The Army’s Airbus Helicopters Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH) recently deployed to the United States for the first time in its career, as part of Exercise Griffin Eagle.
The deployment to the US West Coast was undertaken by 162 Reconnaissance Squadron, part of the Army’s 1st Aviation Regiment (1 AVN) at Robertson Barracks in Darwin, to work alongside US Marine Corps assets.
Task Unit Marlin (named after 162 Squadron’s emblem) conducted platform systems trials at the US Navy’s Naval Air Weapons Station (NAWS) China Lake and a number of training qualification activities with USMC in California and Arizona during August and September.
Commanding Officer of Task Unit Marlin, Major Jason Perrins, said the aim of the deployment was to provide opportunities to develop attack and reconnaissance aviation capabilities, working alongside USMC Bell AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters and UH-IY Venom transport helicopters, as well as Sikorsky CH-53E Super Sea Stallion heavy-lift helicopters. MAJ Perrins had previously flown AH-1Z Vipers as past of an exchange program with the Marine Corps and said the Tiger performed well in the desert conditions.
“The hot and dusty conditions were similar to the ones we experience in Darwin,” MAJ Perrins said. “The surrounding mountains also provided an awesome backdrop for high-altitude training.”
Major Timothy Byrne of the 16th Aviation Brigade added that Exercise Griffin Eagle provided an excellent opportunity to deploy and sustain a complex aviation capability in austere environments.
“Working closely with joint agencies and our industry partners, the 1st Aviation Regiment maintained consistent on-line aircraft, including live-fire activities,” MAJ Byrne said.
“The lessons learned from this exercise will enhance our ability to provide safe, effective and sustainable aviation to the joint force.”
ADM Comment: Although not publicised widely, Exercise Griffin Eagle provided an opportunity to show the effectiveness of the Tiger ARH capability, which has been the subject of a sustained smear campaign in the public forum since being singled out for criticism in the 2016 Defence White Paper.