The Chinook’s primary duty in Mali is air transport, but they are also used for ISR missions.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing-Vertol CH-47 Chinook - СШАUSA - 1961

Dropping sling loads is a routine mission; the crews use the Hot Blaze exercise in Spain to practise flying in brown-out conditions.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing-Vertol CH-47 Chinook - СШАUSA - 1961

Four crews are available for the Apaches for missions from Gao.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: McDonnell Douglas AH-64D Apache Longbow - СШАUSA - 1991

Each Apache is armed with two AGM-114 Hellfire missiles mounted under the left wing, along with unguided rockets and a 30mm M230 chain gun with 300 rounds.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: McDonnell Douglas AH-64D Apache Longbow - СШАUSA - 1991

An RNLAF AH-64D over the River Niger in Mali. The Dutch have three Apaches and three Chinooks in theatre.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: McDonnell Douglas AH-64D Apache Longbow - СШАUSA - 1991

There is much more wear of the engines and the dust in Mali sticks more to the helicopters than in Afghanistan, where the Dutch were previously deployed.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: McDonnell Douglas AH-64D Apache Longbow - СШАUSA - 1991

The Apaches carry 19 unguided rockets in a pod under the right wing.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: McDonnell Douglas AH-64D Apache Longbow - СШАUSA - 1991