TNAG-1938-FCO40-2764-Future-of-Hong-Kong-defence-and-public-order-1989 — Page 49

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b. Scout. The main roles for Scout helicopters, which can carry 3-4 passengers, are observation, reconnaissance, liaison, and more importantly command and control, ie airborne command post (ACP) duties. This latter role is particularly relevant to Hong Kong for IS and could require one Scout ACP at each level of command simultaneously company, battalion and

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brigade. In addition Scout helicopters would still be required to meet a number of military tasks, including:

Resupply

Casualty evacuation

Nitesun (searchlight illumination)

Skydrop (Roof-top insertion)

Aerial Platform for specialist IED equipment

Air Photography

Courier

'Eagle' operations

A minimum of 4 Scouts would therefore be required until the Sovereign Force could be reduced to a single battalion the ultimate intention when 3 Scouts would be adequate.

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