The Atlas C.1 and C-130J Hercules of the Air Mobility Force, out of RAF Brize Norton, have been spending the past week working with Tactical Air Traffic Controllers as they hone the unique skill set that is Natural Surface Operations.
The landing strip for the aircraft was the beach at Pembrey Sands in Wales. To make things even more challenging, the training sorties required crews to fly at night utilising Night Vision Goggles as they conducted ‘bump and go’s” over the course of a number of hours.
The RAF’s Air Mobility Force need to be able to go where others cannot. This can mean landing on unprepared or natural surfaces on operations. We train for this by flying to and from beaches and grass strips in the UK, so that we are ready to deploy when we are called upon. Once we are activated, this can often mean flying in congested airspace with multiple aircraft requiring the same landing area, so the opportunity to exercise with two or more aircraft in the visual circuit for a natural surface in the UK is fantastic training.
Wing Commander Anderson
Officer Commanding XXIV Squadron
The Hercules was piloted by members of 47 Squadron under the tutelage of a XXIV Squadron Qualified Flying Instructor. For the Atlas it was a squadron first, well a joint squadron first with a mixed 30 and LXX Squadron crew conducting Natural Surface Operations together at night for the very first time.
The ability to operate from natural surfaces is a vital skill set for our crews that requires regular practice if we are to remain sharp. This skill is critical to getting people and equipment to – and from – locations closest to the point of need and regularly comes to the fore in times of crisis. It was therefore great to work alongside our Hercules partners, emphasising our ability to operate together in dynamic environments.
Wing Commander Patton
Officer Commanding 30 Squadron
Along with keeping good communications with the Air Traffic Controllers on the ground, the crews of each aircraft also deconflicted with one another ensuring a safe and successful training serial was completed and key currencies gained by all who were operating.
Natural Surface Operations are a key capability of the Air Mobility fleet, vastly extending the variety of locations the aircraft can operate in without being restricted to prepared runways.
