Section 105 Flashcards
6 functions of Marine Corps Aviation
offensive air support anti-air warfare assault support air reconnaissance electronic warfare control of aircraft and missiles
sub-functions of offensive air support
close air support
deep air support
What is the difference between close air support and deep air support?
Close air support requires detailed integration of air missions with fire and movement of friendly forces due to the close proximity of those forces to enemy targets.
Deep air support does not require this kind of integration due to the greater distance between friendly forces and enemy targets.
sub-functions of anti-air warfare
offensive AAW
air defense: active, passive
sub-functions of assault support
combat assault support aerial Refueling aerial Evacuation aerial Delivery TRAP (tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel) air logistical support battlespace illumination
Describe air logistical support.
delivers troops, equipment, and supplies when surface transportation is slow or unavailable
sub-functions of air reconnaissance
electronic recon
visual recon
multisensory imagery recon
sub-functions of electronic warfare
electronic attack (EA) electronic protection (EP) electronic warfare support (EWS)
sub-functions of control of aircraft and missiles
air direction
air control
What is the difference between air direction and air control?
Air direction: the authority to regulate the employment of aircraft and missiles to maintain a balance between their availability and assigned priorities
Air control: the authority to direct the physical maneuvers of aircraft in flight
What is the mission and purpose of the MAW?
The MAW is the aviation component of the MAGTF capable of performing all six functions of Marine aviation.
Explain the organization of the MAW.
MAWs include Marine aircraft, air control, and wing support groups.
Support to the MEF may include assets from more than one MAW that are task organized to form a MAW (reinforced).
MAWs are NOT organized according to T/O’s, but rather are TASK ORGANIZED to accomplish the assigned missions.
Each of the four wings may have a different organization, but each can perform all six functions of Marine aviation.
function of a Marine Air Group (MAG)
smallest aviation unit designed to conduct operations with no outside assistance except access to a source of supplies
MALS
Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron
provides direct support of intermediate aircraft maintenance, aviation supply, and aviation ordnance to the aircraft squadrons of a MAG
VMGR
Aerial Refueler Transport Squadrons
Functions: aerial refueling to extend mission range, ground refueling, assault air transport
Aircraft: KC-130
VMAQ
Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron
Functions: process and provide mission data, electronic attack, EW support operations, operate in darkness and under all-weather conditions
Aircraft: EA6 Prowler
VMU
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron
Functions: recon, collect battle damage assessments, support rear area security
Aircraft: Boeing Scan Eagle
VMFA
Fighter/Attack Squadron
Functions: attack/destroy surface targets, escort friendly aircraft, day and night close air support, capable of extended range operations by aerial refueling
Aircraft: F/A-18C Hornet
VMFA/AW
All-Weather Fighter/Attack Squadron
Functions: day and night close air support or deep air support under adverse weather conditions, multisensory imagery recon, battlespace illumination
Aircraft: F/A-18D Super Hornet
VMA
Attack Squadron
Functions: close air support, armed recon, air defense, VSTOL
Aircraft: AV8B Harrier
VMM
Medium Tilto-Rotor Squadron
Functions: combat assault troop transport (primary), combat assault transport of supplies and equipment (secondary), maintain self-defense capabilities from ground-to-air and air-to-air threats, VTOL
Aircraft: MV-22 Osprey
HMH
Heavy Helicopter Squadron
Functions: assault transport of heavy weapons/equipment/supplies (primary), assault transport of troops (secondary), tactical recovery and retrieval ops for downed aircraft/equipment/personnel, provides support for FARPs
Aircraft: CH-53E
HMM
Medium Helicopter Squadron
Functions: combat assault troop transport (primary), combat assault transport of supplies and equipment (secondary), augments local search & rescue assets
Aircraft: CH-46
HMLA
Light Attack Helicopter Squadron
Functions: utility helos (airborne C&C platform, armed escort for assault support ops, combat assault transport), attack helos (fire support and security for forward and rear area forces, point target ops, anti-helo ops)
Aircraft: UH-1 (Huey), AH-1
Explain the Marine Air Command and Control System (MACCS)
A system of command and control agencies (such as MACGs) that provide the ACE commander with the ability to monitor, supervise, and influence the application of Marine aviation’s six functions
Function, mission, and composition of a Marine Air Control Group (MACG).
In charge of comms, supply, and directing.
MTACS MWHS MACS MWCS MASS LAAD
Marine Tactical Air Command Squadron (MTACS)
Provides equipment, maintenance, and operations for the ACE
Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron (MWHS)
Provides command, admin, and supply support for a MAW HQ and certain elements of the MACG
Marine Air Control Squadron (MACS)
Provides air surveillance and control of aircraft and surface-to-air weapons
Marine Wing Communications Squadron (MWCS)
Provides expeditionary communications for the ACE
Marine Air Support Squadron (MASS)
Provides direct air support capabilities for control and coordination of fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft
Low Altitude Air Defense (LAAD) Battalion
Provides close-in, low-altitude, surface-to-air weapons fires in defense of MAGTF assets defending forward combat areas
What is the function of a Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS)?
Provides aviation ground support to designated FIXED WING component of the ACE
What is the ACE of a MEF, and how does it relate to the support/supporting concept of operations?
The ACE of a MEF is a MAW. Typically, the ACE supports a MEF with one or more MAWs; support to the MEF may include assets from more than one MAW that are task organized to form a reinforced MAW.
What is the ACE of a MEB?
MAG
What is the ACE of a MEU?
helicopter squadron (reinforced)
Describe the three levels of aviation maintenance.
Organizational: 1st and 2nd echelon; inspecting, servicing, lubricating, adjusting, and replacing parts, minor assemblies, and subassemblies
Intermediate: 3rd and 4th echelon; calibration, repair or replacement of damaged or unserviceable parts, components, or assemblies
Depot-level: 5th echelon; maintenance done on material requiring major rework of complete rebuild
Discuss the characteristics and employment of the UH-1.
twin-engine, two-seat, single-piloted, single-rotor, utility helicopter
HMLA Squadrons use the UH-1N
can transport up to 13 passengers or provide airborne command and control
can carry two 7.62mm machine guns and a defensive armament system
Discuss the characteristics and employment of the CH-53D.
dual-piloted, twin-engine, single-rotor ASSAULT SUPPORT helicopter
used by the HMH Squadron
primary mission: provide transport of supplies and equipment
can transport up to 55 personnel, 30 combat-loaded troops, or 24 litters
can mount two 7.62mm machine guns for self protection
Discuss the characteristics and employment of the CH-53E.
dual-piloted, single-rotor helicopter with THREE ENGINES
can transport 16 tons over 50 nautical miles
can lift 93% of the MARDIV’s equipment
Discuss the characteristics and employment of the EA-6.
four-place (one pilot and three electronic countermeasures officers), twin-engine, subsonic ELECTRONIC WARFARE aircraft.
Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadrons (VMAQ) us the EA-6B
supports the MAGTF by suppressing enemy electronic activity and by gaining tactical electronic intelligence
Discuss the characteristics and employment of the F/A-18 “Hornet”.
single-place, twin-engine, strike fighter
can intercept enemy aircraft and perform ground attack
can carry over 17,000 pounds of ordnance.
F/A-18D is the two-seat variant of the F/A-18. VMFA (AW) uses the F/A-18D. A FLIR system, NVG compatible cockpit lighting, and digital moving map display enable the F/A-18D aircraft to perform ground attacks at night under the weather.
Discuss the characteristics and employment of the AV-8B “Harrier”.
single-seat, transonic, vectored-thrust, light attack aircraft
Marine attack squadron (VMA) uses the AV-8B
GAU-12 25mm bun system
can carry up to 9,200 pounds of external ordnance
V/STOL capability provides increased responsiveness to MAGTF commander’s OAS requirements through basing flexibility and high sortie rates. The angle rates bombing system (ARBS) allows accurate first pass attacks and high kill probability using laser spot or TV tracking. The aircraft has an inertial navigation system. Its forward looking infrared (FLIR) system, night vision goggle NVG compatible cockpit t lighting, and moving map display allow ground attacks at night under the weather.
Discuss the characteristics and employment of the MV-22 “Osprey”.
multi-engine, dual-piloted, self deployable, medium lift; vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) tilt rotor aircraft designed for combat, combat support, combat service support, and Special Operations missions
Primary function: Amphibious assault transport of troops, equipment and supplies from assault ships and land bases.
Discuss the characteristics and employment of the KC-130.
four-engine, turboprop, aerial refueler and assault transport aircraft
Marine aerial refueler transport squadrons (VMGRs) use the KC-130
can aerial refuel aircraft equipped with refueling probes
can ground refuel helicopters and AV-8s at austere landing sites
can carry 92 troops, 64 paratroops, 74 litters, or 35,000 pounds of cargo
Discuss the characteristics and employment of the AH-1 “Super Cobra”.
two-place, tandem-seat, twin-engine helicopter capable of land- or sea-based operations
provides fire support and fire support coordination to the landing force during amphibious assaults and subsequent operations ashore
Discuss the characteristics and employment of the Pioneer.
procured starting in 1985 as an interim UAV capability to provide imagery intelligence (IMINT) for tactical commanders on land and at sea
In ten years, Pioneer has flown nearly 14,000 flight hours and supported every major U.S. contingency operation to date.
Discuss the characteristics and employment of the Scan Eagle.
small, autonomous remote-control airplane with a stabilized camera
It generally flies itself, but we have operators to tell it where to go.
one of the smallest UAVs to have a stabilized video camera in it
can stay in the air, orbiting a certain point for up to 15 plus hours
small size makes it stealthy
Describe electronic reconnaissance.
EW-configured aircraft detect, identify, evaluate, and locate foreign electromagnetic radiation emanating from non-nuclear detonations.
Describe visual reconnaissance.
A pilot visually searches a route, point, or area to obtain intelligence.
Describe air reconnaissance.
acquisition of intelligence information by employing visual observation or sensors in aircraft
Describe multisensory imagery reconnaissance.
includes photographic, side-looking airborne radar, and infrared reconnaissance
Describe electronic attack.
the use of electromagnetic or antiradiation weapons to attack personnel, facilities, or equipment with the intent of degrading or destroying enemy combat capability
Describe electronic protection.
actions taken to protect personnel, facilities, and equipment from the effects of electronic warfare
Describe electronic warfare support.
actions taken to intercept, identify, and locate sources of radiated electromagnetic energy for the purpose of immediate threat recognition
