1. Training the Best…To Lead the Rest Lt Col Regan ‘Claw’ Patrick
58th Training Squadron
Training the Best…To Lead the Rest
ATP-56(B)
Introduction
Lt Col Regan ‘Claw’ Patrick
58 TRS/ADO
3-5407
As of: 7 Oct 09

2. OVERVIEW Background ATP-56(B) Format Terminology Chapter Review
1, 2, 4, 5

3. Background
Allied Tactical Publication (ATP) applicable to all NATO Allies
All US DoD agencies, via Service
All Combatant Commands (CENTCOM, CENTAF, SOCCENT)
“The primary function of this manual is to provide aircrew with internationally standardized definitions, abbreviations and procedures to enable successful and safe AAR operations.”
“US aircrews are to consider the instructions in this document as regulatory.”
USAF has designated AMC as the lead command
Waiver Authority:
Operational Missions – COMMAFOR/NAF CC with OPCON
Training Missions – MAJCOM/A3

4. Background
Location

5. Background NATO and US Equivalent Terms
Part Applicability (Part 5 Annexes)

6. ATP-56(B) Format / Layout
5 Parts (Red=applicable to HAAR operations)
Part 1 General Procedures
Part 2 Fixed Wing AAR
Part 3 Rotary AAR
Part 4 Tiltrotor AAR
Part 5 National Annexes
Each Part is further Divided Into Chapters
Some Chapters have Appendices

7. Terminology
Part 1, Annex 1A Terminology Additions or Changes applicable to HAAR operations
The following list reflects changes/additions relevant to HH-60G aircrews:
AAR (change) – Air To Air Refueling
AAR Stores (new) – Refueling Pod, Hose & Drogue
Astern (new / formerly known as “Pre-contact”) –
Stabilized formation position behind the AAR equipment (approximately 5 ft directly aft of the drogue) with zero rate of closure
Awaiting AAR Position (new / AKA“Observation”) –
Echelon on the left wing of the tanker.
Clear Astern (new) – Clears Receiver To Astern Position
Requires call/signal from tanker when refueling from a USMC asset, unless previously briefed

8. Terminology
End AAR (ENDAR) (new) – A planned point or the actual position within the confines of the AAR track at which all AAR operations/ requirements are complete
HAAR – (new) Helicopter Air to Air Refueling
NAAR (change) – Night AAR
Nose Cold (New) – Radar Selected To Standby
RV (change) – Rendezvous Procedure
RV Flight Level (FL)/Altitude/Height (new) – The FL, altitude, or height of the tanker during a RV procedure
Soft Contact (new) – Probe Has Not Fully Engaged The Drogue
Spokes (new) – Receiver has damaged the Drogue
Hard Hose (Dead Hose) (new) – A hose condition in which hose slack is not properly taken up on contact. Any resulting hose whip is likely to damage the receiver’s probe

9. Briefing Requirements
Briefing requirements increased substantially
Recommended briefing card format

10. Part 3, Chapter 2 RV/Contact Procedures
Fuel transfer rate is normally 500 – 1,000 lbs per minute
Dependant on Tanker Config (verify!)
Standard RV is conducted receiver low for a left-hose join-up
Left side refueling is primary
All receivers will stabilize in the astern position (formerly pre-contact) prior to attempting contact

11. One Tanker Two or More Receivers

12. Part 3, Chapter 2 Rendezvous (RV) Procedures
Rendezvous procedures according to the T.O. 1-1C-1-20:
[-20, Page 1-8] “The receiver will be established at join-up altitude no later than the ARIP and proceed down track.”
ATP-56 guidance has changed slightly by adding the requirement to be at AAR airspeed NLT the ARIP, or previously briefed location:
[203c.(1)] “Join-Up Altitude. Receivers should be established at or below (above for receiver high) join-up altitude and at AAR airspeed no later than the ARIP, or at a previously briefed location. Receivers will be at join-up altitude no later than the ARCP. The join-up altitude is dependent on whether the join up is receiver high or receiver low.”

13. Part 3, Chapter 2 Contact/Fuel Transfer
Astern Position new phrase to describe the ‘pre-contact position’
[206a.] “After completion of the contact checklist and when the tanker is ready, the receiver will be cleared to the astern position on the appropriate hose. A single clearance from the observation position to the contact position may be used if briefed, or is standard procedure in accordance with the tanker’s National Annex; however, all receivers will stabilize in the astern position prior to attempting contact.”
ATP-56(B) still contains ‘pre-contact’
IAW with Part 5, Annex ZD, paragraph 3ZDa.(5)(c), when refueling from USAF HC/MC-130 tankers, a single clearance from the observation position to the contact position is standard procedure:
[Annex ZD, para 3ZDa.(5)(c)] “…EXCEPTION: Unless briefed otherwise, one steady green light will be used to clear the receiver to contact from the observation position. Receivers are not required to wait in pre-contact for an additional signal for clearance to contact. Similarly, receivers are not required to wait for clearance from the tanker to disconnect.

14. Part 3, Chapter 2 Ground Laager
ATP-56(B), paragraph 213 provides general procedures for instances where the receiver helicopter may be so low on fuel that they opt to land to conserve fuel.
[213] Rendezvous from a Ground Laager. In some instances, the receiver helicopter may be so low on fuel that they opt to land to conserve fuel. The following may be used as a guide when setting up tactical rendezvous procedures from a ground laager. Receivers will confirm with the tankers the exact procedure to be used.
a. Land with sufficient fuel to allow for shutdown, start and rendezvous with the tanker.
b. Determine track heading and select an ARCP 2 nm from helicopter’s ground laager location.
c. Pass ARCP coordinates/waypoint, track heading and requested onload to refueling coordinator.
d. The tanker will calculate the ARCT and pass to the receiver.
e. The tanker will fly over the helicopter position on the prearranged track at refueling altitude with hoses extended, ready for contact.
f. Tanker will give an advisory call at 2 minutes prior to arriving at ARCT.
g. Receivers will depart to make the ARCT. Immediately climb to join up altitude and accelerate to refuel airspeed.
h. Conduct standard join-up and refuel procedures.

15. Part 3, Chapter 2 Types of RV
RV Alpha (Anchor RV)
RV Bravo (Head-on)
RV Charlie
RV Delta (Head-on offset)
RV Echo (Tanker Orbit)
RV Foxtrot (Sequenced)
RV Golf (En route)
RV Hotel (Random)
Red Not Used with USAF HAAR

16. Part 3, Annex 2D RV Delta
RV Delta (Head-on offset) – Most frequently used procedure
May be performed electronically (minimum visibility of 1 nm) or visually (minimum visibility of 3 nm)
2 – 5 NM lateral offset (optimum is 3), abeam approx 3 min prior to ARCT
Details are at Part 3 Annex 2D

17. Part 3, Annex 2D RV Delta

18. Part 3, Annex 2E RV Echo
RV Echo (Tanker Orbit) – The only RV in which the receiver “manoeuvres the aircraft to affect the RV and join-up”
Standard Tanker orbit is 6NM (3 min) legs with ½ SRT at the end of each leg (1 orbit every 10 min)
Can be adjusted for METT-TC
Alternate Tanker orbits around a pre-briefed, fixed point at a constant bank angle (usually 20° AOB)
Receivers maintain 500’ vertical separation until Tanker in sight
Tankers maintain constant turn until join-up is complete
Details are at Part 3 Annex 2E

19. CONSTANT ANGLE TURN FOR JOIN-UP
Part 3, Annex 2E RV Echo
3 MIN
10 MIN ORBIT
CONSTANT ANGLE TURN FOR JOIN-UP
½ STANDARD RATE TURN 1 2 3 4 5 6
500’ BELOW ARCP ALTITUDE

20. Part 3, Annex 2G RV Golf
RV Golf (En route/Overtaking) – Tanker approaches the receiver from the rear using visual (minimum visibility 3 nm) or electronic (minimum visibility 1 nm) means
Tanker and Receiver may arrive over ARIP from different directions
ARIP to ARCP course will be the same
Details are at Part 3 Annex 2G

21. Part 3, Annex 2G RV Golf

22. Part 3, Annex 2H RV Hotel
RV Hotel (Random) – Used during VMC as a method to facilitate an RV without losing visual contact with the receiver(s)
Tanker establishes RV altitude at least 5 NM from Receiver(s) and maintains until visual contact established
Once Receiver(s) are in sight, Tanker will descend/climb to refueling altitude (as req.) and ‘manoeuvres’ to ½ NM in trail to proceed with join-up
Details are published at Part 3 Annex 2H

23. Part 3, Chapter 3 Formation HAAR Procedures
For use with multiple Tankers
Option 1
Two Tankers (primary and spare)
No such thing as “Option 1 with a Spare”
Option 2
At least two primary Tankers plus a spare(s)
Prior to ARIP Helicopters separate into two elements in trail
Standard spacing is 2 NM (may be as small as ½ NM)
If using TACAN A/A to conduct RV, all distance references are from the lead Helicopter of the lead element

24. Part 3, Chapter 3 Formation HAAR Procedures
Two join-up Methods for Option 2
Method 1 – Tankers maintain formation until approaching the second (trailing) Helicopter element, then the #2 primary Tanker splits from the leader to remain. Lead Tanker (plus spare, if avail) proceeds to lead Helicopter element
Method 2 – Tankers establish spacing prior to ARIP. Spare tanker (if avail) remains with #2 Tanker. Tankers execute individual join-ups on their respective elements

25. Formation HAAR, Option 1

26. Formation HAAR, Option 2 Method 1

27. Formation HAAR, Option 2 Method 2

28. Part 3, Chapter 4 Lighting Configuration
During RV both Lead and Trail Helicopters should carry anti-collision strobe light
Lead may be NVG compatible (IR or ‘cloaked’)
During simultaneous refueling operations with no spare tanker, one of the trail receivers (on either side) should carry the anti-collision light. Normally this is the trail receiver on the left side
Receivers will have lighting configured no later than ARIP
Receivers must now flash their formation/position lights 5 seconds before disconnect for EMCON 2, 3, and 4

29. Part 3, Chapter 4 Lost Contact Procedures
New ROT (rule of thumb) for Receivers
Multiply formation position x 300’ for assigned MSA
Multiply formation position x 20° for assigned Heading
Each receiver will call out the altitude and heading to which it is climbing and turning
Spare tanker must now perform a standard rate turn (SRT) during execution of Lost Visual Contact Procedures (non-mountainous)
Mountainous Lost Visual Contact Procedures have new climb altitude for Spare Tanker of MSA + 1,000’
Details at ATP-56(B) Part 3, Paragraph 404 b. and Figures 4-1 thru 4-4

30. Lost Visual Contact (Non-Mountainous Procedures)
Yellow highlights indicated change to procedure
Extracted from Figure 4-1. of ATP-56(B) Part 3

31. Lost Visual Contact Simultaneous Refueling (Non-Mountainous Procedures)
Yellow highlights indicated change to procedure
Extracted from Figure 4-2. of ATP-56(B) Part 3

32. Lost Visual Contact (Mountainous Procedures)
Yellow highlights indicated change to procedure
Extracted from Figure 4-3. of ATP-56(B) Part 3

33. Lost Visual Contact Simultaneous Refueling (Mountainous Procedures)
Yellow highlights indicated change to procedure
Extracted from Figure 4-4. of ATP-56(B) Part 3

34. Chapter 3, Part 4 Reduced Receiver Flight Performance
Procedures for Reduced Receiver Flight Performance (RRFP) HAAR have been added (Paragraph 409)
Similar to SE Refueling Procedures in -20
Refueling altitude will be 500’ below Receiver cruise
A/S will be Tanker MOS or the Receiver A/S, whichever is higher
Expect Receiver High RV
Tanker sets hoses prior to arriving abeam
No pause in Astern position – straight to refuel once contact is made
Toboggan may be directed to increase Receiver energy advantage

35. Part 3, Chapter 5 Communications
Tanker and Receiver will monitor guard frequency (para. 504)
Standard HAAR Terminology (EMCON dependent)
Receiver Abeam
Observation Position (L/R)
Astern (L/R)
Contact (L/R)
Disconnect / Inadvertent Disconnect (L/R)
Receiver Clear (L/R)
Crossover
Breakaway

36. Part 3, Chapter 5 Communications
EMCON definitions are at Part 3, Chapter 5, Annex 5A
EMCON 1 – No changes
EMCON 2 – Desired Standard; Initial Radio Call for Callsigns, Altitude, Mode 3, any changes in Tanker timing that will affect the RV (in minutes), Altimeter, and Hot Armament Check
EMCON 3 – No changes
EMCON 4 – No emitters will be used unless specifically authorized by the plan that the HAAR is supporting (ATO, SPINS, Rules of Engagement (ROE), Operations plan, Safe Passage procedures, or other mission directive)
Table 5A-3. HAAR Refueling Light Signals

37. Chapter 3, Part 4 Breakaway Procedures
HH-60G and HC/MC-130 aircraft will not use the Breakaway Procedures listed in Paragraph 407 of ATP-56(B) Part 3
ACC Aircrews will follow the procedures in Section 3 of the -20
ATP-56(B) limits responsibility of calling and directing a breakaway only to the tanker
ACC identified this issue during coordination and will submit a change request to the publication’s first revision

38. Part 3, Chapter 5 Communications

39. Part 3, Chapter 5 Communications

40. Part 3, Annex 5A Communications
Applies to HC/MC-130 signals
Applies to USMC KC-130 signals

41. Part 3, Annex 5A Communications
(New) Standard ALDIS Lamp signals is now 2 secs in duration

42. Part 5 - Annexes
Each Country assigned its own AAR Annex which includes, but is not limited to Procedures, Restrictions, and Aircraft Specific Information
Consult Appropriate National Annex for Operations with other Nation’s aircraft, fuel flow rates, and fuel pressures
Part 5 Annexes applicable to HAAR (US Specific)
Annex Z – National Annex – United States of America
Annex ZD – HC-MC-130 Tanker Comparative Fuel Grades/Codes
Annex ZF – Comparative Fuel Grades/Codes
Annex ZG – USN/USMC AAR Operations

43. Training the Best…To Lead the Rest
58th Training Squadron
Training the Best…To Lead the Rest
ATP-56(B)
Introduction
As of: 7 Oct 09