Iriquois buffet Waiouru skies

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 11, Issue 530, 5 April 1994, Page 5

Iriquois buffet Waiouru skies

By

Michele

Monaghan

Seven airforce Iroquois helicopters from 3 Squadron, Auckland, have recently been buffeting the Waiouru traing area. The helicopters and crews were.taking part in exercise Steel Talon, which lasted for a week. Those who were woken up at six in the morning, with houses shaking as these monsters flew over, may feel better knowing that to get flying at this time of the morning meant the air crew had to be out of bed by 4.30am. Flight Lieutenant Russell Pirihi said the aim of the exercise was to practice tatics. "Waiouru undoubtedly is the best area for low level tactical flying," said Mr Pirihi. About 70 airforce personnel took part in the exercise which included practicing air mobiles, which is when seven Iroqois shift troops and cargo while live firing. For realism 3 Squadron tied in with Victor company of 1RNZIR from Linton. The last day of the exercise involved what is called fighter affiliation. Four skyhawks flew up from Ohakea to join in the war, two being good guys and two bad. The helicopter flight crews practiced hiding from the bad guys and calling in the good guys to do some damage. The weather couldn't have been better, said Mr Pirihi. with one frost and cloud postponed one flight by a couple of hours. The squadron has 14 Iroquois and their major role is army support. Search and rescue is a secondary role. An international military helicopter competion is held every two years, with one coming up in May. One Iroquois is being flown by Hercules to Great Britain, where two teams will be competing against Americans, Germans, Italians and French to name a few. Eastern Block countries competed at the last competition but it is unsure whether they will be there this year. New Zealand has done very well in previous years, winning the concors d' elegance (best aircraft) twice, and the 'Spirit of the Meet'.