Thanks a Million, Tornado

Aug 11 Issue 39

desthe magazine for defenceider equipment and support

Thanks a million, Tornado

Fast jets in focus − Typhoon and Tornado impress See inside

Welcome Warrior Goliath’s The future Warfare goes Voyager returns to war giant task is now on screen lockheedmartin.com/f35 NOT JUSTAN AIRCRAFT, THE UK’SAIRCRAFT

The F-35 Lightning II isn’t just a cutting-edge aircraft. It also demonstrates the power of collaboration. Today, a host of UK companies are playing their part in developing and building this next-generation F-35 ﬁ ghter. The F-35 programme is creating thousands of jobs throughout the country, as well as contributing LIGHTNINGLIGHTNING IIII to UK industrial and economic development. It’s enhancing the UK’s ability to compete in the global technology marketplace. F-35 Lightning II. Delivering prosperity and security.

UNITED KINGDOM

THE F-35 LIGHTNING II TEAM NORTHROP GRUMMAN BAE SYSTEMS PRATT & WHITNEY LOCKHEED MARTIN

301-61505_NotJust_Desider.indd 1 7/14/11 2:12 PM frontispiece 3 lockheedmartin.com/f35 Jackal helps keep the peace

Jackal cuts a dash on Highway 1 between Kabul and Kandahar, one of the most important routes in Afghanistan. Soldiers from the 9th/12th Royal Lancers have been helping to keep open a section of the road which locals use to transport anything from camels to cars. The men from the Lancers have the tough task of keeping the highway open along with members of 2 Kandak of the Afghan National Army, who man checkpoints along the road. NOT JUSTAN AIRCRAFT, Picture: Sergeant Alison Baskerville, Royal Logistic Corps THE UK’SAIRCRAFT

UNITED KINGDOM

THE F-35 LIGHTNING II TEAM NORTHROP GRUMMAN BAE SYSTEMS PRATT & WHITNEY LOCKHEED MARTIN

301-61505_NotJust_Desider.indd 1 7/14/11 2:12 PM august 2011 passed byaTornado onoperations inAfghanistan mainstay oftheRAF’sbombercapability. Themilestone was the fleetofground attack Tornados whichhasbecome the marking thepassing oftheonemillionthhourflyingby livery atRAFLossiemouth inScotland. Theaircraft was An RAFTornado GR4ispictured inspecialcommemorative cover image Insider 24 24 21 FEATURES 30 28 26

'Sand beast' setfor abigfront linerole Air power Typhoon hascome ofage One millionflyinghours –andcounting Action stations! Shipsprepare for war the needto goto sea. Royal Navywarfare officers realistic warfare training without A new synthetictraining system issetfor fulluseat the needsofthosewhowilluseit intheatre. improved protection, mobilityandhabitability inresponse to known asWarrior Theatre EntryStandard (Herrick),has The new standard of theWarrior Infantry FightingVehicle, 21st century battlespace. always remain critical to thedefence ofUKinterests inthe Air Force anditsaircraft ashepledges thatairpower will Defence Secretary DrLiamFox praises thework oftheRoyal the aircraft as'spectacular' . detachment's pilots, whohasdescribedtheperformance of in theskiesover Libya, hasbeenpraised byoneofthe The RAF'smulti-role fighter, currently performing duties to fly16,000times round theglobe. a staggering onemillionflyinghours, enough for oneaircraft currently servinginAfghanistan andLibya, have clocked up The RAF'sground attack Tornados, someofwhichare Collingwood

andDevonport later thisyear whichwillgive Picture: SAC Phil Cooke Phil SAC Picture:

HMS HMS 18 13 12 14 10 8 6&7 NEWS

ukclosing in onCarrierVariant Voyager makes itspublicdebut Dr Fox backscarrier programme announced on the replacement Airseeker project. project. Airseeker onannounced the replacement is progress further as time same the at service years' 37 after retired have Nimrods two last The Nimrod R1bows out Eurocopter's facility nearMarseille. has madeasuccessful one-hourmaidenflightfrom The first oftheupgraded PumaMk2helicopters kit. of pieces key on to laptopcomputers them help weather keep tabs all- latest the with equipped be will troops British the year. of theJointStrike Fighter for testing bytheendof DE&S ishopingto acquire aCarrierVariant version Royal International AirTattoo atRAFFairford made itspublicdebutwhenitwasshown offatthe Voyager, theRAF'snext air-to-air refuelling tanker, Laptops make front linelife easier maximise capability saystheDefence Secretary. the CarrierVariant oftheJointStrike Fighter, will The first ofthenew carriers, converted to operate unveiled. been have future in run be will MOD the how for vision his in Levene Lord of findings the and 2015 after budget equipment the to Increases 2020 visionanddefence reform Puma 2onmaidenflight

. NEWS Bernard Gray 19 Goliath is ready for its giant task The huge Goliath crane is now in place as it prepares to begin work assembling parts of the first of the new aircraft carriers. Chief of Defence Materiel 20 Re-supply gets a training boost Work has begun on a new training facility ‘We will need to nail down to teach personnel how to transfer vital supplies safely from ship to ship at sea. requirements harder to avoid ambiguity and cost, and we need to make users aware of the high PEOPLE NEWS costs of changing their minds’

38 Abbey Wood out in front Report, results and pictures from the MOD's annual sports day in Bath. Dear Colleagues, manage within the existing The Secretary of State’s budget, rather than accepting 39 Firestorm work earns reward announcement to Parliament an increase and slipping Support for the Firestorm system has won a on 18 July marked an DE&S engineer a leading award. expenditure to later years. We important moment for the have certainty, and we have a Ministry of Defence and DE&S. discipline. It summarised the results of This outcome also dovetails the so-called “Three-Month nicely with the outcome of desider Exercise” that has been Lord Levene’s work on defence Assistant Head, Public Relations: running since April, as well as reform. While this does not Ralph Dunn - 9352 30257 or 0117 9130257 a number of other outcomes touch DE&S very directly (that [email protected] of the SDSR, including studies work has been left for The on basing and the Reserves. Materiel Strategy later in the Deputy Editor: But it is the conclusions about year), defence reform does Steve Moore - 9352 30537 or 0117 9130537 the future defence programme [email protected] envisage responsibility and that are most important for accountability for budgets DE&S. being moved from the centre Distribution Manager: Dick Naughton - 9352 34342 or 0117 9134342 The work over the course of the MOD to the Armed [email protected] of spring and early summer Forces. This will allow the has sought to make sure Commands to make more Advertising: we balance the proposed informed decisions about how Shun Tamura – Ten Alps Publishing, 1 New Oxford equipment programme with to spend their budgets, but Street, High Holborn, London WC1A 1NU the cash available over the will also place a responsibility Tel: +44 (0)20 7657 1810. Fax: +44 (0)207 7379 7155 whole of the coming decade, on them for the choices they [email protected] not just over the next two or make. As a result of the two three years, as would normally pieces of work, Front Line be the case. This change is Commands will know what important because, as many their funding is through of you will recognise, we often the decade, and can make Printing: start spending money on informed choices about how projects many years ahead of to spend that money, including the moment when they reach with us in new procurement their peak, so we can become and support. committed to large projects I am sure this change will which we may not be able to be good for defence, but it desider is distributed free of charge to DE&S employees and the equipment capability sponsor. Copies can also afford. will demand changes from be made available to readers outside the MOD, including One of the good parts us in DE&S. We need to be those in the defence industries. While the editorial team about the result of the Three more certain about initial takes care to ensure all material produced is accurate, no liability can be accepted for errors or omissions. Month Exercise is that we cost estimates because we Views expressed in desider, and the products and now have clarity about the cannot afford cost growth services advertised, are not necessarily endorsed by total equipment funding for later. We will need to nail DE&S or the MOD. the department over the next down requirements harder to © Crown Copyright ten years. This will enable us avoid ambiguity and cost, and to plan with certainty, and be we need to make users aware This magazine is produced clear about what we can, and of the high costs of changing on Cocoon Silk 90gsm which cannot afford. Of course, it has their minds. This is as much a contains 50 per cent recycled its downsides too: we will not cultural change as a technical and de-inked pulp from post consumer waste and Forest be able to afford everything we move, and it will be difficult. Stewardship Council certified would like to have, and if the But the gain in improvements material from well-managed costs of programmes increase, to programme management forests. we will have to find ways to will be well worth the effort. 6 defence reform

Basing review 2020 vision takes shape signals changes The equipment budget will increase by more than £3 New helicopters among list of kit • Former RAF bases billion during the Spending and existing Army bases Review period after 2015, the confirmed for 2014 onwards in the east of England Government confirmed on 18 will accommodate one July. Army multi-role brigade The longer-term vision for (MRB), concentrated in Cottesmore, the make up of the military – new Joint Strike Fighter fast Navy, Army and RAF are given North Luffenham, Future Force 2020 – will be jets (known as Lightning the tools they need to do their Bassingbourn and secured by this one per cent II) delivering Carrier Strike vital work. Woodbridge. a year real terms increase in capability from 2020; “The Government has the planned equipment and • Development of the Global committed to deliver a • Lyneham will be the equipment support programme. Combat Ship; package of new money, further preferred location Funding will allow DE&S to • Three new Airseeker signals efficiencies, and adjustment to for future Defence Technical Training. order more equipment over the intelligence and surveillance the future defence equipment next decade, including: aircraft in 2014; programme, turning the • The other Army • Upgraded Warrior armoured unfunded aspirations of the last MRB will be in • 14 extra Chinook helicopters vehicles; Government into real contracts Scotland, centred on from 2014 onwards; and real equipment. Edinburgh. The base at • The Queen Elizabeth aircraft Defence Secretary Dr Liam "For the first time in a Kirknewton, south west carrier conversion to catapult Fox said: “I am determined to generation, the MOD will have of Edinburgh, will be developed into a major and arrestor gear (‘cats & maintain Britain’s position in brought its plans and budget Army base. traps’); the international premier league broadly into balance, allowing • Initial spending on the and to ensure that our Royal it to plan with confidence for • The Typhoon Force the delivery of the future will be built up at RAF equipment programme.” Lossiemouth which Funding is part of will become the base broader work to implement for the Northern Quick Reaction Alert missions. the Strategic Defence and Leuchars will cease Security Review (SDSR), to be an RAF base but including the publication will be used to house of the Basing and Reserves two major Army units Reviews. The Future Reserves and a headquarters. Study 2020 (FR20) identified Flying will continue that the Army can meet the at both Leuchars and Lossiemouth until at vision for Future Force 2020 least 2013. in a more cost effective way, by changing the balance • It is also planned that between Regulars and Army units will move Reserves. into Kinloss around The department will 2014/15. plan for an Army of around • The military footprint 120,000 made up of Regulars in Scotland overall and Reserves with a ratio of will increase over the about 70 per cent regulars to coming decade. Uplift in capability: 14 more Chinooks will be available after 2014 30 per cent Territorial Army.

• The Army’s Project Avanti has also been working on proposals for restructuring Equipment balance = renewed confidence its personnel and support function. At Through the combination of the funding Germany, means the Armed Forces’ estate Regional Brigade announcement and substantial savings delivered requirements will change. As a result, the MOD level, the Army will through tough decisions taken in the SDSR, the has reviewed its future basing needs. maintain all ten Brigade Government will have addressed the inherited The driving force behind the review of basing headquarters. The project recommends multi-billion pound deficit in the forward defence is the military requirement. By 2020, the Army disbanding HQ 2nd programme. will be made up of five multi role brigades (MRB) Division at Edinburgh, For the first time in a generation, the MOD of around 6,000 people. HQ 4th Division at will have brought its future plans and future These brigades need to be geographically Aldershot and HQ 5th budget into close alignment, allowing it to plan close to suitable training areas so they can Division at Shrewsbury with greater confidence for the delivery of the prepare for deployment. and replacing them all equipment programme. On manning the Prime Minister with a single 2* support command, which will The MOD will publish a fully funded and commissioned an independent review of the be based in Aldershot. balanced ten-year Equipment Plan next month Reserve Forces known as the Future Reserves 19 Light Brigade in and the National Audit Office will conduct an 2020 Study (FR20). This was led by Vice Chief of Northern Ireland should affordability audit of this – the first of its kind. the Defence Staff, General Sir Nicholas Houghton, be disbanded. Moving towards Future Force 2020, and working alongside Julian Brazier MP and returning the 20,000 personnel stationed in Lieutenant General (retd) Graeme Lamb. defence reform 7

Levene Levene looks to take MOD also said . . . Selected observations: n CDM has into the 21st century a crucial role in managing the consequences of the over-committed equipment and support programme and should have the authority he needs to do that. n CDM should be a member of the new Defence Board. n We endorse the decision to give CDM the lead for commercial and industrial policy on behalf of defence. n The department should consider whether making Key recommendations CDM an additional Accounting Officer n Extra powers for the single service chiefs to run their for expenditure on services, including increased control of equipment equipment and support programmes and greater freedom to flex within their would strengthen his budgets, as part of a much clearer framework of authority. accountability and control; n We welcome n A smaller but stronger and more strategic Defence increased use of the Board that will take major decisions, set direction, and independent costing Above: Dr Fox visits BAE Systems to meet workers hold the services and the rest of the department to capability provided by building the Royal Navy's new aircraft carriers account; the Cost Assurance n The creation of a new Joint Forces Command, with a and Analysis Service. new military commander, to oversee and integrate joint The department should Defence Secretary Dr Liam military capabilities which currently sit across the three mandate the use of this Fox has welcomed the findings single services – including cyber warfare and military service more broadly of Lord Levene in his vision for intelligence – to foster an increasingly joint approach across defence to how the MOD will run and be within defence as a whole; support investment decisions and planning. managed in the future. n A greater focus on affordability, with enhanced n There needs Dr Fox said: “Since becoming budgetary discipline and a cost conscious mentality at every level of the MOD. to be a disciplined Defence Secretary, I have been n Streamlined decision making supported by a interface between determined to bring the way the simpler structure with fewer senior posts, clearer DE&S and its MOD is run into the 21st century. responsibilities, and greater accountability; customers. It is for “The existing structure and n Making better use of people, including filling posts the customers – the lack of accountability contributed with the right person, with the right skills, and keeping Commands – to decide on their requirements, to the dire financial position we them in post for longer; and new, more joint personnel management for senior military officers. in line with the inherited. We must take action Command Plan agreed to tackle the drivers of structural with the Defence financial instability and the Board. Command institutional lack of accountability TLBs should be closely endemic across defence, dealing advised by DE&S with the root of our problems as oversight measures will ensure needs to change. As a result, many which should only take responsibility for well as the problems themselves. they will be properly held to of the proposals in our report are delivering projects it “Lord Levene’s report will account for so doing. designed to help prevent defence judges are technically help us deliver this, beginning Lord Levene’s report – from falling back into such a poor feasible and properly the most radical shake up the ‘Defence Reform: An independent financial situation in the future. resourced. MOD has seen in a generation. report into the structure and That is not a distraction from n On science and Together with the Chief of the management of the MOD’ – also providing the military capability technology, such advice Defence Staff and Permanent recommends a review of all the country needs; it is essential plays an important role in acquisition decision- Secretary, I will transform Lord senior non-front line military to it.˝ making, and should Levene’s recommendations into and civilian posts to determine The next phase will include be factored in to the meaningful change.” whether they are needed and, legally required impact process from an early One of the key aims of the if so, whether they should be assessments on some of the enough stage; report is to empower the military, civilian or military. proposals, and a number of the n On logistics, the allowing single service chiefs to Lord Levene said: “The recommendations affecting MOD question of whether take greater control of their own financial crisis in defence that the civil servants will be subject to logistics support to the Forces is best allocated budgets and advise Government is tackling has been formal consultation with the carried out by DE&S, or on the best balance between well-documented. We looked into trades unions. The MOD will elsewhere in defence manpower, training, equipment the underlying organisational also work with the Treasury on should be examined and support etc that are needed to causes of the crisis and found that how best to move to this new as part of the detailed deliver the defence requirement. the way defence is structured and model, with its greater measure design of the JFC, This will ensure that they can managed contributed to the loss of delegation from the centre of working closely with CDM. drive capability planning. New of control over the budget, and the department to budget holders. 8 news

NEWSREEL Attacker keeps coalition forces on the front foot Sub work well A new Imagery Management and Exploitation Reference Libraries (IRLs) with exploitation software, system has been delivered by a DE&S team to by prime contractor Goodrich ISR Systems along with on course intelligence units in Afghanistan. platform design authorities and D ISS engineers. The Attacker project, an ISTAR system delivered Project manager Colin Bates said: “Attacker uses Work continues by the Imagery and Geospatial (IMAGE) team, the principle of the Nato Coalition Shared Database to implement the achieved initial operating capability last December. to provide a structured and distributed library system decision to make In the past, imagery has been collected by, to store imagery intelligence with meta-data which Clyde naval base among others, Hermes 450, Reaper, Sentinel and makes information easily found and retrieved. the main operating Tornado, developed into intelligence and issued to “This is a significant leap forward in achieving base for all of the commanders. It was mainly carried out in isolation improved access to imagery and, through the UK's submarines. and not easily available for wider dissemination. implementation of Nato standards, interoperability Peter Luff, Minister Attacker aims to store collected imagery with our coalition partners.” for Defence intelligence in a structured library and make it Attacker enables imagery to be collected once Equipment, Support available to other analysts. This has been achieved and used many times and establishes a UK model for and Technology through a set of interconnected Intelligence future imagery storage and integration acquisition. told Parliament the deep maintenance of all submarines will continue to be conducted in Devonport. As the engineering support Dr Fox backs carriers to for submarines at Clyde will be delivered by the same contractor maximise capability using similar materials and man hours, the Government has The first of the Royal Navy’s assessed that the new aircraft carriers, converted cost of submarine to operate the Carrier Variant of maintenance will remain broadly the the Joint Strike Fighter, WILL same. maximise UK Carrier Strike capability. Big in Japan That was the message from Defence Secretary Dr Liam Fox Eurofighter in reply to the National Audit partner companies Office's June report into the have been in Tokyo project’s value for money. to deepen the “The NAO noted that our strategic partnership decision to build the second new with Japan. Senior executives from aircraft carrier makes financial BAE Systems, sense, supports UK industry Alenia Aeronautica, and the significant cost and and Cassidian in capability advantages of the Spain and Germany aircraft we now plan to fly from discussed strategic it. next steps and Above: Vice-Admiral Charles Montgomery, centre, starts the steel cut “Converting one of the Queen held talks with Ambassadors of Elizabeth class aircraft carriers the four consortium to operate the more capable and member-nations – ‘A tremendous asset for cost-effective Carrier Variant the UK, Germany, of the Joint Strike Fighter Italy and Spain. protecting global interests’ fast jet will maximise our Eurofighter, its military capability and enhance partner companies Construction on the forward “By routinely carrying a Joint interoperability with our allies. and the four island structure for the firstQueen Force Air Group they will deliver member-nations Elizabeth aircraft carrier has begun air power from the sea wherever “Operating the Carrier are working to in Portsmouth. and whenever required and in a Variant fast jet will also over strengthen relations Employees and guests stronger and more decisive form the longer-term offset the with Japan. watched as Second Sea Lord and than ever before.” conversion costs. Commander in Chief Naval Home Geoff Searle, Programme “In the meantime we have Command, Vice-Admiral Charles Director for the Aircraft Carrier rightly assessed that we can Prompt payers Montgomery cut the first steel. Alliance, said: “With all but Housing the bridge and one section of the ship now rely on our extensive basing and The MOD paid navigation systems for the carriers, in production, we are seeing over-flight rights as we are doing 94.75 per cent of the forward island is fundamental significant progress, with to great effect in Libya.” its invoices from to the effective command and thousands of people across the The NAO report expressed all suppliers within control of the vessel. country working to deliver the concern that continuing five working days The island also includes the nation’s flagships to our armed over the last 12 difficulties in balancing the vessel’s long range radar, providing forces.” defence budget would leave months, according wide area surveillance up to 400 The two-island configuration to the latest figures. kilometres. will mean carrier flying operations Carrier Strike vulnerable The department, Vice-Admiral Montgomery will be separate from the running to further change and that a signatory to the said: “The Queen Elizabeth class of the vessels, resulting in there were major risks in Prompt Payment will be joint assets for defence maximum flexibility. BAE Systems reconstituting Carrier Strike Code, aims to pay and, as such, will be a fundamental will also build the aft island with capability after a decade without at least 80 per cent component of the UK’s joint production expected to start in the within that target. it. capability over the coming decades. autumn. n Carrier update: page 19 Towards a safer world

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n HMS Diamond, the third of the six Type 45 destroyers, has entered service following extensive sea trials. Vigilant back Newly-appointed Head of Destroyers at DE&S, Cdre Stephen Braham, said: in the water “This is a reflection of the continued HMS Vigilant is pictured in impressive progress achieved on the Type water for the first time since 45 programme. dry docking in November “Now, as HMS Diamond joins her two 2008. in-service sister ships, HMS Daring and As reported in last HMS Dauntless, we can reflect that we have month’s desider the Vanguard effectively moved past the midway point in class ballistic missile accepting into service this superb class of submarine has been in ships. Devonport undergoing her “The balance for us is therefore subtly, £300 million Long Overhaul yet increasingly shifting, as our focus Period (Refuel) carried out by moves from being one of executing a build Babcock. programme to that of supporting a highly The successful advanced and powerful in-service class of achievement of flood-up warship, capable of contributing effectively signals completion of around to a wide range of maritime, joint and 80 per cent of the work coalition operations worldwide.” programme on HMS Vigilant. The ship's first operational deployment is due in a few months’ time. n Diamond goes to ‘war’: page 21-23 Laptops make life easier on the front line

BRITISH troops will be equipped with the latest all-weather laptop computers to help them keep tabs on key pieces of kit. DE&S has signed a £30 million deal to provide 12,500 portable PCs for disconnected exploitation of the Joint Asset Management Solutions (JAMES) capability, which went into service at the end Laptops, a vital part of of last year. front-line kit. DE&S JAMES Capability Manager Stewart Ward said it would Picture courtesy of enable personnel to manage any of nine million pieces of Armed Soldier magazine Forces’ land-based equipment from wherever they were based in the world. “The JAMES deployed system will assist with the management and maintenance of assets from vehicles to small arms, basically anything with a serial number, which could be on the parade ground in Warminster or on the front line of DE&S socks it to the troops! Afghanistan,” he said. “It knows where it is, where it has been, what Innovative bacteria-zapping doesn’t allow a pause to change into it has done and what state it is in. socks which are 100 per cent dry socks after wading. They will “If you need a 30mm gun it will tell you where waterproof are to be issued to troops greatly help our forces to focus on one is available, and whether it is on a Warrior or in Afghanistan. the job in hand.” a CVR(T), for example.” The knee length socks are Andrew Dahl, managing director He added: “It gives visibility of assets from filled with antimicrobial properties, of SealSkinz, which is based in the front line all the way back to the depot and similar to those found in medical King’s Lynn, Norfolk, added: “We brings the whole of defence into a single view for dressings, and will provide troops are delighted to be awarded this with enhanced protection from the contract. the first time.” wet and cold conditions they may “It has come about following Laptops have already been delivered to encounter in the field. significant development work and personnel from 4 Mechanized Brigade in April. Secured under a £1.6 million, helps to demonstrate the real The devices are built to withstand rain four-year contract with Norfolk benefits of what is a unique and, for showers and duststorms and can cope with based company SealSkinz, they are many still, an unusual product.” shocks, vibrations and survive being dropped also much warmer than conventional The socks will be issued to from a height of 1.2 metres. socks. troops as part of their black bag, Colonel Stephen James, DE&S' personal clothing allowance from Peter Molyneux from manufacturer Getac Defence Clothing team leader, said: late next year. said: “It looks rugged and it is. It’s a notebook- “These new socks will be a real The SealSkinz waterproof socks tablet hybrid – troops can use the keyboard or if asset to our troops on the ground. use unique technology that combines preferred the touch screen for data input. They are warm and offer complete a waterproof breathable membrane “Our guys out there will be operating in protection against the wet which is layer into a close fitting thermal difficult environments and the computer is an essential when the tactical situation sock. important tool, so it has to work.” 8837tl Defence IT advert (A4).pdf 9/5/11 10:57:51

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NEWSREEL Carriers still Staff switch to Abbey Wood confirmed on top

The move to the The move of MOD staff from Bath to Abbey Wood departments before they are offered for sale on the F-35C (Carrier by March 2013 has been confirmed following open market. Variant) joint consultation with trades unions. Mr Robathan said: “In these difficult times combat aircraft Around 1,400 people employed at three sites the MOD must continue to drive down support and and associated in Bath (Ensleigh, Foxhill and Warminster Road) estate costs wherever possible and this relocation modifications to the will relocate to Bristol saving around £39.5 million will result in savings. This is why, after fully Queen Elizabeth over 15 years contributing to the MOD’s continued considering the concerns expressed to me, I have class aircraft carrier rationalisation of the defence estate. decided that, on balance, relocation from Bath to will provide the UK Defence Under-Secretary Andrew Robathan Abbey Wood represents the most cost effective and with a world class met local MPs, the local authority and trades efficient solution for the department. capability from unions and extended consultation to the end of “I understand that the move to Bristol will 2020, Peter Luff, June to consider points they raised. represent a significant challenge for staff and we Minister for Defence Mr Robathan has decided that moving to Abbey will provide them with a package of support to help Equipment, Support Wood remains the most cost effective and efficient them through the transition, including allowances and Technology has solution for defence. Moves are due to start in for additional travel costs. again underlined. autumn 2012 and will complete by March 2013. "We will work with the local authority and “The joint strike Relocation of these staff is in addition to public transport providers to further develop our fighter fleet will the move of 1,200 DE&S staff who are already sustainable transport strategies for Abbey Wood be jointly manned relocating to Abbey Wood by next March. and we will continue to work closely with the by the RAF and the The Bath sites will be offered for disposal, with trades unions on all issues affecting staff.” Royal Navy. Navy Foxhill and Warminster Road becoming available This decision follows the Strategic Defence and and Air Commands first and Ensleigh being retained for a longer Security Review which will result in the reduction are developing plans period until IT systems housed there drop out of of MOD staff numbers, including those based at to sustain and then service. Abbey Wood over the next four years. This has re-grow the skills In line with usual MOD estate procedures, enabled DE&S to open up office space at Abbey and experience priority will be given to other Government Wood for other MOD organisations. required to regenerate carrier strike capability,” he said.

Fatigue life Puma 2 on debut flight Fatigue life of the RAF Typhoon fleet is 6,000 flying hours per airframe which is sufficient to meet the planned out of service date of 2030, Peter Luff, Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology, has said. Fatigue life of the RAF Tornado GR4 fleet is 7,000 flying hours per airframe, with a small number cleared to 7,500. Testing will verify an increased fatigue life of 8,000 hours sufficient to meet the planned out of The first upgraded Puma Mk2 The Life Extension aircraft to RAF Benson in mid- service date of 2021. aircraft has made a successful Programme (LEP) delivers 2012 and completes in 2014. maiden flight. a major improvement in the First flight demonstrates that the The one-hour flight was aircraft including new Makila programme is making progress Seminar date carried out from Eurocopter’s engines, a glass cockpit, modern towards these goals. Former 2nd facility at Marignane, near avionics including a digital DE&S Puma 2 Gazelle leader, Permanent Marseille, France. flight control system, integrated Gp Capt Malcolm French, Under-Secretary The trial installation aircraft defensive aids and enhanced said: “I am delighted that the at the MOD Sir Ian is the first helicopter to be navigation and communications programme has achieved this Andrews will be the modified under the Puma Life systems. These changes important milestone. It is the next speaker at the Extension Programme which will improve the safety and first step on a programme of Defence Academy’s will extend the operational performance of the aircraft. flight testing to proceed over the lunchtime seminars. He will speak on 15 life of the Puma helicopter The prime contract for second half of 2011. September in the fleet and significantly enhance Puma LEP development and “Preparation for first flight Abbey Wood lecture its capability, making it in production was placed with has required a tremendous theatre at 1pm. many respects the UK’s best Eurocopter UK, based in amount of hard work from the Bookings to 96161 performing medium helicopter Kidlington, in September 2009, MOD and industry teams and 4828 in demanding hot, high and with a challenging timescale their combined effort deserves ‘brown out’ conditions. which delivers the first modified emphatic congratulations.” news 13

NEWSREEL Goodbye to the Nimrod Crash findings are reversed

The pilots in the Waddington hosts fly-past to mark 1994 Chinook crash on the Mull of Kintyre have been end of 37 years’ service cleared of all blame. An independent review led by Lord Right: the Philip released on 13 final Nimrod July recommended makes a fly- previous findings past at RAF that the pilots were Waddington grossly negligent should be set aside. Defence Secretary Dr Liam Fox said: “I set up this Review in the face of continued criticism of the official conclusion that the accident was caused by the final two Nimrods – the negligence to a R1 intelligence gathering version gross degree and – have retired after 37 years’ my own fear that an operational service. injustice had been Following the retirement of done. The Review the Nimrod MR2 fleet last year, concludes that this . . . while CDM puts pen to finding should be the two aircraft, in service with set aside. I hope 51 Squadron, bowed out to a that this will bring 700-strong audience of serving paper on Airseeker support some comfort to the and retired RAF personnel families of the pilots at a ceremony held at RAF and I would like to Waddington. apologise on behalf of the MOD for the Chief of the Air Staff, Air sorrow which was Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton, caused to them.� said: “There is no question this aircraft has given us the ability to do things that would be very Gas detection much more difficult, and could have cost us more, if we hadn't KeTech of had it.” Nottingham has The Nimrod R1 flew over been awarded a Afghanistan in support of contract for Residual Operation Herrick for ten Vapour Detectors. The contract covers years, making it one of 51 modification of the Squadron’s longest operational RVD design and commitments. then manufacture Due for retirement at the end of several thousand of March this year, the Nimrod of the detectors. R1 was given a three-month RVDs are used by reprieve to enable participation Chief of Defence Materiel Bernard Gray has formally signed the British troops as agreement to guarantee support to the UK’s Rivet Joint systems. an ‘unmasking aid’. in Operation Ellamy, supporting Mr Gray was joined by Derek Whittaker, Airseeker's Delivery They can detect the Nato mission over Libya. Manager, above left, and Paul Fielding-Fox, Airseeker Logistic Support residual amounts The replacement for the Manager, in signing the Sustainment and Follow-on Development of nerve agents and Nimrod R1 will be the Rivet Joint Memorandum of Understanding between the US and UK Governments. mustard gas in less aircraft – known at DE&S as The deal formally establishes a co-operative agreement through than a minute. the Airseeker project – due into to 2025 for the support of the systems being procured from the US service with the RAF in 2014. Government through a Foreign Military Sales case. Valued at around $850 million, the memorandum enables the UK Dynamic move For now, RAF crews from to access spares to support its in-service equipment, provides US General Dynamics 51 Squadron are already co- contractor assistance in country and on deployment, and covers deep UK is investing manning US Rivet Joint aircraft, maintenance of the aircraft fleet that includes capability updates every another £12 million continuing their support to four years. at Oakdale in operations. Gwent to localise Watching the Nimrod’s all its Wales-based final flight, RAF Waddington Responsibility for the Met Office is to activities. The Station Commander, Group Met pass from the MOD to the Department for first phase sees a Captain Chris Jones, said: “The Office Business, Innovation and Skills. dedicated facility Nimrod has delivered a fantastic The MOD wil continue to call on the Met opened by the end of this year to deliver service to the RAF and at RAF Office, and its vital role in supporting the makes the key Scout SV Waddington since 1995. And it's Armed Forces in the UK and overseas will not programme for the a fitting way to say farewell.” switch be affected by the transfer. British Army. 14 news

A Voyager aircraft, which will provide the RAF’s future air-to-air refuelling capability, makes its first contact with a Tornado aircraft over the Irish Sea close to the Isle of Man. The Tornado is a BAE Systems-owned aircraft. Air-to-air testing began in late June at altitudes of between 10,000 and 30,000 feet at speeds of up to 325 knots. Wet contacts, where fuel is actually passed from tanker to receiver, was due to take place last month. Sorties have been conducted from Boscombe Down with QinetiQ support. The first Voyager, a specially converted A330 Airbus, is due at RAF Brize Norton in the autumn. Picture: Airbus Military Training building Voyager wows RIAT to opens early impress on public debut The new facility for training personnel who will operate the RAF’s Voyager has been flown Voyager at RIAT and, inset, Dr Liam Fox new air tanker service by an RAF pilot at the Royal was officially opened Pictures: Andrew Linnett and Andy Perryman ahead of schedule on International Air Tattoo (RIAT), 20 June at RAF Brize Fairford, for its first public Norton. appearance. Service provider Fourteen aircraft and a AirTanker has built the complete support package are new facility alongside being provided to the RAF the AirTanker hub, under a 27-year £10.5 billion opened earlier this year. The building will Private Finance Initiative be run by the training (PFI) contract signed with the service integrator AirTanker consortium. Thales Training and In addition to the aircraft, Simulation and will help the service will provide training train air and ground and maintenance, and brand crew in classrooms and new purpose-built buildings at on a full flight simulator Work continues to RAF Brize Norton, the RAF’s air support full introduction transport hub. of the first aircraft, a Defence Secretary, Dr converted A330 Airbus, Liam Fox, who attended the 15 of the aircraft, including into service later in July naming ceremony, said: associated support and training the year. The A330-200 “This magnificent aircraft is to provide that capability lies is a modern aircraft the future for the RAF’s air-to- with industry,” he said. delivering high levels of capability, reliability, air refuelling and passenger Voyager has a colossal 60 flexibility and economy. transport capability.” metre wingspan and is nearly garage forecourt petrol pump When the full Chris Dell, leader of DE&S’ 60 metres long. It is a dual role delivers fuel at 40 litres per service operating Strategic Transport and Air-to- tanker and transport aircraft minute. 14 aircraft is up Air Refuelling team, added that and will replace the long- Chief of the Air Staff, Air and running in 2016 it was a pleasure to see Voyager serving VC-10 and TriStar. Chief Marshal Sir Stephen there will be 500 on show to the public for the It is a considerable capability Dalton, said: “Voyager is the people working on the programme, 200 first time. boost, able to carry almost 300 airborne part of a flexible and civilians and 300 RAF “When it comes into troops more than 6,000 miles cost effective whole-service personnel. service Voyager will provide and to refuel other aircraft with contract which will enable the Military missions a step change in capability. 100,000 litres of fuel − greater rapid movement of personnel will be flown by and The innovative PFI contract than two large petrol tankers. around the world and provide under control of the structure ensures the risk of Voyager can refuel aircraft at a unprecedented global reach to RAF. ownership and availability rate of 5,000 litres per minute – a our combat aircraft.” news 15 Now Ambush shapes up NEWSREEL Minister heads for conference to prove she has teeth too Peter Luff, Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology, will be the keynote Second Astute speaker at Modern Infantry and FIND boat passes 2011, two events on military equipment weapons co-organised by Shephard and ADS, the UK’s organisation handling tests for Aerospace, Defence and Security, at the National Shooting Centre Weapon shapes have been at Bisley on 9-11 fired by Ambush, the second November. Astute class submarine, as part of its testing and commissioning programme. Successful launches were made from all tubes in a test of the submarine’s Babcock- designed weapons handling and launch system (WHLS). The Astute class system is smaller, quieter, and more flexible than previous Royal Navy submarines, optimising firing Luke moves profiles for the range of weapon Luke Van Beek, types that the system can carry. above, involved in The submarine is being built writing the maritime by BAE Systems, and a series of chapter of the 2005 tests was carried out at its site Defence Industrial Strategy while in Barrow-in-Furness in June, Another milestone successfully passed: Ambush, pictured at Barrow-in- a commodore in involving firing of Tomahawk Furness the Royal Navy, is missile and Spearfish torpedo the new Business shapes which confirmed Development successful operation of the During the weapons trials WHLS as we work towards the Director at Raytheon weapons stowage compartment a large crane lifted the weapon future launch of fuelled weapons UK. Mr Van Beek, (WSC) and launch system. shapes onto special embarkation during sea trials.” who has moved from The WHLS comprises rails, from where they were BAE Systems Commissioning consultancy Mott Macdonald, was equipment to embark, store, manoeuvred into the WSC before Manager for Ambush, Jeff awarded a CBE in reposition and load weapons into being fired. Nesbitt, added: “This was the 2007 for his services the torpedo tubes. The weapons trials were culmination of a very busy period to UK defence Configuration of the weapons witnessed by DE&S Chief of for the production and testing procurement. in the WSC provides the highest Materiel (Fleet) Vice-Admiral teams, where the weapons packing density of weapons, Andrew Mathews. discharge programme and with the capability to carry more Babcock Project Director weapon embarkation had to be Green MOD torpedoes and tube-launched Gavin Borland said: “These trials carefully integrated with other missiles than any other class of have successfully demonstrated complex elements of the build Between 14 May Royal Navy submarine. the integrity and operation of the programme.” 2010 and 13 May 2011, the MOD reduced carbon dioxide emissions from its office estate More contracts mount up on next Astutes by 14.8 per cent, the latest figures show. Under the Babcock has received the full The Astute class WHLS is made for the placement of the Boat 5 Green Government contract to provide its weapon up of more than 20,000 components, contract and the Boat 6 long lead Commitments, the handling and launch system (WHLS) it is capable of carrying more opportunity demonstrates the long MOD is committed for the fifth submarine in theAstute torpedoes and tube-launched term commitment between BAE to deliver a 25 per class. missiles than any previous class Systems and Babcock. cent reduction in Babcock has designed and of Royal Navy submarine, and is “BAE and Babcock have adopted greenhouse gases supplied WHLS for the first four smaller, quieter, and more flexible, a one-team approach to meeting by 2014-15. The Astute class boats (Astute, Ambush, optimising firing profiles for the the enormous challenges both MOD is still collating Artful and Audacious) under earlier range of weapon types that the commercially and technically of emission data for contracts. system can carry. supplying such a complex scope of June 2011 which The latest contract follows an BAE Systems Head of Supply supply. Dedication and excellent will also include earlier contract for the long-lead Chain – Complex Systems, George support provided to the programme emissions from its items, and is accompanied by a long- Teasdale, said: “The signing of the by Babcock have enabled the signing operational estate. lead items contract for Boat 6. Performance Partnering Agreement of the PPA.” 16 news

New air traffic control tower gears up for full operations

Busy: Bastion's control tower, (left), has become as busy as a medium-sized civil airport tower in the UK

Camp Bastion’s new air traffic control of ADATS said: “This was a highly tower, set to achieve full operating successful build and highlighted the capability before the end of the year, has distinctive qualities of the ADATS been well received by RAF controllers. design staff and in particular the ADATS The tower is currently handling installation team. around 14,500 aircraft movements per “It is difficult to see how such a unique month at the Afghanistan base, up from and complex task could have been carried just a handful a day five years ago. It is out by any other agency.” more than most civil airports in the UK. Stephen Hodgson, ADATS Chief “In terms of facilities Bastion’s Engineer, added: “Maintop involved tower is one of the best we have almost every aspect of the team in the RAF,˝ said Sqn Ldr Tommy – design, construction, logistics, O’Flaherty, the senior controller at installation, acquisition – but critically Bastion’s Bastion. the management skills to deliver such a “Bastion air traffic control is project of this scale, on time and under the most challenging air traffic budget. environment. This is a brand new “This speaks volumes for the level of controllers facility, purpose built for the job.˝ service and capability the team is able It is testament to DE&S’ Air to provide. With compressed timescales Defence and Air Traffic Systems and geographical constraints, the team (ADATS) whose work on team’s response was impressive and heap Operation Maintop – to ensure professional; delivery of some of the controllers have the best facilities major equipment contracts by industry to cope with increased traffic in a was particularly challenging. unique operating environment – “Indeed, the versatility of ADATS praise delivered initial operating capability and 90 SU staff detached in theatre over inside 13 months. the equipment installation phase was Normal timescales of 18- paramount to achieving the goal.” 24 months were compressed by ADATS is now working towards full on DE&S ADATS’ determination along with operating capability with installation the work of 90 SU Aerials, FEKA and commissioning of fixed navigational (tower contractor) and the Royal aids. Work has already started with Engineers. The project has involved the installation of a Tacan (tactical air teamwork up to 50 team members at various navigation) TRN 26 and equipment times who were also working on the shelter. rest of the day-to-day outputs of the Two instrument landing systems will ADATS team. be maintained by 90 SU personnel once Maintop demonstrated installed and a non-directional beacon as the need for UK military a suitable area aid for non-Tacan equipped Hard labour: more work is necessary before the tower to maintain specialist aircraft. By next month the team hopes to achieves full operating capability engineering skills to have relocated the Watchman radar and provide the speed of Secondary Surveillance Radar. response that may not Mr Hodgson added: “We have gone always be achieved through from a portable cabin on stilts to a contractor support alone. purpose-built tower, equipped with the ADATS retains these skills latest facilities. which underpin delivery of “ADATS has been a major player in military air traffic control this great achievement and it will continue and air defence capability to install more airfield navigation aids worldwide. over the next year, to further enhance the WO Anthony Vickers capability at the front line." news 17 Life-savers see lives extended

Doubling the life of fire extinguishers on a range of tracked military vehicles is World-class likely to save up to £5 million through-life. Air A range of fire detection T&E on your and suppression systems are fitted to engine, winch and hydraulic bays as well as crew compartments in Titan and doorstep Trojan, Challenger 2 Main Battle Tanks, driver training tanks, CRARRV and Panther. Until now the lifespan of the systems has been five years, because of general wear Land and tear and degradation of seals and materials. Changing the systems is labour intensive and needs planning to minimise downtime of the vehicles. The Special-to-Role (STR) Extending the life of fire Systems team in DE&S’ extinguisher systems: project Combat Tracks Group has manager Steve Atkin been looking to extend the Sea five-year policy. Andy Buss and Steve Atkin have managed the policy change in lifing policy cannot change. “We were keen to be overstated. Not having ensure that the life extension to change fire extinguishers would not compromise the aim at their five-year point will of the systems which is to save significantly reduce platform lives,” said Andy. downtime while delivering The Long Term Partnering Agreement Buy-in from equipment in-year savings of £1.2 million suppliers and the Design and a further projected £3.5 (LTPA) provides Test and Evaluation Authority brought significant million through-life saving. and Training Support Services to MOD. technical hurdles to overcome. “Success of this The majority of your costs are funded The team is now introducing workstream is prompting accelerated life trials to show other project teams to look centrally by MOD, ensuring you receive there are no hidden scientific at their own extinguisher exceptional value for money for all of reasons why a ten-year life or lifing policies with a view to your evaluation requirements. longer cannot be achieved. adopting a similar approach Terry Smith, Special To to that of STR and hopefully Role Manager, said: “The achieve similar efficiency Evaluating military capabilities from concept benefits to the customer and savings. I commend the team to disposal, the LTPA provides innovative test the taxpayer through this on a job well done.” and evaluation of military and civil platforms, systems, weapons and components on land, Hub helps out Hercs at Brize at sea and in the air. To find out everything you need to know about RAF Hercules aircraft will be able to use hangar space at the the LTPA and how to make use of it, go to: new air transport hub at RAF Brize Norton in a contract signed last month with AirTanker. The contract provides the RAF with exclusive use of one bay of the AirTanker hub as a temporary line maintenance facility for up www.LTPA.co.uk to two C-130 aircraft over 16 months. www.LTPA.co.uk is a QinetiQ registered domain name. This includes all storage, heating, overhead lighting, power, cleaning and air services. Amenities for up to 25 maintenance personnel are also provided on site by AirTanker in the new facilities at Brize. The hub is a maintenance facility, flight operations centre and office accommodation for military and civilian personnel involved in the Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) programme which is set to begin at Brize Norton later this year. 18 news

NEWSREEL Typhoon boost UK is closing in on JSF in popularity Interest in Carrier Variant testing Typhoon from other nations is expected to increase following its role in DE&S is hoping to acquire a current operations, Carrier Variant version of the Minister for Defence Joint Strike Fighter aircraft for Equipment, Support testing by the end of the year. and Technology The UK has already bought Peter Luff has said. three short take-off vertical “Typhoon has already been landing aircraft (STOVL) to exported to Saudi take part in operational tests Arabia and Austria, alongside the US. where it is in This was before the operational service. announcement of changes to It is also competing future strategy in the Strategic in other important Defence and Security Review markets. Oman has announced its last autumn. intention to buy DE&S´ Joint Combat Aircraft Typhoon, and India team is currently negotiating has selected it for with the Department of Defense the final phase of its to exchange the third of the medium multi-role STOVL aircraft, which has yet combat aircraft Above: six F-35A conventional take-off and landing test aircraft are to begin final assembly, for a competition. pictured at Edwards Air Force Base in the Mojave Desert. The UK is set to I expect an increase Carrier Variant. buy a Carrier Variant for testing. in interest following It is a unique deal which its highly successful has been agreed in principle air defence and between Chief of Defence of Defense, Acquisition, US and Treasury agreement ground attack Materiel Bernard Gray and Technology and Logistics. in the UK, both of which are roles in current his US opposite number Dr The deal requires anticipated by the end of this operations, in which Ashton Carter, Under-Secretary Congressional approval in the year. It is expected to save £100 it has consistently demonstrated million for the MOD. exceptional levels The UK is a level 1 partner of reliability, in JSF and currently has more performance, than a dozen UK personnel accuracy, and cost- at Edwards Air Force Base, effectiveness.” including the nascent UK JSF Test and Evaluation Squadron, Foxhound a UK weapons engineer and a boost mission systems expert. In a critical year for the AxleTech JSF development programme, International, a performance statistics for all General Dynamics variants of the aircraft based at company, has Patuxent River in Maryland, are delivered the first drivetrain well above expected levels in the and suspension number of flight tests performed components to and the value of test points Force Protection achieved. Europe for DE&S’ Currently at ‘Pax River’ Light Protected there are four STOVL and three Patrol Vehicle Carrier Variant aircraft in the programme Fuselage supply on target producing the developmental test programme. It is here where the UK’s Foxhound. Force BAE Systems has delivered the 50th F-35 rear fuselage and empennage Protection are (vertical and horizontal tails), pictured above, to its partner Lockheed Martin F-35 test pilot and associated building an initial in Fort Worth, Texas. integrated test force is located, 200 Foxhounds for Tim Boness, Production Director F-35, said: “Fifty down but more than including eight engineer the British Army. 3,000 to go. It sounds like a drop in the ocean but we’ve come a long way maintainers, two of whom are since we started manufacturing back in 2004. fully qualified F-35 crew chiefs. Four more “With production orders now moving through at a rate of three per “UK involvement in F-35 month and the US Air Force flying the aircraft for themselves there is a real developmental flight test involves buzz in the air. The goal for the 1,200 employees on the F-35 programme at Four more RAF many facets of the programme Tornado GR4s – Samlesbury is to be ready to meet the peak rate production of one aircraft bringing the total to set a day in 2016. and provides for a rewarding 16 – have deployed “It’s a production challenge on a size and scale normally associated personal contribution as well as to Gioia del Colle in with commercial aircraft but we have a much more complex and advanced building significant UK insight Italy, primarily in the product.” and knowledge in the largest reconnaissance role BAE Systems is responsible for design and delivery of the aft fuselage defence project in the world,˝ and empennage for each of the three F-35 variants, as well as key areas to further support said a spokesman for DE&S´ of the vehicle and mission systems for the US Air Force, Marine Corps and operations over Joint Combat Aircraft team. Libya. Navy, the RAF and Royal Navy, and allied forces worldwide. news 19

Carrier No 1 is quick off the blocks

The final rings of the forward hull section – the 6,000-tonne Lower Block 02 – of the first Queen Elizabeth class carrier have been brought together Goliath gets ready to give at BAE Systems Portsmouth. Two huge ring sections of Lower Block 02 were Queen Elizabeth a lift joined together in a 30-minute move involving 26 remote controlled hydraulic Goliath – the largest lift transporters. Workers capacity crane in Britain – has carefully manoeuvred now been commissioned in a 3,700 tonne slice Rosyth, another stage towards of the block over 25 its task of assembling the Queen metres across the Elizabeth carriers. company’s production hall, where it was It will see its first operational carefully lined up to use in the autumn after a series join the rest of the of proving trials. hull. The partially-erected crane The hull block is arrived at Rosyth earlier this made up of five rings. year from China, where it was The first were joined manufactured by Shanghai up last April and the block is due to leave Zhenhua Port Machinery. for assembly in Rosyth The last four months have next April. seen a busy programme to erect, Steven Carroll test and commission the crane, of BAES Surface involving around 100 people. Ships said: “Bringing The crane stands at a height together Lower of 68 metres to the underside Block 02 marks the beginning of an of the main beams, with a span All set to go: Goliath looms over the carrier dock at Rosyth exciting stage in the of 120 metres to straddle the block’s life. The team construction area of the new said: “Goliath has certainly (this autumn) of the largest ships will now begin the carriers, and a lift capacity of changed the landscape at the ever constructed for the Royal task of connecting 1,000 tonnes. Babcock yard. Seeing it close Navy.” the pipes, cabling, It will lift and place the carrier up and fully constructed at the Babcock project director ventilation and sub-blocks and components handover ceremony was a very Sean Donaldson said: “Assembly machinery which runs throughout the block. without disrupting the dockside. impressive sight, one which and offload ashore phases “As the block Drivers are being trained on cannot be forgotten as its size presented the project team with takes shape, the sheer a specialist simulator in time for really is quite breathtaking. a number of significant risks size and scale of this the crane’s operational use. “I’m very much looking to manage, and, working with engineering project Commodore Steve Brunton, forward to seeing the crane in ZPMC, this was achieved with no becomes even more Head of Capital Ships at DE&S, operation as it starts assembly lost work days due to injury.˝ apparent.” 20 news NEWSREEL New training will leave Spare parts contract UK gunmaker re-supply a cut above Manroy has signed a £1.6 million contract with the MOD to Work has begun at HMS supply spare parts for the 0.5in calibre Raleigh on its new bespoke Heavy Machine training facility that will teach Gun. Delivery will Royal Navy and Royal Fleet begin as soon Auxiliary personnel how to as production safely transfer vital supplies capacity allows. from ship to ship while at sea. Glyn Bottomley of Manroy said: “This Taking on supplies at sea is a valuable win is vital to maintaining global for us and further reach. During Replenishment demonstrates the at Sea (RAS) ships can come strength of our within 50 metres of each other, ongoing relationship travelling at at least 10 knots, with the MOD.” which equates to approximately 11 miles per hour. The ships are linked together by heavy Show time tensioned wires which are used to transfer fuel, munitions and General Dynamics UK has announced general stores. a three-year DE&S signed a £25 million partnership with contract with Rolls-Royce Power Left: Rear Admiral Tom the British Forces Engineering in Filton, Bristol Cunningham, Chief of Staff Foundation to last January. The company (Aviation and Carriers) and help boost troop will manage the construction Rear Admiral Fleet Air Arm, morale. Sponsorship of a land-based demonstrator, (left) cuts the turf alongside will help the known as Heavy RAS (HRAS), to Richard Dingley, Rolls-Royce, charity develop Senior Vice President Naval. trial new equipment which will its entertainment Picture: Dave Sherfield shows for British increase the amount of stores servicemen and that can be transferred from the Above: how the new facility will women worldwide. existing two tonnes to five. look Shows on the The new facility will be part front line can cost of HMS Raleigh’s Seamanship from £6,000 to £25,000 depending Training Unit and will include Royce HRAS system will deliver on staging and a classroom block and RAS a significant improvement to equipment required. systems built around a 25-metre operations, by accelerating the steel mast and steel ship construction has now begun on transfer of essential supplies Ship named structures, replicating those this important site. The RN and between vessels. found on a supply vessel and RFA crews will benefit from “The new equipment is The last of three the receiving warship. Building training for operations in this capable of handling much corvettes built by work is due to complete in 2014. safe and controlled environment heavier loads, faster and more BAE Systems for Commodore Dave Preston, before undertaking it at sea.˝ effectively, moving five-tonne the Royal Navy of Head of Afloat Support at ED &S, Richard Dingley of Rolls- loads at the demanding rate of 25 Oman has been named Al Rasikh in a said: “We are delighted that Royce added: “The new Rolls- per hour.˝ launching ceremony at Portsmouth HMS Albion has proved herself the busiest naval base. Next . . . and this is RAS in action ship in the Royal Navy for conducting year the first of replenishments at sea. class Al Shamikh Most ships pass a test in replenishment and her crew will at sea during Flag Officer Sea Training at undergo the UK Devonport, followed by the occasional re- Royal Navy's Flag fuel from a tanker. Officer Sea Training But Plymouth-based HMS Albion has programme. gone much further. Six major replenishments have been completed in under three weeks with New role the longest being more than five hours. More than 200 Nato pallets of victuals, Dr Andrew Tyler, ammunition, oils and consumable general former Chief naval stores have been transferred onboard Operating Officer along with enough fuel to travel more than of DE&S, is the new 3,000 nautical miles. chief executive of Petty Officer Craig Smith said: “In 20 Marine Current years of service, ten of those as a seaman Turbines, a tidal specialist, I have come to the opinion no stream energy RAS is the same. It is paramount you have company. Dr Tyler confidence in two things; the kit and the left DE&S at the end people. To my mind, a RAS is perhaps the of June. Replenishment at sea: RFA Fort Rosalie supplies HMS Albion single most dangerous evolution carried out by the Navy in peacetime.” maritime training 21

Action stations! Diamond prepares for war And it’s all on the latest DE&S-procured land-based training system

See pages 22 and 23

‘The Maritime Composite Training System enables us to put the building blocks in place before going to sea for the first time and doing it for real. MCTS also replicates the ship very accurately, which gives us very realistic training’ – Cdr Ian Clarke, commanding officer of HMS Diamond 22 maritime training Royal Navy fights the war at sea – on land

ater streams down the Bridge apart as they ‘fight’ their respective roles. simulators in Cook Building at Southwick windows as the waves break Experienced warfare rraining wtaff are Park (formerly HMS Dryad). Training Wover the 4.5” gun and Sea blended into the numbers, monitoring the at Cook involved a complete build of Wolf missile launcher. The bow powers operation, adding complexity and value ship’s Operations Rooms ashore, with through the choppy English Channel to the incident as and when required. It is real equipment, expensive to support swell as HMS Iron Duke races to confront fast-moving stuff – without, of course, the and which, on occasion, even saw pieces the underwater threat of a suspected unpredictability of a Channel swell and commandeered to replace kit on ships at submarine contact off the UK coast. weather. sea. The Type 23 is joined by her sister This is the Maritime Composite Training at Cook was good for its time, HMS Richmond while HMS Daring, the Training System (MCTS), a £108 million but fixed equipment (and hence ship class Royal Navy’s latest and most powerful investment by DE&S and delivered by representations available) and manning destroyer, moves in to offer protective air BAE Systems to provide shore-based limitations imposed by the Cook training cover against an increasingly belligerent warfare operator training until July 2018. cycle meant that it was an inflexible and aggressor. It has been schooling Type 45 Destroyer unrepresentative training vehicle for the For the Operations Room staffs of all Warfare teams since October 2009 and 21st century. A new class of ship meant three ships it’s a nervous time as the later this month is set to go live, training building new equipment into Cook. tension and anticipation mounts. One crews for the rest of the Navy’s surface The MCTS approach offers flexibility glance at the Royal Navy’s Warfare warfighting fleet. across six in-service ship classes and Branch personnel in each ship reveals “MCTS brings a step change in the three surface command systems. The the combination of concentration, way the Royal Navy does its surface fleet almost endless configurations and level perspiration and claustrophobia so warfare training,” said Commander of complexity of training that can be characteristic of potential contact with Clarke Brown, Requirements Manager delivered are a step change from the the enemy. with DE&S’ Training, Stores and Boats legacy systems. There is an air of confidence in the team. “It is flexible and reflects the MCTS uses off-the-shelf technology steady stream of firm commands, modern Navy. For warfare personnel it which makes it cheaper to maintain direction and guidance that is reiterated offers cradle to grave training. People through life. It does, however run real over radio circuits between the ships. will come in at the start of their careers operational software, training warfare A whistle blows, a shout of urgent and will revisit MCTS again and again as operators on three command systems, warning of an unrecognised aircraft they progress through their careers.” DNA2, CMS and ADAWS, which approaching…. MCTS is on two sites nearly 200 cover Type 23 frigates, Type 42 and 45 A closer look reveals not one piece of miles apart but connected by a destroyers along with HMS Ocean, HMS real Operations Room equipment, yet it secure wide area network (WAN). At Illustrious and the amphibious ships feels so familiar; banks of flat panel LCD HMS Collingwood there are three HMS Bulwark and HMS Albion. Work is screens faithfully replicating the kit that reconfigurable Warfare Team Trainers already in hand to consider training for is used at sea in the real world. and eight Electronic Classroom Trainers sailors who will join the Queen Elizabeth This is synthetic training at the with a slightly smaller but similar facility class carriers later in the decade and the Maritime Warfare School at HMS at Devonport consisting of two WTTs Type 26 Global Combat Ship after 2020. Collingwood, a few miles inland from and one ECT. Through a huge number Interoperability with the US and other the Hampshire coast – you can’t even see of permutations MCTS can replicate all Nato navies is also built into MCTS while the sea. The three Operations Rooms platform types in various configurations. further phases of the broader Maritime are not separated by miles of water, but The system is the most radical change Synthetic Training (MaST) programme a partition wall. Each ship’s crew can’t to maritime training for more than will seek to provide training on board see each other, yet they are just footsteps 40 years, replacing the now obsolete ships that can be linked to MCTS to enable scenarios to be enacted across the maritime domain. The contract began in 2005 but delays caused by the complexity of the system and emerging fleet priority in 2009 saw the project concentrate on Type 45 training – something Cook could not do. Now it is ready to accept around 1,000 career course trainees a year plus providing a further 66 weeks per year of continuation and team training for Fleet units and those coming back to learn more or maintain their warfare maritime training 23

Industry helps Royal Navy fights the war at sea – on land project firm up skills. Initial operating capability, where warfare teams under realistic pressure. pilot courses will be run and validated An afternoon spent in Hampshire or BAE Systems is the prime contractor, internally, is set for autumn 2012 with full Devon rather than a fortnight in the systems integrator and supplier of operating capability in September 2013. Mediterranean; for uniformed personnel major elements of the Warfare Team The contract, whose value has remained it reduces the amount of non-operational Training solution. the same since signing, runs until 2018. time spent away from home. DE&S provides JMNIAN secure Wide It is good news so far for stakeholders. Cdr Brown remarks on the efficiencies Area Network. Jeremy Tuck, maritime training leader this synthetic training can offer. “When VT Flagship Training built the with BAE Systems Mission Systems, said: you consider the skills generated in HMS Collingwood building, provides “We are delighted to be involved in this MCTS you are able to completely de-risk facilities management and role players important Royal Navy programme and the follow-on live training element. You at HMS Collingwood and Devonport have used our experience in maritime can train people over and over again at naval base. operations to develop a cutting-edge, minimal cost in comparison to training MacDonald, Dettwiler and versatile training environment for Royal at sea with its weather vagaries and Associates provides the classroom- Navy personnel to develop and practice increased potential for equipment or based skills training for generic their skills.” asset failure.” individual and sub team skills training. Cdre Tim Lowe, commanding officer of Which begs a question: “Will we ever Thales provides electronic the Maritime Warfare School, added: “My do all synthetic training and no live surveillance measures and Sonar staff were, like many, wary of the changes training? No, I don’t think so. There is a 2087. that MCTS will bring but, as a direct live/synthetic balance and although we MBDA provides PAAMS software. result of what we have seen, they are keen don’t yet understand what that balance Selex provides electronic warfare to get in and use the system as soon as actually is, we will, given experience of command and control components. possible.˝ MCTS. Aerosystems International provide For the Operations Room personnel “But if you have to send someone to war Link 16/Link 11 expertise and training. involved in chasing submarines in the tomorrow you can drill them here today Hewlett Packard provides the Channel, within a few minutes the and you know they will go prepared. Command Support System. scenario switches to dealing with hostile “If they go live training they may get Serco built the Devonport building. contacts in the Straits of Gibraltar (or only a percentage of what MCTS can give Pennant provides computer-based wherever else the Navy would choose them. training packages for CMS and DNA(2) to operate), placing the ships’ air “That’s the beauty of MCTS.” command management systems. 24 tornado

Defence Secretary One million Dr Liam Fox said: “This impressive milestone flying hours – is testament not only to the Tornado as a cutting edge military aircraft but also to the skill and and counting professionalism of the RAF aircrew, engineers, and support staff who have he RAF’s ground attack Wars, through its operations in the supported it in service for Tornados, currently serving in Balkans and current deployments to TAfghanistan and Libya, have Afghanistan and Libya, Tornado has more than 30 years, and clocked up a staggering one million proved itself in battle time and time flying hours over their service lives. again. who continue to deliver Number 617 Squadron – known as Tornado has a range of highly its world leading ground the Dambusters – took the aircraft accurate precision missiles and through the landmark in Afghanistan bombs that can destroy a vast range attack and reconnaissance in early June. of targets from aircraft and small capabilities today in Libya The deep strike and reconnaissance moving vehicles on the ground to aircraft were first flown by the RAF in heavily fortified bunkers. and Afghanistan.” 1979 and have been at the forefront of The aircraft also has a selection operational service ever since. of high-tech sensors that can detect From its service in the Gulf hostile enemies, pass live day and spanning 20 years and two Gulf night video to troops on the ground Chief of the Air Staff, and take detailed reconnaissance pictures as they have done over Air Chief Marshal Sir Helmand Province and Libya. Gp Capt Andy Read, Deputy Head Stephen Dalton, said: (Tornado) with DE&S’ FAST team, said: “This is a significant occasion “Tornado has been used for the Tornado ground attack aircraft, which has contributed so to deny enemy airfields and much to national and international strike their hardware and defence. All those RAF and MOD personnel who have been associated infrastructure, enforce no with the project over the years, and not forgetting our industrial and fly zones, provide close air international partners as well, can be support to troops on the very proud.” ground and it continues to be a world leading combat intelligence, surveillance and Armed and ready: a Tornado reconnaissance aircraft in GR4 takes off from Gioia del Colle in Italy for a sortie over Afghanistan and Libya. Libya “The range of sophisticated precision weapons and cutting-edge sensors Tornado carries and the ability to grow these capabilities further will provide the Royal Air Force with the rapid far-reaching air power it requires to protect the nation’s interests for many years to come.” tornado 25

Tornado is a two-seat, multi-role aircraft able to carry out operations during day or night, in all weathers, and can deploy a wide variety of precision weapons. Tornado aircraft have recently seen active service in the Balkans and Iraq and are currently deployed in Afghanistan and Libya.

• Engines: Two RB199 turbofans • Thrust: 16,000lbs each • Max speed: 1.3Mach • Length: 16.72m • Max altitude: 50,000ft • Span: 8.6m • Range: combat radius 460 miles extended by air-to-air refuelling • Weapons: Storm Shadow, Brimstone, ALARM (Air Launched Anti-Radiation Missile), ASRAAM (Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile), Paveway II, Paveway III, Enhanced Paveway, General Purpose Bombs, Mauser 27mm

Key Facts One million flying hours would be enough for one aircraft to fly 16,000 times round the globe, to the moon and back 800 times or to the sun and back twice.

The RAF has five front line squadrons, Numbers 12 and 617 Squadrons at RAF Lossiemouth and Numbers 2, 9 and 31 Squadrons at RAF Marham. The Operational Conversion Unit, 15(R) Squadron is also based at RAF Lossiemouth.

Currently 617 Squadron is deployed in Afghanistan and 2 Squadron is deployed in support of operations in Libya. 26 typhoon Typhoon – a coming of age Since its introduction to service the Typhoon has continually proved itself worthy of the confidence placed in it by its designers. Now it’s performing an even more proactive role – on operations over Libya

yphoon, the multi-role fighter performing UN-backed sorties over TLibya, has come of age, according to the RAF pilots who are flying it. Typhoon is working alongside Tornado GR4 aircraft deployed to Gioia del Colle in southern Italy as part of Operation Ellamy, the UK’s contribution to Nato operations over the north Africa nation. So far its performance is ‘spectacular’, to quote one of its pilots. “I’ve now completed 30 sorties in support of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973 so I feel qualified to say that the Typhoon has come of age,” said the Gioia-based airman. “From a pilot’s perspective, the aircraft is spectacular. You could not find a more comfortable aircraft to fly. The cockpit is large by fast-jet standards and the information from the radars is displayed easily and accessibly. This allows you to function at 100 per cent capability throughout the sortie, not plagued by fatigue or a lack of situational awareness.” Since Typhoon entered operational service with the RAF in 2007, it has taken on responsibility for defence of UK and Falkland Islands airspace. Originally optimised for air defence duties, the declaration of multi-role capability in 2008 confirmed Typhoon’s status as an agile, versatile and potent world class aircraft. Typhoon’s rapid deployment last March to Gioia, 72 hours from the initial UN mandate, and subsequent first mission on Operation Odyssey Dawn 12 hours later are testament to the deployability, versatility and relevance of this fourth generation aircraft. More impressive has been the change of role of Typhoon from an air-to-air aircraft to an air-to-ground fighter-bomber. The pilot added: “Due to the aircraft’s huge power it enables the flight from Gioia to Libya, at mach 0.9, to take just over an hour at 40,000 feet, even when armed with a range of weapons including Enhanced Paveway II 1,000 lb bombs, a Litening III Targeting Pod, AMRAAM and ASRAAM (advanced medium and short range missiles).” Missions include dynamic targeting, where they are tasked while in the air to typhoon 27 Typhoon – a coming of age

investigate and identify possible targets and, if necessary, destroy those that have been positively identified. Many of these missions have intervened in situations where civilians were directly threatened by, or even under attack from, Gaddafi regime forces. Those forces have been destroyed, or have fled when one or a number of vehicles in a group has been targeted. There are also deliberate targeting operations, where pre-planned targets are attacked by a pair or a group of aircraft. As Nato increases pressure on the regime, Typhoons have been involved in increasing numbers of strikes against targets such as command and control sites, communications nodes, storage areas, or ammunition bunkers. Every one of these attacks degrades the regime’s ability to attack and threaten civilians. “Overall, I’ve been fortunate to oversee the maturation of the RAF’s fourth-generation multi-role combat aircraft,” said the pilot. “More than that, as a service we’ve been fortunate to have at our disposal an aircraft that fulfils the RAF’s mantra of being agile, adaptable and capable; as an American airman said to me, ‘that’s a lot of bang for the buck’.” Air Commodore Hugh Donohoe, Head of DE&S’ Fast Air Support Team (FAST), acknowledged Typhoon’s contribution to Opertion Ellamy. He said: “The deployment of Typhoon to Libya from its forward operating base in southern Italy, which supports and maintains the coalition presence in-theatre, has been a significant undertaking made possible by the co-ordinated hard work and dedication of RAF and MOD personnel, with significant additional support from our international and industrial partners. “This highly capable aircraft is performing an important role in enforcing UN Security Council Resolution 1973, which protects innocent civilians at risk of attack.” He added: “Not only is Typhoon fully established in a multi- role capacity, it is actually conducting joint operations alongside the Tornado GR4 and other international forces so that missions can be conducted to best effect.” 28 air power

o matter how much resource you commit, no matter how Nmany great minds you employ, no matter how clear the analysis, it is impossible to predict with absolute precision when, where, and in what way Britain will find itself drawn into conflict in the future to protect the national interest and national security. Who would have predicted that by the summer of this year the RAF would have flown more than 1,500 sorties in support of Operation Unified Protector, as part of a Nato-led, UN-mandated coalition, stopping the forces of the Gaddafi regime from using the skies to brutalise his own people and degrading his ability to do so from land and sea? The performance of Typhoon in its first multi-role contribution to operations has been fantastic. For some time now we have relied on Typhoon to defend the UK and our dependent territories. Now Typhoon has truly come of age. In the last few months, Typhoon has flown more than 1,700 hours with the average hours flown per aircraft increasing fourfold – proving its versatility, endurance and reliability. The outstanding performance of Typhoon is increasingly impressing those countries who are considering upgrading their fleets, as was clear when I visited India recently. Planning assumptions in the Strategic Security and Defence Review allow for our Armed Forces to respond to a number of different scenarios, concurrent or otherwise. Of course, no-one wants the operations in Libya to take a day longer than necessary. But the bottom line is this – we can, and will, sustain operations in Libya for as long as it takes. That is what our national interest requires, and that is what our commitment under a United Nations mandate to the people of Libya requires. Air Power and the Royal Air Force are a central component of this. When I became Secretary of State for Defence there were voices – strong voices − urging me to merge air operations fully into the other services. But I am clear that the RAF makes a definable and unique contribution to Britain’s defence – a contribution that it would be wrong to dispense with. Some say the distinct heritage and tradition of the RAF is immaterial as it does not have a demonstrable monetary value. I believe we cannot afford to lose the doctrinal understanding of air power and its effects which is burned deep into the collective fibre of the force. The value of the RAF is not confined to history – far from it. Today the RAF is operating across all four enduring air power roles on current operations in Afghanistan and Libya, in addition to the standing operational commitments of defending Britain and our overseas territories: First, securing control of the air, air power 29 Air power will always take the fight to the enemy

Defence Secretary Dr Liam Fox argues the RAF and its aircraft remain critical to the 21st century battlespace

guaranteeing freedom of manoeuvre and action to coalition forces while severely curtailing the options of our adversaries; Second, delivering intelligence and real-time information to support commanders and decision makers at Above: the flight deck of a 101 Squadron VC10 K3 during a Libya refuelling mission. Two RAF every level; VC10s are based at Trapani in Sicily as part of the UK contribution to the mission Third, providing global reach through strategic lift and theatre support through tactical lift; And fourth, delivering firepower rapidly and with precision. Air power That is why I am particularly pleased women who serve – will be the difference remains critical to the 21st century with the performance of Typhoon as a between success and failure. battlespace. multi-role aircraft in Libya. I’ve seen for myself on many occasions Our future RAF must ensure that it With the introduction of the world’s what the RAF do − from my time as a remains at the forefront of aviation and of first and only second generation E-Scan GP at Beaconsfield to Tango ramp at military evolution. radar, Typhoon will remain at the Kandahar airport. The roll call of iconic aircraft that the forefront of aviation technology for years I know it’s not all about fast jets. I see RAF has flown over its history is long to come. the work of those at the less glamorous and distinguished − Spitfire, Lancaster, It is also why I am looking forward but equally critical end, keeping the air Vulcan and Lightning among others. to the capabilities of the powerful, and bridge up and running, keeping our These aircraft are now joined in more cost-effective, carrier variant of the forces supplied; the force protection retirement by the Harrier and the Nimrod Joint Strike Fighter, or ‘Lightning II’ as it provided by the RAF Regiment; the which have served the people of the will be known – to be jointly operated, of medics, the mechanics, the armourers, United Kingdom magnificently over the course, with the Royal Navy. the analysts, the air traffic controllers; last four decades. The overhaul in the consolidated all the support staff that keep the These decisions to retire them were transport fleet will see greater capacity organisation delivering at the sharp end. not taken lightly. and capability, with the new Voyager In Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Alongside the decision to reduce tanker and the A400M operating Dalton, the RAF has a Chief of Staff who manpower, these were some of the most alongside the C-17. not only directs his own service with difficult, and alongside the decision to With the additional capabilities insight, commitment and tenacity but decommission HMS Ark Royal, they were provided by ISTAR programmes, the just as importantly who understands the the most finely balanced. RAF of Future Force 2020 will have one application of military power across the But to achieve the real savings of the most formidable and high-tech three services. required to put the defence programme fleets in the world. He is supported in his efforts by some towards balance, reductions in the And let me be clear, the RAF will of the most capable and dedicated men number of platforms was essential. continue to rely as much on its people as and women in the Armed Forces. The period later this decade in which on its platforms. There have been times in our history the Tornado GR4 force is drawn down The human underpinning of the when the light blue line was the only and the Joint Strike Fighter comes up to RAF − the commitment, talent and thing that stood between us and defeat. speed will be particularly challenging. technical understanding of the men and I know, if so called upon today, this generation will take the fight to the enemy, no matter what the cost. The people of this United Kingdom Dr Fox was speaking on Air Power in an Age of Uncertainty at the Royal United Services know that the Royal Air Force will never Institute Air Power Conference in London on 13 July let them down. 30 warrior ‘Sand beast’ − new Warrior packs punch on the front line

ombat Tracks Group Platforms deployed to enable troops to familiarise had the skills to provide what was team at DE&S has delivered a themselves with the vehicle on their needed and quickly. C new standard of Warrior Infantry preparatory exercises. The UOR has improved the air Fighting Vehicle which has been poving Timings were tight as a trials conditioning in the vehicle and there itself on the front line in Afghanistan. programme with the Infantry Trials and are plans to add fridges for cold water. Designated TES(H) – Theatre Entry Development Unit under Major Charlie Mobility has improved with new torsion Standard (Herrick) – the vehicle has Hunt and Laurie Humble ensured that the bars and drive systems which has improved protection, mobility and modifications were properly integrated returned the vehicle to its original speed, habitability in response to the needs of while Mike Condliffe and Paul Bailey height and braking ability. The vehicle those in theatre. coordinated the embodiment and can now move effectively, delivering The original plan of the urgent delivery programme with BAE Systems. its soldiers into enemy locations and operational requirement (UOR) was to Major Ann Richardson and Paul Fisher enabling its 30mm cannon to be fired deliver just modification kits to theatre. ensured that a comprehensive support from better support positions. This However, it soon became clear that the 30 package was delivered. agility has earned Warrior TES(H) modifications were too complex and so it The key to the project’s success has the locals’ nickname of ‘The Sand became a full embodiment programme been the open communication between Beast’ while UK soldiers describe it as for around 70 vehicles in the UK. Despite all stakeholders with the military element ‘awesome’. this significant change of plan, the being clear in their requirements which However the main effect is the marked requirement was delivered to time and enabled industry to be effective improvement in the protection levels. to cost. in their delivery. BAE Systems was This was brought home when a Warrior The small team, led by Mark the prime contractor and used the TES(H) was caught by an improvised Jones, took 18 months from the initial Defence Support Group at Donnington explosive device recently. The blast requirements being signed off to for the embodiment with DSG threw the vehicle on its side and severely designing, manufacturing and delivering Warminster assisting with training fleet. damaged it. Previously such an explosion the operational fleet to theatre. Many sub-contractors were used would have killed or seriously injured Additionally a training fleet was from the UK and Canada, some of whom the occupants. In this case the three provided two months before 3 Mercian had never supplied for defence before but crewmen survived with minor injuries. warrior 31 ‘Sand beast’ − new Warrior packs punch on the front line

Brigadier Mark Milligan, Combat Tracks Group leader, said: “The levels of co-operation and communication at all levels have been fundamental. Furthermore, the willingness of BAE Systems and its suppliers to work hard to achieve the standards and quick turn around required for an UOR have been impressive, especially where this has not been part of their normal business. “Warrior TES(H) has been a definite DE&S Warrior TES(H) team in front of Warrior, from left: Michelle Murphy, Maj Charlie Hunt, life-saver, which is deeply appreciated Mark Jones, Whips Moore, Paul Bailey and Mike Condliffe by the Army and about which all those involved in the project should be justifiably proud.” Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology, Peter Luff, added: “Warrior vehicles are doing a tremendous job in Afghanistan and these numerous improvements are already proving their worth in theatre. “This vehicle is extremely versatile, packing a punch with firepower, offering good mobility and high levels of protection for its crew. It also allows troops to get out into communities safely, maintain areas and provide reassurance to the local population.” ....Supporting maritime capability through-life

We understand the criticality of timely and accurate data in delivering and maintaining through-life capability.

LSC Group is helping the MOD to make more effective decisions on performance, cost and availability in support of the fleet.

Integrated Logistic Support/Supportability Engineering l Business Analysis l Technical Documentation Risk Management l Modelling & Simulation l Asset Management l Information & Knowledge Management

[email protected] l www.lsc.co.uk industry view 33 Supporting decisions through the life of capability

A key determinant in delivering efficient but the focus was in defining the data through life support of capability is defining Advertisement feature requirements early in the system acquisition the data that will really be required from the and providing the information to all the right system during its life, managing that data, stakeholders; the consequences of scaling and then understanding the information it risk to which it is exposed. Delivering the the data requirements from relatively simple presents to enable effective decisions on required system availability at a defined level systems to the complex systems of aircraft, performance and availability, writes Steve of performance demands information on all ships and submarines were largely ignored. Wyatt, Strategic Development Manager for the factors that will LSC Group. affect these metrics Twenty years ago the focus was to eg; ensure that the requirements of capabilities • Failures Optimum effective use of resource is the aim of industry models. and systems were sufficiently defined early – timing and Pictured: two Royal Navy Type 23 frigates in the acquisition to avoid cost growth prognosis; and delays through misunderstanding or • Maintenance “requirement creep”. The spotlight turned – planned and to Through Life Costs (TLC). Projects were completed; approved on the basis of Through Life • Spares – Support (TLS) arrangements and costs as numbers, location well as Unit Procurement Cost (UPC). The and replacement support arrangements could now be properly lead times and addressed through the system requirements, efficiency of the design and development. Logistic support supply chain; architectures and information management • Usage – evolved to meet the need. running times, The constant downward pressure profile and on costs across all stages of the project environment. life together with the reductions in MOD It is possible to personnel has resulted in industry presenting collect vast amounts new commercial constructs to provide in- of data to support service support. Spares, repairs and update the understanding contracts have been replaced progressively of these factors and in recent past the drive Identifying the elements of a complex by Contractor Logistic Support, Contracting to ensure that enough data provided for any system critical to delivering availability for Support and Contracting for Availability potential information demand generated safely and efficiently allows focus on as MOD builds confidence that industry an exponential growth of “shelfware” to only the data that is necessary. Specialist can provide the capability, and industry underpin the complete Through Life Support industry elements are developing models that increasingly understands and manages the processes. It is easy to criticise in hindsight support such decisions and then bring to bear the experience of improving logistic support in the air environment to build on the supportability engineering in maritime and business improvement in An Availability Model (PAM) has been developed to land. support the Successor An Availability Model (PAM) replacement submarine- has been developed to support the based nuclear deterrent. Successor replacement submarine- Pictured: HMS Victorious based nuclear deterrent. Based on current Vanguard Class data it enables factors such as specific spares availability, particular maintenance regimes or equipment design alternatives to be seen right through to their effect on the delivery of Continuous At Sea Deterrence. Models have also been developed to support the selection of systems for the platform design with minimum through life cost. The challenge now is to develop these models to deliver a dynamic understanding of in-service platform availability that can support a range of decision processes across a system or enterprise and enable the optimum effective use of resource in the increasingly resource-constrained environment of today. 34 news

o The Quality Mentoring Programme Scheme has been Industry cements alliance launched and is now goes to war available. DQA-Policy has on the GPS Peter Luff and French Délégué Général Laurent Collet-Billon have instigated a major hosted the inaugural UK-France Industry Day in London to forge closer programme for upskilling jammers ties between the two key allies and their military markets. individuals within Quality, The 20 July event, attended by more than 30 defence companies, with a licensing scheme developed and aligned DE&S, QinetiQ and the provided a forum for both governments to engage with industry and with the internationally Defence Science and discuss issues relevant to last November’s Franco-British Treaty. Technology Laboratory recognised professional Mr Luff, Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology, (Dstl) have teamed body for Quality. up to improve signal said: “I look forward to British and French industry taking this This mentoring acquisition for Global opportunity to share experiences and build new alliances. This is a scheme aims to provide Positioning System (GPS) strategic relationship and, although there will be short term benefits, our an opportunity for all navigation systems. real success will come over years not months. This is a marathon not a MOD staff within the The research Quality function to sprint and I hope our industries approach this relationship in that spirit.” improve themselves initiative will help reduce The hosts welcomed the close relationship between the Association of the vulnerability of GPS professionally. systems to jamming or Aerospace Defence and Security (ADS), UK, and Conseil des Industriels More information go deliberate interference de Défense Français (CIDEF), France. to DQA Policy – Quality which can happen due to Mentoring Scheme. their very low power on the ground. The Navwar Research Programme Support lessons learned run by DE&S' Air Platform Systems team has been working with QinetiQ and Dstl to implement the first UK steer Type 26 on course demonstration of Ultra Tight Coupling between an inertial measurement Staff from several unit and a GPS receiver. This is operationally marine and technology significant as it will sites are reviewing general provide enhanced arrangements and maintenance anti-jamming and the cost information for the UK’s most robust navigation new Type 26 Global Combat Ship capability from GPS (GCS) – the planned replacement receivers without for Type 23 frigates. employing controlled antenna technology. Valuable lessons from The QinetiQ team through-life support of the Type employed a version of 22 and 23 frigates during Fleet their Q20 high dynamics time and upkeep periods at civil GPS receiver to Devonport and Rosyth are being develop the integration channelled into the assessment software. phase to influence the design of The advantage this gives a platform this new generation of ships. using the integration The Type 26 assessment technique is that it can phase began in March last approach a jamming year with Babcock supporting source almost four times development of design and in- closer before losing GPS service support as part of a joint signal tracking thus maintaining accuracy and team with the MOD and BAE “Over the years, effectiveness. Systems. our staff have also Rob Linham, head of As part of Babcock’s introduced many the MOD’s GPS Project commitment Learning from innovative ideas Office, said: “Hardware Experience workshops were held for designs and demonstration of at Devonport and Rosyth in June equipment that Ultra Tightly Coupled this year with representatives have improved the navigation systems has only been achieved by a from MOD and BAE Systems. performance of small number of groups These workshops gave the vessels and the warships support and efficiency of their worldwide. The Type 26 joint team from DE&S, “This programme integrated technology business maintenance periods. BAE Systems and Babcock pictured at has given us a full units the opportunity to discuss All these issues were the two workshops at Devonport and appreciation of the engineering problems during discussed at these Rosyth technique and creates maintenance periods which workshops.“ new opportunities for electronic protection could be rectified early on in the Cherry Proud capability for a range of design stages. of Type 26 MOD during the stage 1 design, which applications.” Chris Lees of Babcock said: Support Authority added: is planned to start early next The next steps are to “Babcock engineers have gained “It is encouraging to see we year.” transition the concepts a vast range of experience from are working together and This assessment stage for the into equipment upgrades maintaining these frigates. This openly discussing the present Type 26 GCS demonstration and and the next generation exercise identified recurring supportability issues. This has manufacture programme is due of complex weapons and airborne platforms. and unique issues which need to enabled the joint T26 project to last four years with the first be prioritised and developed as team to start considering how ship scheduled to be in service part of the final design solution. these issues should be addressed as soon as possible after 2020. news 35 Front line future is the focus at Abbey Wood

The future front line went on show at Abbey Wood as scientists displayed the latest technology to reduce the burden on the infantryman without reducing his effectiveness. Ross Jones of the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) said: “We’re having to look at novel ways to reduce weight; this includes researching materials not commonly used in defence to advise industry and academia how the weight of equipment can be reduced that way. “Dstl’s scientists have done a lot of analysis focusing on the mix of equipment on the soldier, and what benefit they are Looking getting for that weight.” forward: Kit included composite armour staff at Abbey plating along with novel suggestions of Wood get a glimpse of how to reduce cumbersome batteries, future soldier including woven fabrics which can hold equipment an electric charge. Pictures: Also on display was a new unmanned Hannah ground vehicle and examples of how Swingler and using different materials for assault rifles, Vicky Torraca ammunition and their clips can make big savings on weight. Mr Jones added: “We will continue to refine those concepts in collaboration with industry, academia and MOD colleagues like DE&S to ensure that UK troops continue to receive the best equipment to provide a technological edge.” Colonel Peter Rafferty, leader for the Individual Capability Group at Home of the DE&S, said: “Reducing the burden on the dismounted solider is a priority. BATTLEFIELD MISSION We work closely with our partners within Dstl, as well as in academia and industry, to identify and Millbrook is an develop technologies which we think will independent world-leading meet this need, effectively turning today’s technology into organisation specialising in the tomorrow’s fielded equipment.” development, enhancement and research of military vehicles, as well as being home to the MoD Keeping track of defence assets Battlefield Mission

Progress on improvements to the way defence manages and accounts for assets through the Joint Support Chain was the focus of an event at Boscombe Down held by the Logistic Network Enabled For further information: Capability team. contact Bruce Lornie on Visitors heard how Log NEC systems bring improvements to +44 (0)1525 408476 visibility of stock and logistic and asset tracking information that [email protected] will enhance operational capability and improve decision support www.millbrook.co.uk/military across the whole of defence, through one version of available logistic materiel. About 150 people from the three services, DE&S and industry attended a day of presentations on each of the projects and saw a demonstration of MJDI, the new inventory management system. More information about Log NEC projects is on the team Intranet site or contact the communications team on 01980 664234/662553. 36 news

Team will help others New campaign warns of pass the test social networking dangers A DE&S team has been formed to help project teams develop integrated test, evaluation and acceptance (ITEA) plans. Who are ITEA is all about you talking reducing risk and achieving value for to online? money in defence. A new MOD In support of campaign this, the team has reminds been established staff about within DE&S’ Trials, guarding Evaluation Services their personal and Targets (TEST) information team, offering domain- when using specific defence social media evaluation advice to channels aid project teams developing ITEA plans. Based at Abbey Wood, Boscombe Down and other major ranges, TEST is responsible for the Defence T&E Strategy and oversight A new MOD education campaign into Phase 1 training, when information may pose. You don't of management and is warning service personnel and applicants first join the services, always know who else is watching delivery of test and civilian staff of the importance of and into other mandated training in cyberspace. evaluation across the guarding personal information materials for serving personnel. “The MOD Headquarters MOD. when using social media channels. An MOD spokesman said: has its own Facebook, YouTube The service With the campaign comes “Social media has enabled our and Twitter feeds and we see no provides a single focal point for ITEA advice new MOD guidance for personnel personnel to stay in touch with reason to stop our own personnel and guidance, allowing using social media sites like families and friends no matter from tweeting or posting on their project teams to: Twitter, Facebook and YouTube, where they are in the world. own walls. l Effectively plan warning users about the risks of “We want our men and The spokesman added: “But for integrated T&E, releasing too much information women to embrace the use of the MOD has a responsibility to l Encourage about themselves or other sites like Twitter, Facebook, warn personnel of the risks they greater re-use of T&E operational details. LinkedIn and YouTube, but we could be exposing themselves information between DLODs, Called ‘Think Before You...’, also want them to be aware of to, hence the launch of this new l Have confidence the guidance will be incorporated the risks that sharing too much campaign.” that T&E events will meet their needs, helping to reduce timescale and cost. Mark Harbige of TEST said: “The Munitions conference Defence Evaluation Advice team is initially focussing its attention inspires innovation on high value, complex projects due to be reviewed at initial conference objective was to highlight the importance of or main gate within innovation within the MASS partnering agreement and the next six months. across the MASS stakeholder community. By prioritising and The conference also set out the path to developing working closely with successful innovative practices within MASS. Delegates considered questions like how to reduce the Test and Evaluation Delegates Co-ordination Cell, the ammunition weight on the dismounted soldier, how at the MASS to translate UK munitions requirements into export we will maximise the conference benefits of better ITEA success and how to reduce energy and waste in the end- planning, reducing to-end munitions cycle. duplication of tests and Output from the conference will be considered optimising test and A conference to inspire innovation in the future further by key MASS stakeholders and specific evaluation resources provision of general munitions has been judged a innovation milestones will now be included in the MASS when they are success. Joint Strategic Business Plan. needed.” The second MASS (Munitions Acquisition, the Supply The long term MASS partnering agreement covers For more Solution) Conference was attended by more than 100 80 per cent of the general munitions consumed annually information contact people from the MOD and BAE Systems – Global Combat by the UK’s Armed Forces in theatre and on training Martyn Jones (DES- Systems Munitions. ranges. Wpns-DEACoord) on With a central theme of ‘inspiring innovation’, the These include small arms, medium calibre, mortar ABW 34697. bombs, tank, artillery and naval gun shells. people news 37 Veteran Eric flies the flag at Beith

As part of the synchronised flag raising event across the UK, Eric Graham from the Storm Shadow production team raised the 2011 Armed Forces Day flag at Defence Munitions Beith. Eric, pictured left, said: “As a veteran of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards with service in Germany, Belize and Northern Ireland, it is a great honour for me to raise the DM Beith Armed Forces Day 2011 Flag. “My brother Michael, who also works at DM Beith, served in the Scots Guards; during his career he saw service in Hong Kong .and took part in the Trooping the Colour ceremony. “As a nation, and especially ourselves in the job that we in the MOD do, it is only right that we show our appreciation for the dedication of our Armed Forces who do a very difficult job often in very hostile conditions, risking injury and death to restore peace and a normal lifestyle to people living under oppressive regimes.” Montrose leads the way Armed Forces Day in DE&S With the sound of her saluting guns booming across Plymouth Sound and the Armed Forces Day Flag proudly flying, HMS Montrose took centre stage in Plymouth. The Type 23 frigate had the honour of firing a 17-gun salute as she steamed past Plymouth Hoe, where the First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope, and Minister for the Armed Forces Nick Harvey returned the salute in front of a large crowd. Those on The Hoe would have noticed 35 schoolchildren from across Plymouth enjoying a rare chance to sail on board a Royal Navy warship. The children were on the helicopter flight deck to witness the ceremonial sail-past at close range alongside the crew. Having embarked on board by boat they were treated to a behind-the-scenes look at life in HMS Montrose, witnessing everything from firefighting to a hands-on demonstration from the boarding team, and tried out the captain’s chair while he wasn’t looking. For one visitor from Pomphlett Primary School, Lois Teasdale, 11, the chance to visit of her links with the community in her affiliated Fire down below: youngsters, above, HMS Montrose was particularly special. town of Montrose and also in Plymouth. from Pomphlett School Her father, WO2 Jez Teasdale, is responsible “Armed Forces Day gave us the opportunity in Plymouth get a for the ship’s weapons and was on hand to show to reach out and connect with local people taste of firefighting as her what he gets up to at work. and we were overwhelmed by the numbers of HMS Montrose leads The ship’s captain, Commander Jonathan people on the Hoe who came to witness our Armed Forces Day at Lett, said: “HMS Montrose is incredibly proud sail-past and salute.” Devonport n Plymouth will host Armed Forces Day next year. Armed Forces Minister Nick Clive earns his imperial reward Harvey, a guest at the city's celebrations this year, announced the honour for the city. Forty-nine years’ service has earned Clive Reid his Imperial “The warmth and hospitality Service Medal. Plymouth has shown our Armed Mr Reid, left, spent 23 years in the Royal Navy from November Forces, our veterans, cadets and 1961 before continuing with the MOD Guard Service. their families over the years has been He then served a further period as a valued member of the outstanding and truly demonstrates messenger team supporting project teams and business units in the historic link between the military Unicorn and Gazelle House in Yeovilton before retiring last December. and the city,” he said. He received his medal on 1 July from Commodore Malcolm Toy, D Edinburgh was the focus for this Hels 1, at Yeovilton. year’s celebrations. 38 people news Abbey Wood out in front Thousands enjoy fun in the sun as the MOD hosts its annual sports day in Bath

Abbey Wood’s sportsmen and women and entertaining contest and at the finish running simultaneously, it is the biggest showed their prowess with an impressive line, UKHO were just ahead of the athletes and best opportunity for MOD staff to haul of titles as nearly 2,000 MOD staff from Feltham. enjoy some sport and meet like-minded joined the annual sporting battle in Bath. Twenty-one archers competed in the colleagues. There was a clean sweep of honours in MOD Archery Championships at the Sports Day provides the appropriate the ladies’ football, the tug of war and the nearby Sulis Club in one of longbow, balance between performance and volleyball where the finals were all-Abbey compound or recurve disciplines. At their participation and strongly encourages Wood affairs. presentation ceremony, the MOD Archery both. The athletics meeting witnessed There was similar success in the team was also presented with the newly a 12-second 100metres and the men's compound archery events where Kay created DSRA Sports Team of the Year football tournament saw at least one red Smith and Robin Jarvis made it a double Award for unprecedented success in 2010 card awarded for ‘over-enthusiasm’ but success for Abbey Wood with Robert CSSC archery competition. there was also a number of rounders Dunn weighing in with a third award in Organised by the Defence Sports teams competing in fancy dress. the men’s recurve. and Recreational Association, MOD And Gary Chorley added another Sports Day is the flagship event of a busy n For more info on the Defence Sports and title to his MOD men's singles by joining sporting calendar and with 11 different Recreation Association, contact Dom White Jon Freeman as the team to beat with tournaments involving around 1,900 staff on 01225 882483 a triumph in their men’s doubles final. Seventy-two players took part in the RESULTS ATHLETICS: Victrix Ludorum (Ladies’ overall points winner): Catherine Cheetham (Feltham). Victor Ludorum tennis tournament with organiser Carl (Men’s overall points winner): John Dickinson Jr (Bordon). Jubilee Shield (Inter-Establishment Trophy): UKHO. Crane (London) and Brenda Hazelwood Runners up: Feltham (Ex-MOD) victorious in the mixed event. CRICKET: UKHO B. Runners up: Cody CC (Farnborough) Plate winners: DST Leconfield Centrepiece was the athletics meeting TUG OF WAR: ABW Rugby Runners up: Only Here for the Beer (ABW) ROUNDERS: DIA Dodgers (Bath) Runners up: The Admirals (UKHO) with 67 athletes in 26 track and field events TENNIS: Men’s doubles: Gary Chorley (ABW), Jon Freeman (ABW). Mixed doubles: Carl Crane (London), under the watchful eye of professional Brenda Hazelwood (Ex-MOD) judges and timekeepers. ARCHERY: Ladies compound: Kay Smith (ABW). Men's compound: Robin Jarvis (ABW). Ladies longbow: Gerry With strong performances in Gilmour (Retired) Men's longbow: Chris Quinn (Exeter). Ladies recurve: Caroline Sandford (Exeter) Men's recurve: Robert Dunn (ABW) numerous events, Catherine Cheetham NETBALL: HQLF (Andover); Runners up: QinetiQ Farnborough. Plate: Centurion (Gosport) (Feltham) was awarded the Victrix ANGLING: Ade Blackwell (Ex-MOD) Runner-up: Carl Stringer (Donnington) Team: Ade Blackwell (Ex-MOD), Ludorum (Ladies overall points winner) Barry Tate (Ex-MOD), David Shepherd and John Dickinson Jr (Bordon) winning VOLLEYBALL: Abbey Wood. Runners up: Abbey Wood North. Third: Double Entendres (DSTL Porton Down) HOCKEY: Hydro Pirates (UKHO) Runners up: MOD Boscombe Plate: DIO (Sutton Coldfield) the Victor Ludorum. The Jubilee Shield MEN’S FOOTBALL: Land Reunited (Salisbury) Runners up: Dan Wise Utd (Gosport). (Inter-Establishment Trophy) was a close LADIES’ FOOTBALL: ABW Ladies A Runners up: ABW Ladies B people news 39

Team’s peak practice turns up a charity award

A team from DE&S, who completed the They raised nearly £7,000, split between Three Peaks Challenge last year, have been the firefighters and Help for Heroes. They rewarded by the Fire Fighter’s Charity for have now been presented with a trophy the money they raised. by the Fire Fighters Charity for raising The walkers, Jo Scott, David Hayward, the most from the event. The team’s Chris Smith, Ray Kessler, Rob Taylor and contribution was more than ten per cent of David Pickard were backed by drivers the charity’s total from the event. Richard Aspray and Adam Sutch in their Left: Rob Taylor, Adam Sutch, David quest to scale Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Pickard, Richard Aspray show off the trophy Ben Nevis. on behalf of the team.

Nick’s skills add more Change at top bite to Firestorm of Royal Navy training

Rear Admiral Clive Johnstone, pictured below, is the new Flag Officer Sea Training – head of training for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines – and has taken up his new post after a ceremony at Devonport. He replaces Above: Nick Wood Rear Admiral Chris Snow who retires Left and below: Firestorm helps after 35 years’ call in accurate artillery fire service in the Royal Navy. Rear Admiral Top work earns a top award

Support for the Firestorm system which provides fighting troops with the capability to identify targets and call for aircraft or artillery fire to destroy them has won a DE&S engineer a leading award. WO1(ASM) Nick Wood from the Artillery Systems team has been awarded the Worshipful Company of Engineers´ Services Johnstone said: "I Engineering Equipment am clear that, in Support Award 2011. He was these difficult and selected from a field of six uncertain times, strong finalists across the whole good training of DE&S. protects the heart of The award is presented to a or to meet material availability related risks with through-life the Royal Navy. “I am delighted service person (officer, warrant targets for any of the Armed savings of £5 million, earning to be here in the officer or senior ratings/non- Forces. him praise from the Treasury. south west with my commissioned officer) in ED &S. Nick´s award recognises his Nick has recently been family and looking The chosen person has role in justifying the fleet size of promoted and is now WO1 to forward to leading to demonstrate how he has Firestorm and developing the HQ 12 Armd Bde as the Brigade the many initiatives contributed the most, through through-life support solution. Artificer.H e received his award, required to deliver the application of engineering By applying his excellent an engraved medal and framed a 21st Century training solution.� skills, leadership, management engineering skills and technical certificate, at the Awards Livery and technical acumen, in the judgement to the problem, Nick’s Dinner in Plaisterers’ Hall in the acquisition of new capability solution removed all support- City of London last month. 40 people news

Portsmouth goes the extra (green) mile

Portsmouth naval base is doing its Portsmouth bit as one of the biggest employers in the who area to show it is committed to reducing its entered the carbon footprint. competition, The Big Green Commuter Challenge is naval base run by Portsmouth City Council every year staff saw to encourage people and businesses to their hard leave cars at home and get to work by other work pay sustainable means such as the bus, train, off with a ferry, cycle, moped/motorbike, walk or car creditable share for just one week and save ‘Green joint 4th. miles’. As Staff were determined to beat last well as a and cable locks kindly donated by Wiggle, year’s total of 2,409 green miles and this Portsmouth City Council prize draw for the online cycle company. Prizes were year figures show an amazing 9,269 green all who entered their ‘green miles’ the awarded by base commander Commodore miles, equating to 3,643kgs of carbon saved. naval base held its own draw including Rob Thompson alongside Dan Burdge a Of the 14 large companies in two bikes and five sets of cat eye lights representative from Wiggle on 6 June.

The Princess Royal has officially opened the new link road off . . . while the the M275 into Trafalgar Gate at Portsmouth Naval Base. The road – built by the city council to reduce congestion and air pollution in the city centre – will be known as Princess Royal Way. Princess Royal Before unveiling a plaque outside the gate The Princess was met by Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire Admiral Sir Jonathon Band. ensures base Other guests at the ceremony included Naval Base Commander Commodore Rob Thompson. Commodore Thompson said: “The new link road is proving a big is on right road hit with the many thousands of employees at the base and our many visitors too. “It is providing greatly improved access in and out of the base and is cutting congestion in the city centre. And as we look to the future the road will help the base in its role as home to the majority of the surface fleet, including the new aircraft carriers.” Road to : the Princess Royal Way is a direct route into the Princess Royal, with base or Portsmouth International Port off the Naval Base M275. Instead of southbound vehicles having to Commander enter the city centre and then double-back, they Commodore can make a direct right-turn to their destination. Rob A wall alongside the road has been decorated Thompson, with a mural by local artists from Art and Soul meets local Traders, showing ten naval ships through history, youngsters starting with the Mary Rose and ending with one as she opens of the new aircraft carriers now being built. the new link road to the The wall will soon also feature artwork from base pupils of nearby Flying Bull Primary School. The council put about £1.8 million into the £8 million scheme, with the Department for Transport, the MOD and the European Union contributing the rest.

Gareth is the top fueller

Flight Lieutenant Gareth Evans, centre left, is presented with the ‘Fuellers Prize’ by Prince Edward and The Master of the Worshipful Company of Fuellers Michael Byrne at the Midsummer Court Reception and Dinner on 8 June. Gareth was nominated for his exceptional record of achievement at DE&S' Defence Fuels Group including deployed operations supporting Nato air assets in the Mediterranean. He received the prize aboard HQS Wellington moored on the Thames in central London. people news 41

Brecon battlers: Mal makes it Sqn Ldr Jim Phillips, three titles Sqn Ldr Al Salter and in a row Flt Lt Peter Nankivell Clyde naval base’s Warren ‘Mal’ Malcolm has been crowned Scottish Fly Fishing Champion for the third year in a row. He was one of 20 anglers who took part in the Scottish Command Fly Fishing Open at the Lake of Menteith in the Trossachs. Best novice went to Clyde's Chaplain Rev Richard Rowe; Barry Team scales the Prout won Best Fish with a Rainbow trout of 3lbs 8oz; Mal’s two winning trout came in at 4lbs 11oz. heights in soggy Mal said: “The conditions were hard going but I didn’t think two trout charity walk would have been good enough to win the award for a third year in a row. I feel on top of the world.” Below: Mal, right, Four members of DE&S’ A400M team raised “So fierce was the wind and rain, it was like accepts his award from more than £300 for charity after a soggy 40km having a pressure washer fired at us from the side Richard Rowe, Chaplain of trek across the Brecon Beacons. as we traversed the long exposed ridge before the Clyde base. Sqn Ldrs Jim Phillips and Al Salter, joined by dropping back down towards Brecon.” Flt Lts Geoff Heard and Peter Nankivell and Jeff The team arrived back in Brecon in 10 hours the dog, took up the Welsh Air Ambulance Team and eight minutes, 40 minutes quicker than an (WAAT4) Challenge in June wth a 7am start from A400M team last year. “That said, the winning Brecon rugby club. team had been home about five hours before us “You’ve probably all been for walks where you though, avoiding any of the really bad weather,” painstakingly avoid puddles,” said Flt Lt Heard. said Flt Lt Heard. “By the half way point it became absolutely The team raised £310 for the Welsh Air impossible to avoid the ravines rushing down Ambulance, Blue Lamp Foundation and Brecon paths and was entirely nugatory anyway due to Mountain Rescue. the volume of water running down our legs into Anyone interested in participating in next our boots. year’s event, go to www.waat4challenge.co.uk DINs - released this month Defence Instructions and Notices (DINs) are defence-wide instructions, guidance and notices for military and civilian staff, containing up-to-the-minute information to help people carry out their duties. Some of the latest issued on Defence Equipment and Support are:

2011DIN04-099: This DIN concerns collection and delivery of MOD roadworthy vehicles within the UK to and from training parks (materiel) in support of exercises. The contract was awarded to Severn Vale Truck Movements in October 2010 for three years.

2011DIN04-097: This provides guidance to service and civilian personnel on the process and procedures of utilising the MOD Interim Vehicle Rental Contracts within the UK for their official travel requirements. Personnel should note these contracts are for the UK mainland only and not for use within Northern Ireland. However, if a vehicle is booked and delivered to a UK mainland site it can be driven to Northern Ireland or Europe as long as it is returned to the UK.

2011DIN04-094: This provides details of the break-out of sections from the Defence Fuels Group under its transformation to new parent organisations, timescales, new contact points and information for customers on services after 1 July. A further DIN covering new locations of these organisations following relocation of elements from West Moors to Abbey Wood will be issued next month.

Further information and more details on the latest DINs see: http://defenceintranet.diiweb.r.mil.uk/DefenceIntranet/Library/CivilianAndJointService/AtoZ/DinsIndex2011.htm 42 people news

Year of fundraising brings help to Alzheimer's sufferers Alzheimer's sufferers are to benefit from more than £3,000 thanks to a year's fundraising by the Communications and Situational Awareness (CSA) team. The team, which is part of the Fleet Wide Equipment Group has been supporting the charity over the past year with events including raffles, sweepstakes, sponsorships and dressing up days. Each year, the CSA team holds a ballot to find a new charity to support and, this year, the Alzheimer's Society has benefitted from their efforts. Previous charities have included ACT, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Make a Wish The fundraisers Foundation, Bristol Children's Hospital, present their cheque to Jane Keech of the Cancer Research, Help for Heroes, the Alzheimer's Society South West Children's Hospice and Leukaemia Research.

TWO MEMBERS of the Imagery and Geospatial Exploitation (IMAGE) team DE&S and contractors have been recognised for their contribution to development and delivery of a new approach to joint intelligence co- operation in the international line up to take praise environment. Team leader Ian Smith and the UK’s representative in the collaborative programme Two members of an industry office in Washington, Andy team set up to support Army Green, have been awarded engineers repairing and US Department of Defense accolades, the prestigious maintaining military vehicles in Director of National Afghanistan have been rewarded Intelligence Award for with operational service medals. Collaborative Leadership. Allan Holcroft and Andrew Working with colleagues Asquith of Force Protection from partner nations, they Europe were deployed to devised a new approach to create a future GEOINT Afghanistan last year under architecture. Contractors on Deployed This will transform the Operations regulations. Andrew information-sharing and was back in the UK in January collaboration that is vital while Allan followed suit a few to delivery of intelligence months later. products from a one-way The pair were presented with dissemination of US material to one in which all five partner their medals by Major General Ian nations (US, UK, Australia, Dale, Director Land Equipment at Canada and New Zealand) can DE&S. participate. Force Protection Europe’s Ian said: "This award is 14-strong team was set up last an unexpected and therefore year to support Army engineers. all the more appreciated The team works on Mastiff, recognition of a great deal of hard work and enthusiastic Ridgback and Wolfhound vehicles commitment by the whole that have been credited with IMAGE team, not just Andy saving soldiers’ lives. and I. Keeping this fleet of heavily protected Andrew Asquith, left and Allan Holcroft are "Working in the vehicles in good working order and repairing pictured with Maj Gen Ian Dale Picture: Mark Flowers intelligence any damage caused by roadside bombs is crucial domain our activities are often work to ensure maximum fleet availability for unable to be discussed. "When open material ongoing operations. The team also undertakes such as this can be shared some maintainer and driver training for the protected mobility vehicles and that they were it is a great boost to morale, MOD. operationally fit when they hit Afghan soil. For especially given the significant Major General Dale, said: “Allan and Andrew their hard work and dedication, I extend my personal commitment by team have been pivotal in the seamless deployment of warmest gratitude.” members when dealing with the new Wolfhound tactical support vehicle into Force Protection Europe’s Managing overseas partners in different Afghanistan. Director David Hind said: “Our ability to field time zones. "We are now moving on “In doing so, they brought with them the highly skilled engineers who know the vehicles to implementation of the very latest knowledge of the platform from its inside and out is invaluable to the Army and it’s Roadmap, with its multiple comprehensive trials. Prior to deployment they an area that we will continue to invest in. I’ve elements each of which give us ensured that the vehicles were fitted with the heard first-hand that this commitment is greatly new and exciting challenges." latest safety equipment, common across all appreciated by our Armed Forces.” people news 43 The day Portsmouth took on the mighty George Bush

Portsmouth personnel have given everything in place. When you are dealing the bill for every element of the visit and themselves a big pat on the back for the with 4,000 people a day going to the ship a personal email from Rear Admiral Nora detailed planning of the visit of the US through the naval base it requires a great Tyson, (Commander Carrier Strike Group aircraft carrier USS George HW Bush. deal of planning,” he said. 2) to Commander Hilton illustrated how Ferrying 4,000 people back and forth to Commander Hilton and his team dealt delighted she was with the visit. the ship was nothing short of a triumph. with commercial contracts, security and “Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the Base Services Manager Commander preparing the jetty that was to become 'Little port visit and the hospitality shown by the David Hilton detailed six months of intricate America' during the visit. community and the Royal Navy,” she said. planning. Catering was provided by contractor MLS And Commander Hilton echoed those “I met the US Naval Attache in London under cover of a giant marquee. sentiments: “It was a great example of Team six weeks before the visit to ensure we had The American government picked up Portsmouth performing at its best,” he said. JSF members saddle up for gruelling canal ride

British members of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) programme We're the Brits in cycled the 184-mile Chesapeake America: members and Ohio Canal path over a of the Joint Strike Fighter programme three-day period in June to raise on slightly slower Colin is the cash for cystic fibrosis research. transport The group, who all work top rower within the programme at either A Royal Navy NAS Patuxent River or in the submariner based at programme office in Washington Devonport has set two DC, were coerced and convinced British records in the that they could cycle 60 miles a men’s heavyweight day over stony ground through 40-49 age group at the the wilds of western Maryland. annual Farnborough The pathway is a long indoor rowing competition. distance cycle route that nestles Chief Petty Officer between the, now largely derelict Colin Leiba, above, a Chesapeake and Ohio Canal and reactor panel operator the Potomac River in a beautifully on HMS Talent, shaded and serene scenic valley. achieved record Highlights for most were the snakes, spiders, mosquitoes, Emma Barker, Iain Barker, Steve times in two races on the same day. tranquillity of western Maryland, 90-degree heat, downed trees Benn, Dan Blogg, Al Cartwright, His 2 minutes 58.2 the history of Harper’s Ferry and and thunderstorms, the team Yvonne Cartwright, Jeff Seddon, seconds for the 1,000 the roar of Great Falls. completed their route from Harv Smyth, Janet Young, Lisa metres and 1 minute Completing the route on Cumberland MD to Washington Young, Bow Wheaton and Jacob 19.8 seconds for the mountain bikes and supported by DC in 27 hours of cycling. Wheaton. 500 metres each friends and family, all found the Colleagues, friends and family Cyclists were supported by eclipsed the previous route a challenge. have helped the team raise more a team made up of Gavin and British records by 0.3 sec. These lead the Encountering all manner of than $2,000. Karen Maw and Alice and Suzi world this year in his hazards along the way, including The cyclists were Mark Baker, Wheaton. category.