Double Dutch Anniversary Heavy Rotary

by Carlo KUIT & Paul KIEVIT/ Bronco Aviation

116 From September 2018 Niels van den BERG is the Commander of 298 squadron. He started with the Squadron during 2011 when he transferred from sister squadron 300, operating the AS532 ‘Cougar’. One of the most important tasks the Commander has is the introduction of the new CH-47F MYII CAAS.

April the 16th of 2020 to have stability in the As Boeing Philadelphia has and certification flights to marked the 75th Anniversary squadron. We have worked been identified as Critical safeguard our basic skillset of The Royal incredibly hard over the last Infrastructure, the impact and readiness status as Air Force (RNLAF) 298 seven years implementing by COVID-19 has been we are not able to set up Squadron which is currently new procedures, quality minimal. The total number complex exercises with our operating a force of ten assurance and improved of new CH-47F MYII CAAS sister squadrons (300 and CH-47D ‘Chinooks’ and operations which has Chinooks within the Royal 301 Squadron) and the 11 Air is awaiting delivery of shown to be successful. Netherlands Air Force will Mobile Brigade. We have twenty CH-47F MY II CAAS There is no need to be twenty. Fifteen will be about half of the squadron Chinooks (US Army Multi change”. Niels continues assigned to 298 Squadron working from home and Year II program, Common “The big challenge for the at Gilze-Rijen while rotate personnel every Avionics Architecture squadron is implementing five will remain with 302 couple of days to avoid System) as replacement. the new CH-47F fleet and Squadron at Fort Hood in risks of virus infection. Due to the COVID-19 remaining open for business the United States.” Luckily, 2019 has been a very crisis the planned 75th to support international good year for us in terms of Anniversary was postponed missions. The moment that COVID-19 Crisis training and flight hours. to a later moment. we have both the new CH- Impact Therefore, we can absorb a Especially COVID-19 and 47F and legacy CH-47Ds in bit before we are negatively “After the announcement by the introduction of the use with the squadron this impacted” Niels adds. Dutch Prime Minister Mark new Chinook fleet is on will be a turning point in The Helicopter Weapons RUTTE on the 16th of March, top of the mind of Lt Col. potentially briefly impacting Instructor Course (HWIC) in which the intelligent Niels van den BERG, the availability for operations. which had been taking lockdown was announced current Commander of 298 We expect under the current place at that moment in in the Netherlands, we took squadron. Niels transitioned COVID-19 situation to have was cancelled a week and a half to rethink from 300 Squadron during the conversion completed mid-March. “Currently we how we as a squadron 2011 and has been 298 by 2022”. The first new only allow four persons for would move forward” Squadron’s Commander CH-47Fs are expected to planning and the execution according to Niels. “We since September 2018. arrive in The Netherlands of flights. Therefore, we work decided to focus on crew “My primary focus is during December 2020. in solitude as a squadron”. checks, flight currencies

117 118 Defense Helicopter History of the 298 Command (DHC) Squadron

The Heavy Rotary Squadron is one of four flying The squadron has its heritage dating back to April squadrons which is part of the Defense Helicopter the 16th, 1945 when the squadron was operating at Command (DHC). Since the establishment of the DHC Gilze-Rijen Air Base as ‘No. 6 Dutch Auster Squadron’ in July 2008, 298 Squadron transferred to Gilze-Rijen with six Auster’s. Soon after the end of World War Air Base from . The purpose of the 2 the Squadron was transferred to the Dutch West DHC is to integrate all the Helicopter Units of the Royal Indies. On March 1st, 1950, 298 AOP (Air Observation Netherlands Air Force (AH-64Ds, AS532U2s, CH-47D/ Post) was established. Over the years, ‘298’ has flown Fs and NH90s) under one Central Command structure various types of aircraft and helicopters. The Auster’s across two airbases and save costs. Only the NH-90 fleet were replaced by L-18C ‘Piper Cubs’ and L-21B ‘Super of 860 Squadron is based at Naval Air Station De Kooy Cubs’ to support the role of artillery spotters. The first in the Northern part of The Netherlands. The other three Helicopter arrived in 1955 (H-23B ‘Raven’). The Alouette units reside at Gilze-Rijen Air Base. II followed in 1959 for 'Search and Rescue' (SAR) missions. These were replaced by Alouette IIIs from 1964 onwards. Twelve Bo-105C ‘Bolköw’ helicopters were also part of the 298 Squadron from 1975 to 1979.

The CH-47 fleet is equipped and available to support Dutch Special Forces like the Commando Force (KCT/ Korps Commando Troepen) and MARNS (Dutch Marines) where needed. To train and hone procedures regular exercises take place. These mostly take place on undisclosed locations across The Netherlands. In April 2018 Commando’s and MARNS trained in embarkation of a ship supported by a CH- 47D and an AS532 ‘Cougar’. Till 2014 the 298 Squadron had a dedicated flight to support Special Operations, no. 5 flight.

119 To mark the 75th Anniversary of 298 Squadron CH-47D ‘D-666’ has received a special paint with on one side a dragonfly, which is part of the squadron insignia. The right side of the helicopter is adorned by a Grizzly; it refers to the callsign which was chosen 15 years ago. Air traffic control, among others, makes use of this callsign. And for the people of 298 squadron, the Grizzly is a kind of mascot.

contract was signed with CH-47D Chinooks to withdrawn from service Purchase of Boeing for the purchase the Royal Netherlands during late 2019. Captain New of thirteen modern CH- Air Force (RNLAF) in 1995- Roël BOEZEN “Booze”, 298 47D Chinooks with a 1996 marking the 25th squadron Liaison Officer, CH-47D’s digital Honeywell Avionics Anniversary of operations adds “The accidents in In early 1993 the Dutch Control and Management with the ‘Chinook’ fleet Afghanistan made us realize Government signed System (ACMS) cockpit during that year. The six new we had to further improve an agreement with the and improved T55-L-714 CH-47Ds were delivered and hone the training and Canadian Government engines. Seven being during 1998-1999. capabilities of our crews. to acquire seven Boeing remanufactured ex- Both lost helicopters Currently ten CH-47D’s are CH-147 C-models that Canadian C-models and suffered from a hazardous still on strength, with two were in use by the six were brand new with mountainous and brownout ‘Chinooks’ lost in accidents Canadian Armed Forces a “one-piece machined” landing during reduced in 2005 during operations in between 1974 and 1991. airframe structure as a visibility operations where Afghanistan and the oldest In December 1993, a novelty. Boeing delivered wind and loss of engine the remanufactured CH-47D (D-661) being power due to the thin air

120 conditions had an impact BOEZEN continues ‘one on the performance of the of the most challenging Chinook. Circumstances conditions to fly in are in we do not encounter snow in which you can when operating in The easily lose your reference Netherlands. As a result, orientation. Therefore, a new Training Program we have cold weather has been implemented operations in snowy consisting of ‘High Blaze’ conditions in the Nordics exercises for dedicated trained during ‘Cold Blaze’. mountain flying, and Last, but not least, the Captain BOEZEN is posing in front of the right side of ‘Hot Blaze’ to allow crews fourth training is ‘TAC Blaze’ CH-47D ‘666’ showing the Grizzly bear. This CH-47D has to practice operations with a focus on tactical as nickname ‘The Beast’. All individual CH-47s have been in a hot, high and dusty maneuvers and electronic given a nickname. environment. Captain warfare.

121 During the 8th of October 2012 the first new CH-47F was delivered to 298 squadron at Gilze-Rijen Air Base. A total of three CH-47Fs would be operated with 298 Squadron in the Netherlands with the other three being delivered directly to 302 Squadron at Fort Rucker Air Base. During late 2015 D-891 transferred to 302 Squadron

New CH-47F’s latter system, the pilot existing CH-47D fleet most efficient choice has good situational but will continue until for a successor. The To cater for the loss of the awareness of the the Initial Operation Netherlands was able two CH-47Ds and for the surroundings under very Capability (IOC) of the to utilize options in the additional demand for poor visibility conditions. new CH-47F fleet. It is existing MYII production Heavy Rotary Capacity, the The ‘F’ had GPS navigation currently uncertain what contract between the US Dutch Ministry of Defense connected to a radar the fate will be for the Army and Boeing. For that, signed a new contract with altimeter. Initially 298 remaining CH-47Ds. Two the Letter of Offer and manufacturer Boeing squadron had three CH- are foreseen to be used Acceptance (LOA) with in 2007 for the delivery 47Fs (D-890/891/892). as instructional airframes the US Army for fourteen of six CH-47Fs. The CH- To complement 302 and one is planned to be new CH-47F MYII CAAS 47Fs were equipped with squadron in Ford delivered to the National Chinooks was signed on updated ACMS cockpits Hood, CH-47F ‘D-891’ Museum (NMM) November the 12th, 2015. (Block6 with partly color was transferred to the at SoesterBERG. On April the 14th, 2016 displays), improved US during 2015. The the US Department of self-protection kits, remaining two F’s have The New CH- Defense awarded Boeing CHASE (Chinook Aircraft been shipped back to 47 MY II CAAS a contract to build 12 Survivability Equipment). Boeing in March 2019 in Chinook CH-47Fs followed by The main purpose of the support of the current an additional order on CH-47F fleet was to serve Renew Program. Two of In the period between April the 28th, 2017 for as a platform for Special the CH-47Fs (D-894/895) 2010-2015, The the remaining two new Forces Operations. The assigned to 302 Squadron Netherlands prepared CH-47F's. To prevent a configuration included were ferried to Boeing for the replacement of “mixed fleet” of CAAS and Fast Rope Capabilities, in April 2020, with the the ageing 11 D-models ACMS Chinooks, which new attachment points last two (D-891/893) to as well as the expansion would have been costly for on-board weapons, follow early June 2020. of the Chinook fleet with during the sustainment a long-distance In anticipation of the three helicopters. After of the fleet, it was then communication radio arrival of the new CH-47F extensive deliberations, decided upon to renew and a Forward-Looking fleet, 300 hours of Base the standard US Army and modernize the six Infrared System (FLIR) Maintenance inspections MYII CAAS configuration ACMS F-models. On under the nose. With the are diminishing for the was considered as the December the 14th, 2017

122 The Netherlands and Boeing signed the Direct Commercial Sales contract for the Renew Program, converting the six ACMS F-models into the exact same configuration as the 14 new Chinooks.

Operating the standard MYII CAAS Chinook will allow for further optimization of operations, training and maintenance. “We have had a lot of contact with the US Army and the Australian MOD being existing operators, to understand potential challenges we might encounter when fielding During March 2019 the first two CH-47Fs (procured in 2008) left for Boeing Philadelphia to the new Chinooks. When be rebuilt to MYII CAAS standard. Airframes involved were D-890 and D-892 which were on we deliver them to the strength with 298 squadron. After rebuilt to MY II CAAS the airframes will remain with 302 RNLAF, we want to make squadron in the US. sure that there are no obstacles and that they van GOGH. “The legacy national legislation led to Production Modifications’. will be able to operate and CH-47Fs are now sent to the addition of some unique “We selected ‘SES-I’ sustain the helicopters ‘Summit Aviation’ who are modifications. Fortunately, because they did similar during the first three years. tasked by Boeing under the there is no need to integrate work for the US Army and This period will allow the Renew contract to remove these into CAAS, so we wanted to make sure RNLAF to become self- the usable parts from the commonality will not be we do not interfere with supporting when it comes helicopters and have them affected.” The additional the work performed on the to in-service support” delivered into the overhaul Dutch requirements Boeing production line” according to Colonel process.” Summit Aviation include elements such as: explains Colonel van GOGH. Koen van GOGH, Senior is an Industry Leader in Crashworthy Crew Seats Project Manager Defense Aircraft Maintenance, with ballistic protection, On March the 20th 2020, Material Organization Repair, Avionics upgrades, leading to modified the first RNLAF CH-47Fs (DMO) who is responsible Mission System Integration, MFCUs (Multifunctional made their maiden flight for the Replacement and Modifications and Aircraft Control Units), a LH during acceptance at Modernization program sales. Removable escape Hatch, Boeing Philadelphia Chinook. a Hook Load Measuring (registration D-472 The new CH-47F MY II System, an Ice Detection and D-473). These two “At around 2,500 parts of CAAS Chinook comes System, a Pitot Heater helicopters left Boeing the legacy CH-47Fs will with the short nose, which Failure Indicator, FRIES Ridley Park to be ferried be reused. These parts differs from the current ‘F’ (Fast Rope Ingress and to Huntsville, Alabama on will be overhauled (zero version in appearance. This Egress System), including the 5th of May 2020 for hours status) before being meant there is no room external hardpoints, and validation and verification installed on brand-new for our current Weather a minor change to the by the US Army and MYII CAAS airframes. Radar. Also, the FLIR system electrical system, all of the Postproduction This option turned out under the nose will not be which can be implemented Modifications by ‘SES-I’. to be more efficient and implemented. Another during production. A “These two helicopters affordable than modifying striking difference is the Fall Protection System are planned to be the first the legacy CH-47F fleet. The Woodland Desert Sage to protect maintainers, CH-47s to be send to The first idea was to just replace Color Scheme, instead of and an Emergency Netherlands by December the ACMS cockpit of the the current grey scheme. Locator Transmitter are 2020. After arrival in legacy Fs by a MYII CAAS implemented by ‘SES-I’ the Port of Antwerp, Cockpit. We concluded “Although the main goal (Science and Engineering Belgium, the helicopters the risk was too big in was to stay common Services) in Huntsville, will be transported to terms of certification and with the US Army, Dutch Alabama as ‘Post- Air Base in costs” according to Colonel operating intent and The Netherlands where

123 Simulator before attending a three-week course with 302 Squadron in the US and participating in an American Falcon exercise, held four times a year. Upon return to the Netherlands the Aviators will be Fully Qualified Pilots on the MYII CAAS Chinook.

Lt Colonel van den BERG adds “We had planned to send a so-called Class 0 to Fort Hood in the US during the June-July 2020 period for the Instructor Course Lt. Colonel Wil Van RIJEN (System Integrator, wearing Camo) and Colonel Koen van GOGH on the MY II CAAS variant. (Blue) doing a walkaround of an CH-47D As we have five flights with five crews, we have fifty they will be prepared to legacy CH-47Fs” concludes Benson Air Base” continues pilots and fifty loadmasters be transferred to 298 the Colonel. Koen van GOGH. “The to train, resulting in five Squadron with an expected TFPS has already arrived training classes at Fort To support the transition arrival at Gilze-Rijen at Gilze-Rijen Air Base and Hood. This Transition and difference training, around mid-January 2021” we are awaiting a team Training is planned to be a Transportable Flight according to Colonel van from NAVAIR to do the executed over an eighteen- Proficiency Simulator GOGH. These two CH-47Fs final acceptance testing of month period. We will have (TFPS) was procured from will have all our additional the Simulator. The TFPS will a team from the US Army the NAVAIR (Naval Air requirements implemented need to be ready before the to support the Conversion, Systems) Manned Flight and will have the Digital first group Instructor Pilots a so-called NETT Team Simulator Enterprise Team Automated Flight Control is scheduled to receive (New Equipment Training which is stationed at NAS System (DAFCS) 3.5 their Conversion Training at Team)”, both locally at Gilze- Patuxent River (US). “The software and CAAS 9.4 Fort Hood, since the TFPS Rijen as in Ft. Hood. The procurement of a TFPS, installed. The Colonel will be used for the crew’s expectation is to achieve stationed at Gilze-Rijen, continues “In order to Ground School/ Academics Full Operational Capability will be more efficient for support a tight conversion training at Gilze-Rijen Air (FOC) status by mid-2022 the Squadron as there schedule of our flight crew Base before they head to Ft. with the Initial Operational will no longer be a need to the MYII CAAS Chinook, Hood for the flight training. Capability (IOC) by October to train in the simulator at we decided that the next Each Aviator will undergo a 2021”. six CH-47Fs coming from the Royal Air Force at RAF three-week training on the the production line will not undergo the Post Modification until a later date. These six Chinooks will go to Fort Hood, TX (USA) directly to be used for conversion training. The next batch of CH-47Fs will be delivered after the Post Modification. The earlier unmodified CH-47s will then rotate through ‘SES-I’ to complete the process of modification as well. During January- February 2021 we planned the arrival of another two CH-47s to the Netherlands, these will be airframes built The crew of the CH-47D consists of a pilot, co-pilot and two loadmasters with retrofitted parts of the

124 Two Chinooks were lost Crews of the Defense due to accidents in 2005 Helicopter Command during these operations. (DHC) and ground units of As of 2007 to October 2010, 11 Airmobile Brigade, this 298 Squadron was regularly takes place four times a year active from Kandahar with the ‘American Falcon’ Airfield in Afghanistan in exercise to conclude the support of NATO Operation training. In addition, Pilots ISAF (International Security and Load Masters follow the Assistance Force). And lastly Initial Mission Qualification from April 2014 to April 2017, Training twice a year. The three Chinooks participated squadron is staffed with in the ‘Minusma’ Mission. personnel from the Royal This UN Mission was Netherlands Air Force, designed to restore Peace Army, and the US Army. and Stability in Mali. Frank continues “our group consists of a mixture of a Training in the CH-47 loadmaster, Pilot, US but also AH-64 pilots. Just before we would travel “The initial training for new it became clear that we crews is conducted at Fort would not go to the US. Due Rucker Air Base (US) as part to the Covid-19 situation of the Chinook Aircraft the original schedule will Qualification Course. After require revision as currently completing the course new 302 Squadron stood down crews continue their training 2LT ‘Frank’ is one of the student pilots who was planned with no training activities. with the Squadron at Gilze- to be training with 302 squadron in the US till the We are now being trained Rijen Air Base. 2ndLT ‘Frank’ breakout of covid-19. Currently ‘Frank’ is trained by within the Squadron here instructor pilots within 298 squadron in order to continue explains. “We planned in The Netherlands. This the education. to travel to Fort Hood to means that we all must be have a ten-week training flexible to cater to further Security Forces. From May period with 302 Squadron Missions of the Education as Training is 2005 to June 2006, three as part of the Mission Past conducted alongside daily Chinooks were deployed Qualification Training operations”. Captain Booze ‘Nihil Nobis Nimium’ or for the Dutch Special Forces (MQT)”. This squadron details further “The Defense ‘Nothing is too much’’ is the deployment for Operation provides Joint Air Assault Helicopter Command’ is a motto of the 298 Squadron. Enduring Freedom (OEF). Training for Helicopter more complex organization The Squadron has been involved in many missions and oversea deployments since it has been operating with the CH-47D/F. Kosovo (KFOR, 1999), Allied Harbor in Albania and a year later for UNMEE (United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea). From January 2001 till May 2004, the Royal Netherlands Air Force detachments contributed to NATO's Stabilization Force (SFOR) in Bosnia. From July 2003 to November 2005 they served in Iraq. The detachment in preparation of the firefighting season 298 squadron trained in the period February-April provided transport for 2020. The third week of April saw the start of the largest nature fires in the last 40 years in The Netherlands. Four CH-47s and an AS532 have been involved a full week dropping 3.2 MIO Liters the Stabilization Force in of waters in 540 drops. The AS532 can carry 2500L of water in a Bambi Bucket where the CH-47D Iraq (SFIR) for the Dutch takes 8000L of water. To support the crews a dedicated fire fighter observer joined the flights in military personnel from the order to guide the water drops.

126 The Defense Helicopter Command (DHC) and MAOT (Mobile Air Operations Team) always work closely together in the transportation of under sling loads, FBO operations. Twice a year a big exercise is held in a training area called Ederheide (GLV4/Eder Heath).

to cater to this ad-hoc Operations Teams (MAOT) personnel to support the “We have a total of 10 additional training. Luckily, and the Local Fire Brigades. FBO operations”. The main Bambi Buckets which can we managed to be flexible ‘In case we are asked lessons learned have been hold in theory 10,000L and had a fast resolution to support Firefighting to work on a large-scale of water. “During FBO in place. The focus for Operations the Tasking bases for a long period in a operations we only drop training is now on Tactical Order is provided by the complex setting’ according 8,000L each time as with Exercises, Navigational NASOC (National Air and to Sergeant-Major Rob van full capacity to prevent Skills and Planning of Space Operations Center) Mierlo, Commander MAOT. engine over torque as we Flights. In order to provide to the Staff of DHC’ adds From the 1st of April 2020 demand all power available the best possible training, Niels. “The week before the onwards MAOT has a team with full fuel load so it is we need to have Instructor fires started, we already on standby continuously, safer to carry less without a Pilots and Ground Forces had been asked to have ready to set off within 2 risk having to return due to to act as Enemy Forces. As one helicopter on standby”. hours”. potential over torque” adds we cannot fully focus on Christiaan Velthausz, Captain Boezen. One of the MQT training because on-scene Commander “In the event of a very the loadmasters, who was the duration will be longer and part of the Fire large, or difficult-to- involved in the firefighting than the 10-week period at Department: “Under combat fires, the (Civil) ‘Jimmy’ explains “We had Fort Hood”. normal circumstances, Heli-Team Fire Team an observer of the Fire the Ministry of Defense with Helicopters and the Department joining our Firefighting generally supplies Mobile Air Operations flights who had a map Helicopter Capacity Team (MAOT) of DHC showing coordinates The Netherlands was been form the so-called "Fire confronted with the largest within 24 hours of the where to drop the water. request. Although in Bucket Operations (FBO) My task was to inform the wildfires in 40 years in Team". This team works the Southern part of the practice this is a lot faster, Pilots on the coordinates of usually about 3 to 4 together with the Local where to drop water. After Netherlands, Deurnsche Fire Brigade on site. “About Peel and Herkenbosch, hours. In the event of an each drop, we received increased risk of wildfires, 10 years ago, the Defense direct feedback by Local during the third week Organization requested a of April 2020. Starting FBO and therefore the Observers on the ground Helicopters can be put at single Point of Contact for if our drop was successful. off with one supporting extinguishing operations; Chinook it resulted in a 2 hours’ notice to move”. This worked out perfectly”. “During the Firefighting that became the Heli-Team Over a 5-day period more a combined FBO (Fire Fire Brigade”, according to Bucket Operations) effort we had on average five than 3,2MIO Liters of water to ten MAOT (Mobile Christiaan Velthausz, the was dropped during 540 of four Chinooks, a AS on-scene Commander. 532 Cougar, Mobile Air Air Operations Team) individual drops

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