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RAF airman takes on Apache
07 June 2010
COMBAT-hardened Chinook pilot Flt Lt Adam Watts is
using Apache fire power to support MERT ops in Afghanistan, flying missions
alongside 27 Squadron as coalition forces continue to target Taliban strongholds
to help promote security in the country.
Equipped with rockets, Hellfire missiles and a 30mm chain gun, the sight of
the Apache AH attack helicopter can disperse insurgent fighters while video and
thermal imaging surveillance capabilities provide vital intelligence to ground
forces tracking enemy units as they flee the combat zone.Adam said:It
can be frustrating when we allow insurgents to flee the area but it achieves the
goal we are aiming for protecting our forces on the ground.Its great
for us when the guys on the ground contact us to say thanks for the assistance
and armed overwatch we are able to provide. We are under no illusions about the
dangers they are facing every day in Helmand.Quick decision-making is
crucial when supporting the troops operating on the ground, in particular to
avoid collateral damage and danger to innocent civillians.The Army Air Corps Apaches are deployed to provide armed overwatch for RAF Chinooks engaged in emergency evacuation and insertion and extraction operations. Although he wears the light blue Air Corps beret, it bears the RAF badge. Flt Lt Watts said: The exchange with the Army provides a slightly different perspective on joint operations. The banter and camaraderie is ever present. I've had the beret placed in the freezer several times.The former CH47 Chinook pilot became the first RAF officer to fly the Apache in combat when he joined 653 Sqn of the Army Air Corps in 2007. He has served tours in the Falklands, Morocco and Iraq and is now on his third tour in Afghanistan. He is currently on exchange with 653 Squadron of the Army Air Corps based at Wattisham Airfield, the home of 3 Regiment Army Air Corps. The Apache can operate in all conditions in day or night and detect hundreds of potential targets in seconds. In addition to its heavy weapons load the aircraft is fitted with distinctive Longbow Radar located above the rotor blades and to improve situational awareness
07 June 2010
COMBAT-hardened Chinook pilot Flt Lt Adam Watts is
using Apache fire power to support MERT ops in Afghanistan, flying missions
alongside 27 Squadron as coalition forces continue to target Taliban strongholds
to help promote security in the country.
Equipped with rockets, Hellfire missiles and a 30mm chain gun, the sight of
the Apache AH attack helicopter can disperse insurgent fighters while video and
thermal imaging surveillance capabilities provide vital intelligence to ground
forces tracking enemy units as they flee the combat zone.Adam said:It
can be frustrating when we allow insurgents to flee the area but it achieves the
goal we are aiming for protecting our forces on the ground.Its great
for us when the guys on the ground contact us to say thanks for the assistance
and armed overwatch we are able to provide. We are under no illusions about the
dangers they are facing every day in Helmand.Quick decision-making is
crucial when supporting the troops operating on the ground, in particular to
avoid collateral damage and danger to innocent civillians.The Army Air Corps Apaches are deployed to provide armed overwatch for RAF Chinooks engaged in emergency evacuation and insertion and extraction operations. Although he wears the light blue Air Corps beret, it bears the RAF badge. Flt Lt Watts said: The exchange with the Army provides a slightly different perspective on joint operations. The banter and camaraderie is ever present. I've had the beret placed in the freezer several times.The former CH47 Chinook pilot became the first RAF officer to fly the Apache in combat when he joined 653 Sqn of the Army Air Corps in 2007. He has served tours in the Falklands, Morocco and Iraq and is now on his third tour in Afghanistan. He is currently on exchange with 653 Squadron of the Army Air Corps based at Wattisham Airfield, the home of 3 Regiment Army Air Corps. The Apache can operate in all conditions in day or night and detect hundreds of potential targets in seconds. In addition to its heavy weapons load the aircraft is fitted with distinctive Longbow Radar located above the rotor blades and to improve situational awareness
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