Project CHECO Southeast Asia Report. Impact of Geography on Air Operations in SEA
Abstract
Geographic or environmental considerations serve as modifying elements in operational planning and the conduct of military operations. Accordingly, a strictly geographic approach is one valid way to evaluate the environmental problems of tactical air encountered within an area of conflict. The physical environment in Southeast Asia, although not entirely new to the United States' military experience was sufficiently different to impose limitations on operations. There are, for example, great climatic variations over the Indochinese landmass, because of differences In latitude and the marked variety of relief. To show its impact on air operations, this CHECO Report reviews the physical geography of Indochina--South Vietnam, North Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia--in terms of topography, climate, vegetation, and soils. It also describes complexities of the cultural landscape--the natural landscape as changed by man. It is an ecosystem: a complex interaction of living things in relation to environment. Assessing tactical air employment within the Indochinese ecosystem, "Effects of Geography on Air Operations in SEA," considers problem areas: reconnaissance, airstrikes, search and rescue, as well as a changed environment because of usage of weapons. An appraisal of the effects of climate on flying weather may be found in the Special CHECO Report, "Impact on Darkness and Weather on Air Operations in SEA." Many other studies also detail the climatology of Southeast Asia.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 11, 1970
- Accession Number
- ADA486707
Entities
People
- Louis Seig
Organizations
- Pacific Air Forces