British Army Apaches tested in Arctic conditions

Apache Attack Helicopter pilots and crew have been training in challenging Arctic conditions.

The cold weather aviation operators' course lasts 10 days and is part of the bigger Exercise Clockwork, an annual event in the High North or Arctic that has been run for the last 52 years.

It gives the Army helicopter pilots the chance to master operating in difficult snowy conditions.

Due to the impact of the COVID pandemic, this year's exercise was scaled back, but pilots still got to take part in a range of drills.

The training area is almost 200 miles within the Arctic Circle and during the winter, daylight is limited, so much of the training takes place in twilight or darkness.

The personnel have been practising ice-breaking drills, flying in snow, landing in low visibility, live firing and aircrew survival skills while in temperatures as low as -23C. 

Apache helicopter pilots are part of a highly-trained, dedicated team with a remit for work in the High North.

Soldiers from 656 Squadron, 4 Regiment Army Air Corps (4AAC), regularly support the Royal Marines on exercises or operations abroad.

They're on standby 365 days a year in support of worldwide taskings with the Apache in both land and maritime roles.

Cover image: British Army.