Soldiers from 1 Regiment Army Air Corps (1 AAC) operating the Wildcat AH Mark 1 Reconnaissance Helicopter (RH) have been in North-East Scotland exercising weapon system training.
Exercise Wildcat Fire involved 150 personnel from 659 and 661 Squadrons, based at Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton, Somerset, participating in the exercise spread across four locations: RAF Lossiemouth, Tain, Cape Wrath Air Weapons Ranges (AWRs), and Cameron Barracks.
The aim was re-qualifying the Regiments’ Rear crew on the aircraft’s crew served weapon systems (CSW): The single barrel heavy machine gun (M3M) and general-purpose machine gun (GPMG) which are the two weapon systems that can be mounted to the aircraft.
The exercise also provided a platform to complete Forward Air Controller (Air) (FAC(A)) training integrated with RAF Typhoons based at RAF Lossiemouth and RAF Coningsby. The FAC(A) qualification allows RH crews to control other NATO aircraft and designate offboard weapon systems onto targets.
1 AAC also worked closely with Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs) from 4th Regiment Royal Artillery to maximise mutual training opportunities.
Major Rob Bramley – Officer Commanding 659 Sqn, 1 AAC said:
“The exercise was an important training event to re-qualify the frontline Squadrons in self-defence and call for fire profiles.
“Exercising with RAF Typhoon Squadrons signifies a strengthening of Air and Land integration to maximise operational reach and lethality – use of RH FAC(A)s being a driving component.
Exercising with RAF Typhoon Squadrons signifies a strengthening of Air and Land integration to maximise operational reach and lethality
“Geographically, the gateway to the Highlands also provided a unique area to operate in.”
1 AAC personnel undertook a wide variety of tasks which included establishing and running Forward Arming and Refuelling Points (FARPs) at Tain and Cape Wrath to keep the aircraft fuelled and armed for their sorties.
Communications specialists established command posts to ensure the aircrew could plan and deliver their missions, as well as working on the FARPs to keep communications running between the air and ground.
The REME contingent worked to maintain aircraft from RAF Lossiemouth, repair weapons systems at Tain AWR and ensure the serviceability of vehicles.
One of those taking part in the exercise was Air Trooper Oliver Fox from 659 Squadron, 1 AAC:
“This was not only an opportunity for aircrew to refresh operating procedures, but also a chance for the groundcrew teams to brush up on their refuelling skills and hone their technical knowledge of the upload and download of two distinct calibres of ammunition.”
Working closely with colleagues from 1 (F) Squadron and 29 Squadron RAF who operate the Typhoon FGR4, provided an extra dynamic that extended the opportunities to push training objectives.
At Cape Wrath, Typhoons from 29 Squadron dropped Paveway IV guided bombs on targets designated by the RH crews, further proving an important capability for both platforms. This was expanded by 27mm strafing runs (attacking ground targets from low-flying aircraft) from 1 (F) Squadron cannons also designated RH FAC(A)s.
Oliver explains the set-up he was involved with, which received high praise:
“Throughout the exercise a two-point FARP (Forward Arming and Refuelling Point) was available for both day and night flying and range firing.
“The FARP received various visits from the Squadron Chain of Command through to Joint Helicopter Command (JHC) Aviation Standards who noted that their visit saw ‘the slickest FARP they've ever seen’ - a huge compliment to all ground units deployed.
“The exercise on a whole was a valuable experience for all of us involved and highlights what 1 Regiment Army Air Corps can do both on the ground and in the air.”
The exercise on a whole was a valuable experience for all of us involved and highlights what 1 Regiment Army Air Corps can do both on the ground and in the air
As part of the deployment, two student Forward Air Controllers (Airborne) took part in essential serials that allowed them to step closer to qualifying. They were able to complete a Laser Target Designation (LTD) of a Paveway IV 500lb bomb from an FGR4 Typhoon of 1(F) Sqn RAF at Cape Wrath, the first time Army Aviation has conducted such a control.
They were also able to conduct controls with other Wildcat RH and FGR4s at Tain range where their skills were assessed controlling multiple assets onto varying targets. They will now go onto their final checks before achieving FAC(A) status.