text: Army Aviation Operations
  with modified phases are applied to an air movement. Army Aviation FW operations require a detailed
  justification and validation for use and typically involve the air movement of limited critical personnel,
  equipment, and supplies between intra-theater airfields when deployed.
  INTERNAL LOAD OPERATIONS
  3-134. Internal load operations are conducted by Army RW and FW aircraft. However, the primary
  aircraft used for cargo is the CH-47, due to its size, airframe configuration, and lift capabilities, over utility-
  type assault helicopters. Large-scale air movement operations require detailed planning and C2 similar to
  air assaults. Most air movements are smaller and highly decentralized requiring as few as two RW or one
  FW aircraft but can be executed with formations as large as an assault or GS battalion.
  3-135. The CH-47 helicopter has an internal cargo handling system which allows for the transport of three
  463L pallets or 10 standard warehouse pallets, permitting rapid load and offload of palletized cargo. At the
  aft end of the aircraft, the rear ramp permits some internal drive-on and drive-off capabilities for light
  vehicles and trailers. Internally, the CH-47 helicopter can seat 33 passengers with baggage; in an air
  CASEVAC configuration, it can load litter patients directly to the floor.
  3-136. The UH-60 is used mainly for tactical transport of troops, supplies, and equipment. Depending on
  how the seats are installed, the cargo compartment of the UH-60 can seat up to 11 combat-equipped troops
  and 2 crew chiefs/door gunners.
  3-137. The C-12 and UC-35 are used as intra-theater transport assets to move mission-critical personnel
  and light cargo. They are capable of self-deploying and transporting required personnel and equipment
  (aircraft, crewmembers, and maintenance personnel with personal equipment, tools, and limited spare
  parts) to conduct limited duration operations. These FW units support flights under the control of the
  Operational Support Airlift Command.
  EXTERNAL LOADS
  3-138. Typical external loads include bulk supplies, fuel or water blivets, vehicles, trailers, material
  handling equipment, towed artillery and other weapons systems, and bridging equipment. The supported
  unit is responsible for preparing, weighing, and rigging external loads. They must avoid overloading
  vehicles, trailers, pallets and other containers beyond maximum weights that have been coordinated with
  the aviation unit. If the aircraft is unable to lift the load or transport it the required distance, the supported
  unit must reduce the weight by removing items. The aviation unit is the final determination of the load’s
  worthiness to fly and determines in advance what portion of the load to carry internally or externally.
  Special consideration for the size and condition (dust, debris) of the PZ and security of the LZ must be
  accounted for in the planning process.
  3-139. The CH-47 is equipped with a triple cargo-hook system that enables the external transport of
  vehicles and trailers, towed Howitzers in tandem, and to carry bulky, oversized, or heavier items. The CH-
  47 is the only Army aircraft capable of transporting the 155-milllimeter towed Howitzer and the heavier
  high-mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle variants. The triple cargo hooks help to stabilize external loads
  in flight. Some lighter vehicles and other equipment can be lifted side-by-side. The UH-60 is equipped with
  a single point cargo-hook system that enables the external transport of small vehicles and bulky, heavy
  loads that do not easily fit in the cabin of the aircraft.
  UNIQUE PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS FOR AIR MOVEMENT
  3-140. Air movements are not as complex in planning and execution as an air assault operation, but
  planning must be detailed to meet the commander’s end state and the safety of the crew and passengers. A
  typical air movement may be vulnerable to enemy contact as a majority of missions support troop
  movement and equipment to established secure areas such as forward operating bases or combat outposts.
  Extended distances and limited low threat routes can induce limitations to mission planning and execution,
  and may enable the enemy to identify predictable flight profiles or routes.