Attack Helicopter Employment Options

Using qualitative methods, this thesis summarizes the present capability of the attack helicopter to operate effectively in a battlefield environment characterized by intense, sophisticated air defense. Given the demonstrated survivability, options for employment of attack helicopters should be expanded to include aggressive, decisive employment against critical targets behind the enemy forward positions. Chapter VI of the thesis discusses the expanded options in some detail. The thesis also proposes that the Army’s organizational basis for attack helicopter doctrine/tactics is inadequate and lacks necessary unity; the question of an Aviation Branch should be re-examined. Also, the present division of roles/missions between the Army and Air Force may be counterproductive to development of effective, comprehensive battlefield aviation employment doctrine. Current US Army attack helicopter doctrine is not complete. The thesis demonstrates that the tank-killing helicopter mission paramount in current doctrine is not the only appropriate role; in fact, it is probably not the best role. Attack helicopter capabilities far exceed the operational requirements reflected in current doctrine.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.