text: Insertion and Extraction Methods
  C-17A
  5-126. The C-17A Globemaster III can be used as an infiltration platform. Planning
  considerations include—
  • Travel time to operational area is greatly reduced.
  • Team can carry a mounted weapons system.
  • Vehicle is mission-ready, except weapons system is unloaded.
  • Aircraft can carry an entire team with trailers loaded and prepared for movement.
  • Team can carry spare parts and additional mission equipment such as trailers and pallets.
  • Runway must be C-17A-capable, with a packed dirt runway at least 916 meters long.
  C-130/MC-130
  5-127. The C-130 Hercules aircraft has a great deal of advantages as an infiltration platform. Important
  planning considerations include—
  • The team can fit two vehicles per aircraft.
  • Weapons systems can be mounted.
  • Vehicle is mission-ready, except weapons system is unloaded.
  • Everyone can ride on the aircraft.
  • On the C-130, vehicle fuel tanks must be half-empty (without waiver).
  • On the MC-130, vehicles allowed on board with a full tank, with prior coordination.
  • These aircraft require a C-130-capable dirt strip (916 meters).
  CH-47 Helicopter, Internal Load
  5-128. The basic HMMWV will fit inside a CH-47 helicopter with two inches of clearance around the
  vehicle (Figure 5-16). This clearance makes for a very tight fit and must be carefully rehearsed with the
  aircrew. Planning considerations include—
  • Crew must rig the vehicle.
  • No objects may extend from the top or sides of the vehicle.
  • The weapon system is stored.
  • The team cannot use trailers.
  • Available rehearsal time with driver and aircrew.
  • A requirement for flat LZ or PZ. Any surface undulation will cause the internal frame of the
  CH-47 to bend. This bend will lock the GMV in the helicopter or prevent it from being loaded
  or unloaded.