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An 'airhead' is a designated area in a hostile or threatened territory which, when seized and held, allows the air landing of further troops and matériel via an airbridge, and provides the maneuver and preparation space necessary for projected operations. Normally it is the area seized in the assault phase of an airborne operation. It may also be used as a staging or refueling point for less permanent operations.
Typically, an airhead is established by helicopter-landed or paratrooper forces, and often will take place at an airport (to allow conventional transport to land later on) or at a helicopter or glider-accessible area.
Notable airhead operations include Battle of Crete and Operation Market Garden during World War II, and Operation Just Cause in 1989.

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References

See also

★ Beachhead

★ Bridgehead

★ Lodgement

References

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