On a summer day, the engines roared at a comprehensive training ground. Several armed and transport helicopters stood in neat formation, with maintenance personnel conducting the final pre-takeoff checks. “Check complete; conditions are ready for takeoff!” As reports from various crews began to arrive, the tower controller issued the takeoff order. In an instant, the training helicopters took to the skies one by one, marking the start of a multi-aircraft, day-and-night flight training exercise by a brigade of the 75th Army Group.

After taking off, a mixed formation of various types of helicopters was formed into an assault unit, which maneuvered towards the target airspace. “Caught in ‘enemy’ electromagnetic interference, communication was disrupted.” “The weather conditions ahead have suddenly changed, with strong convective weather occurring...” During the flight, the command center urgently directed various types of special situations, and the training crews calmly responded: the armed helicopter crews quickly switched to the backup communication mode, maintaining close contact with the other aircraft in the formation; the transport helicopter crews decisively adjusted their course, using the terrain to avoid unfavorable weather conditions, and continued to maneuver towards the target airspace.

The “mixed-wing eagle formation” launched coordinated attacks. The reporter observed in the command center that various types of aircraft shared data in real-time, and situational information was clearly displayed on the command platform. Once the formation reached the designated airspace, armed helicopters simulated ground-based firepower strikes; transport helicopters carried out simulated parachute drops with assault teams, successfully capturing and securing key enemy positions.

“The future battlefield will be one of system-versus-system confrontation and system-versus-system competition. Only by training together and practicing together during peacetime can we truly combine our efforts into a cohesive unit.” According to the leaders of the brigade, they have meticulously created a realistic battlefield environment by rigorously challenging themselves. By coordinating the participating forces and training curricula, they have employed flexible methods such as “mixed aircraft formations, integrated training curricula, and ad-hoc scenario-based guidance” to comprehensively evaluate the officers and soldiers’ emergency response and joint combat capabilities.

After the simulation of firepower strikes was completed, the training session on wartime repair of helicopters was immediately initiated. A “damaged” helicopter performed an emergency landing, and the accompanying maintenance team immediately deployed to carry out rapid repair operations under the cover of ground firepower. Meanwhile, another helicopter was hastily launched to take over the mission from the “damaged” helicopter.

As night fell, the training continued. The aircraft that had completed their daytime training exercises gradually returned for resupply and then transitioned into night flying training. Instrument flying, night search operations, low-altitude penetration… The pilots skillfully maneuvered the aircraft through the darkness, relying on instrument data and night vision equipment, to successfully complete their night training exercises.

As the last fighter aircraft safely landed in the late hours of the night, the multi-aircraft cross-day/night flight training concluded successfully. The pilots, undeterred by fatigue, immediately entered the tactical discussion room to review the training process alongside the commanders and maintenance specialists. The trainees and officers worked together to develop targeted improvements and optimize the subsequent training plan based on the issues identified during the training.

“Only through rigorous training in normal circumstances can we effectively confront challenges on the battlefield.” According to the leaders of the brigade, they will focus on mastering critical subjects such as countering complex electromagnetic environments, conducting airborne operations in unfamiliar terrain, and executing long-range maneuvers with mixed formations of various aircraft types. By continually expanding the scope of their training and honing the pilots’ ability to operate effectively in all weather and time conditions, they aim to lay a solid foundation for the unit’s ability to undertake diverse missions. (Looking into the New Era)