Page 8 - Bugle Issue 18 Auntumn 2021

1 RIFLES
1 RIFLES
GO TANK HUNTING
Anti-Tank Pl made the trip up to chilly Otterburn in February when the oppor- tunity to live fire Javelin and NLAW (Next Generation Anti-Armour Weapon) arose at short notice. The Platoon were extracted from the COVID task in Manchester and immediately prepared for live firing and exercise deployment in Beachley. The three lucky Riflemen, Rfn Casey Bray, Rfn Ben Haskins, Rfn Luke Parker were selected to be the Javelin gunners, as reward for their excellent performance throughout the year. They conducted their Gunner Skills Tests and weapon handling to ensure there were no mistakes on the range.
Once ready, the Platoon made the long drive up to the North East. The range was the first time the Platoon had fired live Javelin in over ten years, with many having never seen the weapon system live fire before; needless to say all were eager to see it in action. The target, an old AS90 hulk, was positioned 2.3km away from the firing point, a bund line on a high spur overlooking the range. This distance pushed close to Javelin’s maximum range of 2.5km, therefore Top-Attack mode was employed throughout. In front of a large crowd of 5 RIFLES snipers and other units on the training area, all gunners and their controller observers performed excellently, with the Platoon successfully striking all three targets. The lethal effect at such a distance displayed the weapon’s capability. The Platoon then
fired nine NLAW successfully confirming their
Cpl Andrew Kenny, Cpl Julian Davies and gunner, Rfn Luke Parker observing the engagement
of the missile’s Soft Launch Motor, Jav Away!
Cpl Andrew Kenny ensuring the weapon handling of the gunner Rfn Luke Parker is correct
8 RIFLES The Bugle
ability to kill enemy armour with both systems. The Platoon then conducted four days of tactical training on the area before returning to Beachley with a higher degree of competence and understanding of the weapon systems. This was a great opportunity for the Platoon and following on from last year’s Javelin cadre puts them in a good place.
The range was the first time the Platoon had fired live Javelin in over ten years
Cpl Andrew Kenny, Cpl Julian Davies Rfn Luke Parker observing the missile beginning its Top Attack Arc before withdrawing