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Two Royal Air Force Puma Helicopters During Ex Askari Thunder Over Kenya
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Two Royal Air Force Puma Helicopters During Ex Askari Thunder Over Kenya
Two RAF Puma HC1 helicopters flying low and fast during Exercise Askari Thunder in Kenya.
Since the Royal Air Force Puma Force completed its role on operations in Iraq in the Summer of 2009, it has been providing dedicated aviation support to British Army training on Exercise ASKARI THUNDER in northern Kenya. Exercise ASKARI THUNDER is a major stepping stone for the Armys pre-deployment training for Afghanistan. Aviation support to this exercise is provided by the Joint Helicopter Force (Kenya) (JHF(K)), which comprises a joint command structure, primarily operating RAF Puma helicopters.
The home base for JHF(K) is elevated some 6200ft above mean sea level at the Kenyan Air Forces Laikipia Air Base. With a generally hot and dry climate that includes two rainy seasons, conditions are testing. The Exercise area covers a range of environments from the dense Jungle of Kathendini to the relatively high mountains which surround the extensive plains of the Great Rift Valley. Conditions in the areas of the plains and mountains are very similar to those found in Afghanistan.
The extensive Kenyan-managed live-firing range at Archers Post provides a realistic backdrop for integrated tactical and live-fire preparatory training; a five-hour drive from the basic medical facilities at NSG (Nanyuki Show Ground) and a further four hours from Nairobi. Soldiers deploy for a minimum of two weeks to Archers Post and throughout this time it is inevitable that there will be a requirement for medical treatment due to the nature of the environment in which they are training. The availability of JHF(K) support is therefore critical to enabling the arduous live-fire training to take place with the comfort of a rapid casualty transfer from the point of wounding to the most suitable medical facility.
The Puma HC1 first entered service in 1971, and the RAF currently has a fleet of 34 aircraft available to the front-line Support Helicopter Force. The aircraft are operated by No
The British Army protects the United Kingdom's interests at home and abroad, providing a safe and secure environment in which all British citizens can live and prosper
Media ID 15227346
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Army Equipment Helicopter Puma Royal Air Force Simba
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The print captures the thrilling sight of two Royal Air Force Puma HC1 helicopters soaring through the skies during Exercise Askari Thunder in Kenya. After completing their operations in Iraq, these helicopters have been providing crucial aviation support to British Army training for deployment in Afghanistan. Operating under the Joint Helicopter Force (Kenya), these RAF Pumas are based at the elevated Laikipia Air Base, situated 6200ft above sea level. The challenging climate, with its hot and dry conditions punctuated by rainy seasons, mirrors those found in Afghanistan. The exercise area encompasses diverse environments ranging from dense jungles to high mountains surrounding the Great Rift Valley plains. Archers Post serves as a Kenyan-managed live-firing range where integrated tactical and live-fire preparatory training takes place. Located five hours away from basic medical facilities at NSG and an additional four-hour drive from Nairobi, it is vital to have JHF (K) support readily available for rapid casualty transfer. The Puma HC1 has been serving since 1971 and currently forms part of the RAF's fleet of 34 aircraft dedicated to frontline Support Helicopter operations. This powerful force ensures that soldiers receive necessary medical treatment promptly while enabling them to undergo arduous live-fire training with confidence. This awe-inspiring image showcases not only the prowess of these RAF Puma helicopters but also highlights their critical role in supporting military exercises that prepare troops for demanding missions overseas.
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