Aviators from 5 Avn. Regt. successfully deployed the regiment's latest acquisition - an extended-range fuel system (ERFS) fitted to the Army's fleet of Chinook helicopters.
Introduced into service two months ago, the ERFS has a dual function, extending the range of the Chinooks as well as doubling as a forward air refueling point for other rotary wing aircraft.
Each ERFS tank holds approximately 3200 liters of fuel and each Chinook can be configured to carry up to three of the tanks.
One tank can double the operational role of a Chinook aircraft, while the forward refueling capability will be able to extend the operational range of both the Black Hawk and the new Tiger attack helicopter when it is introduced into service.
The refueling capability is achieved with specialist forward air refueling equipment which transfers fuel directly from the ERFS tanks to another aircraft.
The first operational field use of the ERFS Mark II occurred at Jindabyne in the Snowy Mountains, during a recent high-altitude flying exercise.
AAAvn is still developing the Australian doctrine for use of the ERFS and is calling on the expertise of US and UK exchange officers who regularly use this equipment in a field-refueling role in their own forces.
US Army pilot CWO4 Michael Sherman, who is on a two-year exchange with 5 Avn. Regt., as well as Flt-Lt Neil Heaney and Sgt Mick Fry, RAF personnel on Exercise Long Look, assisted in the refueling exercise.
The giving aircraft successfully transferred 1000 pounds of fuel to the receiving aircraft, which was piloted by CWO4 Sherman and Capt. Paul Morgan.
Detachment commander Capt. Dirk Noordewier said the refueling operation was relatively simple but required stringent safety precautions to prevent spillage and to reduce the risk of fire.
"The ERFS system enabled us to fly longer legs between refueling stops in transit from Townsville to the exercise area," he said.
"The refueling system also worked perfectly in the field and now army aviation has an enhanced capability which will allow it to project the helicopter asset well beyond current operational ranges."
