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Army
Aviation in the European Theater |
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| The Early Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1953 - 1963 (Augmentation and Berlin Wall) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Source: The United States Army in Europe 1953 - 1963, by D.J. Hickman, HQ USAREUR 1964) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Increasing
Significance of Army Aviation Chapter 9, pp. 144 - 147 Another major tactical concept that greatly increased USAREUR's combat capability was the emphasis on aerial mobility. Aviation, of course, had been an integral part of the Army since the War Department approved organic aircraft for the field artillery on 6 June 1942. Throughout the latter part of World War II, light aircraft had effectively detected artillery targets that were hidden to ground observers; and after the war, when the United States began to rebuild its forces in Europe, light aircraft were assigned to each artillery battalion. Initially, aviation was envisioned only as a means of target acquisition, but this restrictive viewpoint was short lived. More than 20,000 casualties were evacuated by Army helicopters from the frontlines in Korea. By the time the five U.S. divisions1) in Europe were increased to full strength in 1952, Army planners already envisaged the use of aircraft in varying battlefield roles. A new TOE, under which Seventh Army reorganized in February 1953, assigned several fixed-wing and rotary aircraft to each division. This development created an immediate shortage of helicopter pilots. Therefore, in November 1953 USAREUR delegated to Seventh Army the responsibility for instrument flight training and testing of all Army aviators in the European theater. Thus, an organized and fast-growing aviation program was under way in Europe. 1) 1st Infantry Division (Würzburg) already in theater (since 1945) as an occupation unit. The other four divisions - 4th Infantry Division (Frankfurt), 28th Infantry Division (Augsburg), 43rd Infantry Divisions (Göppingen) and 2nd Armored Division (Bad Kreuznach) - arrived as part of the Troop Augmentation program in 1951. On 11 March 1954, Seventh Army headquarters organized an aviation section to supervise specialized and flight aspects of aviation administration, training, and operations. Within a year, aviation elements of Seventh Army were an important, though small, segment of combat support forces, and command emphasis was being placed on their readiness. At first there was a limited training program at Seventh Army level; later each major Seventh Army subordinate command inaugurated a unit pilot-standardization program. The serious shortage of aviators continued, however, and on 1 July 1955, at USAREUR direction, the Seventh Army Aviation Training Center was established to augment the Department of the Army replacement program by supplying locally trained aviators. By the end of 1955 the output of this center had solved the problem of aviator shortages. During the mid-1950's, as Army planners anticipated the pentomic reorganization, more emphasis was placed on aviation, and USAREUR developed and tested tactical doctrine and methods for employing more aircraft in combat. In 1956, Army aircraft within USAREUR increased to approximately 50 per division, and field exercises simulated aviation play with special emphasis on the use of organic aircraft in intelligence reporting, long-range patrols, helicopter river crossings, and guerrilla attacks. In July 1956, Seventh Army began night-flight training. By the beginning of 1957, USAREUR had a complete series of both fixed-wing and rotary aircraft: the H-19 CHICKASAW helicopter for training and light transport; the L-19 BIRD DOG plane for observation, surveillance and medical evacuation; the H-13 SIOUX helicopter for reconnaissance and medical evacuation; the H-34 CHOCTAW helicopter troop lift and resupply; the L-20 BEAVER plane for liaison, communications, troop lift, and resupply; and the U-1A OTTER for tactical transport. In August of that year, Seventh Army demonstrated in a joint aviation-medical exercise that large numbers of troops and casualties could be moved rapidly under battle conditions; and on 21 January 1958, an entire battle group was lifted in CHOCTAWs and OTTERs from Heilbronn to Baumholder in only six hours. In February 1958, the 11th Airborne Division first used the OTTER for jump training. On 2 April 1958, the 8th Infantry Division conducted the first successful firing from a SIOUX helicopter that mounted two .30 caliber machineguns; as a result, the division was directed to develop tactical doctrine for the employment of armed helicopters. In late 1959, after numerous tests and exercises, this division organized the first armed helicopter unit to perform long-range reconnaissance and to deliver and retrieve patrols deep behind enemy lines. In the spring of 1960 the unit was put to a successful test during Exercise WINTER SHIELD. Thereafter, USAREUR included armed helicopter operations in its war plans. In 1962, training in armed-helicopter operations became a routine part of infantry, armored, and armored cavalry training schedules. The 14th Armored Cavalry Regiment had meanwhile tested and evaluated the operation of a professional aerial reconnaissance and security troop. Final reports concluded that this type of unit could execute combat surveillance, reconnaissance, security, light delay, and peacetime surveillance operations effectively. These and other tests generated an increased emphasis on integrating light aircraft into ground combat training, and as the potential of combat aviation was revealed, new and improved aircraft were developed. In 1961, the UH-1B IROQUOIS helicopter and the OV-1 MOHAWK plane - the first light craft to be powered by gas-turbine engines - arrived in Europe. The IROQUOIS was a much improved utility craft capable of performing many missions, the MOHAWK was a 2-engine plane that could take off or land within very short distances. Several other improved models began to arrive also: the O-1 BIRD DOG for airborne artillery adjustments and fire surveillance; the CV-2A CARIBOU, a fixed-wing medium transport replacing the OTTER; the CH-37 MOJAVE helicopter for medium range transport operations; and the U-8F plane for improved command and staff transport. Technological advances in aviation and avionics, made as a result of practical experience acquired in South Vietnam, permitted USAREUR to achieve a new dimension of mobility and flexibility. In 1963, each ROAD division was given an aviation battalion and an air cavalry troop. The aviation battalion included a headquarters and headquarters detachment for command and control, an air mobile company for combat lift, and a general support company for utility and surveillance. The air cavalry troop was the first fighting aviation unit in the Army. All of its craft were armed. The light observation helicopters carried the 7.62-mm machinegun, the aero scout platoon was armed with antitank guided missiles, and the aero weapons section used 2.75-inch aerial rockets. The combination of aerial scout, infantry, and fire-support elements permitted this unit to fulfill the traditional role of the cavalry with vastly increased speed, flexibility, and combat power. In addition, each brigade headquarters had one aviation platoon; the division artillery commander was provided with one organic aviation company; each corps had one organic tactical aviation battalion, one air mobile battalion, one air cavalry troop, one artillery aviation battery, and numerous small aviation sections; and at Seventh Army level there was one aviation group, consisting of 12 flying companies, one tactical aviation battalion, one air mobile battalion, and several air ambulance companies and detachments. In addition to the aircraft assigned these units, by 1963 large numbers of aircraft were assigned to small separate section and platoon elements organic to non-divisional units at both corps and army level. Moreover, USAREUR had several small elements of section and platoon size, such as the flight detachment assigned to USAREUR Special Troops in support of the Commander in Chief. In 1963, SETAF had an aviation company, and two light helicopter companies and a light transport company were assigned to COMZ. Altogether, USAREUR operated more than 2,300 aircraft, most of which were helicopters. Obviously, this large number of aircraft required large maintenance and support efforts at all levels. Aviation maintenance elements were organic to the ROAD organization. A field maintenance company was assigned to each division, and direct support companies usually provided non-divisional maintenance. Airfield and support functions, however, were more complicated. In mid-1962, in anticipation of the ROAD conversion, USAREUR began expanding its aviation support organization with the idea of providing a widely dispersed system of airfields and support facilities. By 1963, there were 69 Army airfields in operation throughout the command; practically all were equipped for night operations, 47 were linked by direct communications, and 22 were all-weather fields. In addition, there were 26 established heliports. |
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| 1952 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Source: Photo album of unnamed Stuttgart Motor Pool sergeant, 1951-1953) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Air Sections
of Field Artillery Battalion 103rd FA Battalion, 43rd Infantry Division |
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| 1956 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Source: Army Aviation Magazine, Dec 15 1956) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Some
notes from the issue: NOTE:
Hoppstädten AAF, located in the valley of the Nahe River, was
also known as "Happy Valley"... (anybody know the
"story" behind that?) |
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| 1958 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Source: Army Aviation in Seventh Army, Army Aviation Digest, March 1958) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Indicative of
the expansion of Army Aviation in 7th Army are the increases in Army
Aviation personnel and equipment over a two-year period. Personnel
have been made available to meet recently increased authorizations
as well as the initial deficits which existed two years ago. Assignments
of aircraft has not kept pace with the 50 percent increase in authorizations
due to our old friend "lead time"; nevertheless, over 700 pilots,
1,600 mechanics and 500 aircraft were in Seventh Army as of 1 July
1957. The Seventh Army Aviation Training Center was established to meet the requirements of combat readiness. Although the number of hours flown (in Seventh Army) in 1956 was approximately 20 percent greater than in 1955, the aircraft accident rate decreased from 46 to 36 for each 10,000 hours flown. The presence of light cargo helicopter companies and the fixed wing tactical transport companies provides a means of considerable airlift by organic Army aircraft for small tactical units and critical supplies. Division commanders are able to utilize one or more aviation companies, in addition to their own increased division aviation, for tactical training and the development of techniques to increase mobility. All field exercises stress the potential of Army Aviation in increasing the battle capacity of Seventh Army. Similar expansion of organic aviation has taken place in other elements of US Army Europe. The USAREUR Army Aviation Depot has expanded facilities and personnel to support the increased numbers of aircraft assigned to the command. |
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| (Source: Seventh Army Annual Historical Report FY 1958; STATION LIST, 17 April 1957) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Army Aviation Units in Germany - 1958 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Webmaster Note: At the same time, aviation companies were in the process of being organized one for each of the divisions stationed in Germany as well as one for each of the armored cavalry regiments. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Army Aircraft Maintenance Units (1950s-60s) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depot | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 153rd
TC Co (Depot) |
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| Heavy Maintenance & Supply | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 245th
TC Co (Army Acft Hv M-S) |
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| Army Aircraft Maintenance | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 29th
TC Co (AAM) |
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| 30th
TC Co (AAM) |
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| 42nd
TC Co (AAM) |
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| 45th TC Co (AAM) |
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| 48th
TC Co (AAM) |
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| 93rd TC Co (AAM) |
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| 246th
TC Co (AAM) |
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| 247th
TC Co (AAM) |
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| 30th TC Company (AAM) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| I moved the emails and comments regarding the 30th Trans Co (Acft Maint) to the 41st Trans Bn Page, Army Aviation section. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 42nd TC Company (AAM) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| I moved the emails and comments regarding the 42nd Trans Co (Acft Maint) to the 205th Trans Bn Page, Army Aviation section. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 45th TC Company (AAM) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Source: Email from Edward Landry, 45th OLAM, 1952-54) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| I joined the 45th Ord Light Avn Maint Company (OLAM) at Fort Bragg NC, in the spring of 1951, fresh from Fort Sill. as a newly minted Army Aviator, as well as an AF Liaison Pilot. The 45th OLAM, commanded by Captain Frank O Perry was assigned to a Fort Bragg Ordnance Bn. I was assigned as the Executive Officer. The company was alerted for a USAREUR assignment during the summer and we trained in the old Balloon Hanger area in the vicinity of Pope AFB.. The company consisted of about 93 aviation personnel at the time, most of which had significant experience in aviation field maintenance. Ordnance POM staff personnel told us that we were training for a very important aviation mission in USAREUR. During the winter of 1951 I took the Advance Party of the company, consisting of 4 senior NCOs’, to USAREUR to arrange for the arrival of the main body in the spring of 1952. Upon arrival, the company was assigned to an Ordnance Bn. in Germany, but with duty station at the USAREUR Advanced Communications Zone Command (ADSEC) in Verdun, France. At that time, ADSEC was commanded by Brigadier General W. W. Ford, one of the early founders of Army Aviation and known then as the “Father of Army Aviation.” |
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| The Frescaty Airfield was a NATO airfield under construction and consisted of a single runway and taxiways suitable for a squadron of French Air Force Mystere fighter jets. Vertical construction on the American assigned side of the airfield consisted of a dilapidated warehouse and separate hangar where a small detachment of U. S. Army personnel were maintaining 21 L-5 aircraft in flyable storage as the USAREUR war reserve. The company pitched tents in a field adjacent to the airfield and took on the mission of maintaining the war reserve aircraft and improving the hangar and warehouse facilities sufficient to conduct aviation field and general support maintenance. Company moral immediately soared. Additional personnel were assigned to include the commander of the detachment, Lt. Ned McCord, Lt. Ray Cumb and two second liutenants, Lendrum and Forester. Shortly thereafter the 45th OLAM assumed a USAREUR aviation general support role, providing back up support for the 93rd OLAM in Echterdingen and the 30th OLAM in Hoppstätten, Germany. During this period the USAF provided Army Aviation depot maintenance and supply support from their depot in Chateauroux, France. The 45th OLAM interfaced with the USAF Chateauroux depot and early on established a 45 day level of aviation spare parts at Frescaty from which the 93rd and 30th OLAM sister companies drew their 30 day level of spares. As the hangar facility became viable, the 45th OLAM began line hauling boxed H-13 model helicopters from the USAF Chateauroux Depot facility to Frescaty where they were assembled, test flown and issued to the 93rd and 30th OLAM companies for subsequent distribution to 7th Army units. More than 35 H-13 model helicopters were assembled during the period and the crates the helicopters came in were modified and became general support maintenance service facilities alongside the hangar. During this same time period, responsibility for Army Aviation logistics transferred from the US Army Ordnance Corps to the US Army Transportation Corps and the company and its sister companies in Germany became US Army Transportation Army Aircraft Maintenance Companies (TAAMs). During the 1953-1954 period, the company provided general support maintenance for aircraft and components that were beyond the capability of the 93rd and 30th TAAM companies. During this same period, all the USAREUR war reserve L-5 aircraft were replaced with new L-19 model aircraft. The older L-5s were flown to Erding AB in Germany by company personnel, where they were disassembled and subsequently returned to CONUS. Twenty one new L-19 aircraft consisting of the USAREUR war reserve were received and maintained in flyable storage at the Frescaty airfield facility until late 1954 when they were flown by company personnel to a small airfield at Laroche-Sur Yon in southern France. During the 1953-54 time period the 45 th TAAM personnel, in conjunction with the USAREUR Headquarters Logistics Division, established a contract with Sabena Aircraft Corporation at Brussels to provide depot maintenance for all the old war-weary L-17 model aircraft in USAREUR. USAREUR. L-17s from Germany and Austria were flown to the 45th TAAM where they were prepared for a one-time flight to Brussels. These aircraft then received a complete overhaul known as the Depot Inspection Record (DIR) , and the aircraft were restored to “like new” condition. This is probably one of the last contracts of its type as shortly thereafter USAF and U.S Army depot maintenance policy was changed to the “Inspect, Repair, Only as Necessary" (IROAN) concept. Approximately 25 L-17 aircraft were inducted into this program. I left the 45th TAAM in the fall of 1954 and I understand that shortly thereafter the unit was relocated to Sandhofen, Germany where it became part of the USAREUR Army Aviation Depot as it was subsequently known. I had the good fortune to be subsequently assigned to the U.S. Army Transportation Command in St. Louis commanded by Gen. Bill Bunker. This command became the nucleus of the first U. S. Army Aviation Logistics Command and free from the USAF yoke for logistics support. At the attachment is yours truly and one of the war weary L-17s inducted into the DIR program. |
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| Army Aviation TO&E (1950s-60s) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Source: Branches of the Army, ROTCM 145-70, Oct 1963) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Transportation
Aviation Units The Transportation Corps (TC) provides a number of aviation units which can be attached or assigned to the field army, corps, or division. The quantity and "mix" of these units may vary, depending on the mission and size of the supported force, climate, weather, terrain, and other factors. Transportation aviation units are either transport units or maintenance and supply units. Transportation Transport Aircraft Battalion -- 8th and 54th TC Battalions. The Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Transportation Transport Aircraft Battalion, provides a headquarters for command, control, staff planning, and administrative supervision of assigned or attached aircraft companies and maintenance units. Normally assigned to a field army, the battalion is capable of commanding up to seven aircraft companies. Transportation Light Helicopter Company -- 11th, 18th, 26th, 36th, 59th, 91st and 110th TC Companies (Lt Hcptr). To expedite combat operations by providing direct tactical and logistical air transport support to combat units, this company is attached or assigned to a Transportation Transport Aircraft Battalion in the field army. Utilizing CH-34 (Choctaw) helicopters, the company can provide day or night air transport of troops and cargo; aeromedical evacuation; transport of specialist teams and critical items, supplies, and parts; air traffic control; and liaison with tactical units. Transportation Medium Helicopter Company -- the 4th TC Co, equipped with the H-37 "Mojave," arrived in Europe in 1959. This company also provides tactical and logistical air transport to expedite combat operations in a theater of operations. It is attached or assigned to a Transportation Transport Aircraft Battalion. Using CH 37 (Mohave) or CH-47A (Chinook) helicopters, it provides the same type of service as the Light Helicopter Company, but its lift capabilities are greater. Transportation Transport Airplane Company -- see 2nd and 3rd Avn Co (Army). This company's mission is to provide logistical airlift for movement of supplies and personnel in a theater of operations and, as directed, to provide tactical airlift of combat units and air resupply of units engaged in combat operations. This company is normally attached or assigned to a Transportation Transport Aircraft Battalion. Operating CV-2B (Caribou) airplanes the company provides the same services as the light or medium helicopter company, but with a greater lift and range capability. (Webmaster Note: In Europe, the Fixed-Wing Light Transport Company was equipped with the U-1 Otter.) Transportation Aircraft Maintenance and Supply Battalion -- 41st and 205th TC Bn (Army Acft Maint). The Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, Transportation Aircraft Maintenance and Supply Battalion, provides command, control, staff planning, and administrative supervision of assigned or attached transportation aircraft support maintenance companies and transportation aircraft base maintenance companies. The battalion is capable of commanding up to seven transportation aircraft maintenance and supply companies. |
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| (Source: Email from Lars Ekström, Sweden) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| My late father photographed these helicopters at the According to him they were they flying from Can anyone identify the unit and perhaps give some additional information regarding this flight. |
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| (Source: Fundamentals of Army Aviation II, US Army Transportation School, ST 55-183, April 1961) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| HHD, TC Transport Aircraft Bn, TOE 55-56D | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The organization
of the type field army includes four battalions of transport aircraft
consisting of 20 aircraft companies -- 4 airplane, 4 medium helicopter,
and 12 light helicopter. The transportation transport aircraft battalion
is composed of a headquarters and headquarters detachment and two
to seven aircraft companies -- usually three light helicopter, one
medium helicopter, and one light airplane. The headquarters and headquarters
detachment provides command, control, staff planning, and administrative
supervision. It is assigned to a field army, and it is 50 per cent
mobile when it uses all its organic vehicles and aircraft. a. Capabilities. This detachment can plan and supervise the employment of attached or assigned air transport companies and supervise the logistical functions of assigned or attached maintenance units. |
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| (1)
Battalion headquarters -- includes the battalion commander,
executive officer, staff officers and assistants, liaison officers,
and the battalion sergeant major. These personnel provide the supervision
for the normal staff functions found in a battalion headquarters.
Provisions for liaison with supported units are minimum and may be
augmented by personnel provided by the sections described in the following
subparagraphs. Command vehicular and aerial transportation, communications,
and other mission equipment for the battalion commander and staff
are found in the appropriate sections of the headquarters detachment.
(2) Detachment
headquarters -- is staffed by the detachment commander, supply
sergeant, cook, clerk, and mechanics. One utility airplane and three
observation helicopters are provided for command transportation to
higher headquarters and subordinate and supported units, and for reconnaissance
and courier missions. (3) Administrative
and personnel section -- includes the personnel officer, personnel
sergeant, and personnel specialists and clerks for the S1 section.
The name of the administrative and personnel section indicates its
functions. There are no aircraft in this section or in any of the
following sections. (4) Operations
and intelligence section -- is composed of the assistant S3, the
operations sergeant, the intelligence sergeant, and enough personnel
to operate the S2 and S3 sections of the battalion headquarters. It
is responsible for planning and coordinating the employment of subordinate
units. The successful accomplishment of air transport missions requires
that liaison officers from battalion headquarters go to the supported
units for detailed planning and staff assistance. The liaison officers
must clearly coordinate the requirements of the supported units with
the capabilities of the air transport units. (5) Communications
section -- is manned by the communications chief and all wire,
radio, and message center personnel of headquarters detachment. The
section has two 3/4-ton trucks, one mounting the battalion radio for
communications with higher and subordinate units and one for transporting
the battalion wire equipment. A 1/4-ton truck is also provided for
the battalion communications officer. The communications section operates
in close proximity to the operations and intelligence section. (6) Medical section
-- is made up of enlisted medical aid men and has an ambulance to
provide medical support to the battalion. Aid men are normally attached
to the subordinate units. The battalion is authorized an aviation
medical officer.(7) Maintenance
and supply section -- includes the supervisors, technical inspectors,
and clerks for the S4 section. In this section are the specialists
to assist the S4 in the supervision of supply and maintenance functions
in subordinate units. c. Employment. The transportation transport aircraft battalion headquarters functions as the tactical and control headquarters for the employment of attached or assigned transportation air transport companies. The battalion may be employed in direct support of or attached to corps or division units. It may be employed by individual companies or by a combination of its assigned or attached elements. The battalion headquarters is usually established near the base airfield of one of its subordinate elements, preferably the light airplane company. Normally, the battalion headquarters is not deployed forward of a supported division command post. d. Aircraft. Aircraft to meet normal command flight requirements of the battalion headquarters are organic to the detachment headquarters. One utility airplane transports the battalion commander, staff, and staff specialists as required. Three observation helicopters provide a rotary-wing flight capability to areas inaccessible by fixedwing aircraft. |
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| (Source: Fundamentals of Army Aviation II, US Army Transportation School, ST 55-183, April 1961) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| TC Light Helicopter Co, TOE 55-57D | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The transportation
light helicopter company expedites combat operations by providing
direct tactical and administrative air transport to combat units.
It is assigned to a field army and is attached to the transportation
transport aircraft battalion; normally, three companies are allocated
to a battalion. A light helicopter company uses either of the two
light transport helicopters -- the H-21 or the H-34. (Webmaster
Note: in Europe, Lt Hel Co were equipped with the H-34.) a. Capabilities. The transportation light helicopter company provides aeromedical evacuation, day or night transport for troops and cargo, and air movement of specialist teams, critical items, critical supplies, and parts. Its maximum-effort capability, under ideal conditions of weather, temperature, and altitude, and within an operating radius of 50 miles, depends upon which light transport helicopter is used. An H-34 company can lift approximately 280 troops, 34 short tons of cargo, or 160 litter patients. An H-21 company can lift approximately 280 troops, 28.8 short tons of cargo, or 240 litter patients. In sustained effort, these capabilities are reduced by 25 per cent, or the lift capability can be adjusted by an aircraft availability factor which is dependent on the duration of the operation. |
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| (3)
Helicopter platoon -- consists of a platoon headquarters and
two helicopter sections. The platoon normally operates from the company
base heliport; however, it may operate by sections to meet mission
requirements. Platoon headquarters is staffed by the platoon commander,
assistant platoon commander, platoon sergeant, and a light truck driver.
The helicopter platoon is equipped with a 1/4-ton truck which has
an FM radio; with this, the platoon commander can communicate in the
company's command radio net or with the platoon's aircraft. The officers
in the helicopter sections pilot the aircraft. Each helicopter section
has one officer, eight warrant officers, and five aircraft crew chiefs
and is equipped with five light transport helicopters. You can see
in the organizational chart that there are two helicopter platoons
in a company; each platoon has two helicopter sections, making four
helicopter sections in a company. (4) Service platoon
-- consists of a platoon headquarters, a maintenance section, and
an airfield service section. It is designed to provide aviation supplies,
organizational aircraft maintenance, and base heliport service for
the company. The service platoon headquarters supervises the aircraft
maintenance performed by the company, and it stocks aircraft parts
and supplies. The maintenance section has a maintenance supervisor
and 32 helicopter mechanics. The crew chiefs assigned to the helicopter
sections (par. (3)) supervise and assist the personnel of the maintenance
section. The airfield service section provides crash and rescue service,
refueling service, parking and mooring service, and general assistance
to all helicopters using the base. c. Employment. The light helicopter company normally operates under the control of the battalion commander. It is employed with other companies of the battalion, or it may be attached to a corps. When employed as corps troops, the company may be placed in direct support of subordinate corps units for specific missions. This unit is not attached below division level. The company can lift one infantry company, including all tactical personnel, weapons, and prescribed loads. It is usually employed by section or platoon rather than by individual aircraft. |
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| (Source: Fundamentals of Army Aviation II, US Army Transportation School, ST 55-183, April 1961) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| TC Medium Helicopter Co, TOE 55-58T | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The mission of
the transportation medium helicopter company is to provide air transport
to expedite combat operations by providing tactical and administrative
air transport in the combat zone. The medium helicopter company is
assigned to a field army and attached to the transportation transport
aircraft battalion, usually one company to a battalion and four to
a field army. a. Capabilities. A medium helicopter company provides the same types of service as the light helicopter company, but its lift capabilities are greater. Using H-37 helicopters, it can lift 384 troops, 80 short tons of cargo, or 384 litters as a maximum effort under ideal conditions. For sustained effort, these capabilities are reduced or adjusted by an aircraft availability factor which depends on the duration of the operation. |
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| (3)
The communications section takes care of the company's communications.
Except for the company commander's FM radio, contact with the other
elements of the company is by wire. In the communications section
are a communications chief, radio mechanics and operators, switchboard
operators, and field wiremen.(4) Tactical
transport platoons. Each of the two tactical transport platoons
consists of a platoon headquarters and two tactical transport sections.
The platoon commander, platoon sergeant, crew chief, and a light truck
driver make up platoon headquarters. It is equipped with a 1/4-ton
vehicle with vehicular mounted radio, which permits the platoon commander
to communicate in the company command radio net or with aircraft organic
to the platoon. It is also authorized an observation helicopter. Each
of the four tactical transport sections has four medium cargo helicopters,
H-37's, which provide the tactical and administrative air transport
capability of this company. (5) Service platoon.
The service platoon has a platoon headquarters and four maintenance
sections. It is designed to provide organizational aircraft maintenance
and supply service for the company. In the service platoon headquarters
are the platoon commander, platoon sergeant, aircraft technical inspectors,
supply personnel, and aircraft component repairmen. The service platoon
supervises and inspects the organizational maintenance of aircraft
and stocks aircraft parts and supplies. Officers from the transport
platoons are designated by the company commander as assistant maintenance
officer and aircraft supply officer; they perform these additional
duties under the supervision of the service platoon commander. Each
of the four maintenance sections contains a maintenance supervisor
and enough rotary-wing mechanics to perform organizational maintenance
on the H-37's of one tactical transport section. The flight engineers
assigned to individual helicopters in the tactical transport sections
supervise and assist the personnel of the maintenance section in performing
such maintenance. c. Employment. The transportation medium helicopter company normally operates under the control of a battalion commander. It may be employed with other companies of the battalion or it may be attached to a corps and employed as corps troops. When employed as corps troops the company may be further attached to or placed in direct support of subordinate corps units. One platoon with its two sections of four aircraft each can lift an infantry company, including all tactical personnel, weapons, and prescribed loads. The medium helicopter company is usually employed by platoons or sections rather than by individual aircraft and crews. Echelons of maintenance beyond the capability of the company are performed by the transportation aircraft maintenance units supporting the battalion. Supply of aircraft, parts, components, and expendables and the evacuation of nonflyable aircraft are the responsibility of the supporting units. |
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| NOTE: Image of 4th Trans Co (MH) pocket patch submitted by Dave Guilliams. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| (Source: Fundamentals of Army Aviation II, US Army Transportation School, ST 55-183, April 1961) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Aviation Fixed-Wing Lt Trans Co, TOE 1-107T | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The mission of
an aviation fixed-wing light transport company is to expedite combat
operations by providing tactical and administrative air transport
in the combat zone. The unit is commonly referred to as a light airplane
company, but you should know the longer term, since that is its title
on the TOE. This text uses both terms. The company is assigned to
a field army and is usually attached to a transportation transport
aircraft battalion. a. Capabilities. The light airplane company can transport troops and supplies, within a 100-mile radius, under day, night, or limited-visibility conditions. It provides tactical aerial mobility and aerial supply of combat forces in the combat zone. It establishes local air traffic control and terminal facilities at loading and unloading areas. Aeromedical evacuation falls within its capabilities, as does movement of specialist teams, critical items, and critical supplies and parts. Using the U-1A, this company can lift 160 troops, 20 short tons of cargo, or 76 litter patients. |
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| (3)
Communications section. The communications section has the
repairmen to maintain the company's electronic equipment and the operators
for the company radio mounted on the 3/4-ton truck. (4) Transport
platoons. Each of the two transport platoons has a platoon headquarters
and two transport sections. The platoons normally operate from the
company base airfield. Their flight missions are assigned by the operations
platoon. A transport platoon headquarters has a platoon commander
and assistant, a platoon sergeant, and a light truck driver. It is
equipped with a 1/4-ton truck and trailer mounting a radio for communication
in the company command net and with aircraft organic to the platoon.
The platoon commander and assistant are required to pilot one of the
aircraft assigned to a transport section within the platoon. Each
of the four transport sections consists of one lieutenant, six warrant
officers, and four crew chiefs; each has four U- 1A aircraft. These
sections provide the tactical and administrative air transport capability
of the company. (5) Service platoon.
The service platoon is made up of a platoon headquarters, a maintenance
section, and an airfield service section. It provides aviation supplies,
organizational aircraft maintenance, and base airfield service to
the company. c. Employment. The company is usually assigned or attached to a transportation transport aircraft battalion and operates under the control of the battalion commander. Normally, the company is employed to provide backup transport of troops and supplies for units being lifted to the assault by the helicopter companies of the transport battalion. It is usually employed as a unit, but flights may be attached to support subordinate units of the battalion. Also the company may be attached for operational control to a corps and employed as corps troops. |
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| The 1960s | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Early 1960s | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Source: FM 1-5, Army Aviation Organizations and Employment, May 1959) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Armored Division Aviation Companies in Germany, 1959-60:503rd Aviation Company, 3rd Armored Division, Hanau 504th Aviation Company, 4th Armored Division, Fürth |
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| Infantry Division Aviation Companies in Germany, 1959-60:3rd Aviation Company, 3rd Infantry Division, Kitzingen8th Aviation Company, 8th Infantry Division, Bad Kreuznach 24th Aviation Company, 24th Infantry Division, Augsburg |
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| (Source: FM 1-5, Army Aviation Organizations and Employment, May 1959) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| d. Employment. (1) Principles of employment. The operations section normally operates in the vicinity of the company headquarters and is the focal point for flight operations of the company. The section accepts and processes mission requests from the division aviation section and subordinate units which require aviation support. The status of aircraft within the various elements of the company must be made continuously available to the section to permit coordination with mission requirements. The section operates a teletypewriter to the corps FOC to facilitate flight planning and to obtain weather and other flight information. (2) Factors affecting employment. Since the operations section is comprised of a minimum number of personnel, the section, when necessary, will be augmented with personnel from other company elements to maintain 24-hour operations. Augmentation may also be necessary to facilitate operations from satellite airstrips. e. Security. The operations section is secured within the base airfield perimeter. f. Special Operations. See FM 1-100. Communications and Aircraft Control Section a. Mission. The communications and aircraft control section establishes, operates, and maintains the communications nets of the aviation company, including wire, radio, and teletype (figs. 1 and 2). Personnel and equipment for the operation of the control tower at the base airfield are located within this section. b. Organization. The communications and aircraft control section consists of 1 airfield control officer, 1 communications chief, 2 radio telephone/teletype team chiefs, 4 radio telephone/teletype operators, 1 senior air controller, 1 air controller, 2 senior radio mechanics, 2 radio mechanics, 2 intermediate-speed radio operators, 1 switchboard operator, and 1 light truck driver. c. Duties of Personnel. (1) Airfield control officer. The airfield control officer is the communications officer of the company. He supervises the establishment and operation of the company communications system and coordinates with the assistant operations officer in the establishment of the control tower. He is responsible for the proper training of the individuals within his section. (2) Communications chief. The communications chief assists the airfield control officer in the performance of his duties and supervises the enlisted men of the section. (3) Radio telephone/teletype team (2). There are two radio telephone/teletype teams in the section. Each consists of a team chief and two radio telephone/teletype operators. These teams operate the two AN/GRC-46 radio. teletypewriter sets in the company. Each team has a ¾-ton truck, driven and maintained by one operator from each team. (4) Radio mechanics.(4) Radio mechanics' duties include -- (a) Inspecting, testing, and repairing radio sets and other signal equipment assigned to the company, including aircraft radios. (b) Maintaining the authorized level of repair parts for signal maintenance and informing the communications chief of the status of signal maintenance and the supply of authorized spare parts. (c) Maintaining records of maintenance and modifications performed on each item of signal equipment in the company. (5) Senior air controller. The senior air controller, assisted by the air controller, operates the base airfield control tower under the supervision of the assistant operations officer. (6) Intermediate-speed radio operators (2). The intermediate-speed radio operators; under the supervision of the communications chief, operate the AN/GRC-19 radio set assigned to the section. One is also a light truck driver. (7) Light truck driver. The light truck driver drives and maintains the 1/g-ton truck assigned to the section and operates the AN/VRQ-2/3 radio set. d. Employment. (1) Principles of employment. The communications and aircraft control section will operate adjacent to the |
Some
Doctrinal Information -- 
