Cloud Cover

air defense visual and radar target acquisition and tracking systems, and the

accuracy of air defense weapons to varying degrees.

Heavy, moist air during rainstorms will affect airborne operations, causing

parachutists and air-dropped equipment to remain airborne longer and to descend

slower. While heavy air drops can result in fewer personnel injuries and less

equipment damage, personnel are exposed to enemy fire for much longer periods.

CLOUD COVER

Cloud cover and ceiling impose severe restrictions on aircraft operations. The

existing cloud cover limits or enhances aerial visibility, and concealment

restricts CAS and airborne or air resupply operations and establishes the maximum

altitude of air avenues of approach for non-all-weather capable aircraft. Aviators

avoid thunderstorms and snow clouds because of their potential to generate winds

and turbulence beyond aircraft stress limits, hail, and icing conditions. Certain

types of cloud cover are associated with violent updrafts and downdrafts which

radically affect aircraft altitude and air defense weapon accuracy. Clouds trap

heat from the earth and sun raising temperatures near the ground, causing a

reduction in aircraft lift rates and rotary-wing hover capabilities.

Heavy cloud cover often canalizes aircraft within air avenues of approach and

during the final approach to the target, and may decrease the effectiveness of

aircraft camouflage. Knowledge of such canalization will assist the analyst in

determining where friendly and enemy air defense weapons and radars should be

emplaced. Certain types of clouds, especially clouds associated with

thunderstorms, will reduce the effectiveness of air defense radars. Power surges

associated with thunderstorms can damage unprotected air defense and aircraft

electrical and communications systems. Figure 1-10 shows an example of the effects

of cloud cover on air avenues of approach.

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