Inside : Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) Operation - Part III

[jhungary]

The Gear of CSAR


There are a few equipment involved specifically designed to perform CSAR, to fulfill the different mode and role for the operation


Mission Package Helicopter


Mission helicopter, usually the one that rescue the "Package" are usually specifically design to carry such mission. The helicopter would have to be able to fly in all-day/all-weather condition. Also special equipment (like wrenches, or litter) were to be fitted inside the helicopter, the helicopter should have enough armor to penetrate into enemy airspace, have powerful weapon to defend themselves as well as the package. And finally, the helicopter should be able to take the load of the team of rescuer. Also Specialist equipment to allow flight in all -day/all weather condition, such as ground search radar, ground proximity radar and Doppler Radar


Pre-Vietnam


Bell-47 (H-13 Sioux)

Arguably the first ever CSAR helicopter in the world, it was extensively used as an Air Ambulance during Korean War and in some way it would be used to perform Hot extraction (Extraction Under Fire) for soldiers


Tiny bubble canopy helicopter carry a crew of two and have a make shift medevac pannier on each skid, it can carry 2 patient, no Life-Saving Equipment onboard


Vietnam War


HH-3 Jolly Green Giant

Presumably the most recognizable CSAR helicopter of all time. Majority of some 3000 save during Vietnam was done in this type. The helicopter is a upgraded version of S-61R helicopter with added armor, hoist, and ground radar as well as upgraded firepower.


HH-3 feature both in flight refuel probe and external fuel tank to extend range beyond 1000 km (Which was a feat back then) A HH-3 is manned by a crew of 3, both pilot and a crew chief. It is also the first helicopter that carry LSE onboard.


UH-1H Huey

UH-1 Huey series is extensively use during Vietnam War, Huey banking of its versatility of being a multirole helicopter, would adopted to carry out both gunship duty as well as medevac/mission helicopter.


It's cabin can carry 6 stretcher, or with 2 medical personnel onboard to focus on patient. Also, I was equipped with a wide range of armament from rocket to machine guns to battle the way in. In fact, it is too versatile that even after 50 years, the US Marine is still using UH-1 helicopter in 2016.


HH-53 Super Jolly Green Giant

The bigger brother of HH-3 Jolly Green Giant. Used extensively in the latter part of Vietnam war, it is an upgraded version of HH-3 which boasted a bigger cabin, more armor and a more diversify armament. It have all the life saving equipment the little brother have and it have a longer range and speed to pull off an operation.


The helicopter is loaded with a crew of 6 (2 pilots, 2 engineer and 2 gunner) and it could take 33 Stretcher or a team of medical personnel with Life Saving Equipment.


PAVE-Era (Post Vietnam)


MH-53 Pave Low

Basically is the same chopper as the HH-53 with one very big distinction. The PAVE system (That's why it was called Pave Low)


PAVE stands for Precision Avionics Vectoring Equipment. An advance equipment system that allow the helicopter to fly in all day and all weather condition. A PAVE system consist of the following system upgrade

• A Texas Instruments AQ-10 forward-looking infrared (FLIR) imager.
• A Texas Instruments AN/APQ-158 terrain-following radar (TFR), which was a digitized version of the radar used by the A-7. It was further modified to be able to give terrain avoidance and terrain following commands simultaneously (first aircraft capable of this unique feature).
• Canadian Marconi Doppler-radar navigation system.
• A Litton or Honeywell inertial guidance system (INS).
• A computerized moving-map display.
• A radar-warning receiver (RWR) and chaff-flare dispensers.

A PAVE system would increase survivability of the mission helicopter. Allowing a more precise technique to allow for a more accurate and more stealth approach. PAVE system were later developed to insert Special Force and also for precision guided munitions.

MH-60 Pave Hawk

One of the work horse for US Air Force Rescue Squadron. Pave Hawk is an upgraded version of Blackhawk that allow All Day/All Weather flight as well as extended range and firepower to carry out CSAR missions.


MH-60 is an upgrade from UH-1 Huey in which it carries a bit more load with the same size. A fully Operated Pave Hawk would have a crew of 4 and 2 Pararescueman as well as life saving equipment onboard to carry out on route care.


Pave Hawk is primarily used if the area does not allow a heavy dustoff such as MH-53 or HH-47


HH-47 Chinook

Chinook was developed during Vietnam war and is currently used in numerous function, one of them is CSAR.


Being a big helicopter, it have more room for rescue crew to operate on, perfect for a Mass Casualty incidents which require multiple Rescues. A team of Medical personnel usually onboard a Chinook as well as a team of Special Force rescuer as well, which is something the Pave Hawk cannot do.


However, the downside of the sheer size means the Chopper, although can insert personnel with any given situation, it is impossible for a Chinook to set down in a small patch of opening, or area which impeded by obstacle.

Chinook, although did not have the name PAVE in it, PAVE system is standard in almost all Chinook.

 

[jhungary]

CAS Aircraft.

CAS as another part of CSAR team, they are an important integral of any CSAR operation.

In reality, Mission Chopper cannot flew in deep inside Enemy territories alone, and when they were to get in a hostile area, they will need to rely on more than heavy armor and skill to survive and in come CAS aircraft.

Usually, a given CSAR operation will have a support of more than 1 squadron of CAS flight, one on-route and on for exiting the theater. For that, the requirement would usually goes above and beyond the jet fighter CAS, since you may have to accompany the mission helicopter in and out of the hot zone.

Vietnam War

There are no specially designed or role specific prop driven CAS aircraft simply because the majority of fighter patrol were still driven by prop aircraft such as F-4U Corsair and P-51 mustang.

Post Korean war seen the phasing out of majority of their prop aircraft out of US inventory, however, there a few aircraft that would still be left in the "hangover" stock and have not been completely out of service.

A-1 Skyraider

A-1 Skyraider is arguably most successful prop-driver aircraft that were ever made in US history, not only it has seen extensive service in different country, it service record spanned over 40 years from 1945 to 1985. It was the longest service prop driven fighter planes ever if I have my information right.


Skyraider boasted 4 20 mike-mike cannon and up to 8000 lbs external loads, the Skyraider can carry an array of rocket, bombs, napalm and external fuel tank.


Perhaps the single most important weapon on the Skyraider is their station time. Usually in hours over enemy airspace, it can station up to 6 hours without refueling with their drop tank.


When A-1 Skyraider was used in the Air Force as CSAR escort, they were given a call sign "Sandy"


AH-1 HueyCobra

With more prop aircraft turning into jet and the rest of the prop driven aircraft is not enough to go around, it's only natural to look for alternative way to provide escort, what's better to escort an helicopter, with a helicopter?


Cobra was designed basing on the UH-1 Huey. With slimmer build and a crew of 2. The HueyCobra was the result of Air Cavalry tactics which require a call for armed escort for unarmed troop transport into hot LZ. With which the Cobra is born.


While HueyCobra carries an array of arsenal from rocket to missile to chin-mounted 20 mm chaingun. They have the share engine and hence the same performance profile to Huey, so they are naturally would company Huey Dust-off to missions.


Cobra have been credited for 1 solo safe, in which a downed F-100 pilot rescued by hanging on to the trap door of a cobra .


AC-47 Spooky

Build on C-47 Skytrain, it serves as an airborne gunship during the vietnam war, and usually attached to CSAR mission. It pave the way of its more sophisticated brother the AC-130 Spectre Gunship.

Spooky was armed with 10 M2 .50 cal machine gun and 3 7.62 M134 Minigun, but most of all, it carries 48 Mk 24 flare which would allow pinpointing of exact location of the rescue, as well as making night rescue possible.

Post Vietnam war

AH-64 Apache

Apache, like its HueyCobra brother, were also designed to escort unarmed transport helicopter. What it does is basically what the cobra does in the 70s, but with much more fire power and speed.

Apache carries a wider range of armament and also the radar is more sophisticated than the AH-1 Cobra, not only they can be used to support a CSAR mission, they can also direct a CSAR mission with onboard radar and sensor.

Apache carries an array of Hydra 70 rocket, Hellfire and AIM-9 sidewinder, on top of it, it carry a M230 30mm chaingun.

AC-130 Spectre

The Spectre gunship was developed in late 60s to combat the need and inadequacy of the service gunship in Vietnam. Converting the existing C-130, the early version of AC-130 gunship lacking of almost all designator software and sophisticated electronic onboard, merely a NVG and a FLIR camera and bunch it with a few guns and off it goes.

With more focus on gunship development since the Vietnam war, a PAVE upgrade was ordered at the offset of Vietnam war. The Pave upgrade allow these gunship precision equipment to operate with CSAR and support them with their mobile yet exceeding firepower, bringing in to bear with assorted howitzer and minigun with long linger time.

AC-130 Spectre carries a full spectrum of weaponry over the last 50 years, from chain gun to 20 mike-mike auto-cannon to 105 mm howitzer, it also carry missile and bombs in the later version of AC-130.

Command and Forward Air Control

Command and FAC are the last requirement for CSAR operation. The ability to provide command and control to the area where the operation was carrying out.

Forward Air Control have a sole requirement to pin point the exact location, which allow and facilitate the rescue effort with minimal deviation. A good C2 or Forward Observer aircraft would most definitely comes in handy in any sort of Combat operation, they can be used to direct airstrike, communicate between the subject and the rescuer and also it could be used to command the rescue.

FAC aircraft would ideally have assorted array of sensor and electronic capability, also they should be able to station over an area for extended period of time. As well as ability to send and receive communication with ground unit by both encrypted and decrypted channel .

OV-10A Bronco

OV-10A were widely used during Vietnam War as FAC aircraft, it's nimble, ability to adapt to different situation, and it's ability to "lit-up" target for follow-on airstrike give many positive result to close air support. Bronco was indeed the best choice for FAC role for CSAR operation.

The Bronco would be forward deployed and to communicate to any CSAR objective. Then it would relay the position and formulate a plan for the operation.

The ability to designate an area means they can either exclude the area (And create a safe fire zone) or concentrate on air/ground support on the same area.

The bronco would either fire smoke rocket to indentify the target area or using the onboard PAVE system to designate a target for close air support. If push comes to shove, OV-10A carries 3 machine gun and can carry assorted HE rocket and 500lbs bomb to carry out close air support themselves.

HC-130H/P/J Combat King/Combat Shadow

While it was first conceptualized as a Search and Rescue coordinator with the USCG, the H designation prefix denoted a Search and Rescue variant of C-130 aircraft under Tri-Service designation. The HC-130 would soon found the way to become one of the most important factor on CSAR mission with the USAF.

HC-130 is an unarmed Command and Control aircraft that capable to extend the range of operation by carrying extra fuel tank and refuel the mission helicopter. Also HC-130 was equipped to carry out limited para-drop operation to insert specialist PJ teams on location, day and night.

Another use for HC-130 is for low air-drop supply to the mission package. With FLIR, NVG and PAVE system, they can precisely locate and drop survival essential to down airman or anyone in need.


And in the end, every sort of support and equipment can also be involved in any sort of CSAR operation and depending on situation, any sort of AWACS, Fighter, Bomber, Tanks, APC can be involved in any given CSAR operation.

The People of CSAR operation.

In the United States, each branch have its own operator specifically trained to perform CSAR. Although at this point, I should point out while the JPRA dictate the training and theory for CSAR, it was the individual branch that to carry out the operation themselves.

In general :

US Army

SOFD-D (Delta Force) - Specialized in High Value Target recovery and capture (Both friend and foe)
75th Ranger Regiment - Specialized in Rapid Reaction Deployment
US Army Special Operation Command - Specialized in Hostage Recovery

US Navy

Naval Special Warfare Development Group (NSWDEVGRU) - Specialized in Hostage Recovery

US Air Force

24 Special Tactical Squadron Para-rescuemen (PJs) - Specialized in Personnel Recovery, Medical Evacuation.

Together, they formed the United States Special Operation Command. The selection and their duty is highly classified, and the mission they carried out is almost always classified, with the exception of a few commonly known operation such as the Rescue and Recovery of Army Ranger Task Force during Battle of Mogadishu or the Recovery of Private Jessica Lynch.

 

[jhungary]

The Future of CSAR operation

As we all know, the world's kept changing. And the technique and method have been further refined during the last few decade. And it would only be natural for the way to conduct CSAR operation to improve as well.

There are a few study currently being carry out by the JPRA, and they will oversee the change and implementation of the CSAR operation. But again, since most of their report are classified, I cannot openly discuss this here in the open. But what I can do is to list some recent development that could have impact the way CSAR operation are being conduct.

Intelligence/Counter-Intelligence

The first field would have any impact of CSAR operation would be the way intelligence were being gathered and the way disinformation being done.

The first thing of locating your objective is to detect it out of the massive enemy country. With the improvement of communication-linkage (COM-LINK) and SIGINT, the use of keyhole satellite and other sensory method can pick up the target easily, safely and efficiently. Particular useful with down pilot. As they are the one that almost always ended up deep inside enemy territories.

Counter Intelligence is also important, it is quite important to manipulate your enemy in order to conduct the rescue mission against all odds. How to leak certain information that would led your enemy to a wild-goose chase, or how to trick your enemy into believing your next move so they would prepare for the wrong move are equally important than locating the pilot or lost soldier.

UAV

UAV being the primal thesis of modern battlefield these day, the use or increasing use of UAV to conduct CSAR operation are not an "if" situation, but rather a must.

UAV can take over some element within the CSAR operation, they can use to conduct Command and Control, reconnaissance, surveillance and close air support role.

With UAV, the rescuer could have a wider picture of theater without endangering their own life and it would give the mission planner a lot more information to work on with minimal risk.

Full Spectrum Battlefield

The use of battle command system would also enhance the capability of CSAR operation. By generally representing the battlefield accurately, it give the planner and operator a full picture and complete control of the battlefield.

A full spectrum battlefield would enhance mission profile by increasing the ability of threat avoidance. Advance planning and even allowing simulation to be carry out. Thus, increasing the chance of success of any CSAR operation.

Advance Mission Package Helicopter.

In 2010, there were a need to choose the next generation of CSAR mission craft. The contract was cancel due to lack of funding and lack of interest, and the USAF decided to maintain the fleet of HH-60G as backbone of CSAR operation.

However, with newer craft come into the service such as HH-47 and CV-22, it give more edge, with up armor and extended range and increased speed, which will make the CSAR reach further than it have been before.

Joint CSAR unit.

As said, CSAR are performed by separate branches at this moment, the need to create a Joint CSAR unit to oversee the general CSAR operation and Carry out specific mission profile rescue would both enhance the skill of the operator and also take away the pressure for other unit to perform such operation and freeing them to carry out different task.

Joint CSAR unit would also increase the cooperation level between different branch and may even to different country at the same time by standardize the CSAR operation, it would mean saving resources.

Conclusion

It does not literally quite matter if we were living in the 1950s and fighting a war in Korea or in 2010 and fighting a war in the middle east. Time and technology may change but the one thing always stays the same. The core spirit of fellow soldier, the Esprit-De-Corps of a soldier to another.

It is this spirit, we will lay down our life just to help other's and it is this spirit, you can depend on in war, knowing that if you go down, somebody will come for you, it's not just soothing and comforting, but also give you a sense of value, assurance and belonging to let you fight on.

And this is because of this noble spirit that we will not leave anyone behind, that you know other will do their utmost to fight to protect you, give you the same strength to do unto others. And as long as this spirit keeps on, there will always be the need of combat rescue, and it's this camaraderie, that make us soldiers.

That's concluded the topic on CSAR. Thanks for reading, good night

@WAJsal @Slav Defence @AUSTERLITZ @Neutron @PARIKRAMA @Levina @Oscar @Davos @Hamartia Antidote @Blue Marlin @Desertfalcon @DesertFox97 @Tipu7 @TankMan @Gufi

 

[PARIKRAMA]

An excellent read @jhungary sir.. 3 parts awesome stuff..

I wanted to ask a hypothetical scenario question..

Suppose a CSAR op is to be conducted against a enemy territory which boasts a very capable AD network, a good radar and satellite monitoring network and has a good reactive AF for any airspace infringement and yet suppose we have a high value target which needs rescue..

In today's world with rapid advancement in technology and such capabilities, how do you see the platforms of CSAR evolving further in such a scenario.

When a CSAR ops encounter such a challenge, what type of main package, accompanied guardian escort and Forward Air Control and possibly usage of UAVs do you forsee..

 

[jhungary]

An excellent read @jhungary sir.. 3 parts awesome stuff..

I wanted to ask a hypothetical scenario question..

Suppose a CSAR op is to be conducted against a enemy territory which boasts a very capable AD network, a good radar and satellite monitoring network and has a good reactive AF for any airspace infringement and yet suppose we have a high value target which needs rescue..

In today's world with rapid advancement in technology and such capabilities, how do you see the platforms of CSAR evolving further in such a scenario.

When a CSAR ops encounter such a challenge, what type of main package, accompanied guardian escort and Forward Air Control and possibly usage of UAVs do you forsee..

What you are describing is like the Iceal Hambleton rescue. Where heavy AA/AD network basically keep shooting down the rescuer before they can reach Hambleton

What you look at would be the X-factor. It's quite hard to imagine a scenario without actual parameter. I can only give you a "for instant"

If Air Rescue is impossible due to the enemy AD capability, then Air Rescue should not be go ahead at all in the first place, then you will need to think of an alternative, and an alternative to the alternative. Simply saying. If you cannot do it in day time, you do it at night, if you cannot send in normal unit, then send in the special force, or if you cannot send in the Air Force, then send in the Army and the Navy.

No defence or defend systems are perfect, EVER. You can always poke hole in any defence system, and based on that there are always angle to be have for any sort of rescue. Hope are always there until your principle have been capture. But without giving up a more detail scenario, I cannot tell you how you would conduct the rescue. Even so, it would be hush-hush