Air Mechanization, and the Coming Obsolescence of Medium, Heavy Left Helicopters and the C-130
Abstract
This paper is about an emerging aircraft design and what its capability may mean to warfighters in the near future. The central theme of the paper is that existing aviation platforms, namely medium and heavy lift helicopters and C-130 type aircraft, significantly limit the utility of vertical envelopment as a viable technique for today's military commanders. Mobility considerations have always constrained an operational commander's ability to achieve decision. Technological capabilities exist today which may significantly improve the operational and tactical mobility, survivability, and lethality of the light forces of tomorrow. When current aircraft are replaced by improved heavier tilt rotor aircraft in the next 15-20 years, they will become obsolete as a means of air mobility. Tilt rotor aircraft are the coming wave of technological innovation for aviation; they will make vertical envelopment a viable operational form of maneuver for the very first time. The advantages in speed, range, and payload that they offer will revolutionize the manner in which air assault operations are conducted. Clearly, operational concepts and doctrine will need to be refined to exploit this potential capability; however, the nations which do embrace this coming change will have a significant advantage over their adversaries in both the conventional and unconventional fight.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA506372
Entities
People
- T. M. Wilson
Organizations
- Marine Corps Combat Development Command