An AH-64E Apache flew over the trees at Townsville Field Training Area, scanning for its target.
Once it had been spotted through the modernised target acquisition designations system, the gunner confirmed a positive laser designation and pulled the trigger.
A Hellfire missile streaked away and engulfed the target with a devastating explosion.
Bursts of 30mm chain gun fire peppered the target area to confirm the target’s destruction. Mission completed, the attack helicopter banked and returned to base.
It was the first time an Australian AH-64E Apache had live-fired a Hellfire missile in Australia, and the first day of Exercise Possum Guns.
The exercise qualified pilots from 1st Aviation Regiment to live-fire all weapon systems of the Apache, including the 30mm gun, rockets and Hellfire missiles by day and night.
Commander A Troop of 161st Reconnaissance Squadron, Captain Jake Bronger, said the Apaches had a number of improvements over the previous platform, the Tiger armed reconnaissance helicopter.
“Though it fires the same ammunitions as Tiger, the weapons themselves are much better,” Captain Bronger said.
“The digital connection with the Hellfire greatly increases the chance of a hit. It can carry far more laser-guided rockets, and the gun is no longer belt-fed, so it rarely jams. It’s incredible.”
‘I love being able to load a missile or do hot refuels while the blades are turning. It’s a big adrenaline rush and I get paid to do it.’
While the weapons were a big improvement, Captain Bronger said it was the sensor suite and human-machine interface that gave Apaches an edge over their predecessor.
“It’s instantaneous communication; the integration across the battle space is just incredible,” he said.
Although all the pilots had previously live-fired in America, Captain Bronger said there was something special about being able to show off the capabilities in Australia.
While a lot of the action was happening in the skies, the exercise allowed aviation ground crews to practise re-arming and refuelling the aircraft on the tarmac.
It was the first time live Hellfire missiles had been loaded onto Apaches in Australia, which was an exciting moment for Trooper Luke Williams, of 16th Aviation Support Battalion.
“For a lot of us this is our first time using live ammunition, so there is a bit of nerves, but it’ll be good to get some reps in, get our confidence up and get the pilots back in the fight,” Trooper Williams said.
An aviation fanatic growing up, he enjoyed the role as it was as close as he could get to the Apaches without being a pilot.
“I love being able to load a missile or do hot refuels while the blades are turning. It’s a big adrenaline rush and I get paid to do it,” he said.
Commanding Officer 1 Aviation Regiment Lieutenant Colonel Jason Perrins said it was an exciting time to be an Apache pilot.
“As attack aviators, live-firing platforms is part of our bread and butter. Live-fire activities like Possum Guns allows us to employ those weapon systems and ensure that all our processes are working to make sure that we get rounds on target, which is our job,” Lieutenant Colonel Perrins said.
“For me personally, it is just an excellent time to see the hard work of all of our soldiers and officers come together for the end product, which is rounds on target.”
While all Apache pilots complete initial live-fire qualifications during training in the US, the successful completion of Exercise Possum Guns certified Australian instructors and aviation gunnery specialists to independently deliver and sustain live-fire training.
