Mon, Oct 04, 2010
Apaches Will Train To Broaden Sea Experience And Capability
With The Royal Navy
A detachment of Apache attack helicopters from the Army Air
Corps has landed onboard the Royal Navy's fleet flagship HMS Ark
Royal to take part in Exercise Joint Warrior in October. Apaches
are used extensively by the Army Air Corps in land operations but
over the next few weeks they will train to broaden their sea
experience and capability with the Royal Navy.
U.S. Army Photo
As well as it being a relatively new experience for the three
aircraft and ten pilots, there is also a support crew of 120
engineers and maintainers from 4 Regiment Army Air Corps onboard
the Portsmouth-based aircraft carrier. Working around the clock to
ensure the safety of the aircraft, this will be the first time at
sea for many of the soldiers. The formidable firepower and
target-tracking capabilities of the Apache have already been
demonstrated to impressive effect on the battlefields of
Afghanistan and while onboard HMS Ark Royal this Army Air Corps
detachment will explore how these capabilities can be further
extended by working from a seaborne platform.
Under Exercise Joint Warrior, which will take place off the west
coast of Scotland, the pilots will initially spend time
acclimatising to the unique difficulties which arise when operating
at sea, performing deck-landings in a variety of conditions. Once
this process is complete, the Apaches will then take part in
simulated small-scale warfare, attacking land targets in a series
of assaults planned, launched and directed by HMS Ark Royal.
HMS Ark Royal UK MoD Photo
"Being able to operate a diverse range of aircraft from the
carrier underlines our flexibility in the joint Service environment
and the Apache brings with it an awesome capability," said
Commander 'Rocky' Salmon, Commander Air on HMS Ark Royal. "The
focus of this period will be to ensure that we safely integrate 656
Squadron into HMS Ark Royal, provide their crews with deck
experience, and develop tactical procedures for the future."
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