Page 24 - HeliOps Frontline Issue 26

24 HELIOPS FRONTLINE / ISSUE 26 / 2019

ollowing the terrorist attacks For the past three years 4BAC has staged
in January 2015, in Paris, the a major exercise called BACCARAT that aims to
French Army began a major validate and maintain the operational readiness
review of its organization of 4BAC.
F and part of this included the
creation of the 4e Brigade d’Aérocombat (4BAC)
in the following year. Commanded by Brigadier BACCARAT EXERCISE
General Gout and headquartered at Clermont-
Ferrand, in Central France, it is under the control The exercise was extended across four
of the French Aviation Légère de l’Armée de Terre military training grounds covering 1500 miles²
(ALAT) command. (4,000km²). It involved over 2000 personnel and
The rotary assets of 4BAC include: 1e Régiment 50 helicopters during ten days of high-intensity
d’Hélicoptères de Combat (1e RHC), based in conflict training, day and night troop maneuvers
Phalsbourg, close to the border of Germany, with and air mobility flights all culminating in a live
a mixed fleet of Gazelles, Pumas, NH90’s and firing event on the Suippes range. This is one of
Tigers, and 3e RHC located in Etain with Gazelles the largest military ranges in France covering an
and Pumas. The largest unit is situated in the area of 52 miles² (135km²) and was established
South of France. 5e RHC in Pau, who operate on lands devastated by the First World War.
a mixed fleet of Gazelles, Pumas, Cougars and The firing range is primarily used by cavalry and
Tigers. Pau is also the home of 4e Régiment artillery units but also has an air-to-ground firing
d’Hélicoptères des Forces Spéciales that provides zone dedicated to helicopters.
air support to the French Special Forces. General Gout explains “This exercise will