Advance airfield

Also called advanced 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 major air base.

Advance airfields may be subject to enemy observation and attack.

Air raids can penetrate deeper into enemy-held territory, surprising the enemy with unexpected range.

Wounded personnel can be brought to the advance airfield to be evacuated for more complete hospital care at the rear.

Shorter-range aircraft such as fighters can stage from an advance airfield to escort longer-range bombers in formation.

An old, grainy, colour image of two propeller aircraft in a field
An advance airfield in use during the Second World War in Asch, Belgium, March/April 1945