MCRP 3-20.4 governs planning and execution of aviation operations in urban environments, including terrain, airspace, missions, and weapons employment.
View MCRP 3-20.4 on armypubs.army.mil
It covers urban terrain, structures, airspace, flight techniques, navigation, landing zones, aviation missions, weapons employment, and camouflage. It requires analysis of urban terrain during planning and consideration of target, environmental, marking, and collateral effects.
Applies to: This publication applies to all tactical-level commanders and their staffs that participate in aviation urban operations.
The three components of urban environments are terrain (natural and man-made), society, and supporting infrastructure. (paragraph 2)
All aspects of urban terrain require careful analysis during planning. (paragraph 1)
While low flight profiles increase surprise, they can increase the risk of controlled flight into terrain or obstacles. Conversely, while high profiles may enhance early enemy detection, they may lower the risk of enemy fire with small arms. (paragraph 9)
MEDEVAC and CASEVAC operations in the urban environment will be constrained to limited numbers of suitable landing areas. (paragraph 1)
Structures with flat roofs may be used as LZs, but aircrews should plan to execute an alternate extraction (i.e., one wheel, ramp, or light landing) if the roof cannot support the weight of the aircraft. (paragraph 1)