Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/713424
REPORT The first mutual task, for which a pair of AH-64D and a pair of W-3PL were chosen, was to cover an amphibious crossing (30 German and British M3's were connected and created a pas- sable bridge within 30 minutes) over the Vistula in the region of Chełmno. The long, almost three-hour mission, required two days of planning and using the FARP (Forward Air Refueling Point) located in Inowrocław. In that case it was quite problematic for Polish helicopters. They are not used to tanking with the engine on (HOT refueling) and that resulted in longer stays at the FARP. The time spent over the crossing was about an hour, including break for refueling – then, helicopters headed to Mirosławiec. For the next days, the crews prepared for the main task, the mass „air assault" the scenario of which assumed transporting soldiers of the 173rd Brigade from the Świdwin (it has been „taken over" just after the assault) to the proving grounds in Wędrzyn, where they were to perform the mission of attacking individual objects of urbanized area (the final briefing with commanders of all participating crews included even an element of target indication on a layout built in a hangar in Świdnik). The transport included 35 TF Griffin helicopters supported by Mi-17 from the Polish 25th Air Cavalry Brigade, the helicopters of which stationed in Wędrzyn for the time of the training. The transport force was to be covered by a pair of Mi-24 and a pair of AH-64D. The transport was divided into three waves. However, the second and the third one, performed in the night, included less machines. The entire force was, before that, was transferred to Świdnik, while Mi-24 were equipped with additional PTB-450 fuel tanks, thanks to which they could easily manage without visiting the FARP. For safety reasons, the flight took place on a higher operational ceiling that it would be required by tactics and with anti-collision lamps – due to the fact of the operation taking place within the civil airspace. Helicopters of the cover were moving on the sides of the formation in order to take cover positions in the landing area.