Special Forces Pilot

1. Special Forces pilot's daring mission to Argentina during the Falklands War

"You're never going to believe this," exclaimed Bill. "The Government has approved a plan for an SAS operation on the Argentine mainland to destroy the Super Etendards and Exocet missiles."

A critical mission. In May 1982, during the Falklands War, Lieutenant Richard Hutchings volunteered for a high-risk operation to insert Special Air Service (SAS) troops into Argentina. The mission, codenamed Operation Plum Duff, aimed to gather intelligence on Argentine Super Etendard aircraft and Exocet missiles, which posed a significant threat to the British Task Force.

One-way flight. The operation required flying a Sea King helicopter from HMS Invincible to the Argentine mainland, a distance of over 300 miles. This was to be a one-way trip, as the aircraft lacked sufficient fuel to return. Hutchings and his crew faced the daunting prospect of destroying their aircraft and evading capture in hostile territory.

High stakes. The success of this mission was crucial for the broader Operation Mikado, which planned to use the gathered intelligence for a larger assault on the Rio Grande airbase. The fate of the British Task Force and the outcome of the Falklands War could hinge on the information obtained by this small team of pilots and SAS operatives.

2. Rigorous training and preparation for Night Vision Goggle (NVG) operations

"These things are fantastic," I said out loud, forgetting that I was wearing the helmet and therefore shouting like some demented idiot wearing headphones whilst listening to music.

Pioneering technology. The use of Night Vision Goggles (NVGs) for helicopter operations was a new and untested capability in 1982. The 846 Naval Air Squadron had to rapidly develop procedures, modify aircraft, and train pilots to effectively use this technology in combat conditions.

Intensive training. Pilots underwent extensive training to master NVG flight, including:

• Low-level navigation over sea and land
• Formation flying in darkness
• Developing communication methods using Morse code with filtered torches
• Adapting to the limited 40° field of view provided by the goggles

Overcoming challenges. The team faced numerous obstacles in implementing NVG operations:

• Modifying aircraft cockpits with special filtered glass and tape to reduce light interference
• Learning to operate with the added weight and limited peripheral vision of the goggles
• Developing tactics to avoid detection by enemy radar while flying at extremely low altitudes

3. Successful insertion of Special Forces teams into the Falkland Islands

After just over one hour, thirty minutes since launching from Hermes, the aircraft was making landfall at Cape Dolphin. With its position in TANS updated, Nigel descended the aircraft to fly at wave-top height as the aircraft flew south-west across the top of Falkland Sound.

Covert insertions. Over several nights, 846 Naval Air Squadron successfully inserted multiple SAS and Special Boat Service (SBS) teams into various locations on the Falkland Islands. These operations were critical for gathering intelligence on Argentine positions and preparing for the amphibious landings.

Precision and skill. The insertions required exceptional flying skills:

• Navigation using the Tactical Air Navigation System (TANS) over long distances
• Flying at extremely low altitudes (20-50 feet) to avoid radar detection
• Operating in challenging weather conditions, including fog and high winds
• Precise timing to utilize the limited hours of darkness

High-stakes missions. Each insertion carried significant risks:

• Potential detection by Argentine forces
• Navigation errors in unfamiliar terrain
• Aircraft mechanical failures far from support
• The constant threat of enemy air defenses

4. The sinking of HMS Sheffield: A sobering reminder of war's realities

As I stood eating my meal, I could not help but glance up and down the table at the other pilots, wondering which of them had volunteered and which had not, and what had influenced their decisions.

Devastating attack. On May 4, 1982, HMS Sheffield was struck by an Exocet missile, leading to its eventual sinking. This event marked a turning point in the conflict, highlighting the vulnerability of the British fleet to modern anti-ship missiles.

Rescue efforts. Hutchings participated in the rescue operations, witnessing firsthand the devastating impact of the attack:

• Flying through dense fog to reach the stricken ship
• Observing crew members evacuating onto other vessels
• Delivering fire-fighting equipment to the burning Sheffield

Psychological impact. The loss of Sheffield had a profound effect on the Task Force:

• Heightened awareness of the real dangers faced in combat
• Increased determination to neutralize the Exocet threat
• A somber reminder of the potential cost of the conflict

5. Operation Mikado: A high-risk plan to destroy Argentine Exocet missiles

As we flew overhead the waypoint, 'Wiggy' fixed our position in TANS as I turned onto a heading of 180° towards our next waypoint, reducing height to 20 feet and slowing the aircraft once again to 60kts.

Bold strategy. Operation Mikado was a daring plan to destroy Argentina's remaining Exocet missiles and Super Etendard aircraft at their base in Rio Grande. The operation involved:

• A reconnaissance mission by helicopter (Operation Plum Duff)
• A planned assault by SAS troops using C-130 Hercules aircraft

Challenging execution. The reconnaissance mission faced numerous obstacles:

• Flying over 400 miles to the Argentine mainland
• Navigating through fog and poor visibility
• Unexpected encounters with offshore gas platforms
• The need to abort the mission due to weather and navigational uncertainties

Controversial decision. Despite the reconnaissance mission's failure, military commanders initially pushed to continue with the main assault. This decision was met with skepticism and concern from many SAS personnel, highlighting the operation's extreme risks.

6. Survival and evasion in hostile Chilean territory

With the combined benefits of being extremely tired, a hot meal inside us and the warming sun, sleep was easier to achieve than the previous day.

Improvised survival. After destroying their Sea King helicopter, Hutchings and his crew spent eight days evading capture in Chile:

• Navigating difficult terrain with fallen trees and steep hills
• Creating shelters and camouflage from natural materials
• Rationing food and water supplies
• Maintaining operational security while moving only at night

Resourcefulness. The team demonstrated remarkable adaptability:

• Using military survival training to find water and create shelter
• Fashioning a bow and arrows for potential hunting
• Maintaining a survival log to support their cover story
• Carefully observing their surroundings to avoid detection

Mental challenges. The evasion period tested the crew's psychological resilience:

• Coping with the uncertainty of their situation
• Balancing the need for concealment with the desire to make contact with British authorities
• Maintaining team cohesion and morale in challenging conditions

7. Diplomatic tensions and media attention surrounding the mission's aftermath

Captain Torres invited us into his car and we were driven into the Carabineros headquarters, wondering just what lay ahead.

International incident. The discovery of the British helicopter on Chilean soil created diplomatic tensions:

• Chilean authorities demanded explanations for the incursion
• British diplomats worked to secure the crew's swift repatriation
• Media interest intensified, threatening to expose sensitive operational details

Covert exfiltration. The British Embassy in Santiago orchestrated a complex plan to return the crew to the UK:

• Providing new identities and civilian clothing
• Arranging a carefully managed press conference
• Organizing a convoluted flight path to avoid media detection

Ongoing secrecy. Even after returning to the UK, the full details of the operation remained classified:

• Limited debriefings with select military and government officials
• Continued media speculation about the mission's purpose
• Long-term impact on British-Chilean relations and military cooperation

Last updated: August 11, 2024