By
Michael Brooke
The S-70B-2 Seahawk helicopter crews of 816 Squadron (CMDR Andy Rushbrook) will
be soon be equipped with advanced night vision equipment that will increase crew
safety, enable low level night operations and enhance interoperability with Coalition
forces.
CMDR Rushbrook told Navy News that the purchase of night vision
equipment at a cost of $5.45 million under phase one of Project 1809 would enhance
816 Squadron’s operational capability in a number of important areas.
“Specifically,
816 Squadron, which flies the anti-submarine warfare S-70B-2 Seahawk, will receive
a batch of the latest generation night vision goggles (NVGs) for use by the Pilot,
Tactical Coordinator and Sensor Operator,” he said.
“While NVGs
do not turn ‘night in to day’ so to speak, the NVGs will greatly enhance
our ability to conduct search and rescue and low level tactical operations at
night.”
CMDR Rushbrook said the Seahawk crews have already started
developing their night vision capability, using night vision goggles on loan from
the Army.
“Because of this cooperation with the Army, the Navy Seahawk
is already night vision goggle compatible and a number of our pilots are already
night vision qualified,” he said.
CMDR Rushbrook said when the NVGs
are delivered, the Squadron will be in a position to practice and gain proficiency
in the techniques associated with NVG flying, with a view to fielding the capability
at sea in mid to late 2007.
He said the new capability will increase the
Seahawk Squadron’s expertise in tactical night time flying, as well as open
up more opportunities to work within coalitions during night time operations and
exercises.
“Many of our coalition partners are already utilising NVG’s
extensively in the conduct of their night operations. This upgrade will enable
us to integrate further with our allies in the conduct of night warfare,”
he said.
CMDR Rushbrook said eventually, it is expected that Navy will
operate Seahawks from darkened ships, with no deck or approach lighting, which
is what is currently required when operating aircraft at sea.
Back
