On 16 May 1964, the airstrips received their final designation; the site names then used the abbreviation "LS"—Lima Site—for unimproved strips, or "L"—Lima—for paved runways.
The terms "Victor" and "Lima" were taken from the existing military phonetic code.
[1] These sites typically were centered on a dirt landing strip for STOL aircraft such as the Air America Helio Courier or Pilatus Porter.
These strips were often carved out along ridge lines, and were seldom flat, straight, or of sufficient length.
However, they were crucial for resupply and personnel transport, including medical evacuations.