Page 29 - HeliOps Frontline Issue 26

HELIOPS FRONTLINE / ISSUE 26 / 2019 29

and communication center, mobile Air Traffic Army 3e Régiment d’Infanterie de Marine from a
Control, refueling stations and a ground troop French Puma and a Spanish CH-47D and NH90.
base camp along with armored vehicles. For the aviation regiments these intense
French army helicopters formed the backbone combat scenarios help develop and integrate
of the rotary assets during the exercise with offensive and defensive joint tactical missions.
aircraft from its three combat regiments. For the French Army ground forces they offer
International participation included the the opportunity to exercise together with
integration of a Spanish Army Aviation, Fuerzas airmobile assets.
Aeromóviles del Ejército de Tierra (FAMET), For the duration of the exercise a mobile
squadron into a battle group and sharing air traffic control tower was on site along with
helicopter patrols along with Italian special forces fire crews and vehicles. In the buildup to the
troops. For the first time the British Army Air exercise the ALAT controllers have to create the
Corps took part in the exercise sending Apaches different airspaces that the exercise will need and
and AW159 Wildcat aircraft. then obtain authorization from the French civil
At Sissonne, only 20 minutes flying from National air traffic control department (DGAC) to
Vouziers Séchaut, there are two specially built ensure they do not infringe any civil air space.
urban complexes complete with villages, railway Military air space is not marked on civilian
sidings, train carriages, buses and various disused maps and with an average of 125 movements a
military vehicles. All designed for tactical training day during the exercise they advise the DGAC of
in built up areas and were the location for a specific areas where they will be operating on a
number of day and night confined area airmobile daily basis. “We do not need to file a flight plan if
movements. In one scenario troops from the 13th the helicopters remain within the reserved military
Demi-Brigade of the French Foreign Legion, acting air space for the exercise but if operating outside
as the opposing force, attacked and captured of this then we need to register a flight plan.” They
the village. The following day an early morning are able to do almost whatever they want within
airmobile counter assault was mounted, to re- the military flight zone including night activity
take the village, deploying troops of the French and even flying throughout the night.