AIR OPERATIONS IN THE CANADIAN AIR DIVISION
Under such colourful names as Lateral Pass, Lion Rouge, Barrage, Underwood, Falling Leaf, Shooting Star, Unicorn and Upper Level, jet pilots of the RCAF’s 1 Air Division in Europe are continually carrying out exercises to keep in top flying form.
Each name represents a different aerial exercise, and each exercise tests and trains the pilots in a different fighter function: aerial combat, escort work, high level interception or ground attack. Simulating actual fighting conditions, pilots are brought to the ready and scrambled just as they would be in wartime.
The operations vary considerably in size and effort. Exercise Coronet in 1953 involved more than 1,800 aircraft in an air battle that ranged from the United Kingdom to Switzerland, with nine nations participating in the seven-day war.
At the other end of the scale are the small station exercises where a handful of Canadians simulate attacks while their companions intercept them. When contact is made with the "enemy", both forces are given a chance to practice their fighter tactics.
Sometimes RCAF Sabres make simulated strafing attacks on their own airfields as practice for the pilots as well as for the anti-aircraft defences on the ground. Frequently, the skies of Europe are streaked with "con" trails where RCAF Sabres tangle in aerial combat. The films from the camera guns used in these dog fights are later assessed by experts who can help the pilots improve their attack technique. High level interceptions, air to air firing in North Africa, night flying and navigation trips are all included in exercises to keep the pilots at peak efficiency.
The biggest manoeuvre participated in by the Air Division was Exercise Carte Blanche in June 1955. More than 3,000 aircraft, including atomic bombers, from 11 NATO nations contributed air elements. The Canadian Air Division was in the thick of the battle from the beginning and made a very creditable showing in the Exercise – largest ever held.
Whether big or small, all these exercises are designed to test and improve the huge NATO defence system which stands ready to defend the peace in Europe, and to train the ground and air personnel in their myriad jobs. The languages, equipment, aircraft, servicing, training and tactics of the various air forces, including the RCAF, are being standardized, and exercises have proved the best method of improving the defence system.
Meanwhile, in operations rooms across Europe, operations officers are wracking their brains for new and colourful names for the numerous exercises to follow.