The introduction of nuclear weapons in 1945 reinforced a long held view that the best use of air power is attacking those critical strategic nodes which a military commander chooses to believe are essential for his enemy to continue fighting. Although the use of nuclear weapons was unlikely, the orientation of air forces toward deep strike established a mindset and doctrines which carried over to the employment of air-delivered conventional weapons. Nuclear warfare thinking proved to be an obstacle to maintaining effective conventional air warfare doctrine. Existing and proposed fighter/attack airplanes, for reasons discussed above, are not optimum for supporting ground forces, especially in the direct attack mode of WWII. And, generations of pilots, trained to perform deep strike interdiction with these aircraft and lacking combat experience in direct air support are unlikely candidates to recover the lost art described in the opening statement of this paper. Since the Nation lacks appropriate resources for such combat flying, revival of the mission is unlikely to occur without a major effort by the benefactors of such services, the ground forces. Change can only occur if current ground component commanders speak out on behalf of the grunts who will be confronted with classical combat situations in the future.

Where are the ground combat veterans who might testify as to the value of and need for the air support that was once available? They were sparse in number to begin with and most are retired or deceased. The strategic strike focus of the fifties dominated the minds of air planners during the Vietnam War. Could this account for the fact that direct air support was provided for only ten percent of SEA ground actions? Perhaps "out of sight, out of mind" may account for the fact that ground force commanders seemed content with this meager contribution by air. Considering that U.S. did not win in Vietnam, it seems fair to ask how it might have gone had the ground forces requested and received effective air support for say eighty instead of ten percent of their missions? Accompanying this question is the observation that the resource consuming effort of bombing North Vietnam and attempting to interdict the flow of supplies into the South failed to accomplish its objective. These thoughts lead to questions like: (1) Lacking personal experience with vintage air support, to what degree can current ground commanders visualize its potential value and (2) Might it help to conduct experiments to illustrate the possibilities for a revived form of air support which can exploit projected technology and innovative design?

In seeking the answer to this question, the author interviewed scores of ground combat veterans from three wars and other military events in addition to many who are involved in thinking about a range of possible future conflicts. Concepts such as STOM (ship-to-objective maneuver), DMO (dominant maneuver operations), JSF (joint strike force) and RDO (rapid decisive operations) all portray insertion of light forces into enemy territory. Evolving doctrines portray Light Forces operating deep in enemy territory relying on information dominance and quick decisive actions to keep the enemy off-balance. Light Force concepts emphasize reliance on external fires and various forms of "reach back" assistance. Also popular among "advanced thinkers" is the term "effects based assessment" (EBA) for evaluating various external fires alternatives. Encouraging troops to a higher level of aggressive conduct in the face of adversity would clearly be a positive "effect". The testimony of the Battalion Commander in the opening paragraph of this paper illustrates how the visible direct support by skilful pilots can serve to lift the spirits of the troops at a critical time. Is this not an example of the ultimate in terms of "effects based" value.

Ground Combat Elements (GCE) performing three dimensional maneuver, STOM or JSF operations will need all the external help they can get and without incurring additional logistical or manpower burdens. Interviews with scores of combat veterans (retired and active) reveal the need for Continuous Overhead Presence (COP) of perceptive air crews who are working as an integral part of the GCE. The expressed need is for a virtually organic airborne partner who understands the commanders intent and can provide the following functions with minimum interruption to ground maneuver:

• Local surveillance and reconnaissance
• Communications assistance
• Immediate light fires applied to trouble spots as they occur
• Perimeter reconnaissance-by-fire
• Control of CAS and coordination with artillery and naval fires (OV-1/2/10/Vietnam)

In this paper, the package of desired services listed above is named Maneuver Air Support (MAS). MAS is very different from CAS (close air support) which has become a highly controlled alleged air-substitute for artillery fire and will, in the future, be delivered from remote locations well beyond the grunt’s view on the battlefield. COP and MAS are provided by combinations of aircraft flown by specially trained crews executing variations of Joint Air Attack Team (JAAT) tactics tailored to exploit the low altitude region that has been vacated for missions such as close air support and battlefield air interdiction. MAS is tailored to provide visual and continuous support of Light Forces employing three dimensional maneuver warfare concepts to accomplish limited military objectives. Most important, MAS will be available even if the ground action is taking place beneath an overcast sky.

MAS mission pilots and aircraft would routinely perform as an integral part of a combined-arms maneuver warfare team. These specially trained pilots (all FAC qualified) must be perceptive aerial observers who are fully informed regarding their assigned ground force commander’s intent and would be in constant contact with him. Most important, MAS designated units become virtually organic and satisfy the expressed need for air presence, as emphasized repeatedly by combat experienced infantry officers. Experience with this mode of operation has proven effective as described by various pilots who flew OV-1 Mohawks and OV-10 Broncos in support of both Marine Corps and U.S. Army ground forces during Vietnam and Operation Desert Storm. Similar favorable experience was accumulated with A-1 Skyraiders and F-4U Corsairs in South East Asia and Korea. Also, variations of this mission were popular and effectively flown by pilots of P-47’s in support of Patton’s Third Army as it raced across France in 1944 as recounted by David Spires in "Patton and Weyland: A Model for Air Ground Cooperation". There, the mission was sometimes referred to as "column cover".

COP of MAS pilots employing adaptive-cooperative command & control (C2) techniques would provide immediate response to the menu of needs of a ground combat element (GCE). They could also serve as an informed airborne relay to expedite the response and enhance the performance of other air units providing CAS whether it is to be delivered from above or below the overcast. Of major importance is that MAS pilots would be proficient at providing spontaneous light fires to erase small problems which otherwise might escalate to an emergency status requiring artillery and massive CAS fires to save the day. An applicable bit of wisdom here is: "a stitch in time saves nine".

The expressed need for COP to support future light forces destined to execute three dimensional maneuver warfare concepts, compels the DoD to explore possibilities to include fielding a dedicated aircraft such as an ASP (agile-survivable-potent). In general terms, an ASP might be described as a small, very agile and survivable cross between a Bronco and a Warthog (an "OAX") that could fly either from a maneuver element dirt strip forward arming and refueling point (FAARP) to avoid fixed-site air base targeting or an aircraft carrier without using catapults or arresting gear (as did the Bronco). But of course, to be effective at MAS, the pilots of these birds must be specially trained and routinely practice with a ground element and other components of a joint air attack team (JAAT). They, with specialized equipment and weapons, may be the keys to recovering and exploiting the lost battlespace beneath an overcast sky.

MAS tactics and flight techniques can be expected to evolve from exploratory exercises. Here, a sample of possible aerial activity is offered to aid in visualization of a concept of operations. When in support of a battalion sized ground combat element (GCE), an airborne JAAT might consist of three to five ASPs and two or three AH-64 Apaches linked and working in the terrain flight environment (between the ground and two hundred feet) with AC-130U Spooky in orbit at 12000 feet. The JAAT, while flying in mutual support of each other, is simultaneously seeking, gaming, suppressing and killing enemy air defenses while applying light fires against enemy ground forces as desired by the GCE commander. Also, ASPs assist with coordination of artillery and control of CAS when either is needed and available. And, during three dimensional operations, this group will fly "shotgun" escort for insertion elements employing V-22s or compound or regular configuration helicopters.

ASP pilots, while hunting and providing local "recce-by-fires" in a high threat zone, would avoid rising above the terrain mask for periods in excess of 10 or 12 seconds and abstain from steady heading flight in excess of five seconds; such tactics minimize susceptibility to air defenses.

Experiments with such tactics over rolling terrain have demonstrated that ground observers are seldom able to point at and track the aircraft for periods in excess of five seconds, far short of the time required for a missile to be launched and guide to the target.

The nature of such flying plus the observation and communications burden may well dictate the need for a second air crewman, probably a ground combat officer. Night MAS can feature AC-130U Spooky (gunship) above the overcast, coupled with AH-64D Apache Longbow and UCAVs below. Of course, both night and day tactics will vary with the terrain, weather, threat and the tactical objectives. As in the past, definitive forms of the equipment and the techniques for effective application are best determined from exercises which afford opportunities to couple innovative technology with variations in air-ground team tactics.

One response to this question is to imagine the architects creed, Form Follows Function, guiding an unbridled creative aircraft design genius --- herein lies the key to recapturing the lost battlespace beneath the overcast. A vivid picture of the "functions" of the MAS mission can be had by reading USAF Major Marshall Harrison’s fascinating account of his experience as an OV-10 airborne FAC in Vietnam and Cambodia; it is titled "A Lonely Kind of War". Combine Harrison’s book with that of Colonel Rudel’s "Stuka Pilot" and mentally ponder aircraft characteristics such as: light, agile, quick, tough, resilient, potent, survivable, long loiter, austere, and affordable. Emphasizing these attributes in conversation with innovative designers will likely yield candidate aircraft yet unimagined by most aviators. As examples, Bert Rutan's ARES (Agile, Responsive, Effective Support) and the Lockheed ATLAS (Anti-Tank Light Attack System) featuring the GE Unducted Fan engine and pictured in figures 1 and 2, were products of such discussions which occurred over a decade ago.

Detailed discussion of possible ASP aircraft: "Killer Bees"

Pilot survivability is a major mission consideration and because there would be frequent exposure to air defenses, the demand for vulnerability reduction will drive the design toward aircraft which, even when critically damaged, provide a high probability for pilot survival. In wartime, survival and recovery of pilots is especially important because they are a critically in-short-supply resource that must be returned to action, hopefully, within hours of being shot down. We are reminded that it was the loss of experienced pilots, not their aircraft, that was the downfall of both the German and Japanese airforces.

Such a perspective presents an opportunistic challenge to an aircraft designer both from the standpoint of minimizing aircraft vulnerability and pilot injury. Also, designers are challenged to moderate cost so that the aircraft that can be procured in such quantities as to provide "on-hand" replacements. An additional consideration is that even though an aircraft has low vulnerability, it may incur damage such that it is not safe to return to battle without undergoing time consuming repair. Here again is a reason to provide spare aircraft so the pilot can return to the fight in a fresh machine. In one sense, such a capability increases total force survivability because it improves the prospect for victory.

It is crucial to recognize that War consumes vast quantities of equipment. Ergo, there is concern that the evolving U.S. "token" air forces may be insufficient for War and, at the same time, too expensive for employment in military political gymnastics.

Part V: Beyond CAS: the Possibility for Vintage Air Support

What lies beyond CAS? Is it possible to create a form of air support that surpasses the best that was available in the past? Exploitation of available technology, the talents of modern airmen and operational vision of ground commanders can evolve the combined arms performance needed for battle dominance with three dimensional maneuver warfare. Continuous Overhead Presence (COP) of variable mix/match JAATs is a realistic possibility. The path to such capability begins with experimentation.

To quote Socrates: "One must learn by doing the thing, for though you think you know it, you have no certainty until you try."

Fig.1 ARES by Scaled Composites, Inc.

Low IR and Visual Signatures, Gun: 25mm GAU-12/U Gatling, Redundant Controls, Tough, Prototype Flow in 1989; Privately Financed

Fig.2 Sample ATLAS (Anti Tank Light Attack System) Design

GE Unducted Fan Engine and GAU-13 (4 barrel 30mm or 25mm) Gun Rate of Turn>25 deg/sec; Low SFC (long loiter), Low IR Signature, Low Vulnerability

Carrier Operable without Catapult or Arrested Landing: Exploits Reverse Pitch

Comments appreciated via email: cmyersaero@aol.com or cmyers@ida.com

Draft: 29 August 2001

Suggested Readings

"A Lonely Kind of War" by Marshall Harrison. Presidio Press

An OA-10 FAC in Vietnam.

"Air power for Patton's Army: Forging a legendary air-ground team" by Spires, David N. Spires

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Patton's Air Force: Forging a legendary air-ground team
Originally published: "Air power for Patton's Army", Washington, D.C.: Air Force History and Museums Program, 2002

Includes bibliographical references and index. (316 pages) ISBN 1-58834-087-2

1. World War, 1939-1945 Aerial Operations, American.
2. United States Army Air Forces. Tactical Air Command, 19th History.
3. Close air support
History 20th century.
4. United States. Army. Army 3rd History.

I. Title. D790.S65 2002b 940.54¹4973--dc21

By special arrangement with the U.S. Air Force, this publication is being offered for sale by the Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington, D.C.

For permission to reproduce illustrations appearing in this book, please correspond directly with the U.S. Air Force. The Smithsonian Institution Press does not retain reproduction rights for these illustrations individually or maintain a file of addresses for photo sources.

Biographical Sketch for C.E. "Chuck" Myers, Jr.

In 1961, Mr. Myers created Aerocounsel, Inc., a mini-think tank to serve the aerospace community. Since then, he has consulted or worked for 16 aerospace companies, NASA, FAA, GAO, CNA, IDA, OMB, CSIS, DoD, USAF and USN. During the past forty years he has written and lectured about various military missions including air superiority, close air support, fleet air defense and fire support for ground forces. In 1978, he began the effort which led to reactivation of the Iowa Class battleships and much later, a Navy proposal to create a Battle Surveillance Airship to assist in air defense against the "sea skimmer" cruise missile threat. This was coupled with briefings on his Littoral Warfare study which illuminated the need for a dedicated "fire support ship". During 1985-2000, Aerocounsel, conducted workshops on tactical air support for maneuver warfare. He chaired forums sponsored by COMNAVAIRPAC which led to a novel concept wherein fixed-wing pilots perform as a self-adaptive cooperative element in support of infantry.

Mr. Myers had the unique experience of completing both Army Air Corps and Navy pilot training. He flew low-level attack versions of B-25s with the Fifth Air Force in the Pacific Theater in WWII, separating from the Army Air Force in October 1945. Chuck then served as an USAF reserve pilot while attending Lafayette College, graduating with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering in 1949. He was then commissioned Ensign, USN and trained as a Naval Aviator, graduating in April 1951 and later joining VF-72 to deploy aboard the carrier USS Bon Homme Richard to fly F9F-2 Panther jets in the Korean War.

In 1954, Lt. Myers graduated from Navy Test Pilot School after which he flew as a Navy Test Pilot for nearly two years before resigning to become a civilian engineering test pilot for CONVAIR. His first assignment was to develop a new flight technique for the "Pogo Stick" VTOL Navy fighter. After this project was terminated for engine problems, he joined the CONVAIR fighter-interceptor test team at Edwards AFB, CA. During five years at Edwards, he served as President of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots, became Chief Test Pilot on the USAF F-106 program and flew the speed envelope extension necessary for the Air Force to capture the World Speed Record from Russia in 1960 at 1544 mph. He later flew with the U.S. Army during early experiments using armed helicopters for fire support at Ft. Rucker, Alabama. In December 1999, Chuck was inducted into the Virginia Aeronautical Historical Society's Hall of Fame for his contributions to aeronautical progress during the past 50 years.