Karo-Aviation visits the Rotterdam harbour for HWIC 2020.
Article and pictures by Rolph Klijn

From 5th October till the 15th of October the Dutch air force together with the German Army engaged in the HWIC SOF: the Helicopter Weapon Instructor Course Special Operating Forces (HWIC SOF).

For two weeks German and Dutch helicopters were operating out of Gilze Rijen. Conducting combined helicopter exercises in support of Special Forces. The latter being the Korps Commando Troepen ia the Dutch commando’s.
The Helicopter Weapon Instructor Course trains pilots and loadmasters to become specialists in deploying the helicopter and its weapons. After graduation, they in turn educate the other pilots and loadmasters in the squadron.

By giving the participating airmen different mission functions over the course of the HWIC they get different perspectives and a broad insight into conducting the missions. Insertion and extraction of Special Forces is an important part of the job of the helicopter squadrons.

This October edition had an international twist with the participation of NH90’s and a Tiger attack helicopter of the German Army. The NH90’s came from THR30 in Niederstetten and THR10 from Fassberg. The Tiger coming from KHR36. All these units make up the Division Schnelle Kräfte. Joining forces internationally in courses and exercises strengthens the ability to operate together in international missions.

The Dutch Air Force participated with all types. The CH47 Chinooks from 298 squadron, Cougars from 300 squadron and the AH64 Apache’s from 301 squadron. Missions were flown in the Deelen area, on the Veluwe at the Ginkelse Heide, de Army training grounds at the Leusderheide, rural area in the Hoekse Waard and in the harbour area near Rotterdam. As you expect from Special Forces: also during the hours of darkness flying went on.

 

In the afternoon on October 15th Karo Aviation went to the Tweede Maasvlakte. One of the big ports of Rotterdam. In the hope of catching some helicopters inserting and extracting troops we arrived not knowing were to position.

Even though the area selected for the exercise is only a small part of the harbour, it is still a big place. Because of all the port activity only a small part is accessible. After driving around to check the possibilities we selected a spot to wait.

Keeping an eye on the flight-radar app towards the end of the afternoon we got movement at Gilze-Rijen air base. A group of helicopters headed towards Rotterdam.

The first thing we saw were two Apaches securing the landing area. Flying across the harbour and between the loading cranes they kept a watch out as a Cougar and a Chinook came in to insert the troops. After the transport helicopters left both attack helicopters remained in the area to give support to the troops on the ground if necessary.

We decided to take up another position in expectation of the return of the transports to get a better angle on the helicopters. We got the Chinook coming in past the harbour cranes with one of the Apaches flying low over our heads.

With the troops safely on board they flew out over sea heading for the next engagement in de Hoekse Waard.