Airmobile Infantry

Description

Western Airmobile Infantry

Eastern Airmobile Infantry

Airborne Infantry are a light unit, supported by transport helicopters, intended for rapid intervention. They are especially effective deep behind enemy lines, and are renowned for hitting hard and fast. On foot, they are extremely slow, however their air assault capabilities allow them to cover great distances and difficult terrain in record times. In late-game, Airborne Infantry receive some protection against Weapons of Mass Destruction as well. And as frequent fliers, they can strategically relocate anywhere around the globe via airlift.

As mentioned, Airborne Infantry do not march fast. Utilise their air assault ability whenever possible.

Features

Air Assault

Air assault feature

This command will put your troops in a helicopter and lift them to their target location. Be aware that once they are in the air, you will not be able to cancel orders.

Airports and Airmobile

Airborne Infantry require an airport, heliport, or a level 3 Outpost/Military Camp as their base of operations. This initial location is the center of their range. Additional airports within range of this first location will further increase the units' range. Range is directly influenced by the Airborne Infantry's level, not the airport's.

While the transport helicopters that Airborne Infantry use are not stealthy, they are only detected visually by Ground Radar or AWACS.

History

Air assault is the movement of ground-based military forces by vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft—such as the helicopter—to seize and hold key terrain which has not been fully secured, and to directly engage enemy forces behind enemy lines. In addition to regular infantry training, air-assault units usually receive training in rappelling and air transportation, and their equipment is sometimes designed or field-modified to allow better transportation within aircraft.

Due to the transport load restrictions of helicopters, air assault forces are usually light infantry. However, some armored fighting vehicles, like the Russian BMD-1, are designed to fit most heavy lift helicopters. This enables assaulting forces to combine air mobility with a degree of ground mechanization. Invariably, the assaulting troops depend heavily on aerial fire support by armed helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft escorts.