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Greece
2009 |
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07-05-2009 Kotrino |
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The Hellenic
Navy helicopters today perform both anti-submarine and
anti-surface unit warfare missions with dipping sonar, search
radar, ESM, and the Penguin anti-ship missile. They also support
civilian search and rescue requirements, including medical
transfers from remote Greek islands to mainland medical
facilities.
Established in the early years of flight the Hellenic Navy started
there independent flying branch. Like most air arms of that era
they stated with reconnaissance missions and in a later stage
armed combat.
During the First World War many missions were flown, while
during twenty scramble missions a total of nine enemy planes
were shot down.
Types used during this period included the Avro 504K and Bristol
F.2B Fighter Mk IV . With the institution of the Hellenic Air
Force in 1930, all aviation was eventually placed under this
command and all naval aircraft were transitioned to this newly
formed force, ending all naval aviation operations in 1935. |
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With the
ordering of the Dutch Kortenaer class frigates a need for a
helicopter component of the Hellenic Navy was born. At first
four Sud Aviation SA319B Alouette 3 helicopters were procured
and delivered in 1975. These helicopters where used to gain
experience in helicopter use on ships and for training. The
Hellenic Navy Helicopter Command established in March 1976
mainly for anti-submarine duties.
The Kortenaer class became the standard class frigate in the
Hellenic Navy and with a two meter extension of the hanger bay
suitable for the next helicopter ordered the Augusta Bell
212ASW.
At first the helicopters were based at Hellinikon Athens
International Airport, which was not far from the naval port.
The next move was to Naval Air Station Amphiali in 1977.
As delivery of the Augusta Bell 212 progressed this facility became to
small and this time it was decided to build a dedicated base for
helicopter operations. |
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A new location was
found in the Marathon area on the northeast side of Athens.
Naval Air Station Kotroni was finished in 1986 on top of a small
hill overlooking the Aegean see . With the arrival of all 13 Augusta Bell212s, there was a
growing need for pilots and support staff. Therefore the Navy
Aviation School was founded in 1992. At first the squadron was
divided into two flights ( Sminos), being Sminos Alouette 3 and
Sminos Augusta Bell212. In the following years an extra squadron
was created with the ordering of the Sikorsky S-70B/B-6 Aegean
Hawk helicopters which were at first allocated to Sminos Aegean
Hawk. |
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Current Units;
1.MEN(Mira Eli.Naft)
With two flights:
Sminos AB-212: flying the Augusta Bell212 of witch the EW
variant is no longer operational and of the ASW variant eight
are still operational (AB.212ASW[PN21-31) AB.212EW[PN11-12])
Sminos Alouette: flying the Alouette III , only two of the
origional four delivered are still operational (SA-319B Alouette
III[PN01-04])
2.MEN(Mira Eli.Naft)
2.MEN flying the S-70B Aegean Hawks (S-70B-6 [PN51-58] S70B
[PN59-61])
A third flying element at NAS Kotrini is the Navy Aviation
School (Scholi Elikopteron Naftikou, SEN). All pilots start here
with their training on the Alouette 3, but also for their
conversion to the AB212 and S-70. |
The first division is Naval Air
Station Kotroni, responsible for all logistic and technical
support at this station. Secondly, there is Naval Air Station
Amphiali, which is still available as a back-up airfield.
The sensor operators on the helicopters and the P-3B Orion
(operated by the Hellenic Air Force, 353 MNAS, Elefsis AB) are
also trained here. Furthermore, all maintenance personnel and
all ship's helo teams receive their training at this school.
First Squadron (1st Mira Elikopteron Naftikou, 1 MEN) provides
the personnel, facilities and assets for the AB212s and the
Alouette 3s,
While 2nd Squadron ( 2nd Mira Elikopteron Naftikou, 2 MEN) does
the same for the S-70s. COMHELNAVHEL also has the operational
and administrative command over the Coast Guard helicopters
Squadron although this is an independent organization belonging
to the Hellenic Coast Guard General Staff. |
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Helicopters in use:
Allouette III
The Allouette III is the smallest helicopter in the fleet, and
is used to train the Hellenic Navy's new helicopter pilots.Only
two of the original 4 are still in use.
Agusta Bell AB-212 EW/ASW
The AB-212 currently serves the Navy only in the Anti-Submarine
Warfare (ASW) version. The Electronic Warfare (EW) version is no
longer operational. This helicopter has proven to be very
reliable, even in the violent weather conditions that occur in
the Aegean and Mediterranean .The AB-212 helicopters normally deploy
to the standard class frigates. These ex 'Kortenaer' class
frigates have a Hangar that is 2 m longer than on Netherlands'
ships to accommodate AB 212ASW helicopters
S-70 B-6 Aegean Hawk
With the arrival of the MEKO 200HN class frigates, the Hellenic
Navy had the need fore more and up-to-date ASW helicopters. An
initial order for five S-70B-6s with an option for three was
signed in 1992 with its delivery in 1995. The option was changed
into an order in February 1996 and these helicopters were
delivered in September 1997. The final order was signed in June
2000 for the delivery of three more Aegean Seahawks of the S-70B
subtype. These were delivered in 2005.
The existing Hellenic Navy fleet of eleven S-70B-6s, the new
Aegean Hawks carry the Raytheon AN/AAS-44 FLIR with laser
designator for Hellfire air-to-surface missiles. The aircraft
also integrate the Rockwell Collins FMS-800 Flight Management
System with four LCD cockpit displays, BAe ALE-47 Countermeasure
Dispensing System, improved Electronic Support Measures (ESM),
and a navigation system with embedded GPS/INS.
They have the capability of launching Penguin anti-ship missiles
as well as torpedoes and other anti-submarine ordinance. |
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Finally the Hellenic Navy owns
the P-3B Orion of 353 Maritime Patrol Aircrafts Squadron. Greece's Hellenic
Air Force currently operates the P-3B Orion maritime patrol aircraft, which
were delivered to the HAF from 1993 – 1996. They are reaching the limits of
their airframe life, but options exist. The mission of the 353MPS is the
overall preparation and readiness of the Squadron to undertake missions
determined by the Hellenic Navy in time of peace or war. The Aircrews are
mixed from HAF and HN . From the 6 members of the crew TACCO , Radio & ASW
Operator originated from the Navy and Pilot, Co-Pilot and flight Engineer
from the Air Force .
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Current operations include
anti-submarine and anti-surface unit warfare missions.
The navy regular undertakes live firing exercises. During one of the exercises in
May 2006 HS Nearchos was sunk . The Hellenic Navy performed the exercise as
acceptance test-firings of its MBDA MM40 Block 2 SSMs. These firings were
also acceptance tests for its two new, Super Vita-type FAC(M)s, HS Rousen
(P-67) and HS Daniolos (P-68), as each fired one missile against HS Nearchos
(D-219), a decommissioned C.F. Adams-class DDG. Also taking part was a
Sikorsky S-70B Aegean Hawk helicopter, side number ΠΝ 60, which fired a
Hellfire II air-to-surface missile
The Greek navy support's different United Nations missions and NATO missions. Greece's
contribution include a navy frigate, a helicopter, a landing craft,
specialist officers and a diving unit, The purpose of the Greek mission in
Lebanon will be twofold: to conduct military transfers by sea from Cyprus to
Lebanon and to inspect vessels bound for Lebanese ports. Next to this
mission is the mission to Somalia .The mission to Somalia is to counter the pirates that
operate in this area. Talking to pilots that just returned from Somalia its
a demanding mission as every fishing boot could be a pirate ship. The helicopter used for the mission is depending on the
type of frigate deployed for the mission |
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An other task is the support for
civilian search and rescue requirements, including medical transfers from
remote Greek islands to mainland medical facilities .For these operations
two S-70 and one AB212 are on standby 24/7 One example in the last few years
being the evacuation of passengers of a cruise ship ran aground off the
coast of Santorini, a Greek island, leaving up to 1,167 passengers and 391
crew to abandon the ship.
Most of the passengers on board the Sea Diamond ship where either American
or German. Local news reported that the ship was taking on water after
striking a reef in the volcanic island's lagoon, similar to a lake, and
issued a distress signal, launching an operation that led more than a dozen
ships and three Greek Navy helicopters to evacuate all the people on board.
One AS322C1 of the Hellenic Air Force was on the scene within minutes due to
it being based on the island. The Greek Navy helicopters with are on a 8
minute standby were on the scene in 45 minutes. |
Recently retired from the Hellenic Navy General Staff Vice Admiral Gousis
stated that the main concern about Navy's Aviation Components is the ageing
of the P-3B's that compose our Maritime Patrol Aircraft fleet. Several
thoughts about this matter have been made and the decision was taken to
initiate a procurement program for new MPA's, which would enable the
Hellenic Navy to keep up with the requirements of current and future
maritime warfare.
With the pending delivery of the three S-70B helicopters, the type's number
will be considerably increased. The Hellenic Navy will also continue to
operate and maintain AB-212 helicopters in ASW and ASUW role, planning a
limited upgrade program to enhance their navigational capabilities..
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Future
There are plans fore the procurement of some additional
helicopters for training purposes, that will enhance Navy
operational capabilities and
achieve self-sufficiency in training assets. One options could be some extra Allouette
III helicopters.
Greek navy maritime patrol aircraft contest
Greece’s Hellenic Air Force currently operates two out of six older P-3B
Orion maritime patrol aircraft, which were delivered to the HAF from 1993 –
1996. They are reaching the limits of their airframe life, but options
exist. The Orion has upgraded to P-3C designation, and has received a slew
of updates since the P-3Bs were fielded. Efforts like Lockheed Martin’s
reopening of P-3 wing production are even making it possible for countries
like Norway to keep upgraded P-3 aircraft in service.
Greece has reportedly decided not to go this route, and at least EUR 250
million has reportedly been set aside for the winner of a 5-aircraft
maritime patrol competition. Will the Greeks call on Poseidon once more, in
order to protect their seas and mariners?
They will not. Greece’s naval focus is limited to the Aegean and the eastern
Mediterranean, a sphere that is well within the capabilities of smaller and
less expensive aircraft. A budget of about EUR 250 million might buy 2
P-8As, plus spares and fielding support. It could not buy 5.
“Boeing does not expect to offer its 737-based P-8A multi-mission maritime
aircraft, but is promoting a Boeing Business Jet solution for a separate
requirement for three VIP and presidential transports.”
Viable candidates for the maritime patrol requirement reportedly include:
A special mission variants of the Alenia Aeronautica-promoted ATR 72,
Beriev's Be-200 amphibian, EADS Casa's C-295 and Embraer's EMB-145 regional
jet.
A previous US government offer to supply second-hand Lockheed S-3B Vikings
has been rejected, along with a proposal from the manufacturer to upgrade
Athens' existing P-3 fleet.
Alenia Aeronautica's ATR 72-based proposal will draw on elements of the
anti-submarine warfare variant already sold to the Turkish navy and to enter
service in 2010. Greece will be offered a tailored version of the design's
Thales-sourced Amascos mission system, and the option to integrate
undisclosed anti-ship weapons during the new contest, the company says.
Previously ordered by the Chilean navy, a maritime patrol development of the
C-295 is being offered with the company's Fully Integrated Tactical System
mission equipment. Beriev recently announced plans to sell a military
development of the Be-200, citing interest from the Chinese and Russian
navies but at the moment the be-200 is only a search and rescue aircraft.
Given Greece’s requirements for NATO commonality, it would also be fair to
characterize a Greek Be-40 as a new variant when assessing development and
delivery risks.
Embraer's P-99 bid would offer airframe commonality with the Greek air
force's four EMB-145-based airborne early warning and control system
aircraft and EMB-135 transports. However, with the Brazilian company having
previously sold only two EMB-145 maritime patrol aircraft to Mexico, Athens'
multirole requirement represents a new and much broader mission set for the
type.
"We believe a jet solution will be favoured," said Ricardo Marcelo Bester,
Embraer's vice-president marketing and sales, defence and government market
for Europe, the Middle East and Africa during the Defendory exhibition in
Athens. Alenia Aeronautica officials counter that other recent acquisitions
have favoured a turboprop solution, however.
the current P-3s are assigned to the air force's 353 Sqn at Elefsis air
base, In contrary to the current way of a mix crew the new type will
be operated by a complete navy crew. The most likely operation base will be
Elefsis the current location of the Orion. |
As a final point
with the evermore demanding operational request the navy has e need for a
helicopter replacement in the coming years. One options could be the
Sikorsky S-92 . Visited Greece on a sale’s promotion recently. On the other
hand the naval variant of the NH-90 ordered by the Greek Army is also a
logical choice.
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| We would like to
thank the following persons for their help in arranging the visit; the
Public relation office of Greek Navy and all who escorted us during the
visit and made us feel very welcome. |
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