German pilots train for Afghan deployment: Exercise 'Bora' 2011 prepares Tigers for combat operations

摘要

THE GERMAN Army plans to deploy the Tiger attack helicopter to Afghanistan this year. Preparations for the mission have already begun, with a series of live firing trials being conducted at Bergen, near Minister, in mid-November. The exercise involved forward air controllers from Kampfhubscbrauberregiment (KHR) 36 at Fritzlar. Weapons employed comprised the HOT missile, 70mm rockets, and 12.7mm gun pods. For the upcoming combat deployment, the Tiger UHT is being modified under the ASGARD (Afghan Security German Army Rapid Deployment) urgent operational requirement, with around eight aircraft receiving changes including engine filters, exterior lighting for night-time operations, and enhanced communications to improve interoperability once deployed.