The 1st Attack Helicopter Battalion puts its capabilities with the “Tigre” to the test

Editorial Staff/Madrid

The 1st Attack Helicopter Battalion has undertaken a beta-type exercise on Base "Coronel Sánchez Bilbao" in Almagro (Ciudad Real) and the Training Centre in Chinchilla (Albacete), from 16th to 19th May.  The Battalion has aimed to evaluate its tactical and logistical capabilities and its procedures in employing the new Tigre helicopters.

Also participating in these manoeuvres have been the 4th Manoeuvre Helicopter Battalion, with a Cougar; the 5th Transport Helicopter Battalion, with two Chinook; the Army Helicopter Forces Signals Battalion and the Special Operations Command.  For the evaluation of capabilities a scenario has been used that simulates Army Helicopter Forces’  areas of operations abroad.

Among the missions undertaken outstanding are convoy escort, air interdiction and y Limex (recuperation of crews shot down in enemy territory), in co-ordination with Special Operations teams.  Procedures for precision fire from Bolkov helicopters have also been instructed. The Army Helicopter Forces Signals Battalion was in charge of the exercise Communication and Information Systems structure.

In turn, the commander of the Army Helicopter Forces, General García de las Hijas, travelled to the mentioned Training Centre on 18th May, to observe the daytime Tigre cannon and rocket fire,  as well as the night-time cannon fire.