The Development of the United Kingdom's Air Manoeuvre Capability
Abstract
In September 1999 the British Army formed 16 Air Assault Brigade fusing air assault infantry and army aviation units, for the first, in the same formation. Forty-eight WAH-64 Apache Long bow Attack Helicopters (AH) will be operational within the Brigade by 2004. This paper will consider how best to develop the UK's Air Manoeuvre Capability to fully exploit the third dimension. The catalyst for the development of an Air Manoeuvre capability has been the introduction of the Attack Helicopters into the British Army's Orbat. However, the paper will argue that to fully develop the capability an integrated approach needs to be taken fusing assets from across the Component Commands. This will significantly improve the operational effectiveness of the capability. The paper will explore the need to examine doctrine and procedures between the Joint Force Land Component Commander and the Joint Force Air Component Commander to ensure the effectiveness of the capability. The paper will consider how the separate operational roles of air-delivered, airborne, airmobile air assault and air mechanized could be embraced by an Air Manoeuvre Capability. The development of the Capability will be set in the strategic context of the Information Age and the profound impact of digitization. This paper will take account of the US Army's considerable experience in operating Attack Helicopters and the, conceptual work that is underpinning the US Army's transformation vision.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 26, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA389768
Entities
People
- Paul Gibson
Organizations
- United States Army War College