Nap-of-the-earth
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Nap-of-the-earth (NOE) describes a method of stealthy flight whereby the pilot avoids detection by flying very close to the ground and using the geographical features as cover. It is also known as "ground-hugging" or "flying under the radar".
The technique generally uses electronic assistance from a radar altimeter or terrain-following radar system. In mountainous terrain, it involves flying low between mountains or through valleys, where radar waves are often blocked by surrounding terrain. NOE can be used to maneuver around hostile aircraft, AWACS planes, or ground-based radar stations. A high-flying aircraft would be detected by the enemy well before reaching the target, allowing an integrated air defense sufficient time to react. With NOE flight the approach is undetected, the aircraft "pops up" to attack the target and then turns to escape before the enemy can respond.
It is generally used by helicopters flying at tree-top level, and was widely used in Vietnam. The technique remains both useful and valid in much current warfare. The technique is generally not used for more than 5 consecutive minutes dependent on the terrain encountered because of the fatigue and stress generated. In unobstructed or flat terrain such as desert it can be used for longer periods, limited primarily by the stress capacity of individual pilots. This technique is accomplished in helicopters by maneuvering the aircraft with the tail rotor pedals and not the cyclic to avoid striking the ground.[citation needed]
