| 13 February 2012
Photo: Sgt Russ Nolan/MoD
EX Crimson Eagle Capt Wales prepares his Apache to go out on a mission. Ex Crimson Eagle is the final conversion training for Army Air Corps Apache pilots, the first part takes place in Naval Air Facility (NAF) El Centro, California before moving to Gila Bend in Arizona for the live firing phase. This is because the terrain here is very similar to that of Afghanistan, making it extremely realistic and demanding for the pilots. The pilots which include Capt Wales (Prince Harry) have had over 12 months training to get to this point. where they now face 2 and a half months of tactics, flying and live firing to qualify them as Limited Combat Ready Apache pilots
Captain Wales was last week handed the prize of being best co-pilot gunner on completing 18 months of rigorous training on the Apache Attack Helicopter.
During a dinner to mark the end of the what is officially known as the Conversion to Role (CTR) course, Captain Wales and his fellow students were congratulated by Apache Force Commander, Col Neale Moss, who said they were now up to the challenge of operating one of the most sophisticated attack helicopters in the world.
The prize of best co-pilot gunner marks out the student whose overall performance during the course is assessed as the best amongst their peer group. The award handed to Captain Wales consists of a polished 30 mm round from an Apache cannon mounted on a stand. This is the second time the award has been given.
More than 20 students finished the course alongside Captain Wales. Col Neale Moss, Commander of the Attack Helicopter Force at Wattisham Station, said:
“The Apache course is extremely challenging teaching and testing students in their flying skills, decision making and mental agility on exercise all over the country and abroad. They are assessed continually to ensure that they are up to the challenge of operating one of the most sophisticated attack helicopters in the world.
“This requires composure, dedication and hard work and I congratulate all of the students as they go forward to join an operational squadron and continue to learn more in their aviation careers.”
According to an MoD source the Apache training is conducted in two parts; the Conversion to Type Course based at Middle Wallop, Hampshire, which teaches students to fly the aircraft and the CTR course at Wattisham which teaches them how to fight the aircraft.
An MoD source said a major part of the CTR course is a two month exercise in the United States known as Crimson Eagle. This exercise includes Environmental Training where students had to prove their proficiency in handling the aircraft in mountainous and desert conditions, including dust landings and limited power training during both the day and night as well as safely employing the aircraft’s weapons. It also included a period of Judgemental training in the use of weapon systems in a challenging tactical situation. Towards the end of the exercise all students took part in a live firing phase where they were able to fire all of the aircraft weapons systems within realistic tactical scenarios.
Students who have completed their Apache training are awarded the Limited Combat Ready (LCR) status having proven themselves in a range of demanding assessments by both day and night, operating as pairs of aircraft including live firing and desert training. The course is designed to prepare students for the Apache aviation challenges faced in the current operating climate.
They will now be assigned to Squadrons in the Apache Force based at Wattisham part of 16 Air Assault Brigade.
Captain Wales will be assigned to 662 Squadron, 3 Regiment Army Air Corps where he will gain wider experience flying Apaches and taking part in exercises in the United Kingdom.