 | This articleneeds additional citations forverification. Please helpimprove this article byadding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Find sources: "Advance airfield" – news ·newspapers ·books ·scholar ·JSTOR(November 2025) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
Advance airfield andforward airfield are military terms for a relatively primitive ad-hocairfield used for refueling and re-arming air units as part of forward operations near the enemy.[1] Also calledadvanced airfield for its advanced position, not advanced facilities, such an airfield typically does not carry full aircraft maintenance and service units, and lacks the comfort and security of a majorair base. Advance airfields may be subject to enemy observation and attack. They may be expected to change hands after a battle.
The advantages of using advance airfields are various. Air raids can penetrate deeper into enemy-held territory, surprising the enemy with unexpected range. Air units stationed nearer the front can respond more quickly to the needs of friendly land and naval units. Damaged aircraft can land at the advance airfield to save those aboard, and possibly the aircraft. Wounded personnel can be brought to the advance airfield to be evacuated for more complete hospital care at the rear. Shorter-range aircraft such asfighters can stage from an advance airfield to escort longer-rangebombers in formation.[2]
 | This military aviation article is astub. You can help Wikipedia byadding missing information. |