It’s a world-beater

Old and new: Two Lighthorse re-enactment members lead the Australian Army Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters in an advance in formation during the handover ceremony at Oakey. Photo by Cpl Neil Ruskin, 1JPAU

THE Tiger has received the thumbs up from two people well qualified to judge its merits – lead experimental test pilot Maj Andrew Langley and flight engineer Maj Carolyn Breeden.

They are part of the project office in DMO that has overseen the acquisition and testing of the helicopter’s systems.

They have been associated with the project since tender evaluations three years ago. Both are impressed with the Tiger’s performance and capabilities.

“It’s leading edge – it’s a fantastic piece of machinery. I have flown similar aircraft, but this is a world-beater,” Maj Langley said “It’s a pilot’s aircraft and the Eurocopter engineers have done a fantastic job getting it just right for the things we want to do with it. It really is a pleasure to fly.”

Maj Breeden described the ARH as a “new generation of helicopters for the Army”.

“It’s a complex system that’s going to be a challenge for the battle captains but it will be a rewarding job for them,” she said.

Historic procession

THERE’S no doubt the Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter is an impressive and imposing-looking piece of hardware.

It’s sleek lines and menacing array of weaponry captivated the attention of onlookers at the aircraft’s acceptance ceremony at Oakey.

Tigers’ 001 and 002 made a grand entrance at the head of a flypast Black Hawks, Iroquois, Kiowas and a Chinook, representing the full range of Army’s aviation types. On a cloudless sky and amid the blur of blades and the banshee of engines, the procession landed to acclaim.

Joining them on the ground were two mounted members of the Light Horse Association and two ASLAVs 2/14 (LHRQMI).

The acceptance ceremony also featured a parade to mark the restructure of 16 Bde (Avn).

SOLDIERS’ VIEWS

Have a look at how mean it looks with those weapons. Seeing is believing.
Cfn George Bray

This is pretty big step forward for Army’s aviation capability. It’s got some pretty impressive flight capabilities and some nasty weapons.
Cfn Glynn Sowter

It’s the end of an era for a workhorse and the start of a new era. It will be a big learning curve but everyone’s eager and is looking forward to the challenge. Cpl Allan Coleman

It’s sad to see the end of the Hueys, but they (the Tigers) are exciting and powerful looking.
Cpl Amber Bristowe

They look really good and will be a big improvement on what we’ve got.
Spr Lazarus Papadimitriou