160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment(Airborne)

160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne)
provides aviation support to Army special operations forces
and other USSOCOM personnel. The capabilities of the 160th 
SOAR have been evolving since the early 1980s. Shortly after 
the failed hostage rescue mission, Desert One, in Iran, the 
Army formed a special aviation unit. The unit drew on some 
of the best aviators in the Army and immediately began an 
intensive training program in low-level, night operations. 
The unit became a battalion of its own on October 16, 1981. 
Designated the 160th Aviation Battalion, the unit was 
popularly known as Task Force 160 because of the constant 
attachment and detachment of units to prepare for a wide 
variety of missions. Its focus on night operations resulted 
in the nickname, "The Night Stalkers." On May 16, 1990 the 
unit was reorganized, designated the 160th Special Operations 
Aviation Regiment (Airborne), and assigned to the US Army 
Special Operations Command.

Organization
The 160th SOAR(Abn) is based at Fort Campbell, KY and is composed 
of four active duty battalions and one forward deployed company. 
Its battalions include the Fort Campbell based 1/160 which flies 
the AH-6, MH-6, MH-60K and MH-60L DAP; the Fort Campbell based 2/160 
which flies the MH-47E; and the Hunter Army Airfield, Savannah, GA, 
based 3/160 which flies the MH-60L and MH-47D. 
D/160 consists of five MH-60Ls assigned to the Southern Command.
Although all Army aviation units have an inherent capability 
to support special operations, the units of the 160th SOAR(A) 
have been specifically designated by the Secretary of Defense 
to be prepared, trained,  nd task organized for special operations 
mission support. The 160th SOAR(A) organizes, trains, equips, 
validates, employs, sustains, and maintains air assets for worldwide 
deployment and assignment to theater CINCs for conducting direct action, 
special reconnaissance, and other  special operations.

Table of Organization

160th Regiment SOAR
Company HQ
Company  Maintenance

1st Battalion, Fort Campbell
Company HQ
Company  A (AH-60G)
Company  B MH-60G)
Company  C (MH-60K)
Company  D (MH-60L)

2nd Battalion, Fort Campbell
Company HQ
Company  A-B-C (MH-47E)

3rd Battalion, Hunter Airfield Fort Benning
Company HQ
Company  A (MH-60L)
Company  B (MH-47A)
Company  C (MH-60)

4th Battalion, Fort Campbell 
(MH-60 Antiterrorist)


Army special operations aviation assets conduct specialized aviation 
operations in conjunction with other special operations forces. 
These operations include the use of dedicated aviation assets
to:
Insert, extract, and resupply SOF.

Conduct armed escort, reconnaissance, surveillance, 
and electronic warfare in support  of SOF missions.

Provide C3 for SOF elements.

Provide general support aviation during peacetime and 
contingency operations.

The most frequent mission is clandestine penetration for the 
insertion, extraction, and resupply of
Special Operations Forces by air.

MH-6J Special Operations Light Helicopter 
 
Mission
The MH-6J is a single engine light utility 
helicopter that has been modified to 
externally transport up to six combat troops 
and their equipment and is capable of 
conducting overt and covert infiltrations, 
exfiltrations, and combat assaults over a 
wide variety of terrain and environmental 
conditions . It is also used for command 
and control and reconnaissance missions. 
Its small size allows for rapid deployability 
in C-130, C-141, C-17 and C-5 transport 
aircraft. Aircraft modifications and aircrew 
training allow for extremely rapid upload and 
download times.

Mission Equipment
Communications: The MH-6J avionics package consists of FM, UHF, VHF, 
Motorola Saber, and SATCOM. All are secure capable. The basic MH-6 
configuration consists of the External Personnel System 
mounted on each side of the aircraft, for a total of six external and 
two internal seating positions. The aircraft can be rapidly configured 
for Fastrope and STABO operations. Motorcycle racks provide the 
capability to insert and extract up to 2 motorcycles. Forward Looking 
Infrared Radar (FLIR): Some aircraft are equipped with FLIR, which is 
a passive system that provides an infrared image of terrain features 
and ground or airborne objects of interest. Images may be recorded for 
playback on a standard VHS video cassette recorder.

Deployability
The MH-6 can be deployed by any Air Force transport aircraft.
A C-141 is capable of transporting up to 6 MH-6s and a C-130 is able 
to transport up to 3 MH-6s, with a rapid upload/offload capability. 
MH-6s can offload, build up, and depart within 15 minutes.
Self-deployment is unlimited with refuel support at ground or 
surface vessel locations every 270 NM.

AH-6J Light Attack Helicopter 

Mission

The AH-6J is a highly modified version of the McDonnell 
Douglas 530 series commercial helicopter. The aircraft 
is a single turbine engine, dual flight control, light 
attack helicopter. It is primarily employed in close 
air support of ground troops, target destruction raids, 
and armed escort of other aircraft. The AH-6J normally 
is flown by two pilots.

Deployability

The AH-6 can be deployed by any Air Force transport 
aircraft. A C-141 is capable of transporting up to 
6 AH-6s and a C-130 is able to transport up to 3 
AH-6s, with a rapid upload/offload capability. AH-6s 
can offload, build up, and depart within 15 minutes. 
Self deployment is unlimited with refuel support at 
ground or surface vessel locations every 270 NM.

Communications 
equipment capable of secure operations including UHF and 
VHF modes. SATCOM is installed on some aircraft and 
available as an option on all aircraft. 
Forward Looking Infrared, or FLIR, is a controllable, 
infrared surveillance system that provides a TV video-type 
infrared image of terrain features and ground or airborne 
objects of interest. The FLIR is a passive system and detects 
long wavelength radiant IR energy emitted, naturally or 
artificially, by any object in daylight or darkness. 

AH-6J WEAPONS SYSTEMS 
AH-60 attack aircraft can be fitted 
with a variety  of 7.62 mm miniguns, 
70 mm rocket pods, .50-caliber 
machine guns, or Hellfire air-to-
ground missiles as well as a 30mm 
cannon and Stinger air-to-air 
missiles. 






















































MH-60K Special Operations Utility Helicopter 
This highly modified twin-engine utility helicopter 
based on the basic UH-60 airframe but developed 
specifically for the special operations mission. 
Improvements include aerial refueling capability, an 
advanced suite of aircraft survivability equipment, 
and improved navigation systems, including multi-mode 
radar to further improve pinpoint navigation in all 
environments and under the harshest conditions.

MH-60L Special Operations Utility Helicopter
 This helicopter is a highly modified version of the  
standard US Army Blackhawk, configured for special 
operations use. The MH-60L Direct Action Penetrator 
is an MH-60L modified to mount a variety of offensive 
weapons systems. Its mission is to conduct attack 
helicopter operations utilizing area fire or 
precision guided munitions and armed infiltration 
or exfiltration of small units. It is capable of 
conducting direct action missions as an attack 
helicopter or has the capability to reconfigure 
for troop assault operations. In the Direct Action 
role, the DAP would not normally be used as a 
primary transport for troops or supplies because of 
high gross weights. The DAP is capable of conducting 
all missions during day, night, or adverse weather 
conditions. The DAP can provide armed escort for 
employment against threats to a helicopter formation. 
Using team tactics, the DAP is capable of providing 
suppression or close air support for formations 
and teams on the ground.

MH-60 Deployability
The MH-60 can be deployed by C-17, C-5A/B and C-141 aircraft. 
A maximum of six MH-60s can be loaded on a C-5A/B. Approximately 
one hour is needed to prepare the helicopters for on- load and again 
for rebuild on arrival at the destination. A maximum of four MH-60s 
can be loaded on C-17 aircraft. Approximately one hour is needed to 
prepare the helicopters for onload and again for rebuild at the 
destination. A maximum of two MH-60s can be loaded on a C-141, 
requiring considerable time for preparation and rebuild. 
Ammunition for the weapon systems is palletized and loaded on the 
same aircraft for distribution at the destination.

MH47D/E CHINOOK Mission
The MH47 conducts overt and covert infiltrations, 
exfiltrations, air assault, resupply, and sling 
operations over a wide range of environmental 
conditions. The aircraft can perform a variety of  
other missions including shipboard operations, 
platform operations, urban operations, water  
operations, parachute operations, FARP operations, 
mass casualty, and combat search and rescue operations. 
The 160th SOAR(A) currently operates two models: 
the MH-47D Adverse Weather Cockpit, operated by 3/160; 
and the MH-47E, operated by 2/160.
The MH47 is capable of operating at night during 
marginal weather conditions. With the use of special 
mission equipment and night vision devices, the air 
crew can operate in hostile mission environments over 
all types of terrain at low altitudes during periods 
of low visibility and low ambient lighting conditions 
with pinpoint navigation accuracy ± 30 seconds on target.

MH-47E Special Operations Heavy Assault Helicopter
This helicopter based on the CH-47 airframe, 
specifically designed and built for the special 
operations aviation mission. It has a totally 
integrated avionics subsystem which combines a 
redundant avionics architecture with dual mission 
processors, remote terminal units, multifunction 
displays and display generators, to improve combat 
survivability and mission reliability; an aerial 
refueling probe for inflight refueling; external 
rescue hoist; and two L714 turbine engines with 
Full Authority Digital Electronic Control which 
provides more power during hot/high environmental 
conditions. Two integral aircraft fuel tanks replace 
the internal auxiliary fuel tanks commonly carried 
on the MH-47D AWC, providing 2068 gallons of fuel 
with no reduction in cargo capacity.

MH-47D/E Standard Mission Equipment
The MH-47 is configured with the following equipment:
Aircraft communications equipment consists of FM, UHF 
(with HAVE QUICK II capability), VHF, HF, SATCOM, and 
the Motorola Saber. The MH-47E is equipped with SINCGARS 
VHF-FM single channel ground and airborne radio system.
Automatic Target Hand-off System provides the capability 
of data bursting pre-selected/ formatted information to 
other equipped aircraft or ground stations. A navigation 
system consisting of a Mission Computer utilizing 
GPS/INS/Doppler navigation sources for pinpoint 
navigation.

Fast Rope Insertion Extraction System. 
May be utilized for insertion and extraction of personnel. 
Applied loads at the rear ramp for insertions will not 
exceed 9 persons per rope at the same time. Applied loads 
at the rear ramp for extractions will not exceed 6 persons 
per rope at the same time. 

Internal Rescue Hoist. 
Is configured for use at 
the center cargo hook/rescue hatch. It has a 600 lb. 
capacity and approximately 150 feet of useable cable.

External Rescue Hoist (MH-47E only). Is configured for use 
at the right front cabin door and has a 6000 lb. capacity 
with 245 feet of useable cable. Also Fastrope capable with
hoist installed.

External Cargo Hook System. Each hook may be used separately 
or in conjunction with each other. All loads should be planned 
as a tandem rigged load, this will facilitate greater load 
stability and insure faster airspeeds during flight. 

Hook limitations are as follows:
Forward Hook - 17,000 lb.
Center Hook - 26,000 lb.
Aft Hook - 17,000 lb.
Tandem Hook - 25,000 lb.

NOTE:These are maximum hook rated loads and may not 
accurately reflect the true capability of the aircraft due to 
external conditions, i.e., pressure altitude and temperature.

MH-47 D/E Mission Flexible Equipment
Forward Looking Infrared, AN/AAQ-16, is a controllable, 
infrared surveillance system which provides a TV video-type 
infrared image of terrain features and ground or airborne 
objects of interest. The FLIR is a passive system and detects 
long wavelength radiant IR energy emitted, naturally or 
artificially, by any object in daylight or darkness
Map Display Generator (MH-47E only), when used with 
the Data Transfer Module displays aeronautical charts, 
photos, or digitized maps in the Plan and 3D modes of 
operation.
Cargo Compartment Expanded Range Fuel System, consists 
of one and up to three ballistic tolerant, self sealing tanks. 
Each tank holds 780 gallons of fuel. They are
refillable during aerial refuel operations.
Forward Area Refueling Equipment, consists of fueling 
pumps, hoses, nozzles, and additional refueling equipment to 
set up a two-point refueling site. Gallons of fuel dispensed 
is dependent upon range of operation required of the tanker 
aircraft.

MH-47D/E Deployability
2 MH-47s may be transported in a C-5. Build-up time is 
approximately 8 hours.2 MH-47s may be transported in a C-17. 
Build-up time is approximately 8 hours.MH-47s can self-deploy 
over extended distances using ground or aerial refuel.

MH-47G



(Photo by Walter Sokalski, USASOC PAO )


The MH-47G has capabilities not found on any other rotor-wing 
aircraft in the world. It will replace both the MH47D and E 
models. 
Its specialized mission equipment includes:

Multi-mode radar that permits terrain following and terrain 
avoidance in all climatic conditions

A Common Avionics Architecture System-equipped cockpit that 
enhances joint operability and pilot situational awareness

Next generation forward-looking infrared, or FLIR

M-134 Gatling miniguns and M-240D machine guns for increased 
defensive firepower

Advanced, integrated aircraft survivability equipment

Oversized main fuel tanks

The Army has approved the purchase of 61 MH-47G airframes. 
Procurement and distribution will continue through fiscal 
2011.

(Excerpt from the JCS SOF Reference Manual)

Motto:
Death Waits in the Dark

Nickname:
Nightstalkers

Distinctive Headgear:
Maroon Beret

UNCLASSIFIED OPERATIONS
Dates	Operations	Location
1983	Urgent Fury	Grenada
1988	Soviet HIND-D Recovery	Africa
1988	Mount Hope III
1989	Prime Chance
1989	Just Cause	Panama
1990	Desert Shield	Kuwait Iraq
1991	Desert Storm	Iraq Kuwait
1999	Op Allied Force	Kosovo
2001-Present	Enduring Freedom	Afghanistan
2003-Present	Iraqi Freedom	Iraq

MISSIONS:
Provide Infiltration, Extraction, Aerial Close Combat and Medical Support to U. S. Special Operations Teams

TRAINING
Basic course-21 training days	Combat Livesaving	Marksmanship	Hand-to-Hand Combat	30 mile field training exercise

QUALIFICATIONS
Basic Mission Qualification 7-9 weeks course	Survival,Escape, Resistance, and Evasion	Naval Dunker Qualification Course	USAIS Airborne and Air Assault Courses

LOCATIONS
1st and 2nd Battalions Ft. Campbell, KY	3rd Battalion Hunter Field. GA D Company Southern Command

SOAR Photo Gallery


Copyright © 2001-2008
Intellectual Property
Charles E. Geck III
Founder/Owner/Publisher
GlobalSpecialOperations.com (TM)
Special Forces Assn.
Life Member #M-7514
All Rights Reserved

Home

Privacy

Sitemap

Email Webmaster