While the U.S. Air Force is best known for their extensive aircraft fleet, they aren’t the only military branch boasting the power of fixed-wing flight in their mission operations. Army fixed-wing aviation units also play a critical role in the many missions of the U.S. military. 

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In this article, we’re shedding light on the sheer power of fixed-wing aircraft in army operations. 

We’ll look at the history of fixed-wing aircraft in aviation units, the different types of aircraft employed, and the critical missions they serve. 

Introduction to U.S. Army Fixed Wing Aviation Units

The U.S. Army fixed-wing aviation units represent an integral and vital component of the United States military. These units, comprising fixed-wing, or non-rotary aircraft, play critical roles in ensuring the Army’s capabilities in areas such as reconnaissance, logistics, transport, and even combat missions, all crucial to achieving strategic and tactical advantages on and off the battlefield. 

The legacy of these units traces back to the early 20th century, embodying a history rich with advancements in aviation technology, evolving mission scopes, and the development of specialized aircraft tailored to meet the dynamic needs of land warfare. 

The inception of the Army's use of fixed-wing aircraft dates back to the years preceding World War I, marking the dawn of military aviation.

  1. World War I: The birth of Army aviation. In this period, aircraft were primarily used for reconnaissance purposes. The development and use of these early aircraft laid the groundwork for the diverse fleet we recognize today.
  2. World War II: The importance of fixed-wing aircraft skyrocketed. While the U.S. Army Air Corps eventually split to become the U.S. Air Force in 1947, the Army continued to utilize fixed-wing assets. The L-4 Grasshopper, for example, served as a liaison and observation aircraft during this conflict.
  3. Vietnam War: The OV-1 Mohawk came into the limelight, serving as an armed reconnaissance aircraft, which provided critical intelligence to ground units.
  4. Post-Cold War to Present: The U.S. Army has continued integrating advanced technology into its fixed-wing fleet, enhancing its ISR capabilities and ensuring its adaptability to the ever-evolving nature of warfare.

As technological advancements continued, so did the Army's reliance on and incorporation of fixed-wing aircraft, evolving from rudimentary biplanes to the sophisticated, multi-role aircraft deployed today. The role of fixed-wing aviation units has been indispensable in various conflicts and missions, providing the Army with the ability to conduct aerial reconnaissance, supply drops, strategic airlifts, medical evacuations, and, when necessary, precision strikes.

Diverse Aircraft Fleet: The Backbone of Army Aviation

The diversity in aircraft and roles underscores the multifaceted nature of fixed-wing aviation in the Army. From the C-12 Huron to the RC-12 Guardrail, Army Aviation units are made up of a diverse fleet of aircraft – all hand-selected and kitted for a range of missions. 

At their core, the Army’s fixed-wing aviation units are integral to:

  • Reconnaissance and surveillance
  • Transport
  • Training

By closely examining these missions, we can better understand the aircraft and aviation technologies assigned to them. 

Reconnaissance & Surveillance Aircraft

The reconnaissance and surveillance aviation units of the U.S. Army are pivotal in carrying out Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, essential for gathering vital information on enemy activities, terrain analysis, and battle damage assessments, ultimately shaping tactical and strategic decision-making in the battlefield. 

These units leverage advanced fixed-wing ISR aircraft equipped with sophisticated sensors and communication systems, allowing for real-time data collection and transmission, pivotal for operational success in contemporary warfare scenarios.

The U.S. Army deploys several fixed-wing aircraft designed specifically for ISR missions, each offering unique capabilities that cater to the diverse needs of reconnaissance and surveillance operations.

  1. RC-12 Guardrail: The RC-12 Guardrail is a prominent example of an ISR aircraft extensively used for signal intelligence (SIGINT). It is optimized for intercepting and monitoring enemy communications and electronic signals, providing critical intelligence on enemy locations, movements, and intentions. With its advanced communication systems, the RC-12 can rapidly disseminate the gathered information to ground units, aiding in immediate tactical responses.
  2. Bombardier Challenger 650: The U.S. Army has recently introduced the Bombardier Challenger 650 as the latest entrant into the fleet under the ARTEMIS program. The Challenger 650 aligns with existing infrastructure requirements while providing substantial improvements like higher altitude operation for broader area surveillance, advanced modular electronics suite for mission adaptability, and greater speed and range for rapid deployment and extensive area coverage. 
  3. De Havilland Canada DHC-7: Utilizing a multisensor, day and night, all-weather Aerial Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (AISR) system, this aircraft is equipped with Communications Intelligence and Imagery Intelligence (COMINT/IMINT), Ground Moving Target Indicator/Synthetic Aperture Radar (GMTI/SAR), and Electro-Optical and Infrared (EO/IR) Full-Motion Video (FMV) capability. It provides real-time, actionable intelligence for combat teams.
  4. Beechcraft King Air 350: Equipped with an Enhanced Medium Altitude Reconnaissance and Surveillance System (EMARSS), the aircraft is designed to help combat teams accurately detect and track targets and threats. 

It’s important to note that the Special Electronic Mission Aircraft (SEMA) fleet described above is currently undergoing a series of changes as the Army strives to keep up with advanced technologies in the ISR space. The team at Greenwood Aerospace is dedicated to staying up to date on these changes to ensure the relevancy and efficiency of our aircraft sustainment services. 

US Army Gulfstream C-20F at Darwin Airport
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Transport Aircraft

The U.S. Army’s Transport Aircraft Product Office oversees a plethora of aircraft, ensuring the Army has the requisite variety and sophistication in aerial assets to effectively carry out diverse missions ranging from training and support to high-level executive transport.

The fleet is further divided into two main fleets, each with a specific function: 

  • Mission Support
  • Operational Support

The Mission Support Aircraft fleet is multifaceted, featuring aircraft that are designed for specific missions. For example: 

  1. UV-18 Twin Otter Series 400: A military variant of the De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter, this aircraft is known for its versatility, Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) capabilities, and its ability to operate in diverse and challenging environments. It’s widely used for parachute drop missions. 
  2. C-147 Skyvan: Also known as the Short SC.7 Skyvan, this aircraft is notable for its box-like structure. Its primary use within the Army is for parachute drop missions, and is known for its stability and spacious cargo area. 
  3. Fokker F27 Friendship (C-31): Well regarded for its range and speed, the C-31 provides optimal conditions for high-altitude parachute jumps. 

The Operational Support Aircraft fleet predominantly features aircraft designed for personnel and executive transport, embodying efficiency, speed, and comfort. Aircraft featured in this fleet include: 

  1. C-12 Huron: A versatile twin-turbo aircraft, the C-12 Huron is used for various roles, from cargo and personnel transport to intelligence operations. Its flexibility and reliability have made it a mainstay in the Army's fleet.
  2. C-26 Metroliner: This turboprop aircraft, adapted for military use, plays multiple roles, from personnel transport to medevac and light cargo duties.
  3. UC-35 Citation: A military variant of the Cessna Citation Ultra, this twinjet aircraft is utilized for VIP transport. Prized for its speed and range, it ensures rapid and comfortable transit for high-ranking military officials and is equipped with advanced avionics for safe and efficient navigation.
  4. C-20 Gulfstream: This high-speed, long-range aircraft transports government and defense officials and their staff. Its advanced cabin amenities and impressive range ensure military leaders can reach their destinations comfortably and promptly. 
  5. C-37 Gulfstream: It offers top-tier comfort, range, and advanced communication systems, allowing for secure and effective in-flight connectivity, making it a preferred choice for transcontinental and international travel for high-ranking military and government officials.

Recognizing the aging fleet of C-12 and C-26 aircraft, the Transport Aircraft Product Office is spearheading the development of the Fixed Wing Utility Aircraft (FUA) program. This program is designed as a strategic initiative to retire and replace older aircraft models in the Operational Support Aircraft fleet, ensuring the fleet’s continued reliability, efficiency, and capability to meet the evolving needs of the Army. The FUA is expected to infuse the fleet with modern technology and enhanced capabilities, aligning with the Army’s commitment to maintaining operational superiority in the air.

Training Aircraft

Training aircraft plays a pivotal role in developing and refining skills for aviators in the Army, providing a spectrum of environments and scenarios to ensure comprehensive learning and application. Before aviators can operate specialized military aircraft, they must first master the fundamentals of flight within the controlled settings that training aircraft affords.

Beyond the acquisition of fundamental skills, training aircraft serve as platforms for tactical training, allowing pilots to delve into the intricacies of military operations. Army aviators learn maneuvers, evasion techniques, low-altitude flying, and tactical communications.

These aircraft provide realistic scenarios where pilots can practice these advanced skills without the inherent risks associated with operating frontline aircraft, ensuring they are well-versed in the tactical aspects of aerial warfare.

Key training aircraft in the Army include:

  1. T-6 Texan II: While primarily associated with the U.S. Navy and Air Force for primary flight training, the T-6 Texan II is a versatile platform that provides the foundation for military aviators across different branches.
  2. C-12 Huron: Beyond its utility and logistics role, the C-12 is also used for training purposes. It provides a platform for aviators transitioning to larger, twin-engine fixed-wing aircraft, familiarizing them with multi-engine operations and more complex avionics.
  3. Simulators: While not aircraft in the traditional sense, modern flight simulators play an indispensable role in Army aviation training. They offer hyper-realistic training environments where pilots can face myriad challenges and scenarios without the risks of actual flight. These simulators can replicate different aircraft models, ensuring pilots receive specialized training tailored to their designated aircraft.

This specialized training ensures that Army aviators are prepared to navigate and operate in any operational scenario effectively, reinforcing their readiness and adaptability in varied and challenging environments.

From Training to Field Operations: Supporting Aviation Units

The complex world of Army Aviation isn't limited to its diverse array of aircraft, but is also composed of intricate systems and organizations that serve as the backbone, ensuring seamless and optimal operation of these aerial assets. These support entities are paramount, working in synergy with the aircraft to uphold the aviation units' operational readiness and combat effectiveness. 

From training pipelines to regulatory bodies, we will delve into the myriad of systems and organizations that play a crucial role, exhibiting that they are indeed just as integral as the aircraft they support, sustaining the multifaceted operational needs and objectives of Army Aviation units.

Training Grounds: Crafting Skilled Aviators

In Army Aviation, a meticulous and comprehensive training process is critical for cultivating skilled and competent aviators capable of navigating the multifaceted challenges presented in modern battlefields. The training pipelines are structured, progressive programs designed to impart essential skills, knowledge, and experiences required to operate advanced aerial platforms efficiently.

The training pipelines commence with rigorous selection processes, where candidates are assessed based on various attributes including cognitive abilities, physical fitness, and psychological resilience. Once selected, candidates undergo Basic Combat Training (BCT) and Advanced Individual Training (AIT), where they acquire foundational military skills and knowledge.

After these initial stages, prospective aviators attend the Warrant Officer Flight Training (WOFT) program, where they receive specialized instruction on aviation theory, flight regulations, and hands-on flight training. Here, trainees learn to master the complexities of Army aircraft and the intricacies of military aviation operations.

The structure and rigor embedded within the training pipelines underscore the paramount importance of training and simulation in Army Aviation. They ensure the continuous influx of competent aviators and maintain the operational readiness and combat effectiveness of the aviation units.

The ongoing challenges in the selection process reinforce the need for innovative solutions and adaptations to align with the evolving landscape of military aviation and to meet the increasing demands for skilled aviators adept at leveraging advanced aviation technologies in complex operational environments.

Sustainment and Readiness: Ensuring Flight Worthiness

Sustainment and readiness of Army aircraft are intricate tasks that demand meticulous attention and coordinated efforts to ensure the continuous operability and optimal performance of every aerial asset in various conditions. These processes are underpinned by an intricate network of logistics, supply chain management, and oversight mechanisms to manage the aircraft's lifecycle.

Several entities and officers within the Army are tasked with overseeing the processes related to aircraft sustainment and readiness. The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command (AMCOM) is central in providing life-cycle management solutions, technical support, and repair services for Army aviation assets. It works closely with the Logistics Support Facility (LSF) to ensure the availability and reliability of aviation components. The Aviation Logistics Officers, on the other hand, are responsible for managing all aspects of aviation logistics support, supply chain management, and maintenance operations, ensuring that the aircraft are mission-ready.

Greenwood Aerospace is a trusted resource in Army aviation sustainment, providing reliable service and expertise in OEM and aftermarket parts supply, aircraft ground support, and logistics services. We recognize that maintaining successful flight programs involves meticulous attention and continuous enhancement throughout an aircraft’s life-cycle. Our team of experts specializes in sustaining a diverse range of flight programs, ensuring operational readiness and mission success for aircraft like C-12s and Twin Otters, catering to Special Purpose and ISR Aircraft, among others.

Safety and Regulations: Preserving Army Aviation Integrity

The integrity and safety of Army Aviation are overseen by several dedicated entities within the military structure, each tasked with ensuring that every facet of aviation operations adheres to the established safety and reliability standards. These bodies are responsible for evaluating and enforcing policies, conducting regular audits and inspections of aircraft and operational procedures, and ensuring the continual training and certification of personnel.

The main regulatory bodies and frameworks involved include: 

  1. U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command (AMCOM): AMCOM plays a pivotal role in the life-cycle management of Army aviation and missile systems, focusing on readiness, sustainment, and safety.
  2. Army Safety Program (AR 385-10): The Army Safety Program provides a framework for addressing risk management, accident prevention, and safety training within Army Aviation.
  3. U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center (USACRC): USACRC is responsible for leading the Army Safety Community in maximizing readiness by preserving life and equipment. It provides safety oversight in all Army operations, including aviation.
  4. Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs): While they primarily govern civil aviation, FARs also set standards that are often applicable to military aviation concerning airworthiness, flight operations, and aircraft maintenance.
  5. Army Regulations (ARs) and Field Manuals (FMs): These documents provide comprehensive guidelines and procedures for Army aviation operations, maintenance, training, and safety. They are crucial for ensuring uniformity and adherence to established standards within Army Aviation.

Each regulatory body and framework is meticulously detailed and designed to ensure the integrity, safety, and readiness of Army aviation units. Compliance with these established norms is non-negotiable and is rigorously monitored and enforced to maintain operational excellence and safeguard life and property.

Greenwood Aerospace: Supporting Army Fixed-Wing Aviation Units 

Greenwood Aerospace stands as a beacon of trust and reliability in supporting the missions of Army fixed-wing aircraft. Our expertise in aircraft sustainment and deep commitment to monitoring and implementing cutting-edge industry requirements make us a valued collaborator in maintaining the integrity of military aviation. 

Furthermore, Greenwood Aerospace is unwavering in its dedication to adhering strictly to all regulations and certifications, ensuring that every facet of our service is compliant, efficient, and of the highest standard. Our AS9120B Certification and ITAR registration underline our commitment to quality, safety, and regulatory adherence, providing peace of mind to their customers. 

If you want a supply chain solutions company that can maximize your operational readiness, choose one trusted by the U.S. military. Contact us today to request a quote or see if you’re eligible to become a supplier! 

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