Air Traffic Services Operations by Department of the Army - HTML preview

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Signal format: Conditioned diphase at 16 or 32 kbps.

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Codeword format: Cyclically permuted eight-bit words.

2-87. The digital secure voice terminal (DSVT) KY-68 is used for:

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Chapter 2

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Encrypting/decrypting voice traffic and providing secure digitized data traffic.

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Operating as a full- or half-duplex voice/data subscriber terminal at 16 to 32 kbps.

2-88. The KY-68 provides:

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Secure and nonsecure access to the switched networks.

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Secure access to non-switched networks.

2-89. Handset H-350/U is normally issued with the DSVT and includes a push-to-talk switch which is used when the DSVT is operating in the half-duplex mode to allow for voice transmission. The terminal consists of a five-position function switch, audio and ring volume controls, ring/busy, extension, and nonsecure warning indicators. The DSVT provides a digital communications interface with TRI-TAC and MSE circuit switches.

Radio

2-90. Operations often depend on radio as the primary means of communication. This is especially true during mobile combat operations. Radio communications should be kept to an absolute minimum until enemy contact is made.

2-91. Frequency modulated communications are the primary operations and intelligence (O&I) and administrative and logistics (A&L) nets and the means of communicating with ground forces. However, ATS has a broad range of other radios that facilitate joint, internal, long-range, and NOE communications.

FM 3-04.111, appendix C, discusses the following systems:

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UHF for internal communications and communication with military aircraft.

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VHF for tactical communications and communications with civil and military aircraft.

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HF for long distance and NOE communications.

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SATCOM for over the horizon communications.

2-92. AICs, control towers and TACTs use HF and SATCOM capabilities to provide and receive—

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Airspace SA.

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Changes to airspace requirements.

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Orders from higher headquarters to support operations in near-real time.

2-93. AICs monitor preplanned SATCOM channels so equipped aircraft can communicate position and status reporting required for en route flight management purposes. Additionally, the AIC, control tower, and TACT may use SATCOM to provide preplanned airspace information services for special operations aircraft.

2-94. Each AIC operating at theater level uses SATCOM for inter-communications of commander’s critical information requirements between ATS assets.

Visual and Audio

2-95. Visual and audio signals are in the signal operator instructions (SOIs) or SOP. The SOP may establish signals not included in the SOIs. Sound and visual signals include pyrotechnics, hand-and-arm, flag, metal-on-metal, rifle shot, whistles, horns, bells, and light guns. Visual cues are especially valuable in the FARP. Control tower teams and TACTs may use FAA light gun signals for ATC in the event of radio failures or when practicing radio silence.

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Command and Control

THEATER AIRFIELD OPERATIONS GROUP ARCHITECTURE

2-96. Table 2-3 depicts TAOG communications architecture and the systems it utilizes.

Table 2-3. TAOG communication architecture systems

TAOG to:

ASCC

TSC

• Warfighter information network-

• WIN-T, WAN, LOS, LAN, COM/WIRE

tactical (WIN-T), wide area network

(WAN), LOS, NLOS, LAN,

communications/wire (COM/WIRE),

AOB ADJACENT

UNITS

• WAN, LOS, NLOS, COM/WIRE,

• WIN-T, LOS, NLOS, COM/WIRE

ATS UNITS

C3 AIR

• WIN-T, WAN, COM/WIRE, LOS,

• WIN-T, WAN, COM/WIRE,

NLOS,

TAC DIV/CORPS/ARMY

• WIN-T, WAN, LOS, NLOS, LAN,

• WIN-T, WAN, LOS, NLOS, LAN, COM/WIRE,

COM/WIRE

Radio Nets

2-97. The TAOG normally operates on its own and its higher headquarters command, O&I, and A&L nets.

The TAOG must often monitor lower, adjacent, and supported unit radio nets. Critical higher headquarters radio nets must be monitored at all times to include:

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Higher command net. The TAC commander, all brigade CPs, and the S-3 enter and operate.

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Higher O&I net. The S-2 and all brigade CPs enter and operate.

2-98. Other staff sections and staff officers enter other higher nets as appropriate.

Command Net

2-99. A secure command net is controlled by the S-3 and used for C2. All subordinate maneuver support and sustainment units operate in this net. As a rule, only commanders, XOs, or S-3s communicate on this net.

Operations and Intelligence Net

2-100. The O&I net is controlled by the S-2. This net is used for details and discussion leading to analysis. When completed, it is relayed to the appropriate commander. The unit XO, operating in the tactical operations center (TOC), ensures the analysis is completed and relayed in a timely manner and by the appropriate means. If the rear CP is used, it also monitors O&I, allowing anticipation of critical support requirements and problems. Routine operations and intelligence reports are sent via the O&I net. It also functions as the surveillance net when required. The O&I net is normally not monitored by the TAOG or subordinate commanders.

Administrative and Logistics Net

2-101. The A&L net is controlled by the S-1 and S-4. This net is used for details and discussion leading to the resolution of administration and logistics matters. Critical information is relayed to the appropriate commander or discussed via the A&L net. The unit XO, operating in the TOC, ensures the analysis is completed and relayed in a timely manner and by the appropriate means. The A&L net, like the O&I net, is normally not monitored by the TAOG or subordinate commanders.

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Chapter 2

COMMUNICATIONS SECURITY EQUIPMENT

AN/CYZ-10

2-102. The AN/CYZ-10 data transfer device (DTD), also known as ANCD, is a portable, hand-held device capable of securely receiving, storing, and transferring data between compatible cryptographic and communications equipment. It is programmable and capable of storing 1,000 keys, maintaining an automatic internal audit trail of all security-relevant events that can be uploaded, and encrypting key for storage. The DTD is capable of keying multiple information security (INFOSEC) devices and is compatible with COMSEC equipment such as SINCGARS radios or KY-57 VINSON. The DTD is designed to be fully compatible with future INFOSEC equipment, meeting required signaling and benign fill standards. It will eventually replace the legacy family of common fill devices including the KYX-15

electronic storage devices, and KOI-18 paper tape reader. Only the DTD and KOI-18 support newer 128-bit keys. The DTD holds all keys needed for SINCGARS and SOI. Its internal clock uses a crystal oscillator making it inadequate; therefore it can not set the time in a frequency-hopping radio, such as SINCGARS or Have Quick. Crystal oscillators change frequency with aging, temperature, power supply voltage, and other factors. SINCGARS needs a number of different fills for frequency-hopping and transmission security. The A/N CYZ -10 is current scheduled to be replaced by the A/N PYQ -10(c).

KOI-18/TSEC

2-103. The KOI-18/TSEC, tape reader is used to load transmission encryption keys (TEKs) into the KY-57 and other equipment needing a key. It uses a photo optical reader that can read a paper tape that is pulled through the reader by hand. It is versatile and unforgiving, requiring accurate input on the tape.

Other key loaders have electronic registers that can only hold keys in predetermined formats.

KYK-13/TSEC

2-104. The KYK-13/TSEC electronic transfer device is designed to hold TEKs. The KYK-13 holds up to six TEK variables.

ANDVT Minterm (KY-99)

2-105. The ANDVT MINTERM (KY-99) is a narrowband/wideband terminal that interoperates with VINSON (KY-57, KY-58) and SINCGARS. A self-contained terminal including COMSEC, KY-99

provides secure voice and data communications in tactical airborne/ground environments.

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Chapter 3

Employment

The Army’s primary task is to conduct prompt and sustained combat operations on land. Joint force commanders (JFCs) require immediate available land power to

complement other service capabilities. The long-term presence of land power makes the otherwise temporary effects of air, sea, and space operations permanent. Land forces must be able to work with multinational forces, local populations, local governments, and other United States government agencies to develop conditions that successfully conclude campaigns.

SECTION I – AIR TRAFFIC SERVICES COMPANY

3-1. ATS assets promote safe, flexible, and efficient use of airspace that is shared with a multitude of weapon systems. ATS companies enable Army aviation to maximize technology by coordinating airspace and providing recovery capabilities. ATS units enhance air operations for ground force initiatives by providing airspace information, terminal, navigational, and forward-area support services. Interface occurs with theater, joint and combined, or host-nation ATS assets during all phases of operations. ATS

organizations enable air operations by collecting, processing, displaying, and issuing airspace user information as well as implementing procedural and positive control measures and means for airspace deconfliction. Additionally, ATS companies support United States government agencies (interagency operations), as necessary, in the interest of national security during peacetime and contingency operations.

The deployment of air traffic systems support three missions sets, airspace information services, terminal ATS, and forward area support services.

AIRSPACE INFORMATION SERVICES

3-2. AICs provide airspace information updates to

friendly aircraft and are the primary coordination

Contents

link between aircraft and the CAB/division. AICs

operate as an execution arm of the associated A2C2 Section I – Air Traffic Services

elements of the division by providing near real-time

Company.................................................3-1

interface for airspace changes, while coordinating Section II – Theater Airfield Operations.3-11

and deconflicting airspace requirements. The AIC Section III – Stability and Civil Support

ensures the flow of information required for air

Operations ............................................3-21

defense (AD) and air traffic management operations.

AIC services and updates include:

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Critical in-flight advisories/updates of airspace deviations within the AO.

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Hostile aircraft intrusion warnings.

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Locations of rapid refueling points, FARPs, terminal facilities, and on call NAVAIDs.

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Terminal airfield status.

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Flight following and navigational assistance.

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Monitoring and assisting combat search and rescue operations.

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Planned airspace information, including C2 restricted operations zones (ROZs) or orbit areas for Army Airborne Command and Control System aircraft monitoring a close battle.

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Air mission planning data and airspace control information for terminal facilities.

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Chapter 3

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Current and forecasted weather information.

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Electronic data link to ABCS for terminal facilities.

TERMINAL SERVICES

3-3. Terminal services assist in the movement of aircraft, including takeoff, landing, separation, and sequencing. These services also include full-service radar, tower communications, NAVAIDs, precision and nonprecision instrumentation on illuminated airfields and airports, and traffic advisories. Terminal services can be temporary with minimal service support.

CONTROL TOWER TEAM

3-4. The terminal platoon tower team employs at tactical landing sites or main operating bases where high density air traffic exists. Tower teams are responsible for controlling transitioning, landing, and departing aircraft. As the primary ATS organization for regulating and integrating terminal services it establishes the nonprecision approach capability for the terminal AO. Aircraft movements in, out, and through the terminal area are closely coordinated with the tower, GCA, and AIC to ensure complete SA of the terminal AO for deconfliction of airspace and fratricide avoidance.

GROUND CONTROL APPROACH TEAM

3-5. The GCA team employs with the tower team, providing a near all weather, precision/nonprecision approach recovery capability and surveillance vectoring to arriving and departing aircraft operating in the terminal area.

FORWARD AREA SUPPORT SERVICES

3-6. TACTs coordinate aviation operations and are employed as initial entry forces at auxiliary areas and remote and austere locations. The mobility of the TACT allows the commander flexibility during all stages of force projection and provides aviation units with on-the-spot control and advisory capabilities in any environment. The TACT provides terminal and airspace information services where air assets require coordinated movement.

3-7. Operations such as AAs, LZ/PZ, and FARPs are best suited for the TACT. Within 1 hour of arrival, TACTs are capable of providing a nonprecision NAVAID, positive, and procedural ATS and secure UHF, VHF, FM, SATCOM and HF radio communications, and limited meteorological information. These teams employ manpack NDB (Pathfinder mode) and secure data/voice communications packages, providing low probability of interception.

3-8. The TACT is trained and equipped to provide initial rapid response ATS and C3 (in support of CAB

and joint missions). It can operate for 72 hours without resupply or augmentation, and its small logistic footprint is conducive to rapid site establishment and retrogrades. The TACT provides certified ATC

specialists uniquely trained in rapid tactical ATC operations.

EMPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS

OPPOSED ENTRY

3-9. Opposed entry operations require full coordination of joint capabilities to place large ground forces in the theater. Synchronized with other supporting fires, air assets engage the enemy well forward to delay, disrupt, and destroy enemy forces moving toward the battle area. Air assets also assist in countering the insertion of large enemy forces to the rear of friendly combat forces. ATS units provide—

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Terminal ATC services in the division AO.

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Airspace information services throughout the division AO, if required.

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Employment

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TACT support throughout the battle area.

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Host nation airspace integration and airspace coordination within the AO.

UNOPPOSED ENTRY

3-10. The Army seeks a peaceful unopposed entry with host nation assistance. Units that deploy early may flow through airports or seaports into a theater staging base from which they will prepare to assist forward presence or host nation forces. At the staging base, they protect the force, reconfigure, build combat capability, train, and acclimate before conducting combat operations. Commanders sequence maneuver, combat support, and sustainment units into the contingency area to gain and sustain the initiative and protect the force. When part of initial entry forces, ATS companies establish terminal operations at landing areas as required. These landing areas can include existing host nation airfields or captured enemy airfields.

3-11. Unopposed entry operations allow the ATS company to deploy as a whole and begin establishment of services. By deploying as a company, time required to initiate such items as host nation/JIIM

agreements, TERPs packages, and flight checks is reduced. Processing and publishing of airspace requirements, local flight rules, and airfield procedures can begin immediately, while other required airfield services are established with minimal delay.

OPERATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

3-12. The type of operation determines equipment requirements, back-up capabilities, and the communications connectivity used. A CAB main operating base or division airfield is normally established by the terminal assets of the ATS company. Mission planning for ATS operations should incorporate close coordination and guidance from the CAB S-3. The following planning considerations should be utilized when preparing to conduct initial entry operations:

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Type of mission. The type of mission determines the section or sections of the company called upon to complete the mission.

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Length of operations. Promote input by platoon sergeants and facility chiefs. Factors such as food, water, fuel, medical support, and life support issues such as showers, laundry, and resupply of uniforms, boots, and other common table of allowances (CTA) 900–50 (TA 50) must be well planned. Fighter management issues such as sleep and feeding plans must be considered.

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Type of services required. This planning consideration involves instrument flight rule (IFR) recovery capability. A TERPs package must be developed and is forwarded to the United States Army Aeronautical Services Agency (USAASA) for approval and certification. Emergency IFR

recovery procedures are interim procedures developed for emergency use. The approval authority for this procedure is the CAB commander.

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Support requirements. Support requirements are determined by the type of services and communications required at the airfield and the length of mission. Once established, these requirements must be met by the GSAB or CAB through division support and logistic channels.

Some requirements may dictate the need for semi-permanent facilities as well as commercial power if hardened facilities are used.

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Future mission of the base. If the base is used as a theater airfield later in the operation, ATS

companies plan for and execute—

Site surveys and TERPs packages as required.

Terminal airspace coordination.

Development and publication of local airfield procedures.

NAVAID frequencies requests with timelines for their use.

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Current combat airspace/additional airspace requirements. The current combat airspace is a critical planning measure. During the planning process a risk assessment is completed, and control measures are implemented. Current and future combat airspace is disseminated to all airspace users, controllers, and aircrews during the mission brief.

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Chapter 3

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Environment. The operating environment impacts the planning process. Terrain determines equipment placement and may impact equipment capabilities based on LOS radio and NAVAID

performance. The terrain can also dictate site layout for LZ or FARP operations, and the type of formation flight used during the mission. SOPs should address factors considered in the mission, enemy, terrain and weather, troops and support available, time available, and civil considerations (METT-TC) mission planning risk assessment/management process.

AUSTERE AIRFIELDS/LANDING SITES

3-13. ATS company commanders consider specific capabilities when planning ATS operations. They must—

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Plan for continuous operations in all weather.

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Address aircraft survivability related to ATC procedures and ACMs.

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Ensure ATC aviation mission support without restricting operations.

3-14. Aviation mission support includes airspace and air traffic management, enabling maneuver commanders to orchestrate air and ground operations, lethal and nonlethal fires, and ADs in conducting decisive operations. ATS support is provided through automated airspace planning and en route, terminal, and precision recovery throughout the brigade combat team and division AOs.

3-15. ATS assets provide air traffic management and airspace information support using TAIS. A2C2 cells organic to the battle staff at brigade and above assist ATS elements in deconflicting, synchronizing, and integrating airspace requirements.

ASSEMBLY AREA OPERATIONS

3-16. An AA is a location in which the unit prepares for operations. The three types of AAs used by Army aviation units are forward assembly areas, heavy assembly areas (HAAs), and rear assembly areas (RAAs).

Activities include planning; orders; maintenance; and class I, III, and V resupply. AAs are emplaced based on METT-TC and must be large enough for dispersion of the unit. AAs should not be located along an axis of advance. Other considerations involved in selecting appropriate AAs are—

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Security.

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Concealment.

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Accessibility to main supply routes.

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Air avenues of approach.

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Location of friendly units.

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Suitability of ingress and egress routes.

3-17. AA operations for ATS companies may be limited as required by the tactical situation; however ATS

companies can operate at all three AAs simultaneously.

Forward Assembly Area

3-18. Units use forward assembly areas, also known as tactical assembly areas (TAAs), to reduce response time, conduct final planning and mission changes, and task organize as required by the situation. Normally, only operational helicopters and tactical CPs (brigade and battalion) are found in an forward assembly area, but occasionally a small FARP may collocate. Units use forward assembly areas for no more than 6 to 12

hours. The ATS team used forward assembly areas is the TACT.

3-19. The following ATS are available at TAAs:

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Weather information.

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Visual surveillance of landing area.

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Procedural control as required.

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Situational updates about friendly and enemy situation.

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Employment

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On-call nonprecision approach NAVAIDs for station location.

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Emergency marking and lighting (inverted Y).

Heavy Assembly Area

3-20. HAAs are locations where aviation units conduct routine maintenance, resupply, planning, and other preparations for combat operations. These areas contain life support requirements for combat crews and maintain crew endurance activities. The CAB main CP always locates in the HAA. Elements in the HAA can relocate while unit aircraft fight forward. HAAs displace according to METT-TC. These locations are areas of increased air activity and are normally serviced by the TACT. ATC services in the HAA are more established and can include—

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Limited meteorological information and A2C2 situational update information.

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Separation and sequencing of aircraft.

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Development and processing of airspace requirements.

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Emergency nonprecision IMC recovery operations.

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Emergency marking and lighting (inverted Y).

Rear Assembly Area

3-21. Units establish RAAs for sustainment operations that are not feasible in the HAA. When enemy air threat is low, the RAA collocates with the HAA to better facilitate aviation maintenance. The RAA relocates according to METT-TC. During deployments, the RAA may remain at the intermediate staging base (ISB) while the brigade CP establishes operations at the host nation HAA. The aviation support battalion should be positioned so that it moves as little as possible to allow maximum time to conduct sustainment operations.

3-22. Terminal operations in the RAA are provided by the control tower and GCA teams of the terminal platoon; however TACTs may be more advantageous to terminal control for shorter duration operations.

ATC services are more extensive than in the forward or heavy assembly areas. These services include—

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Providing emergency precision and nonprecision approach NAVAIDs.

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Providing aircraft separation and sequencing.

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Developing and coordinating required airspace, ROZs, ingress and egress routes, and entry and exit points. Ingress and egress routes should be built, when possible, with 30 degrees or more of separation to facilitate the safe, orderly, and expeditious movement of air traffic.

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