Ops Normal - AAC History

Our Britten-Norman Islander pin badges are now available on the website! Featuring the iconic silhouette of the legendary Islander, this high-quality pin is the perfect way to celebrate an aircraft that has connected communities around the world for decades.

Shed and Buried Classic Helicopter See our involvement in Henry Cole's restoration of XT151, the last Bell47 to fly with the British Army. Available to watch on demand on Discovery+ To help us keep XT131 flying please consider donating bit.ly/4rjR6gs

Nope, it definitely doesn't work like that in my experience...

It’s strange to think that Westland’s world-beating Lynx is now a historic helicopter in the UK key.aero/article/helpin… Image credit: Michael Miskin #lynx #aviation #avgeek

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the Ops Normal chapter covering AAC Operational experiences during Gulf War 1 (1991). It's now being edited, and we are on our final chapter, Ops in Iraq post 2003... feel free to contribute!

Manned drones? This bizarre little device was the Westland WG T33, a two-seat light observation helicopter from the late 1970s. A full scale mock-up was the pinnacle of its development, which is now on display at the Helicopter Museum in the UK. helimuseum.com/heli.php?ident…

Final Call for Op Granby Veterans to contribute to your Authorised Operational History - Ops Normal Volume 2. The deadline is midday tomorrow...

We have a new way you can support the flight, head over to our Just Giving page and donate. justgiving.com/charity/histor…

The UAE military is using Apache attack helicopters to shoot down Shahed drones over water. This will save a significant number of expensive interceptors as these are practically free kills - just using a few 30mm rounds. A wise evolution of the country's defensive strategy.

Interesting Gunner cam

What a privilege to fly this special aircraft this afternoon. Many thanks to Matt Jones and the team at @spitfiresdotcom for inviting me to join you today.

Worth a listen with @Persistive joining the boys...

The “Tank Killer” has a new hobby: killing drones! In the ongoing conflict b/w the Gulf States and Iran, the AH-64 Apache is proving to be the ultimate Shahed-136 killer. While traditional fighter jets and SAMs often struggle against "low and slow" Iranian drones hiding beneath the radar horizon, the Apache with its Longbow radar is in its absolute element. And it isn't just about spotting them, either - the helicopter's 30mm chain gun is ideal for swatting drones with terrifying, cost-effective efficiency. For countries like Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE, the Apache isn't just another attack helo anymore; it’s a mobile, agile, and lethal air defense battery.

Researching the 654 Sqn shoot on Objective Platinum, I stumbled on this footage of CO 4 Regiment, Lt Col Mike Wawn, being interviewed about AAC Anti Tank Ops in the Gulf. It's interesting to see Fort Flasheart in the background. ://youtu.be/sTPE4nUBzkg?si=anEXNlm487HreZ1v

Lynx crews from 654 Squadron, 4 Regiment AAC after their successful engagement of Iraqi T55s on Objective Platinum 35 years ago today. The first time AAC aircraft had destroyed enemy armour in battle. Featured in Ops Normal Volume 2.

@Kemper_Boyd2021 @MikeHistorian @4RegimentAAC @Helionbooks @3RegimentAAC Hi Kempner, volume 1 is already in print from @Helionbooks Volume 2 is close to completion and should be in print this coming summer. We are only covering historical operations, so WW3 is not considered...

@MikeHistorian @4RegimentAAC @Helionbooks @3RegimentAAC @opsnormal1957 When will the AAC history be issued? Will it include an analysis of the "War that never was" (WW3)?

Op Desert Sabre - It's hard to believe this was thirty-five years ago today. It is also ironic to be closing the Op Granby chapter of the AAC Operational History down for editing this week.

Today marks 84 years since the formation of the Glider Pilot Regiment, the first unit of Britain's wartime Army Air Corps. Although short-lived in years, the Regiment accrued numerous battle honours and an untarnished reputation in the air and on the ground.

In this week’s Workbench, we dive into the fascinating world of post-war rotary aviation, focusing on 1/48th scale modelling tributes to some of Britain’s most iconic helicopters. Our lead subject is the agile Westland Lynx AH-7. Learn more: ow.ly/rJRv50YiHnN 👈

Remember today in 1991 clearly. 4 Regiment AAC (incl 661 Sqn AAC) was waiting for the off on the Iraqi border. The ground phase of Op Desert Storm began, Op Granby for the British. Saddam Hussein had predicted the "mother of all battles." His armies were defeated within 100 hours

Talk about realism! - The UH-1s used in "Apocalypse Now" were rented from the Philippines Armed Forces, who were fighting guerrillas at the time. So, more than once, the helicopters were handed back to the production crew with real bullet holes...