Military

Users wanted at least a 17" (19" preferred) computer monitor to view detailed mission graphics. To print maps off the AMPS, pilots used the print screen function, which enables a printout of a small/poor quality map. The quality and resolution of the screen print capability can be enhanced by equipment upgrades.

A team from Communications Electronics Command (CECOM) trained ATKHR personnel on a new mission rehearsal capability of AMPS. The Aviation Mission Rehearsal (AMR) upgrade fielded by the CECOM team allowed pre-flight review of air routes. However, its resolution and quality was not as capable as that of the TOPSCENE simulator, discussed later in this article.

Each squadron had six AMPS available. The squadrons distributed three AMPS to the Tactical Operations Center (TOC) and one to each of the three line troops. Within the squadrons, there were four school-trained AMPS operators, who received their training from CECOM. However, several AMPS within each squadron did not work and no trained maintenance technicians, military or civilian, were available to repair the AMPS in theater.

Squadrons received satellite photo prints of objective areas. However, the resolution was not good enough for identification of individual targets and man-made features, essential for mission execution. It was only adequate for observing terrain features and acquiring target groups.

Aviation Procedures Guide (APG)

Successful deep operations depended not only on state-of-the-art mission planning equipment, but also on standardized procedures for TF aviators. The TF developed an APG to provide standardization for all TF aviation assets. The APG was established by Air Traffic Services (ATSs) and approved by the Deputy Commanding General (DCG), Air. Aircrews had to read and understand the APG before operating aircraft in the tactical AO. Inadvertent Instrument Meteorological Condition (IIMC) recovery was a key procedure in the APG, which was necessary to ensure operations in low visibility and low ceiling conditions.

Decision Matrix for Employing Attack Aviation Assets

During the planning process, TF Hawk also developed the following abort criteria and mission No-Go criteria in employing its attack aviation assets.

Other Planning Considerations

The task, "Conduct of Deep Operations," was part of the ATKHR's Mission-Essential Task List (METL). However, this regimental task had to be coordinated with the myriad of other essential tasks, many of which were not the regiment's primary responsibility, to ensure success against a stationary, defensively postured, and dispersed enemy force in Kosovo.

1. Task Force aviation elements planned doctrinal deep operations using indirect fires (Multiple-Launch Rocket System (MLRS), 155mm, and 105mm) to target enemy positions along ingress aviation routes and EA.

2. Corps G3 and G2 supported the deep operations planning through detailed joint planning and extensive Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield (IPB). Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), the Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS), and the Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS) provided key intelligence-gathering capabilities to TF Hawk.

3. TF Hawk deep operations planners developed JSEAD plans for each MRE, just as they would for actual missions.

4. Task force airspace planners coordinated its Army Airspace Command and Control (A2C2) requirements internally, then forwarded them to the Combined Air Operations Center (CAOC) for approval and publication in the Air Tasking Order (ATO)/Special Instructions (SPINs).

The aviation task force began the execution of MREs at F-8 hours. Rehearsals normally lasted one and one half-hours and were conducted in a large tent that provided room for over 50 personnel, the required map boards, a master hazard map, and a large enough floor area to lay out two complete missions at one time. Engineer tape, placards, rope, and wood blocks of various colors were used to represent control measures, mission graphics, and key mission elements.

All mission executors participated in "Rock Drills" or "Walk Throughs" in the rehearsal tent. These personnel included attack, lift, and combat search and rescue (CSAR) pilots, downed aircraft recovery teams (DARTs), attack aviation unit chain of command, lift aviation unit chain of command, the firing battery and field artillery battalion commanders. Other personnel included in the rock drill were staff members from the various Battlefield Operating Systems (BOSs). Personnel who had to make radio calls during the mission, such as tactical satellite (TACSAT) operators in CH-47 Fat Cow aircraft, were later included in the rock drills. Command elements served as facilitators to the aircrews and BOS representatives. The ATKHR S2 initiated all rehearsals with an updated intelligence brief. Upon completion of the intelligence update, the Regimental S3 conducted a line-by-line review of the execution matrix with the assembly. As each line was read, the appropriate elements executed their action on the terrain board. The facilitators then placed individuals in certain scenarios to see how they would react. Although the TF rehearsals tracked a mission from takeoff to landing, actions at the objective were rehearsed at separate squadron rehearsals, under the supervision of the Squadron Commander, S3 and Troop Commanders. The squadron-level rehearsals were conducted the day prior, and focused on the execution of individual crew and troop actions.

In addition to Rock Drills, aircrews conducted extensive rehearsals using available simulations tools. The task force used much of the mission planning equipment discussed previously to rehearse. Aircrews utilized TOPSCENE to survey the terrain. Crews were able to view terrain on TOPSCENE from 1-5 meter resolution in Albania and Kosovo. Aircrews also used the AMPS, which was upgraded to allow similar mission rehearsal capabilities as the TOPSCENE, although it did not have the same resolution. Furthermore, AH-64 pilots used WinCATS (Version 3.1) to refine ABF operations and actions on the objective.

The ATKHR TF faced numerous challenges in executing deep operations in the tactical AO. Small and isolated enemy target sets precluded the TF from massing attack assets. Extremely mountainous terrain, coupled with the high altitude, degraded aircraft performance and limited flight route and engagement area options. Long flight routes from the TF assembly area to the EAs made fuel considerations paramount. TF Hawk used a number of TTPs to overcome challenges in executing deep operations.

Extreme mountainous terrain (Albanian Alps) channelized or limited attack helicopter flight routes and ABF selection. Unit planning cells used TOPSCENE to locate terrain that they could apply Background, Range, Area to Maneuver, Sun and Moon, Shadows, Cover, Rotorwash, Altitude above target, and Fields of fire (BRASSCRAF) to select positions that could sustain two attack aircraft in the ABF at a minimum.

Based on the conditions provided above, the unit task organized a flight of four aircraft into two teams that utilized Lead/Wingman formations. A fifth attack aircraft flew on some strike packages for security and C2.

The ERFS increased risk to aircrews because it increased aircraft weight in high altitude flight conditions and lacked ballistic tolerance and crashworthiness. These factors prompted the TF to remove the fuel tanks from the wing stores. However, this required the TF to plan and employ forward refueling points using CH-47 Fat Cows (CH-47 fitted with refuel equipment capable of delivering up to 1,160 gallons of fuel). The ERFS was only employed when forward refueling points were not available.

However, mountainous terrain presented varied weather conditions that were unforecasted by the unit Staff Weather Officer (SWO). NVG did not perform as well as FLIR when the aircraft encountered bad weather. As a result, AH-64 CPGs transitioned to the FLIR when encountering bad weather, while the UH-60 remained on NVG since it was not FLIR-equipped. This placed the UH-60 at a disadvantage because of its more limited visibility as it struggled to remain with the flight of AH-64s.

As a means of aircraft recognition during blackout operations with NVG, TF AH-64s used infrared chemical lights to aid visual recognition. TF Hawk used several techniques and locations for placing the infrared chemical light but ultimately used flex ties to secure the light to the AH-64 tail wheel-locking handle.