View Full Version : Apaches in the Arctic Circle
nomorehelosforme
11th Feb 2019, 23:57
From the BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-england-suffolk-47203946/british-army-apaches-in-first-arctic-circle-missionThe British Army’s Apache attack helicopters have made their flying debut inside the Arctic Circle.
A six-week training exercise between the Army Air Corps 656 Squadron, 4 Regiment and the Commando Helicopter Force has been operating in Norway with temperatures dropping to -27C.
The Apaches are part of the Attack Helicopter Force, based at Wattisham, in Suffolk.
Maj Huw Raikes, Officer Commanding 656 Squadron, Army Air Corps, said "It’s been a challenge and a privilege to bring the Apache into the Arctic for the first time.
"We’ve been working at the limits of both human and the aircraft’s performance.”
"It’s been a challenge and a privilege That means everyone else has dug out blind and suffered to show how great the OC is and get him his next promotion.....
Sloppy Link
12th Feb 2019, 07:14
May be in your Service....
Same again
12th Feb 2019, 08:28
Possibly more a Crab thing as Sloppy LInk suggests. I worked with some excellent OC's in the AAC who had the respect of their Squadron and led by example. A few were former Sergeant pilots too - and certainly none of them lived in a 4 star hotel on exercise.;)
I have seen excellent and appalling OCs in both Services in my time (10 years total at Wallop don't forget) so I'm not biased, just cynical as to the need for AH in the Arctic.
krypton_john
12th Feb 2019, 19:06
I have seen excellent and appalling OCs in both Services in my time (10 years total at Wallop don't forget) so I'm not biased, just cynical as to the need for AH in the Arctic.
Bear patrol? https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/02/12/residents-russian-town-invaded-polar-bears-forced-patrol-streets/
GrayHorizonsHeli
12th Feb 2019, 20:54
I cant relate to the OC's part of the discussion, but I can relate to the arctic circle part.
I guess its a milestone and an accomplishment to them, but to a large population of aviators from Canada, thats just a spring tour in the southern part of the arctic.
-27C is a non issue to most of us.
fijdor
13th Feb 2019, 00:09
I cant relate to the OC's part of the discussion, but I can relate to the arctic circle part.
I guess its a milestone and an accomplishment to them, but to a large population of aviators from Canada, thats just a spring tour in the southern part of the arctic.
-27C is a non issue to most of us.
Totally agree on this comment. Just spent a week working in an average of -38 C here in Northern Saskatchewan. Finally back up to a balmy -20C, pleasant days.
JD
Couldn't start the Astar once or twice - -42 was below the flight manual limits...
Sloppy Link
13th Feb 2019, 08:13
I have seen excellent and appalling OCs in both Services in my time (10 years total at Wallop don't forget) so I'm not biased, just cynical as to the need for AH in the Arctic.
There on direction of our masters....
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/defence-secretary-announces-new-defence-arctic-strategy
This would be from the same Defence Secretary, Gavin Williamson, who said the Russians should 'just shut up and go home' and now wants to use ferries as warships.
Wouldn't trust any strategy that egit comes up with.
MightyGem
13th Feb 2019, 20:42
just cynical as to the need for AH in the Arctic.
Cold weather training, same as the rest of the military that are up there?
Two's in
14th Feb 2019, 00:54
Well there's nothing new about protecting the Northern Flank, and to protect it, means you have to train. The Royal Marines have been doing "Clockwork XXXXXX" since the year dot, with varying aviation support from Harriers, CHOSC, 3 Cdo Bde Air Sqn, and 2 Flt AAC as they all were in those days. As for the "...-27C was sunbathing weather when I was a lad..." crowd, yes, you can acclimatize to extreme cold weather operations, but it's still a hazardous operating environment for both personnel and equipment. Good to see the Apache being used in those conditions.
As for OC AAC, he is the spokesman for the aircrew, the REME technicians who have to go out and service a cold-soaked aircraft, the AAC ground crew who refuel, rearm and ground handle these aircraft, the RLC who provision and supply the spares to keep them flying, plus a myriad of support staff to keep the Squadron operational in those conditions. They all know how long the logistics tail is, especially for the Apache, they also know the OC speaks for all of them when he says what an achievement this is.
Or just needing to justify their existence and that of the E model buy since there is little desert warfighting to be done nowadays. If the Northern flank was that important, why haven't they been sent there before?
Two's in
14th Feb 2019, 22:29
Or just needing to justify their existence and that of the E model buy since there is little desert warfighting to be done nowadays. If the Northern flank was that important, why haven't they been sent there before?
I don't know, maybe somebody has finally realized that the Soviet Union and its aspirations never actually went away, and although Putin has been "cleared hot" by 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, he might need reminding that territories and treaties are still a thing for the rest of NATO.
...We all know the way to absolutely guarantee more desert warfare is to get the AAC Combat Ready in the Arctic role.
Two's InWe all know the way to absolutely guarantee more desert warfare is to get the AAC Combat Ready in the Arctic role.:ok::):)
chinook240
15th Feb 2019, 08:01
“We all know the way to absolutely guarantee more desert warfare is to get the AAC Combat Ready in the Arctic role.“
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/apache-and-wildcat-to-touch-down-in-estonia-as-uk-bolsters-its-commitment-to-nato--2
sycamore
15th Feb 2019, 08:43
Perhaps Crab should go to Norway to advise on `hover-taxiing in freezing fog`.....
Perhaps Crab should go to Norway to advise on `hover-taxiing in freezing fog`..... I wouldn't go flying in freezing fog - why, would you?:)
sycamore
15th Feb 2019, 20:19
Crab,been there,got the T-shirts,snow ,ice,freezing rain ,freezing fog,45 yrs ago,WX3/5,S-K,Wasp,Gazelle.....Canada `69-`76..
Crab,been there,got the T-shirts,snow ,ice,freezing rain ,freezing fog,45 yrs ago,WX3/5,S-K,Wasp,Gazelle.....Canada `69-`76.. and that makes you what???????????
Non-PC Plod
16th Feb 2019, 13:25
and that makes you what???????????
Just about thawed out by now?
Stitchbitch
16th Feb 2019, 19:57
It’s nice to know that part of the support for Apache is provided by RAF Squippers embedded with the AAC and REME workshop. No 4 star hotels there I can assure you.
It’s nice to know that part of the support for Apache is provided by RAF Squippers as has long been the case for the whole of the AAC
Art of flight
17th Feb 2019, 13:10
as has long been the case for the whole of the AAC
Along with The fine refuellers of TSW....Tactical Supply Wing, in NI, Bosnia, Falkands, Stafford etc. The RAF Survival instructors, Electronic warfare instructors, and most of all those at the various visiting aircraft sections who provided us with white lumpy boxes for free when the AAC budget wouldn't stretch that far!
Thank you RAF.