RAF jet pilot supports troops in Helmand
13 Jan 10
Flight Lieutenant Tom Benson is a Tornado GR4 pilot in the RAF. He is currently deployed to Afghanistan, ensuring that ground troops in Helmand province are provided with essential close air support to continue the fight against the Taliban.
An RAF Tornado GR4 takes off from Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan
[Picture: Senior Aircraftman Neil Chapman, Crown Copyright/MOD 2009]
As part of Task Force Helmand, Flt Lt Benson uses his specialist knowledge and experience to ensure that ground troops get the best support from combat aircraft in theatre.
Close air support to British troops in Helmand province can be provided by any of the International Security Assistance Force nations with air assets in Afghanistan, including British Tornado GR4s based at Kandahar Airfield.
Flt Lt Benson said:
"We are here to support the troops on the ground by being their 'eyes in the sky', as well as bringing extra firepower; many times, just a 'show of force' - when we fly low over the enemy so that they can see us - can be enough, because they know the capability of the aircraft."
Like most pilots, the ambition to fly started early for Flt Lt Benson, aged 30. He said:
"I remember when I was about six years old, watching Lightning aircraft flying at RAF Binbrook with my dad and knowing that is what I wanted to do."
He joined the RAF in 2001:
"I always wanted to be a Tornado bomber pilot," he added, "and, when I found out that was the aircraft that I was going to fly, I was excited as well as nervous of the monumental challenges, both physically and mentally, that lay ahead of me."
Flight Lieutenant Tom Benson
[Picture: Sgt Rob Knight RLC, Crown Copyright/MOD 2009]
Based with 14 Squadron at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland, Flt Lt Benson flew the Tornado GR4 in support of operations in Iraq every year from 2005 to 2008.
The Tornado GR4 is fitted with RAPTOR (Reconnaissance Airborne Pod TORnado) and Litening III.
Using RAPTOR, the aircraft can provide high resolution images from distances in excess of 25 miles [40km], allowing intelligence to be gathered unnoticed.
The aircraft's intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance role is important in the battle against deadly improvised explosive devices.
Litening III, an advanced targeting pod, provides real-time imagery to soldiers on the ground, enabling them to see round corners and over the walls of Taliban compounds.
In March next year, Flt Lt Benson will be going to RAF Leeming, North Yorkshire, to be an instructor at the Joint Forward Air Control Training and Standards Unit (JFACTSU). There he will be training Forward Air Controllers who direct the action of combat aircraft engaged in close air support of land forces.
Flt Lt Benson said:
"I have missed my family and friends whilst I have been away, especially my girlfriend. I am really looking forward to coming home and enjoying my first pint of beer."
Speaking about his role in Afghanistan he added:
"It is rewarding knowing that you are helping the soldiers to get on with their job. I am always impressed by their professionalism and courage."