A Philippine Air Force AW109 helicopter approaching BRP Davao del Sur as part of its deck landing trials. (Philippine Navy)
In a bid to expand on the range of operations that can be conducted from its Tarlac-class strategic sealift vessels (SSVs), the Philippine Navy has carried out deck landing trials for various aircraft types that are in service with the Philippine Air Force (PAF).
The trials, which took place from 9 to 11 September in Manila Bay, were conducted onboard second-of-class SSV, BRP Davao del Sur (602), as part of the Philippine Fleet’s Naval Air Wing’s deck landing qualification course (DLQC) 01-19.
The three-phase DLQC began with a ‘ground academics’ course for participating crew members on 4 September at the Danilo Atienza Air Base in Cavite City. The first phase also included instructions on hashing and stowage procedures for the various aircraft types.
This was followed by Phase 2, which saw static landing trials on Davao del Sur while the ship was berthed at South Harbour, Manila. This was followed by the third phase on 9 September, under which deck landings were done while Davao del Sur was underway.
Helicopter types that took part in the activity include a PAF’s AW109E attack helicopter, one MD-520MG light-attack aircraft, two Bell 412EP logistics support helicopters, and a S-76A that has been configured for search-and-rescue (SAR) operations. A casualty evacuation scenario was also included in the S-76A’s deck landing trials.
The SSV can accommodate up to three large helicopters and carry out simultaneous deck landing operations for up to two aircraft at a time.
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