Effect Of Nap-Of-The-Earth Requirements On Aircrew Performance During Night Attack Helicopter Operations

Army aviation today is focusing attention, once again, on a mid to high intensity warfare environment. In order to survive in this type of environment and remain effective as a combat force operating near the forward edge of the battle area (FEBA), it must compete and must be able to avoid enemy radar, radar guided weapons, advanced automatic weapons, and other sophisticated air defense type networks. This will require nap-of-the-earth (NOE) flight, day and night. In addition, night attack will increase the shock effect of the attack helicopter, extend the length of the operational day, enhance concealment, and increase the element of surprise. This paper is a description of night NOE flight as it relates to three major areas: man, machine, and operational use. The findings and operational experiences were encountered in exploratory efforts for a major field experiment (Attack Helicopter-Clear Night Defense, Experiment 43.7). The activities to be discussed include aviator selection and training, psychological and physiological effects, mission planning, map reading and terrain interpretation, aircraft handling, emergency procedures, and man-machine problems. Behavioral research requirements and other needs established for night NOE training and operations by current scout and attack helicopters are presented, and a training program for night NOE aviator training is offered as a general guideline.