For the primary time in 5 years, fifth Aviation Regiment (5 AVN) and 2nd Cavalry Regiment (2 CAV) carried out a tactical refuelling of three M1 Abrams major battle tanks by a CH-47 Chinook at Townsville Discipline Coaching Space. As a part of Train Eagle Stroll, troopers practised fuelling procedures utilizing an expedient technique often known as a ‘fats cow.’ Main George Flannery, of two CAV, who’s Officer Commanding for the tank squadron that built-in with 5 AVN components to conduct the refuelling, mentioned the tanks have been essentially the most protected and deadly weapon system on the battlefield, however they have been “very thirsty”.
“Our land refuelling property, such because the HX 77 vehicles, can’t all the time go in locations with tough terrain. So with these capabilities working collectively, we all know refuelling can happen anytime, anyplace. The coaching was essential to honing soldiering expertise. It’s vital for us to practise this technique, not solely to determine methods we are able to do it faster and simpler sooner or later, but additionally to arrange troopers for upcoming warfighting workouts like Train Talisman Sabre,” Main Flannery mentioned.
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For a lot of troopers like 2 CAV armoured crewman Trooper Travis Brown, it was their first time being a part of a tactical refuelling. “You get to see stuff you don’t see daily. For workouts like this, it’s good for us to be in a subject setting, making errors so we all know repair them. This leads us into the subsequent tactical train extra ready for what’s to come back,” Trooper Brown mentioned.
The Australian Defence Pressure’s operational fleet of Abrams is held by Military’s three Armoured Cavalry Regiments in Adelaide, Brisbane and Townsville. Moreover, automobiles for coaching functions are additionally held on the Faculty of Armour in Puckapunyal and the Military Logistic Coaching Centre at Bandiana. To assist the Abrams, the ADF has produced seven M88A2 HERCULES (Heavy Tools Restoration Fight Utility Raise and Evacuation System) armoured restoration automobiles. The Australian Defence Pressure has operated Boeing CH-47 Chinook heavy-lift helicopters for many of the interval since 1974. Thirty 4 of the sort have entered Australian service, comprising twelve CH-47C variants, eight CH-47Ds and fourteen CH-47Fs.
