Apaches and Wildcats take to the skies as part of Exercise Talon Python
The chances of seeing Apache and Wildcat helicopters in the skies above Rutland and South Kesteven are good as army aviators from 3 Army Air Corps take part in Exercise Talon Python.
The two week exercise will see 3 Regiment Army Air Corps (3Regt AAC) launch formations of Apaches and Wildcats from their base at Kendrew Barracks, Cottesmore, on simulated missions to find and strike targets around the UK.
3 Regt AAC’s Commanding Officer Lieutenant-Colonel Nick English said the exercise simulated real world conditions that tested their readiness when fighting an adversary.
“This is the culmination of a steady progression of training,” he said.
“It will test the skills of both air and ground crew, our logistic skills, mission planning and communications.”
Nick said the regiment’s “core purpose” was to launch attacks deep in enemy territory and target infrastructure they would rely on to fight.
He said as time went on, the simulated battle would move northwards and the regiment would also deploy to different locations around the country.
Nick said 10 Apaches and four Wildcats were involved in the exercise and would be joined at a later stage by Chinook and French Gazelle helicopters.
The exercise also involves support groups including Petroleum Specialists, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and Communication Specialists.
The Apache Attack Helicopter is able to operate in all weather conditions, day or night and detect, classify and prioritise up to 256 potential targets in a matter of seconds.
It can deliver hard-hitting and effective support to ground forces during battle.
It is also able to carry out reconnaissance missions and from high above the action, can observe enemy forces and pass information to troops on the ground.
The Wildcat is capable of a range of tasks including reconnaissance and transportation of troops.
During the exercise it will be providing force protection.
Soldiers taking part will need to conduct a site survey analysis, study the wind direction at the location, complete routine fuel testing and calculate expected resupply for the helicopters.
