Employment of Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters in Support of Operational Functions in an Immature Theater. Does Comanche Have a Role?
Abstract
The RAH-66 Comanche helicopter, currently being developed by the Army, will undoubtedly bring revolutionary capabilities not only to the tactical battlefield but also potentially brings new capabilities to support the operational level of war in all types of theaters, particularly in the fulfillment of the requirements for operational functions. The scope of this paper is limited to investigating the potential of the RAH-66 to bring the theater commander contributions to the execution and synchronization of operational functions in immature theaters. The benefits and liabilities associated with early deployment of a Comanche unit into theater in support of the operational functions are considered. Comanche will offer the operational commander a great deal of flexibility and performance in developing an immature theater, and should be considered a unit of choice, under certain scenarios, for early deployment into theater for intelligence preparation of the battlefield, surveillance, and possibly operational fires and force protection. The Comanche operational employment should not be considered alone, however. Its employment presupposes an in-theater information architecture allowing real-time and continuous world-wide communications. It will also more effectively supplement other assets, both supporting and organic to the theater operational commander's organization.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 15, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA307609
Entities
People
- Jeffrey N. Williams
Organizations
- Naval War College