OP HERRICK – 19 September 2010

As predicted and planned for, the Afghan Parliamentary Elections proved to be an exceptionally busy period for all Coalition Air Assets, with the average number of daily sorties flown setting new levels and exceeded the norm. Importantly this surge in Fast Air requests was achieved without loss of a single operational sortie.

The number of Troops in Contact (TiC) was also at its highest level, all of which were supported by coalition aircraft, with the RAF Tornado GR4 played a very important role in the day’s events.

Tornado

As stated, this was an exceptionally busy week for the Tornado GR4 aircraft of Number 13 Squadron. On Election Day itself, the Tornado flew some 50 hours, supported 16 TiCs, 1 x GCAS mission, 12 x Show’s of Force and successfully deployed one Paveway IV 500lb bomb on an insurgent firing position.

Hercules

The C-130J Hercules detached to Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan to support Op HERRICK moved over 140 tons of freight and over 2350 coalition troops during the week. The aircraft also delivered 8 pallets of food, rations and equipment in support of construction and engineering works associated with the building of a Helicopter Landing Site. Air Drop delivered these pallets.

Reaper

The Reaper continued to provide 24/7 coverage in support of operations in RC(South) and RC(South West). There was one kinetic event, where a 500lb GBU was deployed against an enemy forces firing position, who where observed firing at friendly forces.

All these events where conducted as self-defense under ISAF and UK Rules of Engagement.

Nimrod R1

The Nimrod R1 of Number 51 (Reconnaissance) Squadron based in the Gulf flew 4 planned missions in support of coalition forces in Afghanistan.

Sentinel

This week the Sentinel of Number 5 (Army Co-operation) Squadron flew 6 planned missions and continued to provide dynamic Near Real Time reporting.

VC10

A VC10 of Number 101 Squadron, based in the Gulf, supports coalition aircraft on Op HERRICK. During the week, the aircraft delivered nearly 200 tons of fuel during air-to-air operations.

OPERATION TELIC

Hercules

The Hercules C-130J aircraft of 901EAW moved over 40 tons of freight over 60 passengers. These missions were flown in support of both Op TELIC in the Gulf and Op HERRICK in Afghanistan.

Editor: Sqn Ldr S N Moore.

Photography: Cpl Ashley Keates