#1609 Gazelle AH1
Description
Squadron Prints Lithograph No. 1609 - XZ340, Gazelle AH1, 29(BATUS) Flight, 5 Regiment Army Air Corps.
As part of British Army Training Unit Suffield (BATUS), 29 Flight Army Air Corps and its antecedents have been contributing aviation support to the preparation of soldiers for operations since 1972. BATUS is situated in Alberta amid the dry, semi-barren, rugged and undulating Canadian prairie, where the Blackfoot, Cree, and Sioux tribes once hunted buffalo and engaged in combat. The military training area measures 39 miles west to east and 32 miles north to south, with a total of 1,038 square miles. It is slightly larger than Luxembourg and seven times the size of Salisbury Plain. The prime purpose of BATUS is of National importance, providing realistic all arms, battle group manoeuvre training with live firing. Four major ‘Prairie Storm’ exercises are held every year between April and October, involving infantry, armour, artillery, aviation and support arms. During each exercise up to 3,000 personnel may be on the ground, along with as many as 1,200 vehicles of all types from main battle tanks to small 4x4s. The training area provides freedom of military manoeuvre unmatched in the World. BATUS was formally established in 1972 and from its beginnings, it was envisaged that there would be an Army Air Corps element. The original aircraft were replaced by the Westland Gazelle AH1 in 1977, and they continue first-rate service with 29 (BATUS) Flight, which is now part of 5 Regiment Army Air Corps under Joint Helicopter Command. The little Gazelle helicopter is still going strong and amazingly continues to provide a reliable, flexible platform for 24/7 Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC), Red Top Range Safety, Live Fire Template Clearance, Liaison tasking and is still delivering in spades. Know as 5 Group of BATUS, callsign 5B indicates 29 Flt’s Flight Sergeant Major (FSM) is flying high over Alberta’s prairie. As Army Aviation toil with Gazelle replacement, manned or otherwise, those who have affectionately piloted, refuelled, serviced or directed this little helicopter for the past 50 years will be saddened to see Diablo wheels fixed for her last push into the hangar. It will undoubtedly be accompanied by loud applause and Laus Prolixus.