Air assault actions on - UNITAF Force Manual (FM)

Guide

FM/BG-1004 - Reacting to a downed helicopter

Guide

Brevity word: "Downed Bird" — A helicopter has crashed but may have survivors.

Actions on:

Assume survivability unless visual evidence confirms otherwise.
Assess the crash visually—speed, terrain, fireball size, etc.
Identify cause (e.g. MANPAD, HMG, RPG) to inform immediate threat response.
Transmit crash location, helo ID, and threat type to command and other pilots.
If the threat is near the LZ, announce an LZ shift (e.g., “LZ shift 500m west”).
Prioritize getting remaining troops on the ground—do not delay.
Once troops are down, a helo may be tasked with visual recon of the crash site, only if the threat allows.
Rescue of survivors is at the discretion of the Platoon Commander based on the tactical situation.

Guide

FM/BG-1005 - Responding to heavy LZ contact

Guide

Brevity Word: "Wave Off" — Abort current landing attempt due to threat.

Evaluate the intensity and accuracy of enemy fire as helos approach.
Continue the landing if:
- Helos can safely land.
- Infantry can dismount and effectively engage the enemy.
If not, call for a shift or abort of the LZ immediately.
Consider already-dismounted forces:
Attempt to land nearby for support if another helo was shot down.
Use flanking landings to avoid reinforcing into a kill zone.
Ensure clear, fast communication of the change in plan to all aircraft.

Guide

FM/BG-1006 - Emergency landing

Guide

Brevity Word: "Mayday" — Aircraft is in critical condition and must land.

Identify the emergency:
- Fuel leak – Plan a diversion to safer ground.
- Tail rotor loss – Maintain high speed, land in a clear area outside hostile range.
- Engine failure – Execute autorotation immediately.
Announce the emergency over command net.
Communicate intended landing location to assist recovery efforts.
Upon landing:
- Dismount troops and establish security immediately.
- Use crew-served weapons if defensible.
- Relay current position and status to command.
- Set up a treatment zone if wounded are present.
- Decide to hold the crash site or move to a better position, depending on threat and terrain.
Resume the mission if feasible, or await orders.