Exercise Hades Warrior has officially started.
The exercise is a two-week intensive assessment based out of RAF Leeming for pilots across a variety of rotary platforms to become Qualified Weapons Instructors and Qualified Helicopter Tactics Instructors.
“We have designed the course to upskill frontline rotary pilots and rear crew to instruct war-fighting disciplines. Training in a tri-service environment helps sharpen the interoperable capabilities of Joint Aviation Command assets, including Merlins, Chinooks, Apaches and Wildcats.”
Squadron Leader Macgillivray
22 Squadron Exercise lead and Flt Commander Tactics
Throughout the course, the students will be put through their paces. They will take on difficult training serials ranging from air-to-air combat, electronic warfare training and air assault training. There is the added complexity of the North Yorkshire landscape; the crews must navigate an undulating environment whilst completing the task on time to the highest standard in order to pass the assessment.
All training is delivered in a tri-service environment with air platforms from Commando Helicopter Force and Joint Aviation Command.
The ten students come from the Royal Navy, the Army and the Royal Air Force and will be returning to the frontline post the successful completion of this course to become the main point of contact for all tactics and flying queries from other aircrew.
22 Squadron is the RAF’s Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron based at RAF Benson and organise this exercise every year for rotary pilots wanting to become Tactics instructors.
RAF Benson provides rapid support for UK Military operations throughout the world. The Station is also home to a number of Resident units that deliver critical support to defence outputs. RAF Benson hosts the civilian National Police Air Service and the Thames Valley Air Ambulance who operate 24 hours a day.
The Joint Aviation Command, and enablers are a vital part of the UK’s readiness and capability on joint operations.
