Three RAF A400M pilots and two Air Loadmasters of LXX and 30 Squadrons are now capable of conducting Container Delivery System and Light Stores Airdrop tasking, supported by a core proficiency in low flying, having completed the new Basic Airdrop Course.
The course was put together by XXIV Squadron, the Air Mobility Force Operational Conversion Unit following a series of capability handovers from 206 Squadron throughout 2021. With the final piece of the jigsaw arriving on the front line in September, XXIV Squadron were able to rapidly pull together a course that draws heavily on synthetic training to minimise the dependence on the live A400M fleet, which is heavily engaged on Strategic Air Transport operations globally: 8 synthetic sorties for each crew are followed by 4 live, predominantly centred around the Loadmasters, who work closely with 47 Air Despatch, Royal Logistics Corps, teams to safely dispense live loads to active Drop Zones. The synthetic elements mean that the pilots can receive highly realistic scenario based training and ensure that this new capability is employable in many different situations including Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief Operations and crisis response.
Basic Airdrop Course 1 was completed earlier this week and was delivered after Course 0 spanned November and December last year, road testing the course whilst simultaneously generating sufficient instructors to train this new discipline out to multiple crews throughout 2022.
“The journey to this point has been challenging with the A400M Fleet being so busy, but to deliver the first Airdrop crews to 30 and LXX Squadrons represents a significant milestone in our new tactical Air Transport capability and is hugely rewarding. We owe a huge debt to 206 Squadron and all of the Enablers and supporting teams within the A400M Enterprise for coming together to move the programme forward.”
Wing Commander Andy McIntyre
Officer Commanding XXIV Squadron
“Airdrop is an integral part of tactical air mobility. It enhances our ability to sustain remote forces and is another vital string to our bow in times of humanitarian need. I am therefore delighted to see the roll out of this capability to front line crews as we continue, at pace, to drive forward the operational capabilities of Atlas."
Wing Commander Stuart Patton
Officer Commanding 30 Squadron
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