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T H E J H C d e l i v e r i n g j o i n t s u cc e s s o n o p e r a t i o n s

47th Regiment Royal Artillery

Honours &
The Army’s Awards
Watchkeeper

Merlin Mk3s Tactical Supply Wing

prove their mettle raise money for local
in day-long
charities during Families
Gibraltar Day celebrations

transit Nijmegen Marches 2016

j o u r n a l o f th e j o i n t h e l i c o p t e r c o mm a n d
 Contents

Contents Issue 3, 2016

Cover story
14 16
47th Regiment Royal Artililery
the Army’s Watchkeeper ............. 6

HONOURS & AWARDS

Major General Richard Felton
presented two awards at the
Joint Helicopter Command
Headquarter, Andover................ 5

CAPABILITY
Joint Helicopter Command
10
participate in Biggets live major
emergency Excercise ....................8

Capability Begins
Tactical Supply Wing raise money
for local charities during Families
Day celebrations........................... 9
Competition Time! ....................... 9

With Training…
Commando Helicopter Force
personnel participate in the
Highland Games Tug-of-war ....... 9

People
Aviation Training International Limited (ATIL) is a 50:50 joint venture BATUK Aviation Support Squadron 8
between AgustaWestland Limited and The Boeing Company. (BASS) Community Engagement
Macharia School ‘Effort Ever”...... 10
Nijmegen Marches 2016................ 12
It was formed in 1998 as a special purpose vehicle to deliver
846 NAS OCF working
the Attack Helicopter Training Service contract for the UK Army. with the community.................... 13
The contract was financed under a PFI arrangement. Exchange Programme Long Look.20
RAF Reserve Squadron marks
ATIL holds a unique position as a training organisation in being able 20 years of operational support. 21
to provide total synthetic training solutions in the areas of Aircrew,
OPERATIONS
Groundcrew and Maintenance training. A range of equipment is
Merlin MK3s prove their mettle in
employed to represent the sophisticated systems that reside within an day-long Gibraltar transit ........... 14
aircraft of the complexity of the Apache. Centenary flight finally takes off... 16

From weapons to avionics, each device allows students to familiarise SAFETY

themselves with some of the most advanced technology in the world. The JHC Safety Team.......................... 18
equipment is based on full size aircraft systems and provides a high degree
of fidelity offering the necessary tactile and visual cues, greatly reducing the
need to use operational aircraft for training purposes. Constant investment
by the MoD and ATIL in technology insertions has ensured that the training
system remains one of the most up to date in the world.

Aviation Training International Limited

Coldharbour Business Park, Editorial Submission Date…
Sherborne, Dorset DT9 4JW View this publication

Friday 9 December 2016 online please scan the

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Tel: 01935 810300 Pl e a s e s u b m i t a ll e n t r i e s f o r t h e n ex t i s s u e by n o l a t e r t h a n t h e d a t e s t a t e d a b ove.
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Email: enquiries@atil.co.uk This publication is copyright Lance Publishing Limited and may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form in whole or in part without prior written permission of Lance Publishing Limited.

Web: www.atil.co.uk While every care has been taken during the preparation of this magazine, Lance Publishing Limited cannot be held responsible for accuracy of the information herein or for any consequence
arising from it. Views Expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Royal Air Force or the Ministr y of Defence. All images © Crown Copyright unless other wise stated.

visit: www.lzdzonline.co.uk LZDZ / Issue 3 2016 3

Foreword Capability
Awards

Foreword MeettheTeam Honours

&
Awards
Editorial
Editor: Sqn Ldr Anna Burt
E: JHC-RPS-Media-SO2@mod.uk
T: 01264 381 178
–
sales Major General Richard Felton
Sales Manager: Laurence Rowe presented two awards at the
E: laurence@lancepublishing.co.uk Joint Helicopter Command
T: 01536 526 662
Headquarter, Andover.
–
Designer
Designer: Rowena Wilson
E: rowena@lancepublishing.co.uk
T: 01536 526 672
–
Publisher
Lance Publishing Ltd, 1st Floor,
Tailby House, Bath Road, Kettering,
Northants NN16 8NL
T: 01536 512 624
E: mike@lancepublishing.co.uk
W: www.lancepublishing.co.uk
Company Registration No. 3253372
–
Printer
I hope that everyone had an enjoyable summer break. In July I Lance Print Ltd, 29/30 Stapledon Road,
visited 47 Regt RA, the Watchkeeper Regiment, on Ascension Island. Orton Southgate, Peterborough PE2 6TD
T: 01733 390 564

I
was very impressed by the training being environmental qualifications; a key enabler E: lanceprint@lanceprint.co.uk
Photo taken by Cpl Rob Photo taken by Cpl Rob
conducted and the professionalism of to being able to operate worldwide. W: www.lanceprint.co.uk Travis, RAF Odiham UK Defence’s Forward Air right to the heart of an issue to
Travis, RAF Odiham
all those involved; Watchkeeper had JHC personnel have also left UK waters – Controller (Airborne) (FAC(A)) ensure effective preparation of
already flown twice as many hours in on board HMS Ocean as part of the inaugural Further Information US Marine Corps exchange capability, Smyth single-handedly Lt Cdr Milne receives senior Army HQ Officers for the
a third of the time compared with what it Joint Expeditionary Force (Maritime) Task W: w ww.mod.uk/defenceinternet/ officer receives developed a new FAC(A) syllabus Commander Joint multitude of programme and
achieved at Boscombe Down in 2015. Group. Chinooks from 27 Sqn are working aboutdefence/whatwedo/ Commander Joint and its associated courseware, Helicopter Command Coin executive boards. In so doing he
More recently I visited Exercise BLACK alongside Merlin helicopters from 845 Naval airsafetyandaviation/jhc Helicopter Commendation and then delivered this training Lt Cdr Andre Milne has been routinely works several grades
ALLIGATOR in California. This Exercise Air Sqn and the Apache from 662 Sqn Army – Major William Smyth (847 NAS) to students on the first FAC(A) employed as a desk officer within above his rank; he regularly reports
forms part of the multi-environment training Air Corps to conduct Joint and combined Photograph credit: received a Commendation course. As an expert in the the Air Manoeuvre Capability to a 2* audience and on occasion
package that will assure 40 Commando exercises with several partner nations. . from Commander JHC. control of Joint Fires, Smyth was Development area for two years. to 4* and to the Cabinet Office.
RM as the Lead Commando Group with I would like to thank you and your – Major Smyth has been appointed as JHC’s subject matter The effective delivery of the Against a backdrop of
the support of Joint Helicopter Force families for your continued support to Cover credit employed as the United States expert, meaning that in addition Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft increased complexity from
1. From a JHC perspective, the aim of operations and overseas deployments. © MoD Crown Copyright Marine Corps’ (USMC) exchange to his primary front-line squadron Carriers is one of Defence’s significant organisational
the Exercise was to conduct Collective officer with 847 Naval Air duties, he took the leading role highest priorities. Milne has been change across the Army HQ and
Training 2 to 4, including Live Fire training Squadron for the last two and in advising UK Defence on how ‘front-and-centre’ in setting the JHC, Milne has demonstrated
in extreme hot weather conditions. It also Maj Gen Richard Felton CBE a half years. During this time to develop and then maintain conditions for the integration almost peerless insight, drive,
allowed the aircrew to gain their desert Commander JHC he has undertaken conversion a FAC(A) capability. Smyth has of credible Air Manoeuvre a truly ‘Joint’ approach and
training to fly and operate the UK made a significant and lasting capability. He has an intuitive impressive capacity. He has
Defence’s new Battlefield Wildcat difference to UK Defence capability grasp of command intent, which delivered at a level well above
helicopter, which is an impressive by ensuring that this hitherto he combines with mastery of that expected and far above
achievement for overseas aircrew. poorly understood but essential detail and a knack of cutting the majority of his peers.
Please turn to page 6 for the cover story As the Joint Helicopter capability now has a strong future,
47th Regiment Royal Artillery Command (JHC) appointed lead with an excellent training course

The Army’s Watchkeeper for re-generating and developing established to underpin its delivery.

L Z DZ M a g a z i n e i s a l s o o n l i n e a n d c a n b e f o u n d a t : w w w. l z d z o n l i n e . c o . u k

4 Issue 3, 2016 / LZDZ THE JHC Delivering joint success on operations visit: www.lzdzonline.co.uk LZDZ / Issue 3, 2016 5
Capability
47th Regiment
Royal Artillery
The Army’s
Watchkeeper
Regiment
Written By: Maj Sam Harvey RA
On 31st August 2016, the
Regiment re-subordinated
from 1st Intelligence
and Surveillance
Brigade to the Joint
Helicopter Command.
I
n addition, the unit is undergoing
restructuring which draws upon
elements of the REME from
74 (Support) Battery who have
already re-joined the Regiment to
create a bespoke Watchkeeper
Workshop. The near future could
potentially (pending A2020 refine)
see an expansion of 47 Regt RA
to include a further subunit.
Following more than ten years’
43 (Lloyd’s Company)
Battery
The Battery was formed in 1808 in
response to the need for artillery
firepower in the war against
Napoleon in Europe, where its
battle honour was earned under
Capt WJ Lloyd at Waterloo.
Throughout the years 43 (Lloyd’s
Company) Battery has been
involved at critical operational
moments and in a variety of artillery
disciplines. Whether providing
the Garrison Artillery for Gibraltar
during the First and Second World
Wars (and securing a confirmed kill
against a German Submarine), or
firing in anger during the Falkland
War as the Air Defence Battery
6 Issue 3, 2016 / LZDZ
experience of flying and operating
Unmanned Air Systems (UAS), as
well as myriad operational tours,
the Regiment finds itself rerolled
to providing the Army’s sole
Tactical UAS (TUAS) capability, in
the form of Watchkeeper; another
challenge its soldiers have met
with both rigour and style.
The Regiment itself is no
stranger to change, having
originally formed in 1947 as a
Coastal Artillery Training Regiment.
Over the subsequent years, the
Regiment and its Batteries have
rerolled on numerous occasions and
trained on varying equipment from
Close Support Guns, Air Defence,
and achieving seven confirmed
kills of Argentinean aircraft. After
several periods of suspended
animation, the Battery returned on
two occasions in the TUAS role and
deployed to Afghanistan in support
of Op HERRICK. The Battery were
chosen to be the Watchkeeper
trials unit for the Regiment and
are now deployed in Ascension
Island, supporting the training of
the first instructors and pilots.
Thus far over 280 hours have
been recorded, equating to
100+ sorties. At present, the first
students are undergoing their live
flying training, while the second
course goes through training back
in the UK. Launch and Recovery
TUAS (Hermes 450), Miniature
Unmanned Air Systems (MUAS),
Tarantula Hawk (T-HAWK) and now
TUAS Watchkeeper; all capabilities
having deployed operationally.
Although the Regiment is
comparatively young and smaller
than most Royal Artillery units,
its three Batteries all hold long
and distinguished histories and
have all deployed operationally in
the UAS role: 31 (Headquarters)
Battery, 10 (Assaye) Battery and
43 (Lloyd’s Company) Battery.
10 (Assaye) Battery
Formed in 1755 as the 3rd
Company Bombay Artillery, the
courses are already underway
in Ascension and the future
personnel of Watchkeeper are
relishing their new employment.
LBdr Halliday – Launch and
Recovery (Level 3 PATE
operator) - “I have really
enjoyed integrating with
the other cap badges on
the island; it has been a
fantastic experience.”
THE JHC Delivering joint success on operations
Battery at the time of formation
was equipped with cannons pulled
by elephants. 10 (Assaye) Battery
holds three main honour titles: 1799
Seringapatam, 1803 Assaye and
1843 Hyderabad. During the First
World War WO2 (BSM) George
Horlock was awarded the VC,
and during the Adriatic campaign
in the Second World War the
Battery were awarded the Polish
Syrena as a battle honour, having
fought alongside the II Polish
Corps. Members of the Battery
still wear the Syrena on their No.2
Service Dress. In recent history,
the Battery saw simultaneous
operational deployments in both
Iraq and Afghanistan following a
sharp conversion from Air Defence
to Integrated UAS – providing
support in the form of TUAS,
MUAS and T-HAWK capabilities.
Conversion to Watchkeeper
began in December 2015 initially
focusing on training Launch and
Recovery detachments, operations
staff and provision of pilots.
During periods of ‘down
time’ the soldiers have thrown
themselves fully into Ascension
Island life and completed a number
of projects on the island. These
include the reconstruction and
painting of the school playground,
the clearing and restoration of a
cemetery, building a community
BBQ on one of the beaches and
Watchkeeper
Watchkeeper itself is an in-
service Army Unmanned Air
System, which delivers timely
and high quality imagery
intelligence to the tactical
commander on the battlefield.
This imagery intelligence is critical
in enabling commanders to
reduce battlefield risk and make
more informed battle winning
decisions. Whilst the focus
has been on flying and aircraft
operations, the real benefit
of Watchkeeper are realised
through its ISTAR capabilities.
The processes of training
and assuring instructors initially
began with Watchkeeper training
and live flying taking place
at Boscombe Down Airfield,
Wiltshire. Live flying from
Boscombe Down into Salisbury
Plain Training Area became a
having a Watchkeeper display
on both Ascension Island Day
and for the U.S. personnel on
their 4th July celebration.  Lance
Bombardier Crooks (the Island’s
Physical Training Instructor) has
been busy helping run the local
swimming pool as well as running
an island ‘Iron Man’ competition
open to anyone on the island.  busy and demanding pace, the
Sergeant Picking was the star of
the fishermen and during the island
fishing competition managed
to land the largest tuna anyone
had ever seen.  Finally, those
deployed on Ex ARIES SPIDER
(the instruction and training taking
place in Ascension Island) have
The Captain General’s Baton
(South Africa) - the tour around
the world as part of the
UBIQUE 300 celebrations.
visit: www.lzdzonline.co.uk
Pilots operating inside the
Ground Control Station.
regular activity however; the
busy airspace coupled with
poor weather conditions slowed
training. The volume of sorties
and hours required to train the
future Watchkeeper instructors
and pilots required an assured
flying location. Soldiers from the
Regiment, 74 (Support) Battery
and the Royal School of Artillery
(RSA) deployed to Ascension
also entered a team in the locally
run cricket competition with the
Battery Commander, Major Andy
Carter, winning the trophy for most
runs scored in an innings with 112.
Back in the UK, the Regiment
has firmly established itself at
Horne Barracks, Larkhill; the home
of the Royal Artillery. Despite the
Regiment has continued to develop
soldiers both professionally and
personally. On top of the array of
career courses, the Regiment has
competed at some of the highest
levels in the Army at sport and
taken part in a number of exciting
and challenging adventurous
Island in the South Atlantic in early
2016 to conduct the live flying
element of the Watchkeeper
pilot training courses. The more
favourable weather, availability
of airspace and uncongested
runway of Wideawake Airfield
make Ascension Island an
excellent environment to conduct
pilot training. On 28 Mar 16,
Watchkeeper made its maiden
training expeditions as part of
the Royal Artillery’s UBIQUE 300
celebrations - including sailing in
the Caribbean, mountain biking
in Malaysia and kayaking in South
Africa. Sporting achievements
have featured the football team
reaching the finals of both the
Southern League and Army Minor
Units Cup finals, the hockey team
qualifying for the Army Cup and
the badminton team qualifying for
the Army championships. Individual
sporting achievements across
Army, British and World level
include cycling, snowboarding,
mountain biking, Taekwondo,
rowing and orienteering.
Watchkeeper 030 in
the arrestors after the
maiden flight above
Ascension Island.
flight from the new flying location.
The Army’s most experienced
Watchkeeper instructor, WO1
Ruck and Mr James Aslam-
Armitage, (a civilian Thales
instructor who is supporting the
programme), flew the first mission.
There are now 7 instructors
trained and delivering the courses
with an aim to train a further
16 pilots by the end of 2016.
31 (Headquarters) Battery
The senior Battery within the
Regiment initially formed in March
1755 under the authority of a Royal
Warrant. The Battery has supported
numerous operations spanning
250 years in the Field Artillery,
Coastal Defence, Air Defence or
UAS role. The Battery has served
in wars in India, at Waterloo, the
siege of Cambrai, in the Boer
War, provided the protection of
Malta throughout WW2, and more
recently served in Op BANNER,
the Gulf Wars, Kosovo and Op
HERRICK. Today the Battery
provides the life support and
administration for the Regiment.
In recent years, the Regiment
has continually adapted,
and remained flexible to the
constantly changing environment
we operate in. In Watchkeeper
47 Regt have taken on a new
challenge, and the officers and
soldiers look forward to writing
a new chapter in the Regiment’s
remarkable and busy history.
LZDZ / Issue 3, 2016 7
Capability
Heading
Joint Helicopter Command
Participate in
Biggets live major
Emergency Exercise
held in nw England
Written By: Maj (Retd) Lee Bower
The fliers of the Commando Helicopter Force and
Support Helicopter Force were invited to help fire
and rescue teams and civic authorities in the north
west practise dealing with a major civilian emergency
– such as the terrible floods which ravaged much of
Cumbria, Lancashire and Yorkshire last Christmas.
T
he day-long Exercise
Triton II was billed as
the largest real-time
work out of its kind ever
held in the region as three dozen
military, civilian and emergency
services and organisations came
together to tackle with simulated
severe flooding in Stockport and
Oldham. Yeovilton-based 845
Naval Air Squadron sent one
8 Issue 3, 2016 / LZDZ
Junglie Merlin north to Barton
aerodrome on the western edge
of Manchester, accompanied by
an Oshkosh bowser and two crew
to refuel the marines’ helicopter.
A Chinook from RAF Odiham
also took part in the Exercise.
The Merlin acted as troop
carrier whilst the Chinook was
used to lift high volume water
pumping equipment from Mayer’s
Quarry in Mossley, Oldham, to
nearby Dove Stone Reservoir.
The exercise saw soldiers
from 2nd Battalion The Mercian
Regiment build defences at
an electricity sub-station in
Heyrod, Stockport, to protect
it from rising flood waters.
Troops and mountain rescue
personnel were then flown by
Merlin to help with a search and
rescue exercise at Hollingworth
Lake, Littleborough, before
spending the rest of the
day buzzing around Greater
Manchester moving military and
civilian personnel between the
various hotspots such as the
site of a bus crash into a river.
“For our part, it was a very
rewarding day,” said Merlin pilot
Lt Tom Burrows. “The tasking
offered us some challenging
flying and it was an added bonus
to support the civilian emergency
services, alongside soldiers
from 42 Infantry Brigade.
“The exercise gave an insight
as to our likely involvement in
responding to a civil emergency,
something the squadron
can take forward to be well-
prepared in the future.”
Paul Argyle, Manchester’s
THE JHC Delivering joint success on operations
Further
Information
Exercise Triton 11 is
the biggest, live exercise
of its kind ever held in
the north west region of
England, and tests how
local authorities, emergency
services and other parlners
are equipped to tackle a
major emergency together.
Greater Manchester Fire and
Rescue Service (GMFRS)
requested military support for
the exercise, which was staged
across Stockport, Rochdale
and Oldham over 14-15 July.
Deputy Fire Chief, who
oversaw Triton II, said the
“scale of the destruction and
chaos in the exercise was
deliberately designed to test
the region at full stretch.
“We have to do this to ensure
we are well prepared to deal
with any future real-life event or
disaster that might occur – and
it is also invaluable that those
taking part got the chance to
practise essential response skills
that would be used during a
major incident like this.”
Tactical Supply Wing raise
money for local Charities during
Families Day celebrations
Written By: WO G Barlow
T
he TSW annual Families
Day event took place
earlier this summer.
Throughout the day
there was a range of activities
in order to raise awareness and
money for two local charities
that TSW support. In total £1350
was raised. £850 was donated
to The Donna Louise Children’s
Trust which provides palliative
care and support for children
with life limiting conditions. The
Donna Louise Children’s Trust also
provides support to the families of
these children. The remaining £500
was donated to the Staffordshire
Search and Rescue Team; who are
a highly skilled team of dedicated
Highland Games Tug-of-War
at the 2016 Braemar Gathering
visit: www.lzdzonline.co.uk
volunteers that give up their own local community. Overall, the day
time to provide assistance to was a resounding success and
the emergency services and the enjoyed by all who attended.
Commando Helicopter Force
Personnel participate in the
Written By: Maj (Retd) Lee Bower
I
nter Services Tug of War
rivalry commenced when
teams from the Royal Navy &
Royal Marines, the Army and
the Royal Air Force competed
in the 2016 Highland Games at
the Braemar Gathering in front
of Her Majesty the Queen.
Eight members, half of the
Royal Navy and Royal Marines
team were Royal Marines from
the Commando Helicopter
Force based at the Royal
Naval Air Station Yeovilton,
Competition
Time!
LZDZ is changing its name. This
is your chance to decide the new
name for the magazine of Joint
Helicopter Command (JHC).
JHC is made up of the
following Forces:
· Commando Helicopter Force
· Attack Helicopter Force
· Aviation Reconnaissance Force
· Watchkeeper Force
· Support Helicopter Force
Please email name suggestions
to Sqn Ldr Anna Burt JHC-
rps-media-so2@mod.uk. The
winning name will be selected
by Commander JHC and the
winner will receive a tub of
celebration chocolates.
led by Captain Charlie Wilson
RM. Representing the Royal Navy
and Royal Marines in front of Her
Majesty at such an incredible
venue, and as part of such an
historical and prestigious event
has been a wonderful experience
for the participants. An excellent
video of the event can be found
on the Commando Helicopter
Force Facebook page.
LZDZ / Issue 3, 2016 9
PEOPLE
Heading

our work with Macharia School.

BATUK Aviation Support Squadronb Even before the school had
(BASS) Community Engagement .. been identified, fund raising

Macharia School
was well under way under the
supervision of Sgt Raffermati.
Collections, a charity darts
night and a 24 hour cycle were

“Effort Ever”
organised in order to raise as
much money as possible. The
24 hour cycle was completed by
Maj Woodhouse, Sgt Raffermati
and Capt Adams who, between
them, cycled continuously for 24

O
Written By: Capt M Adams AAC
Photography by SAC Shannon
RAF and Capt Adams AAC
The BASS is in Kenya conducting
MEDEVAC and is constituted from
9 AAC personnel who have recently
passed into command of 1 AAC.
The second FET for BASS arrived
in Kenya at the start of February.
n arriving in Kenya
and seeing the
poverty that people
were living in, most
members of the Squadron voiced
an immediate desire to assist
wherever possible. This desire
lead to BASS conducting outreach
in order to find a suitable
project. Although unforeseen
circumstances prevented our
assistance to the first project
we found, Maj Woodhouse soon
found an alternative. Through
Wilson, a waiter at Barneys
Restaurant, he had already begun
interaction with a local school.
After a quick visit it was obvious
that they would greatly benefit
from any assistance and so began
hours on a spin bike. The darts
night was also well received with
most of the squadron getting
involved and in total BASS raised
over £500 for the school.
Once the money was raised
we met with Ann Muriuki, the
School’s head teacher to discuss
what we could feasibly achieve.
After reviewing her “Strategic
Plan” (an A4 printed piece of
paper with a list of what they
needed) we started to find the
materials to enable the work
they desperately needed.
The classrooms needed wind/
waterproofing, desks and more
importantly text books. Over half
the money we raised was spent
on text books they desperately
needed and even then it was only
enough to buy one child a book
each, in year 8 for only 6 subjects.
Which although seemingly minor
was more than they get from
the government in 3 years.
BASS went to the school
for a period of two days to
handover the textbooks and
start improvements on the
most degraded school houses.
However the biggest impact
made on the children seemed
to be the interaction with the
members of BASS itself, whether
it was playing sport or listening
to Sgt Lovett play his guitar.
Over two days, wood and
plastic sheeting was used to line
the inside of the worst of the
classrooms to help with wind and
waterproofing; unbelievably the
children had found them cold. Sgt
Cannings and Sgt Coetzer were
both instrumental in the building
work and had support from a
local carpenter called Jacob, a
father of one of the children.
Although the money we had
only stretched so far, the OC had
concurrently launched a social
media campaign for children’s
clothing. This had a huge and
unexpected response, leading
to a multitude of different sized
boxes, full of clothing arriving at
BASS. Then within BASS people
were asked to purchase a desk for
the school and although having
donated generously already,
numerous people purchased one.
This meant a second visit to the
school was arranged, this time
to deliver clothes and desks.
As our time in Kenya draws to
an end, BASS take great pride in
having contributed in some small
way to the lives of the children
at Macharia School. We were
humbled by the gracious and
appreciative nature of the children
and the teachers. However the
impact was not all one sided; the
interaction with the children has
been a real highlight of our time
in Kenya, for everyone involved.
The endeavour we started will
be continued by FET3 on their
arrival, but BASS FET2 wish the
school good luck in the future,
remembering the school’s
motto: “Effort Ever”.

10 Issue 3, 2016 / LZDZ THE JHC Delivering joint success on operations visit: www.lzdzonline.co.uk LZDZ / Issue 3, 2016 11
PEOPLE
Heading
Nijmegen
Marches
Written By: WO2 Ally McIlroy JHC
The 100th Nijmegen
International Four Day
Marches or ‘Vierdaagse’
(Dutch for ‘Four Days’) took
place over the period 19 – 22
Jul 16 in the Netherlands.
T
eams and individuals
from all Services and
Cadet Organizations
took part to form the
British Military Contingent (BMC).
Participants were required to
march approximately 40 kms
over different routes on each
of the 4 consecutive marching
days. The Marches are the largest
event of their kind in the world
attracting 45,000 participants,
including 5,000 military from over
30 nations. The BMC was made
up of 800 personnel making
us the second biggest military
contingent behind the Dutch.
The Army Air Corps Female
team was made up of 11 serving
personnel from different AAC
Units within JHC, lead by WO2
Ally McIlroy. After completing
Team members with
Mr Peter Williams.
12 Issue 3, 2016 / LZDZ
2016
the qualification weekend in April
at RAF Cosford, which saw us
march 50 miles, we were nearly
certain of a place within the BMC.
The months leading up until
Nijmegen were spent training,
as and when people could fit in
a few miles during the working
day, or over the weekends. So
after a final team briefing on the
15th July giving the ladies an
insight of what to expect, and
some pretty pictures of blistered
feet from previous years, the
realization had set in of the
167.6km we had laid before us!
The team left early on the
16th July from Middle Wallop for
the long drive to Nijmegen via
the Channel Tunnel. Our home
for the week was Heumensoord
Camp (HC) which is situated 3
Marching in the rain.
miles south of Nijmegen in a
nature reserve. HC is declared
an official Dutch Military
Barracks during the Nijmegen
Marches and, with some 6000
personnel, it is the largest
barracks in the Netherlands.
The following day was an
acclimatisation day involving a
38km Arnhem Airborne cycle
trip, which included, the historic
Battlefield sites of Arnhem,
visiting the John Frost bridge,
named after Major General John
Frost, who commanded the
forces that reached and defended
the bridge during the Battle of
Arnhem, the Rescue Monument,
Doorwerth Castle, the Airborne
Monument at Heelsum and the
Airborne War Cemetery where
we paid our respects. Airtpr
Pamela Gamble laid a wreath
(1) on behalf of the team.
Day 1
We got get up at 0230hrs to get
our admin done for a 0430hrs
start; the initial 18km to the
first rest stop came quickly. The
support from the locals was
fantastic with hundreds turning
THE JHC Delivering joint success on operations
out to wish us good luck. Some
pulled their sofas out from their
homes and played inspirational
dance music through speakers.
Children lined the March route,
some just hoping for a high-five
from a soldier, others patiently
standing with bowls full of chewy
sweets, marshmallows, fruit etc.
to offer to weary marchers. The
kms were very soon down to
single figures and before we knew
it we were marching back into
the social tent at Heumensoord
Camp. Our arrival caused a big
cheer – our unique matching pink
aviator glasses and synchronized
curtsies certainly made our team
stand-out! The weather on our
first day topped 28 degrees with
some heat rashes and sore feet
amongst our team, although
morale remained high. 45km
complete, 122.6km to go.
Day 2
We set off at 0405hrs, with some
local people out on the streets
(some from the night before)
cheering us on. The temperatures
reached 34 degrees with 80%
humidity but our team coped
Team with Nijmegen Medals
and Best Team Award.
well by ensuring we were fed,
hydrated, and reapplied sun
cream at each rest stop.
At the town of Wijchen, there
is a memorial for the 6 crew of
a Lancaster Bomber LM325 that
perished when their plane was
shot down on 23 Jun 1943; we
stopped here for a few minutes
to pay our respects, before
carrying on back to HC. 83km
complete, 84.6km to go.
Day 3
Renowned for being the
toughest day of marching as it
includes seven hills. However, in
comparison to the hills in the UK
that we had all been training on,
the hills in Nijmegen were gentle
inclines and the day passed by
quickly, our bodies now adapting
to the daily routine of long-
distance marching. As usual the
local people were out in force,
cheering us along the entire route
and giving us strength to finish.
As we finished day three Mr Peter
Williams (2) (Ex QM 3 Regiment
Army Air Corps who played a
major role in the transitional move
to Wattisham airfield) greeted us
with a cheer and bought us each
a drink. The evening brought
more excitement as we learnt
we had been crowned the Best
British Army Team 2016. With this
fantastic news the ladies were
on a high, and were determined
to finish even though some had
pretty nasty blisters. 122.5km
compete, 45.1km to go.
Day 4
As to be a typical day in Northern
Ireland (weather wise, 4 seasons
in one day!) as we left the first
rest stop we were informed by
the march controllers that there
was an imminent thunder storm.
So no sooner than you say Garry
Gortex, it was on top of us. So
for the next 3 hrs we were heads
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Airtpr Pamela Gamble
laying a wreath at War
memorial in Arnhem.
down, only looking up every
so often to laugh and joke with
other teams, with water sloshing
around in our boots only adding
846 NAS OCF
to the sore feet and blisters
already in place (3). By early
afternoon the sun had emerged
once again and we had the finish
line in our sights. A quick stop to
wring out the socks and re-apply
Working with the Community
tape to our feet, we were on the
Written By: Lt Andy Charlton
home straight to our last rest
M
stop at Charlemagne Field. This embers of 25 OCF this they were then let loose
is just 5km from the finish line, Course from 846 on the dog exercise areas to
and it was here we received our NAS volunteered jet wash, weed and strim. The
hard earned medals to wear with for the day at Bath second group were given the
pride during the victory parade Cats and Dogs Home. After a glamorous task of weeding the
into Nijmegen City. Both I and welcome brief and introduction entrance and car park of the
Capt McLeman were given a by the volunteer coordinator, home, as well as shovelling over
medal with a crown to show it the course was shown around a ton of woodchip approximately
was our second time completing the extensive site to view the six feet. On completion of the
the Nijmegen marches. accommodation and exercise various tasks, the course were
The last 5km march into areas for the multitude of dogs, given the opportunity to take
Nijmegen City had a festival cats and other animals at the two pairs of dogs out for a walk
atmosphere to it, like nothing home. The course was then in the grounds surrounding the
we had experienced before, split into two groups in order site, before returning to socialise
with crowds of people 8 or to conduct various volunteer with the feline residents. The
9 deep whooping, hollering, activities around the site. One home was incredibly grateful
high-fiving and handing out group were assigned the task for the hard work put in by
gladioli as we passed. It was a of repainting a perimeter fence the course and are looking
true hero’s welcome with even dressed as Ghostbusters in forward to more military groups
King Willem-Alexander of the fetching white onesies. Finishing visiting in the future.
Netherlands in attendance to
take the final salute alongside
Maj Gen Stanford MBE GOC
Support Command and
Brigadier Bell GOC HQ BFG.
Out of a total of 47,166
participants taking part in
2016, 4,609 marchers did not
finish, dropping out with heat
injuries and severely blistered
feet. We can now look back and
be proud of having overcome
the major challenge presented
by the Nijmegen marches. We
had tested our physical and
mental endurance but had
showed teamwork, strength and
perseverance throughout, with
our team finishing complete
and winning the Best British
Army Team Award 2016(4).
LZDZ / Issue 3, 2016 13
OPERATIONS
Heading

Merlin Mk3s prove Deploying at short notice to locations

across the globe is something all
Commando Helicopter Force aircraft
have been winch transfer training
with the Gibraltar Patrol Boat
Squadron to collectively increase
Merlin pilots and aircrew.
Instructor Lt Jon Moore said:
“This route is absolutely perfect

their mettle in day-long

and personnel must be ready for. our joint capabilities. “These – it gives the students two sea
opportunities don’t present transits, multiple countries and a

O
ne of Gibraltar’s Scimitar Lt James Bradshaw said: themselves very often, it was a fair distance to comprehend in the

Gibraltar transit
famous Barbary apes “Gibraltar Squadron regularly pleasure to operate with these lead-up planning and the flying.”
keeps a watchful eye assist with the training of other RN vessels whilst hopefully Newly-appointed
on a Merlin Mk3 as units as they pass through assisting their mission.” Commanding Officer of 846
one of Commando Helicopter Gibraltar’s waters, such as 846’s aircrew and engineers NAS Lt Col Will Penkman said:
Force’s squadrons returns to the the arrival on the Rock of 846 only spent a few days in “Exercise Barbary Commando 16
Rock. Personnel from 846 NAS Squadron. “We may be required Gibraltar before completing has yet again proven the ability of
were in Gibraltar in January this at short notice to operate with the flight back to Somerset. Commando Merlin to deploy at
year but you can never make too helicopters and this exercise has Mainly crewed by students, the range, with aircrew and engineers
many trips to the Med. So they proved invaluable, ensuring that continental flights served as one keen to support the contingent
returned to the British Overseas we would be ready to do so.” of the final elements needed to capability which continues to
Territory on the southern end Lt Cdr Hampson added: “We become qualified Commando evolve within CHF.”
of the Iberian Peninsula to enjoy
some subtropical summer weather.
Most of the Rock’s upper area is
covered by a nature reserve, home
to around 230 Barbary macaques,
known as the famous apes of Gib.
These are the only wild apes
or monkeys found in Europe and
are red-listed as their population
declines. But there was no
monkeying around for the flying
arm of the Royal Marines during
Exercise Barbary Commando
16, the aim of which was to train
students from the Operational
Conversion Flight. Two of the
Royal Navy green helicopters left
their base at RNAS Yeovilton for
the day-long journey to the Rock,
via France, Spain and Portugal.
“This has been yet another first
for the Commando Merlin,”
said Detachment Commander
Lt Cdr Alex Hampson.
“We have proved the utility
of range and speed available
with Merlin by deploying at short
notice to an airfield over 1,400
flying miles away with just two
stops for fuel in a single day.”
While on the Rock, the Junglie
squadron also teamed up with
the Gibraltar Boat Squadron
for some winching training.
HMS Scimitar, her sister
Sabre and three Pacific Rigid
Inflatable Boats are crewed by
26 regular Royal Navy, Royal
Marine and Royal Naval Reserve
personnel. Together they make
up the Royal Navy Gibraltar
Squadron, tasked with protecting
the seas surrounding Gibraltar
and supporting exercises and
operations in the area.
Commanding Officer of

14 Issue 3, 2016 / LZDZ THE JHC Delivering joint success on operations visit: www.lzdzonline.co.uk LZDZ / Issue 3, 2016 15
Operations
Centenary Flight
kes of f
Finally ta
Written By: Tom Mercer
On Wednesday 14th September, e centenary
six months in the pla nni ng, the thre
scheme Chinooks finally came tog
off celebratory flight; departing rn England.
for a photographic tour of sou the
B
efore 2015 the Royal
Air Force went more
than 25 years without
painting a special
commemorative scheme on a
Chinook aircraft. Turn the clock
forward by 18 months and the
UK Chinook Force now has a trio
of them; each celebrating 100
years of three key Squadrons.
It seems like just yesterday
that the first of the three, the
18(B) Squadron Chinook, rolled
out of the Serco paint shop and
was presented to the media
at RAF Odiham. It was back
in May 2015 when the whole
centenary project became a
reality and since then it’s just got
bigger and bigger; 27 Squadron
quickly joined the team with
‘Nellie’ and then earlier this year,
28 Squadron at RAF Benson
with their brightly coloured
offering. All three specials were
designed and painted by the
16 Issue 3, 2016 / LZDZ
after more than
ether for a one-
from RAF Odiham
same team; Flt Lt Andy Donovan
handled the design work and
approvals process while the
extremely talented team at Serco
brought the designs to life.
As soon as the team knew
that there would be three fall to the bottom of the ‘to-
special scheme Chinooks, plans do’ list. Flt Lt Donovan started
were put in motion to get all to analyse Squadron diaries
of them together for a very and the team worked as hard
special photographic flight to as they could to reschedule
commemorate the occasion. the flight as soon as possible
The initial flight was but operational commitments
scheduled for late May but at and aircraft serviceability
very short notice the flight was meant that the earliest it
scrubbed. The RAF Chinook could all be rescheduled
fleet is in demand around the for was September 15th.
globe so it’s easy to understand “We were determined that if
that a flight of this nature might this flight ever happened, we would
THE JHC Delivering joint success on operations
do this properly and we knew this
would require lots of planning.
We had to consider the potential
for less than ideal weather in
September and ensure we had
a backup option if conditions
weren’t favourable.” said Flt Lt
Donovan, Our main focus was
on developing an unrestricted
profile so we could maximize
opportunities if we got lucky. I
began by analysing sun bearings
and elevations in the week selected
and then planned a route that
hit some stunning UK landmarks
whilst keeping us orientated
correctly on each leg; ensuring
illumination of both the aircraft
and backdrops simultaneously.
We operate in some of the most
congested airspace in the world
in southern England so all of this
had to fit around that too.”
With less than a week to go
everything was looking good but
at the last minute the Met Office
forecasts alluded to a possible
front coming in on the day of the
flight which would ultimately lead
to less than ideal conditions. The
team at RAF Odiham made the
call to reschedule the flight for
the Wednesday, a day that by the
look of it was going to be wall-to-
wall sunshine all day long. Good
news; the engineers now had
24 hours less notice to deliver
but everything was theoretically
ready to go, including the Lynx
AH.9 photo-ship that was kindly
provided by 657 Squadron.
So finally, on Wednesday
September 14th, after two
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scrubbed flights and countless
challenges in between, the
three commemorative chinooks
assembled at RAF Odiham
and took off together for a
very special centenary flight.
It was a memorable day for
not only me personally but for the
small team at Odiham Paintshop
to finally see the three historic
art work pieces displayed in all
their glory; having been hand-
crafted with many hours of blood,
sweat and tears by such a small
team” said James Littlejohn.
To be finally recognised after
over a year of waiting was a
momentous occasion and was
the final piece in our puzzle.”
Mr Ian Harding is a regular
contributor to the UK military
aviation press and, living
locally to Odiham, was lucky
enough to be invited to the
launch. He later commented
on the day’s preceedings:
“It is extremely difficult to
sum up the historical importance
of the events I witnessed
on Wednesday both at RAF
Odiham and later that evening
at Everleigh Drop Zone on
Salisbury Plain. Having spent
almost 50 years following
aviation in many guises, I can
honestly say I have witnessed
few events which match the
sight of the three Odiham
and Benson special painted
Chinooks appearing from behind
Sidbury Hill silhouetted against
a descending but golden sun.
It was indeed a ‘wow’ moment
which heightened when all
three aircraft returned with
the sun now illuminating their
anniversary markings like never
before. During a week of national
remembrance encapsulated by
the ‘poppy’ at the head of the 18
Squadron cab, the formation`s
slow initial descent was
movingly poignant. Six months
of preparation by so many
people; senior officials, aircrew,
engineers, media etcetera, and
it had been nailed perfectly.
Even the weather behaved!”
What helped make this event
special and distinguish it from
many is that the crews obviously
made the call to route their
formation to the Plain in the hope
that photographers and walkers
who visit Everleigh and the local
area frequently would be around
and hence have the opportunity
to witness this brief moment
of history. I can only imagine
the positivity this generated in
the air when they looked down
to see people gazing at them.
Everyone waited to see what
the aircrew would do before
sensibly positioning themselves
having noticed by now that
an RAF photographer was in
attendance and positioned.
Everyone behaved impeccably.
The sense of anticipation
for us as each aircraft then
shared the lead at the head
of a ‘triangular’ formation;
28 Squadron, then 27 and
finally 18, before finally
stacking, was intense. It was
30 minutes of unbridled joy.”
There was an emotional
and moving sense of occasion
throughout which was
enhanced by the history and
relevance of each aircraft’s
anniversary scheme. With the
sun descending, each provided a
glowing but appropriate tribute
to 100 years of operational
service from each squadron.
Wednesday for all sorts of
reasons, was the perfect way
to bring them together and
focus minds on this. Ultimately,
a century of anything should be
celebrated and it has been done
well. Miss the opportunity…and
it is lost forever. The image of
these three Chinooks together
will make people smile within
military circles and outside for
years to come. You cannot put
a price on that! As the three
aircraft departed Everleigh’s
overhead for the final time,
those fortunate to witness the
formation simply looked to the
sky and clapped, which summed
the mood up perfectly.”
Having conducted a flight over
some spectacular landmarks, the
four-ship flight returned to base
at just gone 1800 hours with the
job well and truly completed.
On this occasion everything
paid off and as you can see from
some of the work featured in this
article, the photographic team
at RAF Odiham captured some
spectacular imagery; they really
are a team to be reckoned with.
Centenary Flight done!
LZDZ / Issue 3, 2016 17
Heading
SAFETY
JHC SO3 DAEMS
WO1 Ian Fowler
E: JHC-SA-SafetyDAEMS-
SO3@mod.uk
Meet the Team T: 01264 784668

JHC AH Safety & Assurance JHC SO2 Safety Case 1

Col James Anderson Ch47, Pu2, N3 &
E: JHC-SA-AD@mod.uk Aviation DH Facing
T: 01264 381257 Maj John Osborne Para
E: JHC-SA-SafetyCase1@mod.uk
JHC SO1 Air Safety

m
T: 01264 381135

ea
Wg Cdr Russ Norman RAF

y T
E: JHC-SA-AirSafety-SO1@mod.uk JHC SO2 Safety Case 2

et
T: 01264 383393 Me, Lx & WC

af
Maj Russ Bothwick R Signals

S
JHC SO1 Ground Safety E: JHC-SA-SafetyCase2@mod.uk

C
Mr Brian Bailey is termed a “Mix-Mode” due T: 01264 381515

H
E: JHC-SA-Grnd-Safety- had been planned without to the abnormal sense of the

J
SO1@mod.uk one. This would seem simple flying controls. The approach JHC SO2 Safety Case 3
T: 01264 383391 to JHC aircrew but the crew commenced normally and all AH, Isl/Def & Gz
decided that they would divert heights and ranges remained Maj Jonathan Gilbert REME
JHC SO2 Flight Safety Human/Machine Interface with the aircraft to a monitoring to Sumburgh for their refuel even within tolerances to 1000 ft this event truly highlights the E: JHC-SA-SafetyCase3@mod.uk
Lt Cdr Stuart ‘Butch’ Cassidy RN – Sumburgh Super Puma role in which the mantra is though the latest weather they where the crew confirmed that dangers of not paying attention. T: 01264 381472
E: JHC-SA-FlightSafety- Accident Part 1 “is the aircraft doing what I had received showed conditions they had achieved the stabilised It is highly probable that, had the
SO2@mod.uk As part of the introduction of demanded?” If the answer is no, were deteriorating and by the criteria for the approach. The crew utilised a 4-axis technique, JHC SO2 Safety Case 4

W
T: 01264 381534 e all acknowledge
that safety plays
JHC SO2 Safety Policy an extremely
Sqn Ldr Bob Higgins RAF important role
E: JHC-SA-SafetyPolicy- throughout all facets of Defence
SO2@mod.uk and we at the JHC Safety Team
T: 01264 381131 strive to provide the best service
we can to enable the safest
JHC SO2 Risk Management environments possible for those
Sqn Ldr Ben Coleman RAF not just on the Front line but
E: JHC-SA-RiskMgmt- all those parties that support
SO2@mod.uk it. From fighting fires, to vehicle
T: 01264 381563 incidents, or aircraft accidents,
we must endeavour to reduce the
JHC SO2 Safety Policy risk to our people and equipment
& Regulation and to do this we need to both
Sqn Ldr Andy Gray RAF know how our people and
E: JHC-SA-SafetyPolicyReg- equipment operate but also
So2@mod.uk how they integrate together.
T: 01264 381514 In this and the following
edition we are going to highlight
JHC SO3 Risk Management factors regarding the Human/
Lt ‘Bing’ Chandler RN Machine Interface, particularly
E: JHC-SA-RiskMgmt- pertinent with the considerable
SO3@mod.uk amount of transitions being
T: 01264 381132 conducted from older analogue
configured aircraft to much
JHC SO3 Assurance more complex digital ones.
Capt Gavin Bosher AAC We have been supported by
E: JHC-SA-Assurance- an extremely experienced aviator,
SO3@mod.uk who has provided a very relevant
T: 01264 381151 example of how things can go
wrong and what we should learn
JHC SO3 Analysis from it. Although the case study
Recruiting is based on the Super Puma,
E: JHC-SA-SafetyAnalysis- there are lessons for us all!
SO3@mod.uk
T: 01264 381563
Puma 2, I have been keeping
an eye on the accidents and
incidents from the North Sea
and Oil/Gas Industry to see
what we can learn from others.
The reason for a Puma pilot to
do so is simple. Puma 2 has an
advanced digital Aircraft Flight
Control System (AFCS) which,
for a UK military helicopter,
is a bit of a leap forward in
technology. The AFCS is there
in some form most of the
time and requires a significant
change in flying mentality.
It can be flown, and often is,
manually in long-term attitude
retention mode where all
the basic concepts taught at
DHFS and beyond still apply.
Alternatively, it can be flown
using upper modes such that
the pilot input is to demand
things and for the computers
in the AFCS to make them
happen. In this case, the pilot
goes from a direct interaction
then it is generally the pilot who
has caused the error. To prevent
this, a deeper understanding
of how the system works, its
logic and its levels of authority
are needed. The biggest single
concern is that crews should at
no time believe the AFCS has
sole control nor should they
abdicate to it. The crew must
remain “in the loop” and in
control of the aircraft at all times
even if not physically moving the
flight controls themselves; the
Human/Equipment Interface.
To illustrate where we
can learn from industry, I will
draw some lessons from a civil
Super Puma accident which
occurred on 23 Aug 13 just short
of Sumburgh. In this tragic
event, the crew were asked
to carry an extra passenger
back from an oil field 248 nm
NE of Aberdeen. This simple
change of plan required a fuel
stop to be built into a trip that
time they commenced their
approach the cloud was between
200-300 ft above ground and
the visibility was less than 3km.
As a result, they ended up
conducting most of the transit,
join and approach in Instrument
Meteorological Conditions.
Indeed, the whole trip up
to the Final Approach Fix was
fairly routine with the crew
holding to SOPs throughout and
mostly the aircraft was operated
in a 4-axis configuration. (A
bit of jargon: in 3-axis control
the aircraft is controlled by
pitch, roll and yaw and, in
4-axis control, the collective
is also utilised by the AFCS).
The duty runway at Sumburgh
was 09 which gave the crew
a non-precision LOC/DME
approach with a Minimum
Decent Altitude (MDA) of
300ft, therefore in cloud. The
Captain, who was the pilot
flying, elected to carryout a
speed reducing approach in a
3-axis configuration using a fixed
Rate of Descent (ROD) of 500
ft per min. This technique was
routinely utilised in the N Sea
though it was not the company
SOP and has ROD controlled by
the pitch axis. This configuration
means that the pilot manually
controls the airspeed through
the collective. This configuration
speed had also settled at 80 kts
which was the briefed target
from the Captain. However,
he did not set sufficient Tq to
maintain the desired airspeed,
80 kts, and commanded ROD.
The AFCS simply did what it
was commanded to and pulled
the nose gently up to maintain
the ROD. Probably due to the
weather, both crew were so
focused on the approach they
failed to properly monitor the
primary flight indications; even
when they went through their
MDA without the required
references. The Crew Resource
Management (CRM) of this
aspect will be covered in the
next edition. They had on
two occasions noted that their
airspeed was not what they
briefed but on both occasions
failed to make the correct
positive correction. At 100 ft,
the Captain applied 120% Tq but
as the airspeed was below 30 kts
and the ROD above 1000 ft per
min the outcome was inevitable
and the Aircraft Accident and
Investigation Board (AAIB)
stated entry into Vortex Ring
as the cause of the accident.
There are several lessons
here, some of which will be
covered in the next edition, but
having stated the importance of
monitoring the AFCS at the start,
where vertical speed was Sq, Bell 212, WK & UAS
controlled through the collective Maj Ant Atkinson-Willes AGC ETS
channel and airspeed through E: JHC-SA-SafetyCase4@mod.uk
the pitch channel (the SOP T: 01264 381486
incidentally), this accident would
have probably not happened. JHC Duty Officer
Manufacturers were obviously Office Hours
alive to the issue though. Puma T: 01264 381490
2 shares its AFCS with the EC225 Out of Hours
and EC725. In these variants T: 07717 451970
and those after them, if the
airspeed reduces below 65kts JHC Air Safety Branch
for 5 secs in 3-axis configuration, Duty Phone
the AFCS deploys a protection (Rota within Safety Team)
mode immediately installing Out of Hours
airspeed on the pitch channel T: 07990 550427
and switches the vertical/Alt
control to the collective. JHC Air Safety Team
Assistants
Maj Mishap AAC
Chief Cause RN
Sgt Slip RAF
It should be noted
that the lesson here is
applicable to simpler
aircraft as well and is
a cautionary reminder
of the importance
of vigilance by both
the handling and
non-handling pilots
during the busiest
phases of flight.
MAJOR MISHAP AAC

18 Issue
18 Issue3, 2016 // LZDZ
3,2016 LZDZ THEJHC
THE JHCDelivering
Deliveringjoint
jointsuccess
successon
onoperations
operations visit:www.lzdzonline.co.uk
visit: www.lzdzonline.co.uk LZDZ // Issue
LZDZ Issue3,
3,2016 19
201619
CAPABILITY
Exchange Programme
Long Look
Written By: Captain Geoff Brannigan, 1st Aviation
Regiment, 16 Aviation Brigade, Australian Regular Army
Over the last four
months I’ve had a
great opportunity
to work with the Air
Manoeuvre Planning
Training Advisory Team
as part of the Exchange
Programme Long Look.
T
he aim of the exchange
has been to develop
knowledge on UK military
aviation – specifically
attack helicopter and amphibious
operations – to take back and apply
to our Tiger Armed Reconnaissance
Helicopter squadrons back in
Australia. Coming across in late
May from my home base in Darwin,
the Waterloo Lines in Warminster
were a very different and welcome
change. Unfortunately though,
the trip did happen to coincide
with the English rugby team’s
successful tour of Australia – but
we don’t talk about that!
After settling in with some
range introductions to the SA-80
and Glock 17 it was clear that I
should stick to what I know, so I
was off to the AH familiarisation
course at Middle Wallop. Covering
off on AH systems and capabilities
proved very beneficial and brought
context for my next placement
aboard HMS Ocean on the return
leg from Ex BALTOPS. Meeting
up with 656 Squadron in Kiel,
Germany, I was welcomed aboard
and was fortunate to spend a week
learning first-hand about all aspects
of embarked AH operations as we
sailed back to the UK. I definitely
have a greater appreciation for
the effort that goes into working
from a ship and will hopefully be
able to apply some of the lessons
learned as we undertake similar
exercises in Australia, not least
how to navigate bulkheads.
A quick turnaround on land
and I was down to RAF St Mawgan
20 Issue 3, 2016 / LZDZ
to participate in Ex Joint Venture.
Over the course of the exercise I
was able to work in SO3 Aviation
roles, gaining an insight into
JHF and 3 Div HQ operations as
part of the Standing Joint Force
HQ construct. Experiencing HQ
operations on the exercise proved
to be very interesting and I learned
a great deal from all involved.
Many of the operational challenges
were very similar to those we
experience back in Australia for
equivalent exercises, so it was
impressive to see the push towards
integrating new and developing
capabilities in preparation for
their introduction to service.
Following Ex Joint Venture
I was fortunate to visit the
Commando Helicopter Force at
RNAS Yeovilton. During the brief
visit I was given a good insight
into the work CHF does and the
challenges they face through some
useful Q&A with operations staff,
all topped off with a flight in the
Wildcat simulator. As the Australian
Defence Force develops our own
amphibious operations in the near
future it’s clear we stand to learn
a lot from organisations like CHF.
While the UK summer was
putting on a belter I took a quick
break for a cultural campervan
tour of Western Europe before
returning to work in mid-August.
The next placement had me
accompanying the AMPTAT
Judgemental Training Team in
support of the AH Conversion to
Role course on Ex Crimson Eagle
in California. Observing the work
of 653 Squadron along with all
the support staff revealed the
immense effort invested in creating
quality AH pilots with a depth
of aircrew training beyond any I
had seen before. The value and
effectiveness of such high standard
judgemental training for aircrew
development is a key lesson I will
take home and look to improve
within our own training continuum.
On return from California it
was another quick turnaround
to RAF St Mawgan, this time to
attend the PR301 Joint Personnel
Recovery Planning and Operations
Course. Delivered by Defence
THE JHC Delivering joint success on operations
SERE Training Organisation staff,
the PR 301 course provided a
good insight into the requirements
for effective personnel recovery
operations and their growing
importance in operational level
planning, particularly across
multinational environments.
At the completion of my
exchange period there are a lot
of people I would sincerely like to
thank for making it such a great
experience. All the staff from
ATIL, 653 Sqn, 656 Sqn, CHF,
3 Div HQ, DSTO and the many
others I’ve worked with in my time
in the UK, you’ve all helped me
learn a great deal and made it an
excellent trip. Special thanks to
AMPTAT, the training value created
by your organisation cannot be
understated and is something
we strive towards achieving
back home. I’m very grateful to
all of you for your guidance and
help during my time and I hope
to be able to return the favour
someday. Last but not least, many
thanks to Maj Tom Jamieson for
organising it all, you’ve consistently
gone far beyond expectations to
ensure the exchange covered as
much as possible and I am very
appreciative of all your efforts.
RAF Reserve Squadron
Marks 20 Years of
Operational Support
606 (Chiltern) Squadron marked 20 years of
support to helicopter operations around the globe
today with a special ceremony at RAF Benson.
T
he Squadron was formed
in 1996 as the Helicopter
Support Squadron and
was given the mantle
606 (Chiltern) Squadron three
years later. Since its formation,
the Squadron has seen hundreds
of personnel deployed on
operations and exercises around
the world supporting Chinook,
Puma, Merlin, Apache, Lynx,
Gazelle and Sea King helicopters.
Flight Sergeant Andrew
Scholey was one of the first
to join the Squadron and has
deployed many times over the
past 20 years. He explained: “I
was attested in September 1996
and I’ve been with the Squadron
ever since, both as a part time
volunteer reserve and as a full
time reserve. I was one of the first
squadron members to be called
up back in 1999 and we went to
Albania for 6 weeks. Since then
I’ve worked with 33 Squadron,
which included a couple of tours
in Kosovo; then I went to Iraq
where I did two tours and also
two in Afghanistan. My favourite
memories of the past 20 years
include many from my overseas
deployments such as tasking
British helicopters in Iraq. I’ve
also back-filled for the Duty
Operations Controllers at RAF
Odiham but the deployments
visit: www.lzdzonline.co.uk
ended around three and a half
years ago when I became a
full time reservist. Now I look
after all the training on the
squadron, preparing everyone
else for whatever roles they
may need to do in the future.”
In the last two decades,
Reservists from 606 Squadron
have deployed on operations
and exercises across the world
including Iraq, Afghanistan,
Morocco and the USA. From
engineers to drivers, operations
staff to regiment, the primarily
ground-based personnel
work alongside their Regular
counterparts to reinforce
the UK’s Support Helicopter
Force. Boards in the Squadron
Headquarters at RAF Benson
proudly remember all the hours
away from home, noting over 100
medals awarded for operations
in Iraq, Kosovo, Bosnia and
Afghanistan as well as Volunteer
Reserve Service Medals, Lord
Lieutenant’s Certificates and
MBEs for squadron members.
The 20th anniversary event
centred on a parade of over 50
Squadron personnel held in front
of the Officers’ Mess, followed by
an all ranks dinner. The parade
was attended by numerous senior
supporters of the Squadron, with
the Air Officer Commanding No
22 (Training) Group, Air Vice-
Marshal Andrew Turner acting as
Reviewing Officer. The AOC has
seen first-hand the achievements
of 606 Squadron over the past
20 years in supporting the
UK Support Helicopter Force;
having flown on 19 operational
tours and commanded
various UK helicopter
forces around the world.
Also in attendance at
the parade were Air Vice-
Marshal Lord Beaverbrook, the
Commandant General of the
Royal Auxiliary Air Force, Group
Captain Gavin Hellard, Inspector
of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force,
Honorary Inspector Generals
of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force,
Air Marshal Ian Macfadyen
and Air Vice-Marshal Barry
Newton, as well as the Master
and Clerk for the Worshipful
Company of Lightmongers
and representatives from the
South East Reserve Forces
and Cadets Association.
Heading
Squadron Leader Alex
Redman, the Acting Officer
Commanding 606 (Chiltern)
Squadron, said: “We currently
have over 140 personnel, including
part-time volunteer reserves and
permanent staff. We cater for 10
different trades: our main trades
are MT, supply, chef, engineers,
regiment and operations and
we have ranks from Aircraftman
up to Squadron Leader. It’s a
diverse squadron, from direct
entrants to retired Regulars, who
all bring something different
to the table to make us the
effective unit that we are today.”
He continued: “Over the past 20
years the Squadron has deployed
anywhere that the support
helicopter force goes; any operation
that the helicopter squadrons have
been on in the last 20 years have
been supported by 606 Squadron
in a variety of roles. This year alone
we have had personnel deploy to
Afghanistan, the Falkland Islands
and Cyprus, so we’re maintaining
our support to the Support
Helicopter fleet worldwide whether
on operations or exercise.”
The next deployment for
the majority of the Squadron
will be to the Falkland Islands in
October, where they will integrate
with their Regular counterparts
in a variety of roles during
Exercise AUTUMN KITE.
LZDZ / Issue 3, 2016 21
Heading
Awards
Training Heading

F S up po r t H elicopter
RA
orc e P ho to g r ap hers
F
op Top Prizes at the
Sco
o to gra ph ic
RAF Ph 6
Compe tit ion 20 1

T
he Awards ceremony
Category Position
for the Royal Air
Force Photographic
Section Highly
Competition took Portfolio Commended
place at the RAF Club on 16
Video 1st
September. Judged over
12 separate categories, it is Equipment 1st 2nd Highly
Commended
intended to showcase the
impressive talent that RAF
Photographers demonstrate Open Image 1st
in supporting operations and Judges’ Choice 3rd
telling the Royal Air Force Story. Peoples’ Choice 2nd
ACAS, AVM Rich Knighton,
presented the trophies and The Photographic Section at
the RAF Support Helicopter RAF Odiham has worked really
Force did extremely well, hard over the last 12 months
picking up awards in the to update their portfolio...
following categories: and their efforts paid off!!
category is open to public a vote
Name Station
and there was only a couple of
hundred votes between 1st and 2nd
TEAM RAF Odiham
place from 18,000 votes overall.
There were a total of nine images
Cpl Rob Travis RAF Odiham
showing a variety of aspects across
Sgt Dave Rose RAF Odiham the Royal Air Force with Nick’s
SAC Nicholas Egan
image of a Mk4 Chinook operating
Cpl Rob Travis
over the Solent demonstrating the
Cpl Neil Chapman RAF Benson immense capability of the Chinook
SAC Nicholas Egan RAF Odiham helicopter and the professionalism
SAC Nicholas Egan RAF Odiham in our commitment to UK Defence.
The Peoples’ Choice winner
In addition, RAF Photographer was announced on the day to
SAC Nicholas Egan came 2nd a very tense audience and SAC
place in the Image of the Year 2016 Egan’s image did exceptionally
People’s Choice category with his well to come 2nd behind the Red
image ‘Money In The Bank’. This Arrows picture. Well done, Nick!!

Picture shows ‘Money in the

Bank’ – 2nd place for SAC Egan
in the Peoples’ Choice category

An RAF Chinook makes a hard

bank over the Solent during an
Aircraft Handling Exercise to
assess the development of new
Pilots and Aircrew. Operating
the RAF Mk4 Chinook, the crews
participated in several scenarios,
including confined spaces
landing, flying over the sea,
low level flight and under-slung
loads. These sorties incorporated
formation flying, which enabled
Service photographers the
opportunity to gain air-to-air
photography experience.

22 Issue 3, 2016 / LZDZ THE JHC Delivering joint success on operations visit: www.lzdzonline.co.uk LZDZ / Issue 3, 2016 23
Heading

24 Issue 3, 2016 / LZDZ THE JHC Delivering joint success on operations