AP-3Cs looking good

By Corporal Cameron Jamieson

AP-3C co-pilot Flight Lieutenant Matthew Kloeden, from No. 11 Squadron, looks out the side window of an AP-3C during a mission over Iraq.

Photo by CPL Cameron Jamieson.

* Ants discovered in packaging of equipment sent to Tindal from Japan were first sprayed with insecticide, then baited, then frozen. Ants discovered in packaging of equipment sent to Tindal from Japan were first sprayed with insecticide, then baited, then frozen.

AIR Force’s AP-3Cs have a long tradition of saving lives, but usually it’s done in a maritime environment. Now they are doing it with dry feet in Iraq.

The AP-3Cs from No. 92 Wing are operating with the maritime patrol aircraft task group assigned to Operation Catalyst and Operation Slipper, and are conducting overland tasks in Iraq in addition to their traditional maritime patrol missions in the Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea.

The aircraft have become a critical asset in supporting Coalition ground forces, thanks largely to the adaptability of its onboard imaging systems.

Task Group Commander Wing Commander Craig Heap said the AP-3C’s imaging systems give the aircraft the ability to take images of areas of interest by day and night with great fidelity.

“We are using the capability to support Coalition forces in a variety of ways, such as intelligence gathering prior to an operation and as an air observation platform during ground operations,” he said.

“Another task we conduct that wasn’t envisaged originally for the imaging system is the spotting of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). We have helped locate a number of IEDs, and as a result we have potentially saved a number of Coalition lives.”

Tactical Coordinator Flight-Lieutenant Clare Cullen said although the change of operating environment was exciting, it brought with it more demands for the sensor technicians.

“We have to be very clear on a number of things, such as what we are looking for and what we are seeing,” she said.

“We also have to be very aware of our surroundings, as there are a lot of other aviation assets in the area, and our navigation has to be very precise to keep us away from ground threats and the airspace of other nations.

“It is hard work, and the sensor crew need to keep on top of these issues to get the job done, but it’s great to be able to do a job where you can see firsthand and talk with the people you are supporting.”

The Iraq tasks have become a favourite with the pilots too, as the view from the cockpit makes the aircrew an extra sensor for the tactical crew in the back of the aircraft.

AP-3C captain Flight Lieutenant Steve Davies said the pilots were often in the best position to see something happen on the ground.

“We have to be prepared to react very fast to any gunfire and explosions we may see,” he said. “As a result, it’s probably the most rewarding mission we fly here.

While it’s not as dynamic as flying low level over the Gulf, it gives you a good feeling because you are doing something that is directly involved with the day-to-day wellbeing of the troops and civilians on the ground.”

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