The Future of Army Aviation Units in the Spanish Army
Abstract
Spanish Army Aviation known as FAMET, is the organic integration of helicopter and support units. These units are equipped and structured in order to constitute different organizations for operations, each of them adapted to the operational plans which may be established for the development of the required airmobile combat and support actions. FAMET operates a fleet of 150 helicopters and is organized into six helicopter battalions, supported by both a training establishment and a support and maintenance unit. One of these units is an anti-tank helicopter battalion equipped with the Eurocopter MBB BO-105 with HOT missiles, while waiting for a next generation of attack helicopters (FY 2005). The attack helicopter program is an important requirement that the Spanish Army is developing which is going to affect the rationale for a reorganization of the airmobile forces in the near future. The dramatic increase in capabilities of the new generation of attack helicopters make it necessary to review the role, organization and structure of Spanish Army Aviation for the future. This paper will also review the conceptual and organizational developments in the US Army, as well as in other countries (UK, Germany) which have taken the decision to include the new generation attack helicopters in their inventory. It will explore the possibility of forming an Air Assault Brigade in the Spanish Army around the new attack helicopters as the centerpiece, and the possible impact of this concept in National Strategy and operations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA400776
Entities
People
- Javier Sancho
Organizations
- United States Army War College