Features
Army sets show alight
By Cpl Andrew Hetherington

Edition 1163, April 05, 2007
 
Great balls of fire: The Australian International Airshow included Land Force, as well as Air Force, demonstrations. The pyrotechnics were associated with the Air Force’s F-111s and F/A-18s during a simulated bombing run.
Photo by AC Warren Derwent
 
Like a glove: Pte Daniel Lees, 8/7RVR, explains the workings of the Minimi to Sam Jones,16, from New Zealand.
Photo by Cpl Andrew Hetherington
 
Jetset: F-111 dump and burn. Photo by Sgt Mick Bott
FORGET about Super Hornets and F-15 Eagles, Army sent its big guns to the Australian International Airshow at Avalon, Victoria.

An Abrams tank, an ASLAV and the cream of future Army Aviation – the Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter – all made appearances at the event held from March 20-25.

Three Tigers, 10 aircrew and 12 ground crew made the journey to Avalon, with one aircraft used as a static display, while the other two performed for the crowds.

It was the first time a Tiger had performed at an airshow, and during the three-day public viewing it generated huge interest, according to Lt-Col Scott Benbow, Chief Instructor of the ARH Tiger School at AAvnTC in Oakey.

“Many were interested to know its capabilities and how it stacked up against the Apache,” he said.
In fact, the Tiger won the Concourse d’Elegance Award for best helicopter display.

“I think this was indicative of the interest displayed by the public,” Lt-Col Benbow said.

He said the Tigers’ activities during the airshow included flight rehearsals, flight demonstrations and currency training for flying instructors.

“Army Aviation aimed to demonstrate how it contributes to the land battle as an aerial capability,” he said.

“As such, the Kiowa, Black Hawk and Tiger were introduced to the crowd and their roles and missions were described.”

A brief airmobile demonstration was then performed, showing the ability of the Kiowas to move in a tactical pair in an advance to contact, he said.

“A contact report and a five line brief for offensive support was then passed to the Tiger, which was able to demonstrate its agility in providing suppressive fire,” he said.

The remainder of the display involved a Black Hawk landing to demonstrate the synchronisation of fire support for the insertion and protection of ground forces.

“The demonstration aimed to show Army Aviation’s role as a potent component of a Land Force manoeuvre,” Lt-Col Benbow said.

Apart from Army aviation, Army displayed its presence, which included many Army and Army Reserve units using the show to recruit new members Lt Alex Maddison, 15 Tpt Sqn, said it was a great opportunity for his unit to represent the Army at the airshow.