In recent years some theorists have asserted that because of the limitations of ground maneuver, the lethality of the modern battlefield, and the pace of technological change there is a need to replace current conventional warfighting concepts with new and perhaps radical solutions. Airmechanization is one such solution. There are two approaches to this concept. The "heavy-lift" approach would leave the track/rotor interface as it is today and use a powerful advanced cargo aircraft (ACA) to transport light armored vehicles during combat operations. This approach represents an evolutionary, and perhaps inevitable step in the conduct of war. The ""Main Battle Air Vehicle"" (MBAV) approach would replace main battle tanks with lightly armored, heavily armed rotary wing aircraft, thus bridging the track/rotor interface and revolutionizing land warfare. The effort to determine the tactical viability of this concept on the AirLand Battlefield begins with an outline of the fundamental theoretical issues and an examination of airmechanization's historical roots. Next, the current corps aviation brigade is described and an airmechanized organization proposed as an alternative. Then, a hypothetical situation is created to compare the tactical effectiveness of both units. This monograph finds that the heavy-lift approach to airmechanization is viable on the AirLand Battlefield. In the Middle East scenario presented the Airmech Brigade, equipped with light armored vehicles and advanced cargo aircraft, can accomplish the mission better than the current corps aviation brigade. Mission accomplishment is very much a function of what is logistically supportable and the ACA provides the capability for operations over great distances by mechanized and aviation units which consume large quantities of supplies. The ACA also provides a higher order of tactical maneuver and flexibility in the objective area. This study concludes that the helicopter will, in all probability, evolve technologically and doctrinally toward a heavy lift approach and eventually to an MBAV type airframe. An operational concept needs to be developed that explores this new operational dimension and keeps industry clearly in focus as to what capabilities are desired for the advanced cargo aircraft and the main battle air vehicle. The heavy-lift approach should be pursued as a vehicle for the development of tactics, techniques, and procedures that will impact on emerging airmechanized doctrine.

ADA 207973 Approved for public release; Distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)