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The training was to ensure proficiency on recovery drills associated with mechanical failures or combat related damages on the battlefield.
There was also a slingload operation exercise with a CH-47.
The CH-47 Chinook is a twin-turbine engine, tandem rotor helicopter designed for transportation of cargo, troops and weapons during day, night and instrument conditions. As the U.S. Army’s workhorse helicopter, the CH-47 has undergone numerous upgrades since the first CH-47 A model was delivered to the Army for use in Vietnam.
The helicopter used as the “downed aircraft” was an OH-58D, borrowed from the Don F. Pratt Museum.
OH-58D Kiowa helicopters are designed for use in close-combat aerial reconnaissance, intelligence gathering, surveillance, target acquisition, and is armed for self-defense and targets of opportunity.
It incorporates a mast-mounted sight that enables the crew to perform the mission while remaining at a stand-off range and out of direct line of sight of enemy observation.
Used for weapons guidance, the sight laser range finder can designate targets or can accurately determine distance and direction from the helicopter to an intended target. It includes provisions for mounting and firing multiple weapons systems.
The weapons systems are mounted on a universal weapons pylon, installed in the intermediate fuselage. The weapons systems are fully integrated into the control/display subsystem.
During the exercise the recovery team came under a simulated attack by hostile forces.
When asked if a recovery mission is always used, SSG Brenden MacDonald said, “If an area is hot we have to stay out of there and wait until we can go back in there and if the aircraft is too damaged we would have to destroy it in place.”
After his part of the exercise was completed, PFC Brandon Wilson said “Just another great day at Fort Campbell”.
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