Page 11 - AirForces Monthly - Issue 381 (December 2019)

and simulated Hellfire missile
launches with the aid of the
Collective Training Missile (CTM)
pod, which is able to simulate all
the aircraft’s weapon systems.
While the British Army Wildcat is
now fully operational, the service
is increasingly looking at ways
of employing the type together
with the Apache. The two types
complement each other – the
Wildcat being able to conduct
the fight and make full use of its
long-range sensors, while the
Apache has the ability to strike
for one week. The types also pilots involved flew from the UK. Friendly troops and equipment with a range of weapons.
took part in a three-month The exercise area could be were built up east of Rheims to During Baccarat, a Wildcat
deployment to Estonia earlier adequately covered by just four regain control of the region. At would identify the ‘enemy’, send
this year that helped develop Apaches, which performed its peak, the defending forces a target file to the Apache and
their tactics and procedures missions in groups together with could call upon 1,500 soldiers, then designate the target with
when operating together. a single Wildcat. Divided into two as well as the 60 helicopters. a laser for the Hellfire missile.
While each AAC squadron groups, the British helicopters Meanwhile, the Apache could
has its own aircraft, for a performed three missions each. AAC teamwork remain at low level in the terrain
large-scale exercise like this A pilot of 3 Regiment explained: Working together, the Wildcat to reduce its risk of exposure.
the regiment pooled aircraft “Because of the nature of this first located the targets and As well as the Wildcats’ sensors,
and personnel together. mission we didn’t want to put then handed them over to the an up-to-date picture of the
A small AAC detachment of 15 all the aircraft in there at once Apaches. In this way the attack battlefield was provided by
engineers, signallers and ground – we call it a ‘relief in place’.” helicopters could increase the traditional human intelligence
crew was permanently based In the chosen scenario, a highly time spent on the range from (HUMINT) missions carried out by
in Séchault for the first week of mobile enemy force from a two hours to almost four. helicopter crews and recce teams,
the exercise before moving to secessionist region was centred The Apaches flew only ‘dry’ some of which were transported
Étain for the second week; the 20 in the Champagne-Ardennes area. attacks during the exercise by British or Spanish Chinooks. AFM
Above: An Army Air Corps Wildcat
gunner in front of his mount, Wildcat
AH1 ZZ383. The aircraft can carry a
Browning M3M 0.5in calibre pintle-
mounted machine or a 0.3in calibre
General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG).
Right: The helicopters arrived from the
UK after a three-hour flight, before being
topped up by the French refuelling crew
and then immediately embarking on
Baccarat missions. Below: Apache AH1
ZJ193 carries a pod for CRV7 rockets
as well as a Collective Training Missile
pod on the stub wing. The CTM pod can
generate targets for engagement, as well
as simulating hits to the aircraft itself.

www.Key.Aero #381 December 2019 // 11

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