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Flight
simulator The men in charge of the flight sim
are very proud of it. It is true that the work they have done is
quite impressive. Operational since 1995, it is a complete simulator
providing a field of vision of 150° X 40 °, raised on jacks,
for a weight of 13 tons. Combined mouvements between the cockpit
and the image provide sensations not far from reality.
It has taken quite a lot of time to
reproduce the base as well as Belgium exact topography as figures
are transmitted by the National Geographic Institute. All the important
details allowing the navigation have been reproduced, such as details
and texture. For example the control tower, churches, bridges and
high tension lines. Other aircrafts are also present.
The flight sim is used at 80% for the
training of pilots and for initial training on A 109. Its most important
use is to prepare pilots to react in extrem conditions, or in case
of failure. Thanks to his computer an instructor is able to propone
various situations : weather conditions, threats, partners or enemies…
for every kind of missions.
The
Saab Helios ( tracking and IR system) is highly cared for, as it
is the warrant of the attack capacities of the Agusta. |
Within this battalion, pilots mainly
make liaison missions but also Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) and
observation missions. A study is done to replace these old aircrafts
although their lives have just been increased. Pilots have fun
by piloting these machines they love.
To help them,
5 Britten Norman BN 2 Islanders. They can transport up to 8 people,
and 4 in VIP configuration. Some of them are equipped with a radar
and are IFR qualified. Here again the Army is studying a way to
replace them, maybe by TBM 700.
Multi role
Helicopter Battalions : A new name, new missions and
a new organisation : the former Bn HATk has been changing as helicopters
missions have been made more polyvalent. However the organisation
of each Battalion remains unchanged : 2 companies of 9 helicopters
will have a main mission, antitank-attack or air support (2 of
these helicopters are observation version) as well as a recce
company, 5 helicopters HO. There is also another helicopter with
enlarged doors made to transport a shaft and in charge of MEDEVAC
for the Battalion.
When they
were bought A 109 were called HA, for attack and HO for observation.
Those similar versions, except in the capacity of firing weapons,
were finally called BA for Belgian Army. These aircrafts are also
able to fly by night thanks to night vision systems. Shooting
system allows to launch 8 missiles TOW II guided thanks to a cable
of 3750 meters. Rockets are also visible, and door gunners allow
all kind of missions even to maintain the peace allover the world.
In order to check if the employed
tactics are meeting the NATO criteria, exchanges are practised.
During our visit crews had to go to the 5th Combat Helicopter
Regiment in Pau in order to observe how their French homologues
work. Exchanges with a Czech unit flying on Mi-24. A battalion
is part of the Euro corps aiming at intervening if needed.
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