UK Wildcats in Exercise Clockwork
Four Royal Marines Wildcat multi-role helicopters of the commando helicopter force from 847 naval air squadron have completed a six-week stint in Norway for Exercise Clockwork, it was announced on 10 March.
The exercise is an annual event held each winter that sees the Commando Helicopter Force take some of its aircraft, air and ground crew to Bardufoss - 170 miles inside the Arctic Circle – to test their ability to fly, maintain their aircraft and survive in some of the harshest climatic conditions on the planet.
The aircrew completed military operations such as landing in snow, scouting for troops on the ground, ferrying loads and using the Wildcat to direct allied jets on to targets. The aircraft demonstrated its ability to operate in temperatures down to 30 below zero, and in snow storms and high winds.
The squadron made use of the facilities at the Norwegian Air Force Base in Bardufoss, working alongside NH-90 and Bell 412 helicopters. The Wildcats were also packed in a Royal Air Force C-17 transport aircraft for the first time for this exercise.
The AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat multirole helicopter can operate from the frigates and destroyers of the Royal Navy. It is designed to serve in battlefield utility, search and rescue and anti-surface warfare roles.
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