On August 1st, a powerful storm struck Fort Carson in Colorado, causing significant damage to several military helicopters stationed at the base. The exact number of helicopters damaged and the cost of repairs are still being assessed by the base's command.
Substantial Damage at Fort Carson
According to Tech Fort Carson is home to the 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, part of the 4th Infantry Division. According to a brief press release and images circulating on social media, the storm, characterized by strong winds, caused severe damage. Some helicopters were even toppled over by the force of the storm.
“At approximately 8:00 PM on August 1st, a weather event occurred at Butts Army Airfield. Preliminary reports indicate that it caused damage to multiple aircraft belonging to the 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. Various aircraft, including Apaches, Chinooks, and Black Hawks, sustained damage. The facilities at the helicopter airfield only suffered minor damage. A thorough investigation will be conducted to assess the full extent of the damages,” stated Fort Carson command in a press release.
Several Helicopters Damaged
Images show a Chinook helicopter with a damaged rotor. The Chinook, known for its unique design and often called the "flying banana," features two counter-rotating rotors located at opposite ends of its fuselage. The Chinook is approximately 30 meters long, can reach a maximum speed of over 300 km/h, and can carry up to 10 tons of cargo.
Other photographs show an AH-64 Apache attack helicopter and a UH-60 Black Hawk utility helicopter among the damaged aircraft. Both helicopters are well-known in military circles. Recently, the AH-64 Apache has been in the news in Poland due to ongoing negotiations to acquire 96 AH-64E Apache Guardians for the Polish Army. These attack helicopters are equipped with a 30 mm M230 chain gun and can carry Hellfire or Hydra 70 anti-tank missiles.
