This article is about a military term. For alternate meanings see airhead (disambiguation).

An airhead is a designated area in a hostile or threatened territory which, when seized and held, ensures the continuous air landing of troops and materiel, and provides the maneuver space necessary for projected operations. Normally it is the area seized in the assault phase of an airborne operation . Airheads are not short-term establishments, but tend to be for the specific purpose of gaining ground, and to allow reenforcement by additional troops by air. Typically, an airhead is established by helicopter or paradrop , and often will take place at an airport (to allow conventional transport to land) or at a helicopter or glider-accessible area.

The largest airhead in history was established in 1991 by the United States Army during the 80-hour land component of the Persian Gulf War. Other notable airhead operations include Operation Market Garden during World War II, and Operation Just Cause in 1989.

See also

• Beachhead
• Bridgehead

References

1. DOD. DOD Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms. United States of America: US Department of Defense. June 5, 2003.