TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Army Aviation and Special Forces Command kicked off a two-day live-fire exercise around Hengchun on Tuesday.
The 602nd Brigade deployed Super Cobra attack helicopters, Kiowa reconnaissance helicopters, and Black Hawk helicopters to conduct training missions, according to Military News Agency. At dawn, aircrew and ground personnel began morning maintenance, fuel testing, and other mechanical inspections. Weapons crews then followed procedures to issue ammunition, load magazines, and mount rocket pods.
After completing all pre-mission checks, the helicopters taxied in sequence to the arming area to integrate fire control systems. They then took off and proceeded along planned routes into the target area to conduct target practice.
Pilots worked closely together to precisely control flight attitude, altitude, and airspeed. Within the allotted time, they successfully engaged targets. The Super Cobras fired their 20 mm cannons and 2.75-inch Hydra rockets.
The Army is assessing a plan to purchase 30 additional Black Hawk helicopters from the US to strengthen strike capabilities. It aims to increase the number of platforms capable of launching Hellfire missiles and rockets. It also plans to retrofit its existing utility Black Hawk helicopters to fire the same weapons.
