04 (1)

Army Concept for Employment of Armed Reconnaissance HelicoptersCHAPTER 4

CAPABILITY MANAGEMENT OF ARMED RECONNAISSANCE HELICOPTERS 4

General 4.1

4.1 The Army capability management process addresses capability elements under a people,organisation, support, training, equipment and doctrine (POSTED) construct. This concept foremployment document (CED) provides broad guidance on how Army intends to manage theimplementation, support and development of the armed reconnaissance helicopters (ARH) capabilityover its anticipated life. Outlined in this section of the CED is Armys broad guidance to the supportingfamily of documents1 and plans, which will be used by Army to effect the daily management of an ARHcapability and conforms to the POSTED construct.

4.2 The ARH capability will introduce into Army service a range of new technologies such asprecision guided munitions and sensors. Such new technologies will engender a need for newmaintenance and support methodologies and impact on tactics, training and doctrine. It is thereforeappropriate that Army articulates broad guidance (the commanders intent) on the managementphilosophy to be applied to ARH. In so doing Army intends to establish a common baseline upon whichall agencies can develop the necessary tactics, techniques, policies, processes and proceduresassociated with ARH.

PEOPLE 4.34.3 The military personnel and skills base required for ARH are to be sourced primarily from Army.An increase in task complexity will generate the need for new competencies to be developed in aircrew,groundcrew, maintenance and engineering personnel, but it is not expected that new trades will berequired. Rather, existing trades will accommodate the additional competencies required. Army willdevelop and maintain skills where practical and cost effective by leveraging from existing sources in theRoyal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) using inter-Service cooperative practices,including joint training and logistic support management arrangements. Supportability practices that areintegral to the aircraft design are expected to offset many of the implications arising from the increasedtechnical complexity of those ARH subsystems that are not currently in Australian Defence Force (ADF)service.

Armed reconnaissance helicopter crewing concept 4.4

4.4 Army intends that the continued viability of ARH crewing will be met by the use of a two pilotcrew methodology. The increase in pilot numbers over the current reconnaissance and aerial fire supportcapabilities liability will be offset by the withdrawal from service of the Kiowa, Iroquois gunship and, ifnecessary, the utility Iroquois. In so doing, Army expects that there will be no overall increase in theaircrew training liability from the current state. There will however, be a need to transition the fewremaining Aircrewman Observers to other trades.

4.5 There will be two distinct roles within the ARH aircraft. One will be to pilot the aircraft, the otherwill be to fight the aircraft as the Battle Captain (BC). The BC will be the aircraft commander, and willbe responsible for: using the sensors, employing the major weapon systems, navigating,communicating, making command decisions, coordinating other battlespace assets and commandingaircraft formations. This will require a system that allows the BC to gain the necessary experience andknowledge without unduly overloading the training system.

4.6 Both pilots will be officers for reasons of trade structure sustainability, in line with the cognitivedemands, job responsibility and competency development requirements associated with operating andemploying the ARH. The level of capability provided by an ARH gives the BC the ability to applysignificant firepower, and requires them to have advanced tactical knowledge, and the authority toemploy the firepower. This prerequisite knowledge, experience and credibility cannot be obtained in atraining establishment in a realistic period of time. A two pilot aircraft enables a junior pilot to gainexperience in a supervised environment, and also provides a skills upgrade path. A new pilot will initially

1 Refer to figure 11.

Army Concept for Employment of Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters42

concentrate on flying the aircraft. However, following a period of on-the-job experience (OJE) andon-the-job training (OJT), formal training in a school environment, and a period of assessment, that pilotwill qualify as a BC.

Rank/trade structure 4.7

4.7 ARH generate a need for a range of new skills, particularly for maintenance personnel. Thisincludes ammunition technicians, weapon technicians, sensor technicians and systems integrators.Army continues to review rank/trade competencies through the training needs analysis (TNA)2 forProject AIR 87. Once decisions are made on the actual ARH platform to be acquired, the TNA will bere-examined regularly, in concert with key stakeholders, to ensure maximum capability return isachieved through the smart use of skilled personnel and technology. Army is also conducting a holisticreview of rank/trade structures to support the total army aviation capability. This work force structurereview will include examination of trade sustainability, employment and remuneration issues.

Personnel 4.8

4.8 Army will provide sufficient uniformed personnel for effective ARH operational deploymentsincluding the provision of adequate field support and for the rotation of personnel during protractedoperations. This may be achieved through a mix of full-time and part-time personnel and deservesfurther investigation. The complexity and anticipated level of preparedness expected of the ARHcapability means full-time personnel should predominate (particularly for critical appointments), withpart-time personnel being used in a supplemental capacity. For example, the expected peacetimecrewing ratio is one and a half crews per on-line aircraft. Surging to a ratio of two crews per on-lineaircraft might be achieved with part-time pilots.

4.9 Surging in the maintenance function will, primarily, be achieved by increased productivityattained in the field. Nevertheless, some supplementation within the maintenance function is likely to bestill required.

4.10 The mandated concurrency requirements in relation to Military Response Options (MRO) andthe scarcity of critical personnel dictates that rotation of ARH personnel (both aircrew and maintenance)during sustained operations would be on an individual basis.

4.11 ARH will require additional personnel to meet the capabilitys support requirements. Some ofthese result from expanded trade requirements and others because of sustainment factors. Army willcontinue to refine these requirements but initial analysis suggests additional personnel will be needed inthe following areas:

a. weapons, which will require armament and ammunition technicians, gunnery officers,and non-tech rearming personnel;

b. sensors, which will require additional avionics technicians;

c. computers, especially Battlefield Command Support System (BCSS) operators andsoftware support for the extensive onboard computer systems;

d. intelligence, especially in relation to mission planning, debriefing and reportingrequirements and expertise;

e. groundcrew, particularly to meet refueling, non-tech aspects of rearming and CommandPost (CP) requirements;

f. recovery, which includes battle damage repair (BDR) expertise; g. aircraft survivability equipment, especially threat library management and electronic

warfare self protection (EWSP) employment expertise to maximise systemeffectiveness and ARH survivability3; and

h. vehicle drivers.

2 The AIR 87 TNA is being prepared by a consulting firm, Aeronautical Consulting Training and Engineering, and isexpected to be completed by Nov 99.

3 Army would expect to minimise personnel requirements associated with EWSP through the use of electronic transfer ofuser-defined threat library files to and from RAAF EW Sqn and ARH units.


4.12 To minimise the demand for uniformed personnel, Army expects that issues such as thelogistic support arrangements put into place for ARH will assist in achieving a lowest feasible militarypersonnel liability.

4.13 Army anticipates a need to alter higher support arrangements (for example, withDirector-General Technical Airworthiness, Joint Ammunition Logistics Office, etc). Changes to otherareas, such as flying instructor concepts, will also be examined.

ORGANISATION 4.14Command and control 4.14

4.14 Because of its inherent flexibility and given that it will be a scarce resource within thebattlespace, ARH will require careful husbandry to ensure they are used to maximum effect. ARH willtherefore be commanded at the highest practicable level within the land component and assigned tomanoeuvre elements under appropriate operational authority for specific tasks. Army needs to examinecommand and control options for the total combat aviation force to ensure that the necessaryresponsibility, authority and accountability is vested at the appropriate level for both peace and war. Thisparticularly includes planning and coordination of ARH activities. Primarily, the examination shouldconcentrate on higher command and control arrangements (ie above unit level). The lower levelarrangements outlined below reflect the command and control of army aviation when deployed onoperations.

4.15 The squadron is the lowest level of command at which ARH operations can be sustained forany significant period of time. Army expects to organise ARH into two squadrons each of which will becapable of independent deployment for limited periods as part of the combined arms tactical grouping.MRO concurrency requirements suggest that it is unlikely that both ARH squadrons will be assigned toa single homogenous regiment in support of a single task force, although the ability to mass ARHfirepower under a single regiment will be provided by the normal Army practice of regrouping. Rather, inorder to maximise the operational flexibility and responsiveness of the aviation capabilities, each ARHsquadron will normally be grouped with one or more of the other aviation capabilities under an Armyaviation Regimental Headquarters (RHQ) supporting a task force. The RHQ provides a sustainableoperational capability through provision of command functions that include operational command,planning, coordination, technical control, flying safety, collective training and logistical management.These regimental functions are required in both peace and war and it is not efficient to fully duplicatethem in each squadron. Thus, the RHQ provides the normal means through which effective, efficient andsafe tactical level command and control of both composite and homogenous aviation forces can beexercised by land force and joint formations. 4.16 Even when an ARH squadron is independently deployed, it will still require ongoing externalsupport, particularly with regard to maintenance and logistics. Army expects this support to be provided,in the first instance, from aviation regimental resources linking through to a deployed aviation logisticalsupport node provided at an airhead or Forward Operating Base (FOB). Such organic aviation logisticand maintenance support may be achieved through allocation of those regimental aviation resources tothe deployed ARH squadron (augmentation), or retention of those resources at the regimental level withbackloading and replacement via the airhead or FOB as necessary (centralisation). Whetheraugmentation or centralisation is adopted will be determined by factors such as the distances involved,the nature and duration of deployment, the threat and the anticipated range of activities to beundertaken.

4.17 The assignment, to ARH squadrons, of responsibility for tactical outcomes will normally bemade by the respective aviation regimental commander based on the mission assigned by the task forcecommander. Depending on the requirement, the ARH squadron might be allocated under an appropriatecommand authority to a combined arms battle group for specific operations. Alternatively, the RHQ mightretain command of the squadron. In either case, aviation liaison and planning personnel would usuallybe assigned to the supported headquarters and the ARH Squadron Headquarters (SHQ) would conductdetailed mission planning in concert with other combined arms elements.

4.18 Flexibility in the employment and task tailoring of army aviation assets is a future trend that isparticularly relevant to ARH.


Squadron and regimental structure 4.19

4.19 The two ARH squadrons formed will each comprise six on-line aircraft grouped into threetroops of two aircraft4. Each squadron will also comprise an administrative element embedded into theSHQ, an operations troop and a Technical Support Troop (TST). The squadron executives (OfficerCommanding, Second in Command, Operations Officer and Liaison Officer) are expected to be qualifiedARH pilots. An ARH squadron structure is depicted in figure 41.

Figure 41: Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter Squadron structure

4.20 ARH, like other Army aviation assets, will be required to support both of Armys higherreadiness brigades. Therefore, a RHQ will be capable of commanding a composite aviation forcecomprising ARH, utility and medium lift helicopters (MLH) assets and, in due course perhaps, tacticaluninhabited aerial vehicle (UAV) elements. Subject to consideration of the cost effectiveness ofseparating the two ARH squadrons, one squadron will be located in Darwin (161 Sqn) and one squadronwill be located in Townsville (162 Sqn). This disposition will ensure that each higher readiness brigadeis well practiced in the employment of a composite aviation force that includes ARH as a manoeuvrecapability.

4.21 ARH reconnaissance (recce) troops (consisting of two operational platforms) will also beindependently deployable. Deployment of each ARH recce troop will, however, be for limited periods andwill require squadron support to achieve.

4.22 1st Aviation Regiment (1 Avn Regt) will be structured to support ARH manoeuvre in the contextof mechanised operations but will retain the capability to command other aviation assets. 1 Avn Regt willbe practiced in providing combat service support (CSS), command and control and tactical airlift supportto high tempo mechanised operations through the allocation of relevant assets either permanently or forspecific activities. Mechanised operations, unlike light infantry operations, do not rely on tactical airlift tothe extent that would justify permanent allocation of Black Hawk assets to 1 Avn Regt in peace.5th Aviation Regiment (5 Avn Regt), however, should be structured to provide ARH and tactical airliftsupport in the context of light infantry operations. Both regiments will be provided with responsivemaintenance and other logistic support for operations regardless of any peacetime grouping. Therespective RHQ will be capable of assuming responsibility for any grouping of aviation capabilitiesincluding fixed wing, UAV and MLH assigned under an appropriate command authority. Full commandof these latter aviation capabilities is expected to be external to 1 and 5 Avn Regts under arrangementsthat require further study. The indicative structure of 1 and 5 Avn Regts, depicted in figure 42, willcomprise an Operations Section, an ARH Squadron, other aviation capabilities as required and aTechnical and Administrative Support Squadron (TASS).

4 The minimum mission organisation for ARH will be a troop (recce pair), although single aircraft missions remain an optionin a limited range of low threat scenarios. Mission grouping will depend on the terminal effects required and can includeentire squadrons or both squadrons grouped under a RHQ operating as discrete manoeuvre elements or to massfirepower. Consequently, both the regimental and squadron organisations need the appropriate command and supportstructures to command and sustain these mission options.

Armed ReconnaissanceHelicopter Squadron

OperationsTroop

Recce TroopConsisting of twooperational ARH

Recce Troop Recce Troop TechnicalSupport Troop


Figure 42: Indicative Aviation Regiment structure

Associated organisational issues 4.23

4.23 Intelligence analysis. ARH will require integrated, deployable analysis support to perform theinitial analysis of information acquired by deployed elements. This will tailor the information flow to otherbattlespace users and value-add to the distributed intelligence product. This support will be held centrallyat RHQ for allocation as required. The analysts will also provide situational awareness to ARH andprovide advice on relevant targets and threats for mission planning purposes.

4.24 Planning and liaison staff. Army aviation planning and liaison staff will be provided to the

supported task force headquarters by either the aviation regiment or from an external aviationorganisation. These staff will conduct operational planning as part of the task force operational planningfunction and will provide advice to task force commanders and staff on aviation matters. Provision ofthese staff will permit the regimental and squadron commanders to focus on commanding theirrespective warfighting capabilities, a function that will have increasing importance with the introductionof the ARH capability. Typically an aviation planning and liaison cell would comprise a permanentlyassigned member (of Major rank) who would be augmented by several personnel (nominally of Captainrank) and support staff when the task force is deployed on operations.

SUPPORT AND FACILITIES 4.25Support concept 4.25

4.25 The ARH capability will introduce a new dimension in Army aviation operations and presentsthe opportunity to examine, and if necessary change, current support paradigms. Traditional supportphilosophies, methods and processes may not allow the full combat capabilities of ARH to be realised.The ARH Logistic Support Concept (LSC)5 represents current Army intentions. However, this LSC mayneed to be changed as a result of the Logistic Support Analysis (LSA) to be conducted as part of ProjectAIR 87, as emerging technology is identified and as further understanding of ARH needs is gained.

4.26 Support of ARH must be functional, adequately resourced, staffed with trained andexperienced personnel while not compromising the operational capability. In particular, the peacetimeinfrastructure is not to impinge on the mobility of operational units or restrict employability of ARH. Thismeans the immediate operational support requirements will be organic to ARH squadrons and be asreadily deployable, including having comparable mobility and protection to other squadron groundelements. To reduce the support burden on the squadron, Army expects an ARH platform to exhibit highreliability, low mean time to repair and have scheduled servicing requirements that optimise operationalavailability and minimise operator level maintenance requirements. To facilitate flexible deployment ofthe squadron, specialist ground support equipment and material handling equipment will normally be

5 Logistic Support ConceptProject AIR 87, phase 2Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (version 1.0) of 04 Jun 98.

RegimentalHeadquarters

OperationsSection

ArmedReconnaissance

HelicopterSquadron

Other AviationCapabilities

Technical andAdministrative

Support Squadron


held predominantly at regimental level rather than squadron level (ie in the TASS rather than the TST).Wherever practicable, the maximum use of the existing support infrastructure (such as Computer AidedMaintenance Management and the Standard Defence Supply System (SDSS) plus its Mount Isa Mines(MIMs) maintenance module) is also expected. The spares distribution system for ARH within the areaof operations (AO) will be based on existing models and spares requirements will be derived using LSAmethodologies.

Stockholdings 4.27

4.27 Fuel and ammunition requirements will be different for reconnaissance missions to those forfirepower missions. Therefore, supply arrangements will need to be tailored based on an appreciation oflikely mission profiles for specific operations. Nevertheless, some stocks will be held organic to eachARH squadron to satisfy immediate replenishment needs. For ammunition this will be one completeordnance reload for all squadron ARH, including EWSP related ordnance. Fuel stocks will be sufficientto provide two complete refuels for all squadron ARH. Spare parts holdings will be determined as part ofthe LSA, which should be based on a nominal eight-hour operational maintenance (OM) repair time limitand rate of effort (RofE) of six hours per day for each of the six on-line squadron ARH. Actual holdingsof spare parts will depend on the logistical supply-on-demand turnaround times. So as not to undulyrestrict deployability fuel, ammunition and spare parts will need the same degree of mobility as othersquadron support elements.

4.28 Normally, an ARH squadrons stockholdings would be duplicated at regimental level. However,provided the supporting theatre distribution system is responsive enough, this may be unnecessary6.Regardless, each aviation regiment will hold some fuel, ammunition and spare parts to support ARH thatmay be temporarily allotted to them for maintenance or operational reasons. Any such stocks must notinhibit the ability of the aviation RHQ to act as a manoeuvre headquarters.

4.29 Stockholding levels of fuel and ammunition is largely an internal Army matter. Nevertheless, itdoes raise wider issues of support to offshore operations, especially with regards to the storage capacityof the landing platform amphibious. ARH operational tempo will be directly proportional to the ability ofthe ADF to readily supply fuel, ammunition and spare parts for it, where and when required.

4.30 The LSA7 will also examine the overall support concept, in particular the feasibility of adopting:

a. surge requirements for ARH spares based on 30 days at a daily RofE of 10 hours peron-line aircraft, at least for repairable items (RI);

b. procedures for the carriage and storage of ammunition and spares, including improvedmeans of packaging, transporting (especially by air or sea) and storing; and

c. distribution of ARH spares as part of the Army SDSS to aid visibility, accountability andmanagement of critical RI and break down spares (BDS) under a possible aviationlogistic hub construct.

Forward Operating Bases and Forward Arming and Refuelling Points 4.31

4.31 ARH will need to refuel and re-arm frequently. Where returning a long distance to the securesquadron location would be contrary to task requirements ARH will replenish from a FOB or a ForwardArming and Refueling Point (FARP)8. Each ARH squadron will require the capacity to staff either a FOBor a FARP. Simultaneous deployment of both facilities will require supplemental staffing from regimentor other sources. Army expects that wherever possible fuel and ammunition in either a FOB or FARP(but especially in a FOB) to be delivered directly from theatre sources.

6 Army expects JP 126Theatre Distribution System to address this issue.7 The LSA will also be guided by the sustainment concepts provided under Armys Army After Next CSS Concept being

produced by AHQ.8 A FOB is a semi-permanent facility established under task force control and incorporates support elements of all force

elements deployed. A FARP is a temporary replenishment facility established on a task by task basis and, generally, onlysupports aviation assets. A FARP (consisting of the necessary re-arming, refuelling and maintenance capabilities) willnormally close or move after each replenishment cycle. A FOB will also include an operational mission planningcapability.


Maintenance 4.32

4.32 The objective of maintenance support is to preserve the inherent levels of system availabilityand asset preservation, whilst utilising available resources in a cost-effective manner. A two-tiermaintenance system, comprising OM conducted within units and deeper maintenance (DM) conductedoutside the units will apply for ARH. Army intends that OM for ARH be similar to that applied to currentArmy aircraft. That is, generally speaking, it will be limited to gross fault rectification (module andcomponent replacement) with finer rectification performed by DM agencies. Scheduled OM will belimited based on completion times (nominally eight hours on deployment but may be longer in baselocations) and complexity. Where longer time frames are involved ARH will be back loaded to DMfacilities or Forward Repair Teams9 will be deployed to effect the necessary maintenance. Control of thiswill be effected by a central maintenance coordinating headquarters in accordance with the theatrepolicy on operations and in accordance with the optimum division between OM and DM that Armyexpects the LSA to identify.

4.33 Army expects that a contractor will maintain the training ARH platform.

Smart systems 4.34

4.34 Army intends to rely on built-in test (BIT) and built-in test equipment (BITE) technologieswherever possible to ensure system integrity. Isolation of those faults not detected by BIT or BITE, willrequire expert technician support. This implies a need for high levels of maintenance expertise andexperience at the OM level. Initially at least, this may not be achievable with military personnel. Armytherefore expects to extensively use a mix of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) support and smartsystems that embody corporate knowledge and provide advice to field maintainers while facilitating therapid return to operations of unserviceable ARH. Army expects to be able to grow any smart systembased on lessons learned from the ongoing operation of the ARH capability. Smart systems expectedinclude ARH technical manuals and publications in digital format. These systems should also haveembedded growth potential to match modernisation measures introduced to the ARH capabilitythroughout its life.

4.35 Health and Usage Monitoring System (HUMS). Army anticipates that the ARH will

incorporate a cost-effective level of HUMS capability to enhance individual platform management. Assuch technology matures, Army may seek to incorporate additional HUMS capabilities as a growthoption for the ARH capability. Data retrieval from HUMS must be readily achievable when ARH aredeployed to the field. Information resulting from the analysis of HUMS data must be made available toappropriate organisations in a timely manner. This may require the capacity to conduct some dataanalysis in the field to support OM and unit level engineering management functions.

4.36 Crash data recorder (CDR) and crash position indicator (CPI). Army expects ARH to befitted with CDR (which includes flight data recorders and cockpit voice recorders). Furthermore, Armyexpects to use information from CDR to improve flying safety, training effectiveness and crew resourcemanagement in accordance with relevant operational airworthiness and safety management policies.CPI need to be fitted to each aircraft to assist in the recovery of downed platforms and crews.

Use of contractors 4.37

4.37 Army expects ARH to be supported by contractors to the maximum practical extent where it isefficient and cost effective to do so. This includes for supply support at unit, and even sub-unit, baselocations. For example, Army would prefer to minimise internal holdings of RI and BDS. As a minimum,Army would expect a contractor to manage ARH spares inventory and repair RI. Contractorresponsibilities could extend to ARH engineering and configuration management on behalf of Army.

4.38 Limitations on use of contractor support in the AO, particularly in a high threat environment,need to be clarified. The ability to use contractor support in the AO will be crucial to the military personnelliability for ARH. Army expects that only military personnel essential for technical mastery purposes willbe employed in DM activities. These aspects raises further issues that should be examined in the LSA,including for example, exchange linkages between the contractor distribution system and the Armydistribution system together with where this exchange point is to be physically and functionally located.It also raises the issue of use of OEM Field Service Representatives (FSR) that Army notes as beingvery effective for both Black Hawk and Chinook. Army would expect FSR to be provided down to unit

9 Forward Repair Teams will normally comprise uniformed personnel from the Technical and Administrative SupportSquadron. However, it is possible that if circumstances permit, DM elements could be deployed forward to effectnecessary maintenance or recover ARH.


and, if practicable, down to sub-unit level during the introduction into service of the ARH capability.Depending upon the ongoing value of FSR, Army would intend to extend such an arrangementthroughout the life of the ARH capability.

4.39 Army expects the ADF, along lines similar to current arrangements, to retain responsibility forfinancial management, technical airworthiness, systems engineering management, contractmanagement and macro-level logistic management. Army prefers to deal with a single contractor ratherthan manage a range of discrete contracts for the support of the ARH capability, including training.

Technical mastery 4.40

4.40 Army needs to obtain a depth of knowledge on ARH systems beyond OM maintenance. Thisis required to improve fault analysis at OM, support complex logistic management functions and todevelop an ARH BDR capability. Technical mastery personnel will be uniformed and embedded in theDM structure. Army will also use exchanges with other ARH operating Armies to enhance technicalmastery.

Recovery 4.41

4.41 Recovery and the subsequent expedient repair of damaged equipment are an essentialcomponent of force preservation. On operations, BDR techniques will be used by Army to aid recoveryof ARH. This has training and procedural implications that will be addressed by Army. Army also intendsto apply a system of assigning mission worthy status to individual ARH platforms that are capable ofoperational employment (instead of fully serviceable). Specifically, contingency maintenance policieswill be adopted for the maintenance of ARH on operations where this is supported by risk assessment.MLH will be used to effect recovery of downed ARH where repair in-situ (the preferred option) is notfeasible or involves excessive time delays (which will be governed by theatre policy). The ARH DMcontractor may conduct recovery in peacetime where this exceeds the capacity of ARH units.

4.42 The ability of MLH to effect recovery of downed ARH will be limited by the ready availability ofsuitable aerial delivery equipment (ADE). Army would expect this ADE to be held by the MLH squadronand deployed to the field as part of the MLH fly away kit when supporting, or likely to support, ARHoperations.

Software support 4.43

4.43 The ARH will have a significant amount of embedded software. Continued support will beneeded for software maintenance and for the analysis of ARH system faults. Army expects this supportto be readily accessible to ensure ARH availability is not unduly constrained and to facilitate training. Thisis especially applicable to the threat libraries associated with EWSP. The ability to exploit softwareenhancements and advancements will remain a growth path determinant for the ARH capability.

Science and technology support 4.44

4.44 Continued modernisation of the ARH capability will rely on scientific research, particularly withregards to developments unique to the Australian environment or situation. Army expects science andtechnology (S&T) support to be key to improving the operational effectiveness of ARH and thereforeinvolvement of the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) in all facets of ARHdevelopment is vital. Army expects S&T plans to be a key outcome of the capability managementframework applied to the ARH capability. This includes test and evaluation conducted on behalf of Armyby the Air Force Research and Development Unit (ARDU). Army expects ARDU to be instrumental inidentifying ARH deficiencies and in the development of feasible solutions.

Facilities 4.45

4.45 Army will make maximum use of existing facilities wherever cost effective to do so.Notwithstanding, operational outcomes are the primary driver for ARH disposition. Army also expectsthat facilities used will enhance the structural integrity of each ARH through the provision of adequateshelter and corrosion control measures. Facilities must also pay due regard to the security of ARHweapons and cryptographic equipment.


4.46 Army intends to collocate a squadron with each of the high readiness brigades and to relocate

1 Avn Regt from Oakey to the Darwin area to provide the 1st Brigade (1 Bde) with dedicated aviationcommand, control, planning and support. Armys preference is to relocate 1 Avn Regt, and 161 RecceSqn from RAAF Darwin, to Robertson Barracks. RAAF Darwin is an acceptable alternative location ifRobertson Barracks proves an unrealistic option.

4.47 162 Recce Sqn facilities at Lavarack Barracks in Townsville were designed to accommodatefour aircraft of the size of an ARH platform. An additional workshop bay and three additional storage bayswill be required for all the new aircraft and land has been identified in that squadron location.

4.48 ARH training platforms will be based at Oakey. Once the Kiowa and (possibly) Iroquois havebeen disposed of, there should be sufficient workshop and hangar space available in Aviation SupportGroup Workshop (ASGW) facilities for the training platforms with only minor upgrades needed.4.49 The provision and location of DM facilities will be examined as part of the LSA and finalisedduring Project AIR 87 contract negotiations. Options to be examined include the use of the ASGW facilityat Oakey and contractor supplied facilities elsewhere. Army has no specific preference in this regard butnotes that Oakey offers opportunities for technical airworthiness oversight, quality assurance and thedevelopment and incorporation of aircraft modifications while substantial contractor support to Armyaircraft already exists in Townsville.

4.50 A simulation centre is being constructed at Oakey to house the Black Hawk simulator. Thisfacility is designed for expansion to accommodate the ARH primary flight simulator. Army expects thatthe ARH primary flight simulator together with ARH maintenance simulators would be located at theOakey facility. Army also expects each squadron will need facilities to house deployable ARH missionsimulators and computer based training systems. Army will seek the networking of the suite of ARHsimulators as a growth option and expects that they will possess the ability to be linked with other Armyand ADF simulators. The capacity to network simulators would maximise benefits derived from anintegrated virtual training environment.

4.51 There will be a requirement for ammunition storage and ordnance loading aprons (OLA), bothon land and onboard amphibious ships. Laser designation for guided munitions will have implications foreye safety on range areas that need to be addressed further, as does test firing and weaponbore-sighting requirements. However, OLA are not considered necessary in the squadron and regimentbase locations at Darwin and Townsville.

TRAINING 4.524.52 The ARH capability will require a robust and flexible training support system for aircrew,maintenance and support personnel. A TNA, based on the Army Training System (ATS), has beenconducted as part of Project AIR 87 to derive the competencies required to support ARH and design theassociated mature system training. Army will refine the TNA as necessary to ensure the required qualityof training is delivered in a timely manner to maximise the potential of the capability. Army will seek tomaximise the use of contractor support for non-tactical functions where efficient and cost effective to doso. This may include the design, development, conduct and support of training, including the operationand maintenance of associated training devices.

4.53 Army will ensure that extant training courses and venues throughout the ADF are usedwherever feasible. However, Army intends to use overseas training where the outcomes achieved makeit cost effective to do so. Army will not conduct operational conversion training for ARH in operationalunits as it conflicts with their deployable warfighting role. Individual aircrew, ground crew and technicaltraining will be conducted at the Army Aviation Training Centre (AAVNTC), at Oakey.4.54 Maximising the ARH operational capability depends to a high degree on the ATS and the useof a suite of training devices that does the following:

a. leads ARH software enhancements;

b. provides full functionality with respect to sub-systems and interoperability as applicablewith joint and coalition partners;


c. capitalises on software reuse to keep training systems cost low as well as fullycompatible with aircraft modifications; and

d. capitalises on technology based training and distance learning technologies to reducetraining costs and facilities.

Resource constraints 4.55

4.55 Resource constraints mean that Army will seek to make maximum use of cost effective andefficient training means, including the use of technology based training for both individual and collectivetraining. The general features of ARH training are also expected to include:

a. The maximum use of adult education methodologies.

b. Recognition that the increased technology and capability will impact upon the durationand complexity of training. This may mean higher entry-level standards for somecourses. Such courses may therefore be more demanding and perhaps longer thancurrent courses. This may impact on other established training courses.

4.56 If resources dictate the adoption of priorities for training, then the following guidelines shouldapply:

a. Priority 1. Training necessary for the safe conduct of operations.

b. Priority 2. Training necessary to allow experience to be gained in the operationalemployment of ARH.

c. Priority 3. Training to support other Corps and Services training.

Type transition training 4.57

4.57 As a result of the ongoing review of the pilot training continuum10, traditional initial training on

an aircraft type is to be spilt into two parts: type transition training, and operational conversion training.Basic system operations and safe flight operations are the primary focus of type transition training. Thistraining addresses aircrew, maintenance and ground support personnel instruction to operate (not fight)and support the ARH capability.

Operational conversion training 4.58

4.58 The second component of initial ARH training is operational conversion training. This phase oftraining addresses the specific competencies needed to fight the ARH, individually and as a team.However, these competencies will need to be further enhanced in ARH units with OJE and OJT. Theobjective of operational conversion training is to produce ARH aircrew and technicians with appropriateteam standardisation such that they can be mixed and matched within and between ARH units andmaintain a basic skill set for safe employment of ARH on operations.

Unit training 4.59

4.59 Unit training builds upon the combat skills gained through initial training, but also takes thattraining beyond the ARH environment. Modern combat helicopters employing knowledge edgetechnologies will be linked to a wide variety of other combat assets. While individual initial trainingfocuses on internal ARH procedures, unit training ties in the remainder of the land force, joint, coalitionand multinational issues. To develop collective skills, unit training also acquaints new ARH crews andtechnicians to the specific operational environment of the unit and its assigned missions.

10 The Review of the Continuum of Army Pilot Training is being conducted on behalf of the AAVNTC by a consortium ofconsultants (Major Training Services, Bristows and Aeronautical Consulting and Training) with a view to increasing theeffectiveness of Army rotary wing (RW) training.


Postgraduate training 4.60

4.60 One of the most important courses will be the BC training as the BC must also be capable ofcommanding more than one ARH. This requires a wide set of competencies, which have been identifiedin the TNA, including the following:

a. the Military Appreciation Process and ARH battle procedures, especially the missionplanning system;

b. the electronic warfare environment and the use of ARH EWSP;

c. potential threat systems and their ability to affect ARH operations;

d. equipment recognition and identification to ensure maximum terminal effect and toreduce the possibility of fratricide;

e. all arms capabilities and planning considerations;

f. the operations and use of ARH sensors and weapons, and in particular their terminaleffects;

g. Army Aviation Risk Management; and

h. airspace management.

Pilot exchanges 4.61

4.61 Army intends to utilise pilot exchanges with other Armies that operate an ARH capability. Sucha program, resources permitting, will seek to develop and consolidate the depth of pilot knowledge whilefurthering operational interoperability with armed forces of other nations. This compliments Armysintention to pursue regional engagement opportunities.

Training devices 4.62

4.62 Simulation is expected to be key to achieving the required ARH competencies. Army intendsto make extensive use of simulators and part-task trainers to gain and sustain the necessarycompetencies associated with ARH operations, tactical employment, support and maintenance. Theprimary ARH flight simulator and maintenance simulators will be located at Oakey and the missionsimulators will be located in the operational squadrons. Army expects that each simulator at Oakey,Darwin, and Townsville will be capable of being networked. It is Armys intention that these simulatorsbe networked with each other and with the simulation centre at the Combined Arms Training andDevelopment Centre for interactive mission training. Possible networking with the DSTO simulationfacility for operational research and analysis would also be beneficial. Army will pursue simulatornetworking as a growth development of the ARH capability, including distributed simulation with joint,coalition and multinational partners.

4.63 Army needs ARH mission simulators to be deployable into an AO. Army expects to be able totransport the mission simulators by a range of options using standard deployable containers.

4.64 Army expects that a minimum of three ARH platforms will be acquired for individual crewtraining. These will be allocated to the AAVNTC and located at Oakey. Army expects that these ARHplatforms, in conjunction with the use of other training devices will meet the training liability withoutimpinging on the warfighting capability or preparedness of operational ARH squadrons.

All Corps training 4.65

4.65 The ability of aviation forces to produce desired battlespace outcomes relies heavily on itssynergy with other Arms and Services as well as coordinating and supporting agencies. All Corps andServices training must include ARH employment and planning considerations to ensure these synergiesare maximised. Such training should precede the introduction of ARH so that a knowledge-lag does notoccur as the capability becomes operational. Much of this type of training can be conducted in a syntheticenvironment leading to greater efficiencies and effectiveness. Existing courses need to be validated fortheir relevance. This includes Other Ranks promotion courses, initial Officer training subjects, Officerdevelopment courses and relevant RAAF courses.


Collective training 4.66

4.66 ARH will be a key component of the collective training programs for other land force elementgroups in accordance with the continued development of combined arms team doctrine. As such theARH will need to participate in combined arms team exercises and Combat Training Centre activities.Employment of ARH in collective training activities will be guided by the safety requirements associatedwith its sensors and weapons.

EQUIPMENT 4.674.67 The ARH system will be an integral part of the land force warfighting capability for at least thenext 30 years. Army intends to seek upgrades and capability enhancements on a spiral development(evolutionary) basis to maintain capability relevance and to extend the ARH life out beyond 30 years.This growth will be formulated as part of Armys capability management process.

4.68 ARH will be equipped with advanced sensors that allow them to conduct reconnaissance anddeliver precision firepower by day, night and in adverse weather. It will also incorporate a range of EWSPfor self-protection. Progressive upgrade of these crucial warfighting and force preservation systems willbe particularly important if the ARH is to maintain a capability edge in the region and to overcomeemerging threats. Continued attention to ARH signature reduction will also be an Army focus of throughlife survivability enhancement. Army will also examine a range of non-lethal weapons and ammunitionfor use on ARH to enhance MRO.

4.69 In order to maintain situational awareness, connectivity between ARH and other battlespaceelements is crucial. Communications and linkages will be one of Armys priority areas for capabilitymanagement and development.

Associated equipment 4.70

4.70 In order to maximise the potential of the ARH capability, associated squadron and regimentalequipment will require enhancement. This includes:

a. communications and data links;

b. BCSS (and its access to the broader Joint Command Support Environment) plusconnectivity to the Joint Intelligence Support System;

c. mission planning tools;

d. forward arming and refueling equipment; and

e. CP, refuel and ordnance carrying vehicles.

DOCTRINE 4.714.71 Due to the relatively small size of the ADF, Army employs the concept of Fighting Smart11,which refers to the Armys clever use of fighting power through tactical manoeuvre and battle-cunning towin the land battle. ARH will be a key element of Armys fighting smart capability that will need to beunderpinned by robust doctrine, particularly with regards to its role in the combined arms team. Army willachieve this through development of Land Warfare Doctrine (LWD) 1, the Future Land Warfare 2000Handbook

and subordinate concepts and doctrine.

4.72 New doctrine to provide the framework for individual and collective training for the ARHcapability will be needed. Army intends for this doctrine to initially be based on overseas experience withARH; but in the longer term, it will need to reflect the Australian concept of operations and environment.Primarily, new doctrine for the ARH capability will focus on its contribution to the combined arms teamtactical manoeuvre and associated employment considerations. Lower order doctrine will address suchaspects as command and control, downed aircrew and aircraft recovery (including expedient use ofother ARH for this purpose) and protection of ARH and associated support elements.

11 LWD 1, chapter 6.


4.73 Introduction of the ARH capability requires Army and the ADF to review at least the followingdoctrine to reflect the additional operational dimension that the platform, together with the supportimplications, bring to the land force:

a. Australian Defence Force Publication (ADFP) 6Operations;b. ADFP 29Surveillance and Reconnaissance;

c. ADFP 45Special Operations;

d. ADFP 12Amphibious Operations;

e. ADFP 39Airborne Operations;

f. ADFP 11Offensive Support;

g. ADFP 23Targeting (to be issued);h. LWD 23Surveillance and Counterintelligence;

i. LWD 30Operations;

j. LWD 31Reconnaissance and Surveillance;k. LWD 33Formation Tactics, and its subordinate publications;

l. LWD 34Joint Offensive Support in Land Operations, and its subordinatepublications;

m. LWD 341Air Support; and

n. ADFP 13/LWD 35Air Defence and Airspace Control, and its subordinatepublications.

Back to ListHomeSearchResultsPrintExitContentsCapability management of armed reconnaissance helicoptersGeneralPeopleArmed reconnaissance helicopter crewing conceptRank/trade structurePersonnel

OrganisationCommand and controlSquadron and regimental structureAssociated organisational issues

Support and FacilitiesSupport conceptStockholdingsForward Operating Bases and Forward Arming and Refuelling PointsMaintenanceSmart systemsUse of contractorsTechnical masteryRecoverySoftware supportScience and technology supportFacilities

TrainingResource constraintsType transition trainingOperational conversion trainingUnit trainingPostgraduate trainingPilot exchangesTraining devicesAll Corps trainingCollective training

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