85 CFS Weapons Camp - 2002
Date: 2 November 2002
No sooner had 2 Squadron with their Cheetah aircraft departed AFB Langebaanweg when 85 CFS arrived for their annual air-air gunnery camp.
The squadron consists of the single-seat Impala MkII, armed with two 30mm Defa 553 cannon, and the two-seat Impala MkI trainer, which has no internal weapons. For this exercise, the deployment consisted of 10 MkII's and five MkI's which were used for flag (target banner) towing.
The flag is attached to the MkI on the runway prior to take-off. The flag has two small wheels attached and the flag is then towed into the air. Two MkII's are assigned to attack the flag during each sortie, with each aircraft armed with different coloured rounds. The rounds leave a mark as they pass through the flag, thus enabling the assessors to know which aircraft scored which hit looking at the colour surrounding the hole! The flag is then dropped over the airfield prior to landing. Gun camera footage is also used during the post-flight debrief.
Many thanks to Lt Col Barnard, OC 85 CFS, Lt Col Kieck, and the rest of the squadron for their friendly welcome.
