OP HERRICK

Hercules

The C-130J Hercules detached to Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan to support Op HERRICK moved 98 tons of freight and over 2100 coalition troops during the week, including some 500 Afghan National Army personnel.

Tornado

The Tornado GR4 aircraft of Number II (Army Co-operation) Squadron, also based at Kandahar Airfield, completed 40 sorties during the week, which included 3 with the Raptor Pod and 2 GCAS missions. Each sortie lasted anywhere between 2 to 5 hours. The Tornado also provided air support through 5 ‘Shows of Force’ for Troops in Contact.

During one GCAS sorties, the Tornado provided armed over-watch in support of Op CUNNINHAM, which was a Joint Helicopter Force resupply of several Patrol Bases in Helmond Province.

The Tornado also provided support to friendly forces who where pinned down by insurgents. The aircraft successfully undertook a strafe attack using its Mauser 27mm cannon against the insurgents under the ISAF and UK Rules of Engagement.

Reaper

The remotely piloted Reaper aircraft of Number 39 Squadron flew 13 missions this week in support of Task Force Kandahar and Op MOSHTARAK. The Reaper also released 2 Hellfire missiles, one against armed positively identified insurgents and the second against an IED emplacement team. Both engagements were successful carried out in accordance with 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. This platform provides a valuable means of gathering information for use against the Insurgents in Afghanistan.

Sentinel

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

Comms Fleet

The HS 125 aircraft of Number 32 (The Royal) Squadron are presently based in the Gulf. During the week the aircraft carried 2 VVIP, 1 VIP and 6 other senior military personnel.

VC10

A VC10 of Number 101 Squadron is based in the Gulf supporting coalition aircraft on Op HERRICK. During the week the aircraft flew 10 missions and delivered nearly 212 tons of fuel during air-to-air operations.

OPERATION TELIC

Hercules

The Hercules C-130J aircraft of 901EAW moved over 52 tons of freight 45 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: RAF/MOD/Crown Copyright 2010.