# Rotary-Wing Terrain Flight

To survive and accomplish the mission, combat aviation units must use tactics that degrade an enemy’s capability to detect aircraft. Darkness protects aircrews from visual and optical acquisition by the enemy. However, darkness does not protect aviation elements from electronic detection. Terrain flight is a tactic that uses terrain, vegetation, and manmade objects to mask aircraft from visual, optical, thermal, and electronic detection systems. 

This tactic involves a constant awareness of capabilities and positions of enemy weapon systems and detection means in relation to masking terrain features and flight routes. The most effective combination for detection avoidance is flying terrain flight altitudes at night. The ability to perform night terrain flight depends on ambient light level, flight proficiency, terrain familiarity, and effective use of various NVDs. This chapter provides a description of tactics and terrain flight planning considerations, flight techniques, training program guidance, and the environment in which aviation units are required to operate.


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