GACAPAC VI and BHELTRA V carry out the helitransport of a complete howitzer battery

Howitzer Battery helitransport practices

The Paratrooper Field Artillery Group (GACAPAC) VI and the Transport Helicopter Battalion (BHELTRA) V carried out a joint activity on April 22nd as part of Exercise 'INTECAP'. Specifically, it involved the helitransport of a howitzer battery in a single wave—one of the most ambitious training objectives.

To that end, on the morning of April 22nd, personnel from both units deployed to the "Casas de Uceda" Training and Firing Range (Guadalajara) to carry out rehearsals for the helitransport operation, including the preparation of the six L118 'Light Gun' howitzers assigned to the artillery unit that provides fire support to the 'Almogávares' VI Brigade.

Alongside the artillery personnel, members of the Army Airmobile Forces (FAMET) practiced the procedures for hooking and releasing the loads, which included both the howitzers and the accompanying ammunition boxes for the flight.

In the afternoon, three CH-47 'Chinook' helicopters from BHELTRA V deployed to the aforementioned training range, where the complex operation of hooking up the artillery howitzers was carried out, with two howitzers per aircraft.

This action demonstrates the capability of the 'San Marcial' Division, to which both units belong, to tactically project the significant combat power provided by artillery units. The flexibility and speed of howitzer deployment, made possible by the CH-47 helicopters, ensure fire support for maneuver units within the operational framework of a broad battlefield with dispersed maneuver elements.

An article on this important milestone for the paratrooper artillerymen and the FAMET will be included in the June issue of the Tierra newspaper.

Howitzer Battery helitransport practices