What does the term "hot load" refer to in Air Assault operations?

The term "hot load" in Air Assault operations refers to the process of loading equipment or personnel onto a helicopter while the aircraft is still running and in an operational state, which may include being airborne or on the ground with engines operating. This procedure allows for quicker deployment and minimizes the time the helicopter is on the ground, reducing vulnerability during combat or active mission scenarios.

In a hot load scenario, the helicopter maintains its readiness and can quickly take off in response to threats or rapidly advance the mission. The successful execution of a hot load requires extensive training and coordination among crew members and operators to ensure safety and efficiency during the loading process.

This definition highlights the specific context of operations where maintaining readiness is crucial, contrasting with other scenarios like loading after the helicopter has landed or while it is powered down, which are not considered hot loads.