of
Vietnam by exposure to ever-
changing tactical situations caught
the enemy wherever he turned.
As proof that few escape the
unleashed fury of "Hawk" gun-
ships, hundreds of enemy sampans
have been sunk along the hun-
dreds of miles of canals and rivers
which crisscross more than half
the country. Fewer succeed in
evading the all-seeing eyes of the
ominous "Firefly" ships which
prowl these waterways under
cover of darkness, which is no
longer the shield under which
enemy craft once stealthily de-
livered their caches. Helicopter
fire teams accompanying Firefly
JUNE 1967
mIssIOns hunt, seek out, and de
stroy these contrabanders.
To ensure that this battlefield
know-how was not lost, the bri-
gade has published two editions
and a pocket version of an opera-
tions manual which records the
.results of its combat experience.
This experience has dictated the
need to standardize aviation unit
organizations, tailoring them to
their missions. An important part
of this program is the redesigna-
tion of all aviation units with
titles more descriptive of their
mission and organic aircraft. Re-
naming, until officially acted
upon, has become an interim
reality in the brigade. (See insert.)
While combat seasoning is
. gathered in battle, tribute is due
the schools responsible for the de-
gree of training with which their
alumni arrive for combat. They
are without exception a tribute
to these insti tutions of military
learning: aviators, crewchiefs, me-
chanics, gunners, and the scores
of other ca tegories of men who
professionally serve the 1st Avia-
tion Brigade in Vietnam.
Untold numbers of these men
have given a tremendous account
of themselves under the stresses
of frequent flight, long strenuous
hours and sometimes heavy com-
bat conditions. Countless, too, are
those who have run the gamut of
sacrifice in this brigade, earning
the right to personal and unit
awards, both American and for-
eign, for extraordinary heroism,
valor, and merit. Nor is the bri-
gade without those who have
made the extreme sacrifice .
As Army aviation commemo-
rates it 25th anniversary, the 1st
A viation Brigade hails the begin-
ning of its second year. Some will
remember the brigade's victories
ot the first year. Others will join
it in years to come. No one will
forget that it exists.
EQUIPMENT
N/A
PRESENT DESIGNATION PROPOSED DESIGNATION
N/A
R/W
F/Wor
Composite
UBIB
Gun Company
UHI
Lilt Company
CH-47
CH54
0-1
OV-l
V-I
A viation Brigade
Aviation Group
Aviation Battalion
Aviation Battalion
Aviation Company
(Airmobile Light)
Aviation Company
(Airmobile Light)
Aviation Company
(Airmobile Medium)
Flying Crane Company
Aviation Company
(Surveillance Air-
plane Light)
Aviation Company
(Aerial Surveillance)
Aviation Company
(Airmobile Fixed Wing)
Aviation Brigade
Combat Aviation Group
Combat Aviation BattaUon
Combat Support Aviation
Battalion
Armed Helicopter
Company
Assault Helicopter
Company
Assault Support Heli-
copter Company
Assault Support Heli-
copter Company
Reconnaissance ,Airplane
Company
Surveillance Airplane
Company
VtiUty Airplane
Company
63
T
HE NEW U-2IAs, scheduled
for first deliveries this month,
are a cross between Beech Air-
craft Corporation's King Air and
Queen Air. They have the King
Air wings and engines and a fuse-
lage similar to that of the Queen
Air.
Purpose of combining the two
aircraft is to get the features most
needed by the Army from each.
The twin turboprop engines will
give the U-21 power and reliabil-
i ty; the King Air wings will pro-
vide the lift needed to match the
engines; and the Queen Air cabin
the roominess needed to carry
troops and cargo.
The U -21 looks very much like
the NU -8F. This aircraft is a six
passenger un pressurized turboprop
transport converted from a Queen
Air Model 80. The major differ-
ence in the looks of the U-21 and
the NU-8F is that the U-21 will
have a cargo compartment for-
ward of the regular airstair cabin
door to provide overall cargo
space of 53Y2" x 51 Y2".
The U-21s will be powered by
twin Pratt & Whitney PT6A-20
engines. These engines have 550
shaft horsepower and have a dry
'veight of 309.5 pounds. They are
62 inches long and 19 inches in
diameter. They drive three-bladed,
constant speed, fully feathered
Hartzell propellers.
A 58-gallon main fuel cell is
located in each aft nacelle sec-
tion. In addition four intercon-
nected auxiliary cells are located
in each wing; these hold an addi-
tional 131 gallons. This gives the
U-21 a total fuel capacity of 378
gallons. A complete crossfeed sys-
tem permi ts use of fuel by ei ther
engine from all tanks.
Nacelle and inboard tanks are
completely self-sealing to provide
protection for 202 gallons of fuel.
The remaining cells in the out-
board wing panels are standard
bladders.
The interior arrangement al-
lows for a variety of uses. The
pilot and copilot sit side by side
and are separated from the main
cabin by a removable half-curtain.
The cabin will accommodate ten
DIR'ECTION OF TAKEOFF
GUARANTEED MAXIMUM
I
1=
TAKEOFF
TAKEOFF PERFORMANCE IS BASED ON A GROUND RUN DISTANCE OF 15 PERCENT
MORE THAN THAT FOR HARD SURFACE FielD.
DIRECTION OF LANDIN'G
GUARANTEED MAXIMUM
I_---GROUNDROLL
.. 715' .... _---_800'----_1
combat equipped troops on center
facing bench seats. An alternate
ambulance arrangement will ac-
commodate three litter patients
plus three ambulatory patients or
medical attendants. As a staff
transport it will carry six passen-
gers in standard forward-facing
chairs.
With all passenger sea ts re-
moved, the cabin can hold 3,000
pounds of cargo. Cargo tiedown
fittings are installed in the floor.
U sable cabin space is 55 inches
wide by 57 inches high and 12Y2
feet long. Bulky items are easily
loaded through a door 53 Y2 inches
wide by 51 Y2 inches high.
The floor is designed to wi th-
stand cargo loads of 200 pounds
per square foot. Cargo tiedowns
are capable of restraining 2,000
pounds.
The aircraft is designed to op-
erate within a temperature range
of -25
0
F to +125
0
F without
modification. None of the equip-
ment onboard will be affected by
temperatures or weather condi-
tions within this range.
The Army has awarded the
Beech Aircraft Corporation a con-
tract for 88 U-21s. Delivery was
started in March and should be
completed by January 1968.
The initial contract comes to
$17,631,081. The total contract,
including spares, is expected to
exceed $20 million.
Beech is also training 20 in-
structor pilots and 20 instructor
mechanics to operate and service
the aircraft. Training is being
conducted at the Beechcraft facil-
ities in Wichita, Kan. Classes in-
clude ground school instruction
in maintenance and operation of
the U-21 as well as transition
flight check for aviators.
64 u. S. AVIATION DIGEST

Army Aviation Digest - Jun 1967

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UNITED

DIRECTOR OF ARMY AVIATION, ACSFOR

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