ALAT base Phalsbourg, France, 1 -2 July 2017
Report by Peter Davison
The French Army, ALAT (Aviation legere Armee de terre), operates a large fleet of helicopters both for ground support and attack capabilities. For many decades this was based around the Puma and Gazelle but recent years have seen the introduction of more modern types. The Eurocopter Tiger and NH90 in particular and both types were on show.
The relatively restrained military static was supplanted by a variety of historic and general aviation aircraft suggesting that private flying experience plays an important and cost effective component of rotary flight training. In various hangars were demonstrations of maintenance procedures and armaments.
The afternoon event included a typical attack demonstration showing the enhanced capabilities of this well trained and equipped arm of the French military. It was a pity that some foreign participation was not forthcoming that would have allowed some force comparisons.
