31 July 2024
During Exercise Diamond Storm 24 earlier this year, Army and Air Force personnel worked side by side to refuel multiple Eurocopter Tiger armed reconnaissance helicopters (ARH) from a C-130J Hercules in a remote region of the Northern Territory.
Personnel from 37 Squadron, 1st Aviation Regiment and 4 Squadron Combat Control Team integrated closely to supply aviation fuel and sustain flying operations across the exercise area.
As C-130J pilot Squadron Leader John explained, this forward arming and refuelling point (FARP) serial was enabled by multiple force elements.
“The mission planning of a FARP challenged mobility tactics instructor candidates to integrate with joint force partners to enable the projection of rotary-wing close air support into the exercise airspace,” he said.
“The event contributed towards enhanced preparedness for flying operations at austere landing zones across northern Australia.”
An air-deployed FARP, or ‘wet-wing refuelling’, is a general concept that allows rapid projection of aviation fuel in volumes, at ranges and in timeframes not available by any other means.
It involves the use of a fixed-wing aircraft, such as the C-130J, carrying additional fuel in integral tanks, to supply aviation fuel to rotary-wing aircraft, ground vehicles or fuel installations to force project a capability further forward into the battlespace.
Ground crew aircraft support (GCAS) Warrant Officer Class Two (WO2) Troy Petersen said Diamond Storm 24 provided an essential live training environment to further develop the knowledge, skills and experience needed to enhance the capability.
“Our integration with Air Force and coordination at all levels led to the efficient and safe execution of operations,” WO2 Petersen said.
“This training achieved all intended requirements and allowed GCAS soldiers the opportunity to gain an additional qualification and authorisation to conduct live wet-wing activities. It is a new concept and additional capability for the 1st Aviation Regiment.”
