A Royal Air Force crew from 84 Squadron based out of RAF Akrotiri assisted the Cypriot Government in controlling a large wild fire, say the MoD.
The fire burned over one square kilometre of wild vegetation and was close to residential houses for a number of hours. Involved with tackling the blaze, which included a Griffin helicopter from 84 Squadron, were several other aircraft from numerous agencies as well as assets on the ground from the Forrest Department, Cypriot Police and DFRMO Cyprus (Fire & Rescue Service of British Bases in Cyprus).
Personnel from 84 Sqn and Fire & Rescue Service of British Bases in Cyprus remain on standby throughout the year, ready to assist and prevent any wild fires from destroying homes and land say the RAF.
The Griffin HAR2 is equipped with night-vision goggles and a FLIR/ TV turret, which affords its crews a relevant night capability. Owing to the hot, arid climate of its Cyprus base, the HAR2 regularly employs its crucial fire fighting capability across the region. Other capabilities include search and rescue.
Thought the Griffin was scrapped
The Griffin HT.Mk 1 operted by the DHFS are being retired this year and replaced with Airbus Helicopters H145. The Griffin HAR.Mk 2 operated by 84 squadron are not as it stands, that might change as they are now a rather orphan type. That being said they are highly suited for their role on Cyprus being robust and simple as well as popular with the crews who like the more hands on nature of flying the type. The main problem in time will be the cockpit, as pilots training at the DHFS will now be flying Glass Cockpit types they… Read more »