The Apache gained a fearsome reputation when it made its debut with the British Army over Afghanistan in 2006.
But amid fighting with the Taliban, few noted this was not the conflict for which the airframe was originally designed.
While its Hellfire missiles, rockets and 30mm cannon proved devastating against bunkers and during air support to troops locked in close-quarter battles, the blueprint was drawn up for an altogether different purpose.
‘Mosquitoes’, as insurgents often dubbed them, were created to prowl the European countryside, seeking out and destroying Warsaw Pact armour.
So it was something of a symbolic moment when its menacing silhouette appeared over Wattisham at the start of Exercise Pinion Titan – a simulation of conventional warfare in Europe and a return to Apache’s core business.
With the world changing vastly in the three decades since the fall of communism, however, not least with advances in tech, comms and equipment, the attack helicopter is returning to its roots on different terms.
But the first all-up outing of 1st Aviation Brigade Combat Team shows how pilots and ground crews are adapting to emerging threats.
With the new Apache E-model, Wildcat and other helicopters configured for the digital battlespace, the transformation – and accompanying changes to doctrine and tactics – is a credit to the personnel who have made it happen.
“This marks the end of a modernisation programme started when we formed in 2020,” commander Brig Nick English (pictured right) remarks as a 25-strong formation of Army Air Corps Apaches and Wildcats, plus Gazelle gunships from France, fly across the Suffolk airfield.
“Now, every one of our soldiers, vehicles and helicopters is going into the field for us to test our capabilities together.
“We’ll be working closely with the Royal Air Force and our French and United States allies while integrating technologies such as drones and advanced communication systems.”
It is an impressive sight as the aircraft slowly advance in a so-called ‘elephant walk’ and show of force.
Concluding as this issue hits desks in December, the month-long exercise is a seminal outing for the British brigade and a stern test for the Nato crews preparing for conflict against what is a well-matched adversary.
And they will not only be pushed to the limits with enemy contacts; working in the depths of winter, conditions promise to be gruelling with heavy rain, snow and high winds forecast.
But the personnel – who have limited knowledge of how the test will unfold – are committed to dealing with whatever comes their way.
Divided into two battlegroups led by 3 and 4 Regiments, Army Air Corps, they are moving from Wattisham to bases in northern England, with commanders coordinating sorties from the Scottish Highlands to Salisbury Plain.
As a proven reconnaissance platform, Wildcat aircraft from 1 Regt, AAC are tasked with gathering information on simulated adversaries with teams of Apaches providing the strike force.
Joined by French Gazelles from 3e Regiment d’Helicopteres de Combat, likely outings will include strikes against artillery positions deep in hostile territory while escorting Chinooks carrying troops.
Meanwhile, planners from 4 Regt, AAC along with US allies from 12th Combat Aviation Brigade will work on mission details. And a raft of comms experts, technicians and other ground crew will support.
While the manoeuvres promise to be a tough undertaking, troops say they are looking forward to the challenge and being involved with the brigade at a pivotal moment.
Air Tpr Ellis Sumner (AAC), who will be working in forward locations and helping to run replenishment points for Apaches, believes soldiers are going to learn a huge amount.
Working in a multinational environment will hone the protocols required for large-scale operations, the ground-crewman adds.
“I’ve been in the army for three years but Pinion Titan is definitely an important milestone, with several different mission types,” he continues. “Along with colleagues, I’m going to be setting up in rural and urban areas to refuel and rearm the helicopters – I know that it’ll be demanding.
“The pressure on us is likely to be nonstop but we are well prepared for the role – I am seeing things from a new perspective too as I am soon promoting.”
Fellow crewman LCpl Adam O’Donnell (AAC) is equally enthusiastic as he prepares to move north.
As an aviation comms specialist, he is responsible for ensuring critical information between pilots and those on the ground keeps flowing.
“Pinion Titan marks an important moment for us – it’s the first time that the brigade has come together in this way,” the junior NCO says.
“Importantly, it will be a real test for the logistic chain – and we will likely find the weather an issue at this time of year.
“To be honest, this is the only job I’ve ever wanted to do since I joined the army and the exercise is an opportunity to focus, learn and be prepared for what might be coming.
“I’m with 661 Squadron, based at Yeovilton, and we will all develop as individuals during this.”
Aircrews admit that flying is going to be a real challenge – particularly in busy, simulated combat conditions and with an array of mission types in store.
French pilot Capt Maxime Weber however, is looking forward to working in a Nato team and conducting joint sorties.
Normally found at the controls of an NH-90 Caiman – a helicopter similar in type to the RAF and Royal Navy Merlin – he will be acting as a liaison officer during Pinion Titan.
“I’ll be providing advice to the British commander, helping them understand the capabilities of the French,” he reveals.
“I’ve been flying for the last four years, and this is my first time on an exercise of this type – it will be a great chance to all come together as one force here in the UK.”
The exercise certainly proved to be a huge opportunity for all elements concerned.
As the threat has changed, and new tech such as UAS has exploded – planners have had to reassess the role of the helicopter in the contemporary battlespace.
But reorganised from the ground up, the Army Air Corps and its Nato allies are proving that they have the crews, kit and tactics to succeed in the digital skies.
