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UH-60 aircraft can be configured with a C² console to provide maneuver commanders with an aerial C² platform. CACs have aircraft equipped with a command console that will allow commanders to move rapidly around the battlefield while maintaining communications with their subordinate units. C² aircraft allow commanders to maintain communications with their forces and provide timely information to support critical decisions without sacrificing mobility and efficiency.

UH-60 aircraft can be task organized to provide C² support to maneuver commanders. Aircraft will be placed under the OPCON of the maneuver commander. C² aircraft may fly missions in support of the division command group, ground brigade commanders, or attack helicopter battalion commanders. C² aircraft will not normally be task organized below brigade level, except to support an attack helicopter battalion commander. Using a C² aircraft, the commander enjoys maximum mobility without sacrificing access to information and without jeopardizing continuity of operations due to CP relocation.

a. Description. The UH-60 C² aircraft contains a command console and a map board that can function as an airborne or ground CP, providing communications in both secure and nonsecure modes. The C² aircraft provides the using commander with--

• VHF/AM or FM secure communications.

• FM SINCGARS frequency hopping/secure communications.

• HF secure with Have Quick I and II communications.

• SATCOM.

• HF nonsecure communications.

The C² aircraft is configured with a C² console in the front of the aircraft. The C² console contains the radio sets, console controls, and six ICS boxes for internal aircraft communications and receiving/transmitting on the console radio systems. The back row of the UH-60 contains a map board with 4 additional ICS boxes, allowing 10 personnel to be hooked up to the console's radio systems. The C² console is NVG compatible, allowing the commander to conduct C² operations at night. The C² console runs off of aircraft power and internal aircraft antennas. Figure 5-1 shows the aircraft configuration with the C² console installed.

b. Ground Configuration. The C² console has the capability to operate in a ground mode. In this configuration the console can either remain mounted on the aircraft or can be dismounted and operated away from the aircraft. Using the C² console in a ground mode requires a generator for power and external antennas. Figure 5-2 shows the ground configuration for the C² console.

c. Capabilities.

(1) With the ERFS mounted, the C² aircraft provides the commander with 4 to 6 hours of on-station time.

(2) The C² aircraft console provides retransmission capability for VHF, UHF, and SINCGARS, increasing the communications range for the supported unit.

(3) C² aircraft console can be used for ground-based operations.

(4) VHF/AM and UHF radio can store up to 30 preset frequencies.

(5) C² aircraft console provides VHF and UHF scanning of up to four frequencies.

(6) C² aircraft console can store two SATCOM preset channels.

d. Limitations.

(1) An individual trained in the operation of the console is required to run the system. The crew chiefs of the aircraft are not C² system operators. The supported unit should have someone trained to operate the console.

(2) It takes at least 1 hour and four personnel to remove the C² console from the aircraft for ground-based operations. Reinstallation in the aircraft requires special mounting hardware.

(3) With only one SINCGARS radio, the console can only load six FM frequency hop sets at a time. This limits the commander's ability to communicate on all the FM channels that he needs, and retransmission capability is lost.

a. Army Airspace Command and Control . C² aircraft must operate within a designed airspace structure. Normally, a ROZ or ACA will be established for the C² aircraft. Selection of a suitable ROZ must consider several factors--scheme of maneuver, threat, communications, and routes to/from the ROZ.

(1) Scheme of maneuver. The ROZ must be selected in an area that does not conflict with current operations of the supported unit. The S3, or S3 (air), of the supported unit should request the ROZ. The ROZ must be in an area that supports the maneuver commander's plan without interfering with the operations of subordinate units. It may be necessary to plan for multiple ROZs. In offensive operations, on order ROZs need to be planned so as the battle moves the C² aircraft can move forward and continue to provide effective C².

(2) Threat. Aviation battalion S2s and S3s must carefully analyze the threat and the impact potential threats can have upon aircraft working in a ROZ. ROZ operations can be high risk. Often aircraft will be operating in a ROZ for an extended period of time and may go above the coordinating altitude. A careful analysis of the ROZ by the aviation unit will ensure that the ROZ can support the ground maneuver commander's concept and remain clear of high threat areas.

(3) Communications. The ROZ must be selected so that LOS communications are capable of being maintained with all elements of the unit. Altitude will be a factor in ROZ selection. Higher altitudes will allow for better communications, but will increase risk from threat systems. A careful analysis of the factors of METT-T will allow the ROZ to be selected in an area that provides security and uninterrupted communications.

(4) Routes to/from the ROZ. Flight routes must be developed that will support the aircraft's transition to the ROZ. These flight routes must be planned carefully, should avoid overflight of friendly artillery units and should be opened and closed as needed by the C² aircraft.

b. Console Operator. A console operator must be available to run the console operations while the commander and staff are controlling the battle. The operator may or may not be from the supporting aviation unit. There are no special requirements needed to operate the console, just an understanding of the system operational controls. The aviation unit may not have personnel available to operate the system. The supported unit commander must be prepared to provide an additional soldier to operate the console during missions.

c. Communications Fills. Some consoles require a fill from a modified ANCD, that exists at brigade level and higher. Coordination must be made as soon as possible after the receipt of the mission for the supported unit to provide the necessary ANCD fills. To ensure that the COMSEC fills are compatible, the console operator should conduct communications checks with the supported unit prior to mission execution. If unsuccessful, the aircrew should try loading the COMSEC fills from the secure loading device (KYK-13 or ANCD) at the supported unit.

d. Command Relationships. Aircraft conducting C² missions will be under the OPCON of the maneuver commander. The aviation unit providing the aircraft must coordinate with the supported unit early to integrate the C² aircraft during the planning process. The aircrew of the C² aircraft should attend orders and rehearsals of the supported unit to fully understand the operational scheme of maneuver and the concept for the C² aircraft.