The annual
Weapon Instructor Standardization
exercise took place in the Maas / Waal area from May 18 - 20. During the
three-day exercise weapon instructors assigned to 298 squadron (CH-47D/F
Chinook), 300 squadron (AS532-U2 Cougar) and 301 squadron (AH-64D
Apache) as well as WIs assigned to the RNLAF headquarters and the staff
at the department of defence were trained.
Biennially selected helicopters crews (pilots and loadmasters on the
Chinook and Cougar) are trained to become weapon instructors through the
Helicopter Weapon Instructor Course (HWIC). The new WIs will train their
colleagues within the squadrons. During the
Weapon Instructor Standardization (WIS) exercise current WIs are
trained themselves. The latest information related to new threats to
helicopter (operations) are briefed and one daily mission was flown.
These missions were flown by one Cougar, two Chinook and two Apache
helicopters. The later providing cover for their transport colleagues.
The exercise saw the last operational mission of CH-47D D-666. Nicknamed
The Beast the Chinook received special markings in 2020 celebrating the
75th anniversary of 298 squadron. On the third day of the exercise the
recently delivered CH-47F made its exercise debut with D-473 assigned
the to mission.
For WIS 2021 the Maas / Waal area was selected for the flying program.
Known as GLV-IX (laagvlieggebied - low flying area) running just to the
south of the Waal at the city of Gorichem towards the Bergsche Maas at
Dussen than to the east just above Oss towards Ravenstein than heading
north towards Druten / Boven-Leeuwen back to Gorichem. Furthermore, the
village of Rijswijk (municipality Buren) was selected for the flying
operations. The exercise was supported by PC-7 training aircraft
assigned to 131 (EMVO) squadron based at Woensdrecht. The PC-7s were
assigned to attack the helicopters. As they are flying at low speed
(compared to fighter jets) and their quick turn rate the trainers were
able to execute multiple engagements offering added value to the
helicopter crews in evading attacks.
Tags: Netherlands,
H-47 Chinook,
H-64 Apache (Guardian),
H215M (AS532
Cougar). |
