This manual, "Aircraft Recovery Operations," (FM 3-04.513) is the Army's doctrine for battlefield and garrison recovery operations. Emphasis is placed on modular force structure and the enhanced operational capability provided by Army aviation transformation. It builds on the collective knowledge and experience gained through recent operations, numerous exercises, and the deliberate process of informed reasoning. This publication is rooted in time-tested principles and fundamentals, while accommodating new technologies and evolving responses to the diverse threats to national security. Aircraft recovery missions include the assessment, repair, and retrieval, if possible, of aircraft forced down due to component malfunction, accident, or combat-related damage that prevents the continued safe flight or operation of the aircraft. The aircraft recovery mission is complete upon the return of all personnel and either: The return of the aircraft through self-recovery or dedicated recovery utilizing aerial or surface recovery methods and techniques, or The selective cannibalization and destruction or abandonment of the aircraft. Aircraft recovery is a pre-planned mission for all units with assigned or operational control of Army aircraft and may require extensive coordination with supporting units. Aircraft recovery is time sensitive to the tactical situation. Aircraft recovery and maintenance evacuations are closely related, however, maintenance evacuation is the physical act of moving an aircraft from one maintenance location to another.

The Department of the Army has a requirement for a standard aircraft recovery kit for the recovery and evacuation of disabled Army aircraft, and a requirement for standard operating procedures and techniques that will permit utilization of Army helicopters for this mission. In response to these requirements, a concept formulation study for an aerial recovery kit was made. Using trade-off analyses and supported by technical data, the study produced the following results: A basic method of recovering disabled Army aircraft utilizing a universal belly-band sling concept was formulated. The basic design of an Aerial Recovery Kit and its contents was established along with recommended procedures for its use. In concept the Aerial Recovery Kit is technically feasible and within current state-of-the-art. (Author).