March 2014 Issue 70

desthe magazine for defenceider equipment and support

Stability, soundness, realism – Equipment Plan is unveiled

Latest on the future make-up of DE&S See inside

French Wargames Choir hits the Warrior Man and beast connection with the US right notes on track in harmony 2 frontispiece

Husky heads for home

An RAF C-17 aircraft is pictured at Camp Bastion, Afghanistan as the redeployment of equipment from theatre continues. Pictured is a Husky being marshalled onto the waiting aircraft. des [email protected] Dick Naughton [email protected] Steve Moore © Crown Copyright desider, desider [email protected] 7155 7379 (0)20 +44 Fax: 1837 7657 (0)20 Tel: +44 1NU SC1A Holborn, High Street, Richard Stillman Advertising Distribution Manager: Editor: Comms: Corporate Head, Assistant [email protected] Ralph Dunn the relevant MOD project team before publication. before team project MOD relevant the to by be cleared content with forauthorities advertorials MOD relevant the by cleared be must submissions editorial All MOD. the or DE&S by endorsed necessarily accepted for errors or omissions. Views expressed in in expressed Views omissions. or errors for accepted be can liability no accurate, is produced material all ensure to care takes editor the While industries. defence the in including MOD, outside readers to sent may be Copies organisations. equipment capability Printing: Printing: www.gov.uk/government/publications/desider forests. certified material from well-managed waste andForest Stewardship Council and de-inked pulpfrom post consumer 90gsm whichcontains 50per cent recycled This magazineisproduced onCocoon Silk FEATURES 32 30 28 23 26 is distributed free to DE&S employees and the the and employees DE&S to free distributed is

and products and services advertised, are not advertised, and services and products

Forward thinking French connection Duncan joinsthebattle –onland An investment inthefuture Days ofthunder trials project, hassurpassed allexpectations duringitsfirst flight Taranis, ajointMOD andindustry unmannedairvehicle Equipment Plan,publishedlast month Stability, soundness andrealism underpinthesecond annual between thetwo countries withawide-ranging agreement The UKandFrance have strengthened defence co-operation Collingwood HMS proving theeffectiveness ofthelatest synthetictraining at The Americans have beenworking withtheRoyal Navyand UK's engineeringandmanufacturing base maintenance andupgrade ofhelicopters willreinforce the As theeconomy returns to growth, two contracts for - 9352 30257 or 0117 9130257 0117 or 9130257 30257 -9352 - 9352 30537 or 0117 9130537 0117 or 9130537 30537 -9352 ider - 9352 34342 or 0117 9134342 0117 or 9134342 34342 -9352 : – Ten Alps Media, 1 New Oxford Oxford 1New Media, –Ten Alps

20 17 15 12 10 9 8 6 NEWS

Crowsnest setfor Merlin The challenges ofchange Possible nuclear waste sites unveiled Long RangeRadar’sthree-year support Puma through latest life extension phase Warrior ontrack to deliver DVD –theperfect showcase Providers to take akey role inDE&S service18 monthsearly of significant changeinhisdomain DE&S saysheisprivileged to bein charge ata time The new manincharge ofmaritimeequipmentat nuclear Navy Royal decommissioned from waste store to sites potential as identified been have UK the across facilities nuclear Five December 2016 Radar system hasnow beenguaranteed until Support for theType 45destroyers' LongRange Puma Life Extension Programme the finalPumaMk2aircraft to bemodifiedunderthe Eurocopter andDE&Sare celebrating transfer of Review passed itslate milestone –thePreliminary Design The Warrior CapabilitySustainment Programme has for the The new helicopter-borne early warningsystem Millbrook, Bedfordshire inJune underpin DE&S'annuallandequipmentevent at A showcase ofequipmentandtechnology will be coming oncontract later thisyear turning DE&Sinto a'match fit'organisation andwill Managed Service Providers willplayakey role in

Queen Elizabeth Queen keep theaircraft intheforefront ofUKmilitary aviation. pound contract withAgustaWestland hasbeensignedto in thesecond annualEquipmentPlan.Amulti-million The MerlinCapabilitySustainment Programme figures cover image aircraft carriers willbein

26

Picture: Andrew Linnett Insider march 2014 Bernard Gray DE&S becomes a Bespoke Chief of Defence Materiel Central Government Trading Entity next month. ‘The updated Equipment Director Materiel Strategy Barry Burton explains what Plan should remind us will be different and what that we work for the very will stay the same long term’

We are drawing closer to cost increases and minimal the launch of the new DE&S delays. Vital wor k goes on that we have been planning This welcome change is since the Secretary of State’s largely down to your work, announcement on 10th firstly in helping to establish December last year. an affordable equipment behind th e scenes I hope that you will draw programme and secondly encouragement from the fact in working hard to deliver equipment to the front line on t’s important to clarify that DE&S that the process of changing will retain its current name and DE&S will shortly move from time and to cost. branding saving us time and expense something that we have been Last month also saw which is better devoted elsewhere. publication of the NAO’s ‘IIn fact, it is likely that on the first day talking about, to something that we are doing. assessment of the MOD’s many things will feel the same to all of us. last Equipment Plan (EP) and We will be using the same offices, we will Last month, the Permanent have the same car parking facilities and be Secretary Jon Thompson publication by MOD of this year’s updated EP. booking the same desks. and I explained our plans at But behind the scenes lots will be an evidence session to the The updated EP lays different, laying the foundations for later House of Commons Defence out costed plans involving changes to the organisation; the journey will Committee. MPs were very expenditure of £164 billion have begun for all of us. To set up the bespoke entity we will keen to know about progress on equipment and support over the next decade – the agree a Framework Document with Cabinet we are making in DE&S as we vast majority of which will Office and the Treasury to define the head toward the launch of the function, strategic objectives, governance be managed by DE&S. This arrangements, policy framework, and other new entity. They also asked document should remind us all about structural changes, controls/operating parameters for DE&S. that we work for the very long- DE&S will be an arms length body within such as the transfers, next term, and give you confidence the public sector but with genuine freedoms month, of the three naval in the continued longevity around how it recruits, rewards, retains and bases to Navy Command and and importance of the role of manages staff. Information Systems and DE&S for the future. We will also inject the crucial private Services to the Joint Forces support we need through the Managed There has also been Service Providers. Command. some significant news about There will be a number of changes to the The DE&S Bespoke progress on DE&S projects, governance structures of DE&S on day one Central Government Trading including the announcement – an Owner’s Council will be established, Entity that will be launched by the Secretary of State chaired by Ministers, to monitor and next month will be a unique that we awarded contracts, evaluate the performance of DE&S on behalf solution to the specific needs of the MOD. valued at about £760 million, DE&S will have a new board makeup, led of DE&S and I am confident the to AgustaWestland on two by a Non-Executive Chair, with a group of changes we plan to introduce, helicopter programmes and other Non-Executive Directors, together with will ensure the organisation the announcement by Minister an executive team led by the Chief of Defence continues to build on the (DEST) that the initial flight of Materiel as the Chief Executive Officer. improvements recorded in the Taranis test vehicle had DE&S will be accountable to Parliament through the Chief Executive Officer as the latest National Audit been a success. an additional accounting officer for our Office Major Projects Report, Finally a joint UK/French operating costs. Funding will be via MOD published on 13th February. communiqué laid out plans Estimates and in due course through With the exception of the for collaboration and joint charging MOD customers for work. programme working with our French We will publish our own plans and partners across a range annual reports and accounts which will be – which faced a set of unique consolidated within those of the MOD. challenges that we helped of projects, including mine DE&S will remain a part of the MOD successfully to resolve – this countermeasures and a new and will be audited as part of the MOD for report found no significant air-to-surface missile. those purposes by Defene Internal Audit and news 5

The role of Managed Service Providers in NEWSREEL the future DE&S: page 6 Redeployment is on-going

Defence Secretary Philip Hammond has told the House of Commons that by the end of January, the MOD had redeployed 1,694 vehicles and other major equipment from Afghanistan, along with 2,374 20-foot equivalent containers of Vital wor k goes on matériel, and destroyed or disposed of some equipment in theatre, ensuring that nothing of behind the scenes military value would fall into the hands of the enemy. He said: “I can assure the House from my personal experience that this obligation is taken very seriously. The military are not taking any chances.”

Sensors support

Lockheed Martin has received a $60 Director Materiel Strategy Barry Burton outlines future plans during a get-together of DE&S' Materiel Strategy million sustainment team at Abbey Wood and support contract from AgustaWestland for the Modernised Three key phases to deliver the new organisation: Target Acquisition Designation Sight/ Phase 1 – up to the start of next month: setting up the Trading Entity, and Pilot Night Vision Three starting the procurement process for the Managed Service Providers to obtain Sensor system on the private sector skills we need. the UK’s Apache AH stages Mk-1 aircraft. The Phase 2 – from April 2014-April 2015: Transition – using the freedoms we have contract includes to DE&S’ been given to change the organisation for the better and to give us the tools we in-country repairs, need to get the job done differently. spares and technical future services, as well as Phase 3 – April 2015-April 2017: Transforming DE&S, making it “match fit” to integrated logistics, face the future, which may mean market testing for a GoCo competition at a engineering and later date. depot repair support. The effort the National Audit Office. The Chief of Defence three years. The Chief of Defence Materiel and is part of the overall Materiel will appear before the Public Accounts Permanent Under-Secretary will agree that in the support for the Committee on the Equipment Plan, as now, first instance, together with the non-Executive UK Apache fleet provided to DE&S by alongside the Permanent Under-Secretary as the Chair once in post – but there will be an opportunity AgustaWestland. Principal Accounting Officer. to refresh it on an annual basis if necessary. We will have a Corporate Plan, which will set The non-executive Chair will be recruited after o Apache support: out the strategic objectives for DE&S for the next a fair and open process. page 26 The new organisation will go New CGS Service Providers join the agenda through a transition process over the LT Gen Sir Nicholas Areas where staff will see changes in events is welcome as involvement is key coming financial year Carter will be the DE&S – such as hard charging and the to success. Read and comment on the Mat in preparation to next Chief of the support of Managed Service Providers – Strat blog, keep updated with the intranet undertake the planned General Staff to succeed General were discussed at the latest Open Forum site. Any ideas, queries, comments or transformation from at Abbey Wood. feedback, get in touch via the Multiuser Sir Peter Wall. He April 2015; in practice Director Materiel Strategy Barry email account: DESCDM-MatStrat-Team@ will be promoted to Burton explained the features of a mod.uk we expect to be able General and take up bespoke trading entity and the timelines to begin some of his new appointment for implementation. o The role of Managed Service Providers: the transformation in September. Staff feedback on Materiel Strategy page 6 activity before that.’ 6 news

Work Providers will take a key packages to role in ‘match fit’ DE&S be awarded • Workpackage 1, Project Managed Service Providers likely to be let first and will shared with suppliers, Delivery: This (MSPs) – which will play a shape the approach for later customers and business will improve key role in turning DE&S into work packages,” he said. partners.” project delivery a ‘match fit’ organisation – “The aim is that DE&S is The Human Resources across DE&S are planned to be coming on acknowledged as being ‘best in package will support an effective in support of contract later this year. class’ because of the outputs it HR approach to achieve the the Equipment In addition to their role delivers and the support of our transformation DE&S intends. Procurement working alongside DE&S as customers.” This will include designing Plan, Equipment strategic support and assistance The Finance/Management and implementing a new HR Support Plan and to transform the business, the Information/Information strategy and establishing logistic supply; MSPs will also support delivery Technology package will an HR function to improve of the current equipment and improve quality of management performance across the DE&S • Workpackage support programmes to time, information, particularly in workforce in executing high 2, Finance/MI/ cost and performance – noting project baselines and ongoing performance programmes. IT: In addition that they will be here to help to supporting DE&S, not do it for DE&S. the Bespoke While their work will touch Trading Entity on every aspect of the business, establishing they will be focused in three the financial principal areas which are processes it being referred to as three work requires, this packages (see separate panel, workpackage right). will establish an Their key roles will be to MI/IT governance support delivery of the current and architecture programme; improve project within DE&S and management, financial and thus improve commercial management, the quality of structures, expertise, tools, management processes and working practices; information, and create a skills baseline for particularly DE&S as a basis to achieve best- project in-class performance across the baselines, business. generated and They will support used within the Director Future DE&S Model Paul Blakiston leads a Materiel Strategy development of the existing business; discussion at Abbey Wood workforce through formal and informal routes so that they • Workpackage are able to deliver the required Earned Value Management It will also cover designing 3, HR: This DE&S products and services monitoring, through an a new workforce model and a will establish and import skills to fill critical improved financial controlbespoke pay and grading system business- shortfalls in key functions system, said Mr Burton. in response to the requirements relevant HR until such time as the in-house It will also be responsible of the Project Delivery package. function and capability and capacity is for design, roll-out and Mr Burton said: “The deliver HR satisfactorily addressed. implementation of management outcome will be that DE&S is transformation Director Materiel Strategy information systems as well as a self-confident entity that is so that the new Barry Burton explained that for providing training for use in able to attract high performing organisation is the Project Delivery package the new systems. individuals, is valued by its able to manage would improve procurement Mr Burton added: “It will members and is able to retain and reward its of new military equipment, improve project management the best of them in support of its workforce more commodities and services, IT tools in line with the outputs. effectively. supporting in-service equipment requirements of the Project “The Materiel Strategy team through-life or managing global Delivery workpackage. is considering how best to bring logistic operations. “The outcome will be the MSPs into the business This will include a an organisation in which before Invitations To Tender are comprehensive project control information is trusted and released.” system informed by Earned Value Management data and analysis where appropriate – a focus not ‘The outcome will be that DE&S is a self-confident entity that only on ‘doing things is able to attract high performing individuals, is valued by its right’ but on ‘doing the right thing’. members and is able to retain the best of them in support of its “This package is outputs’ – Director Materiel Strategy Barry Burton AN INSPIRED GENERATION. As an engineering and manufacturing company we’re reliant on recruiting and retaining the most committed employees to maintain our talent pipeline. That’s why we invest over £80M a year in skills and education programmes – from training 900 apprentices to working with more than 250 schools across the UK on engineering projects.

www.baesystems.com 8 news

NEWSREEL Shell contract opens up a new view on the battlefield MOD to back D-Day events A DE&S project team has awarded a £13.5 million as training techniques can remain the same and a contract for the production of new illuminating costly change to the fire control solution has been The MOD shells for use by the Army’s and ’ avoided. will support 105mm light guns. The contract, awarded by the Defence General commemorations The projectiles, which eject a powerful flare Munitions project team, part of the Weapons to mark the 70th that descends on a parachute to illuminate the Operating Centre, covers delivery of around 3,000 anniversary of the battlefield at night or in poor visibility, will be fired shells per year for the next three years with an Normandy Landings using existing propelling charge systems. option to extend the contract for a further two in France, taking The shell has been modified to provide an years. place 5th-6th June. improved parachute that slows the rate of descent “We’re very pleased that as a result of a lot of All three services by approximately 50 per cent, thus providing more hard work we have achieved contract award on this will provide logistic illumination and requiring less stock to achieve the important programme," said a team spokesman. and ceremonial same effect. “These shells are a vital piece of equipment for support and will This has been achieved without detriment to the our forces and will replace the stocks consumed on assist veterans of illumination time, range and fire control solution, operations in Afghanistan and in training.” the campaign. Work enabling it to be used in exactly the same manner The contract was awarded to BAE Systems is being led by a as the existing shell. This has additional benefits Bofors AB. specialist logistics unit, Force Troops Command, and 3rd (UK) Division of the Army, the division Millbrook 25-26 June 2014 that led the assault on Sword Beach 70 years ago. Major commemorations will include ceremonies on 5th June to mark the liberation of Ranville by the British 13th Parachute Battalion, the first village to be liberated on D-Day. On 6th June, a UK-France Service of Remembrance will take place at Bayeux Cathedral, followed by a special event at the Bayeux Commonwealth Cemetery.

Reaper future

Reaper, the air system remotely piloted by RAF DVD – the perfect showcase pilots and operating in Afghanistan, is to be retained for contingent purposes Making a splash: Husky goes through its paces at DVD2013 following the end of operations, Philip A showcase of equipment The focus of these discussions that could provide more cost Dunne, Minister for and technology which may will be on innovative and effective support for the forces.” Defence Equipment, Support and enable the Army of 2020 will be efficient solutions for support, DVD2014 will be attended by Technology has said. the theme and backdrop to this upkeep and development of military stakeholders, who will No final decisions year’s DVD event. capable land equipment for provide their valuable opinion have been taken on The focus will fall on how contingent operations. on a wide range of equipment basing options. DE&S can improve future used on recent operations in support. o Are you involved in the UK Afghanistan. Capability day This is the second year that land equipment industry Brig Mark Gaunt, DVD – at Millbrook on 25th and Director Equipment at Army Minister for and want to attend 26th June – will be jointly run by DVD2014? Headquarters, added: “We Defence Equipment, Army Headquarters and DE&S continue to work closely with our Support and Register now at Technology Philip Land Equipment, recognising www.theevent.co.uk civilian and industry partners to Dunne joined First the new capability role taken on deliver the very best equipment Sea Lord Admiral Sir by the Army as part of Defence to our soldiers. Transformation. “This annual event attracts at a joint dstl and DVD will bring together Maj Gen Paul Jaques, a wide audience and is a terrific industry maritime the military, industry and Director Land Equipment at opportunity for attendees to capability day at the acquisition community DE&S, said: “DVD2014 will be a see what the Army of the future Navy Command Headquarters, for informal discussions, great opportunity to showcase might look like on cessation Whale Island, in engagement with users, current equipment and vehicles, of combat operations in January. demonstrations and live displays. future technology and systems Afghanistan.” news 9

Sir Peter to chair carrier

Merlin helicopters operating on HMS Queen Elizabeth in a computer generated image. The aircraft will be alliance fitted with Crowsnest high power radar

Sir Peter Gershon has been appointed Non- Executive Chairman of the Carriers’ Merlins to take Aircraft Carrier Alliance. Sir Peter, Chairman of Tate & Lyle and National Grid, will oversee the management Board and on Crowsnest wizardry progress in delivering the two Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers, HMS The new helicopter-borne fleet of upgraded Merlin Mk2 Hammond said: “Crowsnest Queen Elizabeth and HMS early warning system for the helicopters. will provide vital surveillance Prince of Wales. Defence Secretary Queen Elizabeth class aircraft The decision to bring and intelligence to protect the Philip Hammond said: carriers will be in service 18 forward Crowsnest has been Queen Elizabeth class aircraft “Now that we have months early. made as part of the annual carriers. The introduction of renegotiated the contract Following the renegotiation review of the MOD’s ten-year Crowsnest 18 months early will between the MOD and of the carriers’ contract to Equipment Plan. ensure HMS Queen Elizabeth industry to ensure proper deliver savings for taxpayers, The plan, worth £160 has the full range of capabilities alignment of interests, the Defence Secretary has billion, includes unallocated when it enters service. it is important this vast project is managed accelerated the Crowsnest funding to support equipment “This announcement is efficiently and governed Airborne Surveillance and requirements that may arise a good example of improved effectively to ensure the Control programme to ensure it as threats emerge or priorities financial management in the delivery of carrier strike is operational by 2019. change. MOD allowing us to respond from 2020. Crowsnest uses high power The shorter delivery time to new requirements as they “Sir Peter's radar to provide long-range for Crowsnest will lead to a arise.” appointment will help to air, maritime and land tracking significant reduction in costs Lockheed Martin UK, increase the coherence and co-ordination between capabilities and will be an as specialist industry personnel which designs Merlin, has been MOD and industry as integral part of future carrier will be required for a shorter awarded a £24 million contract the programme reaches operations. period of time. It is expected to to run a competition to design, key milestones ahead of The Crowsnest system will save around £22 million. develop and demonstrate entering service with the be fitted to the ’s Defence Secretary Philip Crowsnest. Royal Navy.” The Alliance between industry and the MOD was founded to transform the way in which large scale Thales to support anti- sensor projects are produced. It comprises Babcock, Thales will support the Sonar 2050 anti-submarine sensor used on the Thales UK, BAE Systems Royal Navy’s Type 23 fleet for the next five years. and the MOD. Sonar 2050 is a medium-range bow sonar, pictured right, currently fitted Sir Peter has broad to the and is the Royal Navy’s primary hull-mounted anti-submarine business experience warfare sensor. It also provides the ship with passive detection capabilities at gained in large and lower frequencies. complex international Thales will provide physical support for operational defect rectifications, organisations and has a worldwide 24/7 helpdesk, dry dock and afloat support, and test equipment held various leadership and handling. roles in the UK private and public sector. 10 news Warrior on track to deliver

Upgrade passes latest hurdle

Above: Warrior will have class-leading capability for many years to come

Right: Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Peter Wall, far right, on a visit to Lockheed Martin at Ampthill on 30th January. Brigadier Robert Talbot Rice, head of the Armoured Vehicles Programme at DE&S, is on the left

The Warrior Capability Sustainment in Bedfordshire. Programme is on track to deliver, The programme is having passed its latest milestone – the supporting up to 600 UK Preliminary Design Review. jobs, with 90 per cent of The programme is progressing the work taking place in towards the build of a prototype vehicle this country. fitted with the CTAi 40mm cannon. Alan Lines, The plan is to achieve its first live fire Lockheed Martin trial this spring, leading to its Critical UK’s Ampthill vice Design Review next year. president and managing Passing the latest milestone was a director said: “We have result of months of co-operation between completed another significant stage in our This weapon system will give the UK DE&S’ Armoured Vehicles Programmes mission to deliver the future armoured a class-leading capability that allows the and Lockheed Martin UK. The company is core of the . vehicles to continue to have wide utility carrying out much of the work at Ampthill “This latest success reflects the and battlewinning firepower for many dedication, commitment and resilience years to come. Qualification will be the The Warrior Capability Sustainment shown by every member of the programme culmination of five years’ successful Programme will upgrade the current team.” Anglo-French co-operation. Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicle The 40mm cannon is common to Scout Leading suppliers on the Warrior beyond 2040 to meet the current and future and Warrior vehicles and will be shared Programme include Ultra Electronics, requirements of the British Army. with the French. It is expected to achieve Defence Support Group, SCISYS, The programme is scheduled to deliver 381 UK and French safety qualification along Rheinmetall Defence, Curtiss Wright, upgraded Warriors. with two natures of ammunition by early Thales UK, Moog, Meggitt, Jenoptik ESW summer. and Elbit Systems Kinetics.

Typhoon support in £100m extension Typhoon availability and in- Air Support Team, said: “I’m delighted service support to the RAF has been we’ve signed this extension to the guaranteed to the end of the year in a Typhoon Availability Service. This contract extension with BAE Systems. enables us to jointly embed the best Under the Typhoon Availability practice and lessons learned from the Service contract, air and groundcrew first five years of the TAS contract and are trained, the aircraft is serviced deliver lasting benefit to the RAF front and maintained, technical support is line, DE&S and BAE Systems.” provided while spares, repairs and His thoughts were echoed by Nigel logistics are managed. Davey, BAES’ Director for the Military The £100 million extension Air Support business who said: “We supports the aircraft at bases in have worked hard in partnership with Coningsby, Leuchars and the Falkland the MOD and the RAF to develop a Islands service that ensures the RAF is able to A Typhoon takes off during Red Flag exercises on Peter Davidson, Availability meet operational requirements and is Nevada last month Operations Manager for DE&S’ Fast also cost effective for the UK taxpayer.” Training for Operational Success

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NEWSREEL Submarine rescue vehicle passes tough hull tests Training QinetiQ has carried out a fatigue and fracture The assessment showed the vehicle would only mechanics assessment of the submarine rescue require visual inspections, rather than complex contract vehicle, part of the Nato Submarine Rescue System. pressure testing, which would have taken it out of This system is a multi-national project involving service for six months. QinetiQ, partnered DE&S which offers a rescue capability primarily for “QinetiQ carried out an excellent series of by Cranfield the partner nations of France, Norway and the UK studies applying their expert knowledge in metal University, NSC and to Nato and allied nations. fatigue," said Ben Duke, the system’s DE&S technical and XPI Simulation, QinetiQ’s review evaluated welded joints of manager. “The report was reviewed by Lloyds has been awarded the pressure hull against design standards, and Register and the UK MOD Naval Authority who have a £3.6 million assessed the likelihood of failure by fatigue. endorsed its conclusions.” contract from the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory to demonstrate Puma is smoothly through developments in gaming, mobile devices and other commercially- available latest life extension phase technologies. The commercial-off-the- shelf and emerging After more than four years technologies of intense effort, Eurocopter evaluation and and DE&S’ Puma 2 Gazelle team exploitation have celebrated transfer of the programme aims to enhance cost- final Puma Mk2 aircraft to be effectiveness of modified in Marignane, France the training and back to the UK. simulation received This marks the end of the core by Britain’s Armed development phase of the Puma Forces. Life Extension Programme contract awarded to Eurocopter UK in 2009. Work starts Addressing Eurocopter at Lyneham management and workforce Ian Craddock, Head Helicopters Hercules, a joint 2, said: “This is a significant venture between milestone and all who have Kier Group and contributed should be extremely Balfour Beatty, has begun a £121 proud.” million contract He added that further with the Defence development Infrastructure work and aircraft Organisation modification was still to transform needed to achieve the former RAF Initial Operating Lyneham into a new Armed Forces Capability early next training facility. year. Milestone: Ian Craddock addresses Eurocopter Work includes Gp Capt Owen management and workers single living Barnes, Puma Mk2 accommodation and and Gazelle leader, Left: Wing Cdr Hamish Cormack of 230 Squadron training facilities said: “This is an for trainees and important milestone on the road to considerable work still to be staff from the Army, Royal Navy and RAF. which has resulted IOC. The team, done.” There will also be from the strong alongside the All 24 aircraft have been a museum for the relationship that Puma Force inducted into the Life Extension Royal Electrical has been developed Commander, Programme; two-thirds have and Mechanical between the project team and been modified to Puma HC Mk2 Engineers. Eurocopter. and our industrial partners configuration. “However, it is but one of Eurocopter (UK) and QinetiQ, The Mk2 achieved its initial a number of significant steps remain totally focused on the Release to Service last August, Ramp verdict allowing it to be used by the RAF Puma Force for crew training Addition of a ‘ski ramp’ will have a ‘Puma – even greater utility than before’ and tasking with the Army. negligible effect on The capability and capacity of the radar cross- the Puma Mk2 will be expanded section of the Wg Cdr Hamish Cormack of the suited for future operations. incrementally over the coming Queen Elizabeth Puma Force, commanding officer “2014 will be an exceptionally months to introduce additional of the RAF’s 230 Squadron, said: busy year for the Puma Force with class carriers, role equipment, theatre entry “When you marry the Puma Mk2’s a full training programme as we Minister for Defence standard modifications and Equipment, Support significantly enhanced capability to receive the staged capability drops, and Technology its rapid deployability, two Pumas and our intention is to ensure that an expanded performance Philip Dunne has flown in by C-17 can be operational the British Army, and our other envelope that will ensure the told MPs. within four hours of arriving users, are left in no doubt that the effective contribution of Puma anywhere in the world, then you Puma is back and with even greater to contingent operations. have a package which is ideally utility than before.” Secure communications you can depend on

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NEWSREEL Long range radar given Defence priorities

Defence Secretary three-year support Philip Hammond has outlined his priorities to MPs, the first of which Type 45 system was the success of operations in chosen to defend Afghanistan. He added: “Beyond new aircraft that, my priorities are the MOD’s carriers transformation programme, which is due to be completed in Support for the Type 45 March; building ’ Long Range Radar confidence in the (LRR) System has been guaranteed Future Force 2020 to December 2016. model; developing the reserve forces; The system, produced by BAE reinforcing the Systems and Thales Netherlands, Armed Forces can automatically track up to 1,000 covenant; targets at around 250 miles and is maintaining one of the two radars that make budgets in balance; up the Sea Viper Weapon System and reforming used on the Type 45s. the defence procurement It is also capable of detecting organisation.” stealthy targets making it a formidable defensive capability chosen for the Queen Elizabeth Ark parts aircraft carriers. The contract (Follow-on The cost of buying LRR In-Service Support) offers parts from the a technical helpdesk, waterfront Capability: Long Range Radar pictured on a Type 45 former carrier Ark engineering, core team support, Royal for refitting materiel audits and a repairs HMS Illustrious is about £18,500 facility, along with corrective and Lifesaving deal signed for an electrical preventative maintenance. switchboard, Additionally, advice and Minister for Defence assistance is available for ships on DE&S has awarded a four- Safety’s Southampton branch Equipment, Support overseas deployment, including year contract for continuing but their branches in Plymouth, and Technology weekends. supply, service and repair Greenock and Aberdeen will Philip Dunne has All seven LRR systems in of commercial liferafts and also offer additional support. told Parliament. “Obtaining the service are included in the contract marine evacuation systems. Richard Besse, Ocean switchboard rather which is managed by the Maritime The contract, let by Safety’s Operations Director than using other and Air Weapon Systems team in Maritime Platform Systems, said: “Being awarded this procurement options the Weapons Operating Centre. has gone to UK independent contract is a fantastic resulted in savings Six are fitted to theDaring safety supplier Ocean Safety. achievement for us and a of approximately class destroyers, with a seventh Direct support will be testament to the overall level £57,000 and meant at the Maritime Support and given to the Royal Navy’s of service that we provide on a the part could be replaced months Integration Centre on Portsdown current flagship HMS national scale. before it otherwise Hill, overlooking Portsmouth. Bulwark and to the fleet of “We look forward to would have been,” The contract is part of overall Type 45 destroyers based in continuing the support and he said. support for the radar, which was Portsmouth. developing the great working initially a tri-national procurement Ongoing support will relationship that we already MOD savings Edge operators gain real-time combat communications with the French and Italian navies. be primarily given at Ocean have with the MOD.” and interoperability to whichever networks suit the mission, While Design Authority Defence Minister activities, such as core-design Anna Soubry with the two-channel, software–defined Small Tactical modifications, are still managed MOD gives financial boost to festivities has estimated to with the French and Italians, the Parliament that, by Terminal from ViaSat and Harris. The low–SWaP STT 2021-22, cumulative UK has taken an independent enables helicopters, ground vehicles, and other platforms Cities, communities and local organisations are being asked to savings of around Small Tactical Terminal (STT) approach to the day-to-day to switch waveforms and network connections on the fly, show support for servicemen and women by hosting an Armed Forces £23 billion will have » Available Now for UK, US, and International Deliveries support of the system to increase Day event this summer, with MOD funding available. been made as a » Selected for Link 16 on the Apache AH-64E, UK Falcon, merging disparate networks and delivering situational efficiency, reduce costs and to Celebrations this year will be on Saturday 28th June, when a result of reductions provide value for money to the major national event will be held in Stirling, Scotland. in service and UAS Ground Control Stations, and AU JP2089 awareness to edge operators as the mission unfolds. UK taxpayer, while maximising Last year more than 340 events took place in all parts of the UK, civilian personnel, operational availability to the including tea parties, concerts, civil war military re-enactments and and greater live and static demonstrations. efficiency in the Royal Navy. To find out more about applications and funding – grants are conduct of non-front The contract will directly available up to £10,000 – visit www.armedforcesday.org.uk line activities. sustain eleven UK jobs in industry. harris.com/stt viasat.com/stt [email protected] 16 news

NEWSREEL Seniors make progress

Armed Forces Minister Mark Francois told a House of Commons defence debate the most tangible evidence of the progress women had made in getting to the most senior ranks of the Armed Forces was the appointment last year of Air Vice- Marshal and Air Vice-Marshal Sue Gray as the first female two-star officers in the RAF. He said: “Air Vice- Marshal Gray will be responsible for the procurement of future combat equipment, including New environment: A Royal Navy Merlin, above – RAF Merlins are being converted to operate in the maritime fighter aircraft. I environment am sure the whole House will wish to offer both of them congratulations Testing will help Merlin and the best of luck in their new appointments.” take on new roles Germany exit

Progress on the A contract for test and to us understanding the risks Service to ensure that the aircraft return of British evaluation to support the Merlin associated with its continued can be operated safely in its Forces from Germany is on Life Sustainment Programme safe operation in a number of broad operational environment, target to deliver has gone to QinetiQ. new operational environments. including operation from Royal the 2010 review The arrangement, worth “This contract continues Navy ships. commitment to £16 million over five years, will our long-term relationship Gaz Borland, Managing draw down half of form part of the conversion by with QinetiQ supporting our Director for Air Division at personnel based AgustaWestland of 25 Mk3/3A requirements for independent QinetiQ, said: “We are very there by next year, RAF helicopters to maritime advice on the Merlin.” pleased to have been awarded and the remainder by 2020, Armed operations for the Royal Navy. The contract will be delivered this contract which illustrates Forces Minister DE&S’ Merlin team will get using the Long Term Partnership the value we can bring to DE&S Mark Francois independent technical and safety Agreement, a 25-year, £5.6 as independent advisors and has said. Around advice, as well as testing and billion contract between the ensures that the skills and 6,000 personal support to the certification of MOD and QinetiQ. expertise gained on the Merlin and familes have the Interim and Full Operating The Merlin team will benefit aircraft over the last 20 years are returned so far. Capability. from the facilities and expertise, sustained. Royal Navy Captain Ed including military test pilots and “This enables us to continue In the field Tritschler, Merlin team leader, flight test engineers available to provide world-class expertise said: “The life sustainment at Boscombe Down under the in test and evaluation and Initial Operating Capability has been programme introduces a terms of the agreement. specialists who have deep declared on tranche range of new equipment and As part of the contract knowledge of the aircraft and its 1 of Field Deployable capabilities to the Merlin. QinetiQ will provide capabilities.” Geospatial QinetiQ’s involvement is key recommendations for Release to n Merlin transformation: page 26 Intelligence to provide mapping, digital geographic DE&S’ Air Platform Systems project result of a great deal of hard work by information and team, part of Director Air Support, has the team. It forms part of the work the imagery to UK placed a $28 million contract with BAE Platform Protection branch does to equip Forces. Ian Smith Warning Systems, Information and Electronic UK MOD aircraft with the best available air of DE&S’ IMaGE Systems Integration, for procuring the survivability systems against the kind of team, said: “This is system next generation common missile warning threats our crews might encounter. a vital project that system. “All front line aircraft already carry provides the MOD contract It will be used across all three missile warning systems, but this contract with improved and services and on a wide range of aircraft takes advantage of the latest defensive enhanced tactical placed including Chinook, Apache and Merlin technologies and represents the MOD’s capabilities.” Mk2. commitment to ensuring that our Forces Programme manager Paul Moorhouse are afforded the best possible protection said: “Awarding this contract was the while carrying out their duties.” news 17

NEWSREEL Out of service: former Royal Navy submarines at Rosyth Sites Making ships more efficient

The Defence Science unveiled and Technology Laboratory is to provide £2 million funding for innovative as ideas to reduce emissions and improve efficiency of marine vessels. This competition, possible entitled ‘Vessel Efficiency II: better systems at sea’, builds on the success nuclear of a competition last year. The funding is expected to encourage transfer of innovation from waste civil to defence applications and vice versa. Competition information and how to apply: www. stores innovateuk.org

Five nuclear facilities across possible sites will take place Increase the UK have been identified Submarine this year and no decisions will as potential sites to store dismantling be made until this process is blocked waste from nuclear-powered completed. Defence Minister submarines that have left naval project moves on Whichever site is selected Dr Andrew Murrison service, as part of the MOD’s will be used as an interim storage has told MPs the Submarine Dismantling Project. to its next stage site for the reactor components UK had blocked The sites, which are either until after 2040, when the UK’s any increase in the owned by the MOD, the Nuclear Geological Disposal Facility is European Defence Decommissioning Authority planned to come into operation. Agency’s budget or industry, already hold Minister for Defence for the fourth consecutive year. radioactive materials and have Nine submarines that are still Equipment Support and He said it would been identified as possible in service will also be dismantled Technology, Philip Dunne, said: be perverse to locations to store reactor under the Project when they “This is another step towards a squeeze defence components from the disused reach the end of their service safe and sustainable solution for budgets at home submarines. lives. The initial dismantling disposal of radioactive waste while acquiescing The MOD has 18 former Royal process will support up to 60 from our submarine fleet. to increases in Naval nuclear submarines stored skilled jobs. “All the potential sites have a Brussels. As a result of the UK’s action, afloat in Devonport and Rosyth Following an assessment of proven track record in handling the agency has been but the submarines can only all the UK’s nuclear sites, five radioactive material in a safe and forced to prioritise be completely dismantled once sites were considered suitable secure way. We are committed its work plan to focus the reactor components, which and have been placed on a to an open and transparent on delivery of key are categorised as radioactive provisional shortlist. process and over the next year European capability waste, have been safely removed. Public consultation on the we will be working closely shortfalls. with local communities near to the potential sites as part of the consultation before a final Food chain Potential sites decision is made.” A Defence Support It was announced last Group contract worth March that the first dismantling Site Owner Site Licensee £7 million has gone Aldermaston (Berkshire) MOD AWE plc of a submarine will be at to TVS Supply Chain Burghfield (Berkshire) MOD AWE plc Rosyth dockyard, with future Solutions to provide Chapelcross (Dumfriesshire) NDA Magnox dismantling taking place at spares and support Sellafield (Cumbria) NDA Sellafield Ltd both Devonport and Rosyth to the Operational Capenhurst (Cheshire) Capenhurst Capenhurst dockyards. Field Catering System. The system The 27 submarines covered is used by the Armed by the Project are 18 that Forces to provide have left naval service (one meals for up to 100 Military keeps up the flood work Dreadnought class, fiveV aliant deployed personnel and Courageous class, four who have limited Military personnel will remain available to help local authorities Resolution class, six Swiftsure access to permanent in flood relief work. Key tasks will include emergency response such catering. as use of search-and-rescue helicopters and specialist vehicles; flood class and two Trafalgar class) defence work such as engineering and sandbagging; and recovery of and nine in-service submarines flood-damaged furnishings from homes. More than 200 personnel will (five Trafalgar class and four also help asses existing flood defences across the country. Vanguard class). 18 news Pictures: David Tucker Untapped skills and capacity

DE&S helped launch a new initiative last month. Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology, Philip Dunne, explains his support for a new plan to help rehabilitate offenders – named Project Claustrum

roject Claustrum is a joint presentation with the Ministry of procurement processes, while helping initiative between the MOD Justice last month, the MOD will not the Ministry of Justice meet its goals of ‘Pand the Ministry of Justice and outsource any work which displaces reducing re-offending. will contribute towards government jobs in the community or undermines We have agreed to trial a limited efforts to rehabilitate offenders. fair competition for winning MOD number of products including post The initiative investigates potential contracts. pallets, tool bags, storage crates and efficiencies such as cost savings The DE&S Operational maintenance of hydraulic jacks. You and simplified contracting methods Infrastructure Programme (OIP), may think in the scheme of things these by placing carefully chosen repair, within Land Equipment is piloting this items are small, but for Operational overhaul and manufacture work into project. I encourage everyone involved Infrastructure, these are the oil in prisons. in defence procurement to open their the defence engine; things that if they My colleagues in the Ministry minds and think about the possibilities weren’t there, you would soon notice. of Justice and I know that too many this initiative provides. There are Early indications suggest this prisoners pass their time in prison significant benefits to be gained: project has the potential to deliver in a state of enforced idleness, often benefits for DE&S, for us as taxpayers; significant savings for the MOD with too little constructive activity. We and of course for prisoners who will and potentially reduce re-offending want prisons in England and Wales to gain vital skills that may prevent future by enabling prisoners to learn new become places of meaningful work and reoffending. It’s a win-win situation. skills and gain meaningful future training, to help offenders develop the This approach is long overdue and employment. As always, what’s skills they need to gain employment absolutely necessary at a time when we important for us is that we get the right after release and turn away from are looking to become more efficient products for the Armed Forces and the crime. in the way we support the Armed value for money we are looking for. I’d I explained to DE&S project and Forces. We intend to realise savings encourage other DE&S teams to think programme managers through utilising what are, in effect, about products they procure that may at a joint untapped skills and capacity in our be appropriate for this initiative.’ prisons, and we expect to benefit from simplified Far left: Mr Dunne and Brigadier Peter Rafferty, head of OIP, take a look at some of the work offenders will be doing Left: Mr Dunne discusses the way forward with Director Land Equipment Major General Paul Jaques and Chief Executive of partner organisation One3one Solutions Sarah McKnight news 19

Busy days: HMS Scott is pictured in Devonport while, below, HMS Monmouth moves smoothly towards the beginning of her 15-month docking

Have you met some of your Test and Evaluation team?

To get the best out of Test, Evaluation and Training, you need suitably qualified and experienced people, combined with access to the right facilities. Monmouth Since 2003, cost effective Test, Evaluation and Training Support Services have been delivered heralds busy time to the MOD through the Long Term Partnering Agreement (LTPA). This brings together experts in the test and evaluation of systems, weapons at Devonport and components to meet your requirements, from concept to disposal. Tailored live and devonport has embarked on its busiest period of warship simulated training is also available. maintenance for years as work begins on HMS Monmouth. The has become the fourth surface vessel to begin a refit or support docking period to join HMS Ocean, Sutherland and Scott. Visit www.LTPA.co.uk to find out more. It is believed to be the first time in around 20 years that the dockyard has been home to four ships. Babcock is also busy with submarine maintenance and upgrades in Devonport. Monmouth docked down on 31st January at the start of a 15-month refit which will involve upgrades and improvements to improve the frigate’s sustainability and fighting capability. Senior Engineer, ETPS, Capability Manager, These include Radar MOD Boscombe Down MOD Aberporth 996 replacement with Artisan 3D Medium Capability Manager, Telemetry Engineer, Range Radar 997, MOD Shoeburyness MOD Aberporth Vertical Launch Seawolf midlife update, galley updates, installation of a chloropac system that reduces marine growth in the pipe system, the installation of automatic small calibre guns, and modifications to high pressure air systems to allow safer isolation of distinct parts. The ship is scheduled to leave Devonport early next year for sea trials, returning to the Fleet in mid-2015. Meanwhile HMS 0800 015 0594 www.LTPA.co.uk Scott has reached the www.LTPA.co.uk is a QinetiQ registered domain name. halfway point in her most extensive refit. The oceanographic survey ship started her most extensive multi million pound refit in 17 years last November. The refit will include a revamp of all accommodation, an overhaul of the engines and essential work to upgrade the vital sonar equipment HMS Scott uses to scan the deep ocean seabed. 20 news

NEWSREEL Pembroke emerges from Rosyth DE&S vehicle Sandown class HMS Pembroke has left Babcock’s Rosyth dockyard for sea trials, UOR delivery following a successful maintenance time in dock. Babcock leads the Sandown Class Output more than 2,500 Management team, as part of the Surface Ship vehicles have been Support Alliance. delivered to Land The comprehensive support period has involved Headquarters as substantial maintenance, plus upgrades and Urgent Operational improvements. Requirements since The Defence Information Infrastructure has 2006, according been installed to enable information sharing to the latest across the defence network, while other upgrades figures issued to have included a new fire detection system Parliament. This Back in the open: HMS Pembroke emerges extending coverage to additional areas, and galley includes 30 Cougar, from the sheds at Rosyth after a Support Period improvements including replacement of equipment 502 Jackal, 76 (Docking) with modern alternatives. Coyote, 450 Mastiff, 171 Ridgback, 125 Wolfhound, 338 Husky, 115 Warthog, 78 Springer, 27 Ultra-lightweight Tractor (Protected), The challenges of change 25 Lightweight Tractor (Protected), 25 Mediumweight Tractor (Potected), 24 DE&S’ Chief of Materiel (Fleet) I’m stimulated by what I find and Self Loading Dump domain is facing significant Truck (Protected), change over the next few privileged to be in charge, 513 Quadbikes years as major equipment and Trailers, 56 programmes develop and the says new Chief of Materiel (Fleet) Enhanced Palletised Loading Systems, three Naval Bases transfer to 17 High Mobility Navy Command – a challenge Earth Excavators, relished by the new man in transfer of the bases to Navy delighted to welcome Simon to 19 Buffalo, 24 charge. Command next month. the DE&S Board. Bushmaster, 14 Chief of Materiel (Fleet) Vice “Our assessment is that the “He brings with him a wealth Citizen and 18 Teller. Admiral Simon Lister, said: “It’s engineering is DE&S business of knowledge and experience a challenging job because of the and we will continue to contract of the maritime area and I’m Libya support scope, because of the connection for that on that basis,” he looking forward to working with the customer and the nature said. “The interface is better with him in delivering the UK involvement in of the issues. At the top of the drawn between DE&S and organisational changes for a Libya is now led by shop these can be problematic Navy Command with the Navy future improved DE&S.” a Defence Advisory Team in Tripoli of and difficult but that’s what Command owning the bases Among Admiral Lister’s 24 people which makes the job enjoyable and very because it brings some really varied career postings were a supports the UK/ interesting. I’m actually really challenging personnel and force tour with the Foreign Office Libya relationship stimulated by what I find and I’m generation issues under their as Assistant Naval Attache in and provides advice very privileged to be in charge more direct control.” Moscow during the collapse of through advisors of it.” Chief of Defence Materiel communism, and a spell as Naval embedded in the Libyan MOD, navy, air On the issues facing the Bernard Gray said: “I am Base Commander at Devonport. force, land forces and domain he said: “Maritime is border security force, going through an intense period according to a written of recapitalisation. In the nuclear Parliamentary weapons field, we are getting the answer. There Atomic Weapons Establishment is also a senior at Aldermaston to invest Life at the disarmament sharp end: capital on the nuclear weapons advisor working with Vice-Admiral the Government facility. This is in relation to the Simon Lister, of Libya, the UN Nuclear Weapons Capability far right, seen and international Sustainment programme during his partners. The team which is our contribution to time as DE&S also provides for Continuous At Sea Deterrence. Director short term training “On the submarine side, Submarines, teams to support with John programmes, getting the Astute-Successor transition running well will be Hudson, including strategic Managing a very tough job for Director communication, Director of developing explosive Submarines, Rear Admiral Mike BAE Systems ordnance disposal Wareham. Maritime - schools, supporting “On the Ships side, now that Submarines, creation of joint agreement has been reached, operational planning at the staff and naval getting the Carrier programme unveiling of training. The UK on track to deliver flying trials Artful last also has a Defence capability for 2017-18, is yet year Section in the British another tough and important embassy, Tripoli with proposition.” a Defence Attaché. A big change will be the Proud to support MoD as a trusted partner

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TLM Full page advert.indd 1 13/02/2014 16:40 22 news ‘Struck by the quality of our people’

Major General Paul Jaques is the success will look like an organisation new Director Land Equipment at DE&S New Director Land that is trusted to deliver equipment and responsible for equipping and supporting Equipment sees much services of the best value for money to the all land equipment capability. customer.” “Moving to DE&S and taking on pride in delivering In appointing Major General Jaques, the role of Director Land Equipment, I Chief of Materiel (Land), Lt General Chris am stimulated by the challenge and the to the customer Deverell, said: “Paul brings a wealth of change of environment,” he said. experience in operations and acquisition “I am immediately struck by the quality to his post as Director Land Equipment, of the people within the Land Equipment as it moves to a trading entity. The key as well as a valuable perspective gained Operating Centre; they have real pride in challenge is leading our people through from his last appointment at Army HQ.” delivering what the customer needs. this change while continuously improving Major General Jaques was “The land environment has worked the way we do business. I believe commissioned into the Royal Electrical exceptionally hard to support operations Mechanical Engineers in 1983. over recent years; I have witnessed His operational experience this first hand in my previous role as encompasses the firstG ulf War, tours to Director General Logistics, Support and the Former Yugoslavia, and in Iraq in Equipment. 2007 in command of 101 Logistic Brigade. “As for priorities for the Operating He has also had range of different Centre – in no particular order – to staff appointments including Head of continue supporting operations and the Capability Expeditionary Logistics re-deployment; delivery of the equipment and Support, Deputy Chief of Staff programmes in the next few years that will 3(UK) Division, Director of Equipment underpin transition, especially bringing Capability (Combat Service Support) and Urgent Operational Requirements into Military Assistant to the Master General the core programme and providing of the Ordnance. equipment to soldiers, both Reservist More recently he held the post of and Regular, and finally, progressing Director General Logistics, Support and the Scout programme and the Warrior Equipment within Army Headquarters. Capability Sustainment Programme.” Maj-Gen Jaques added: “The future Left: Major General Paul Jaques, Director will see significant change in DE&S Land Equipment at DE&S

Learning from ESAS 14 the past, looking to the future The Environmental The Symposium will explore Safety Assurance the theme of ‘Learning from the past, looking to the Symposium (ESAS) future’ and will consider how is the MOD’s flagship the MOD and Industry learning symposium focusing cultures will support the on Equipment Safety continuous improvement and and Environmental development of Acquisition Safety and Environmental Management. Management as UK Defence ESAS14 will be held at Abbey transforms to provide flexible, Wood in Bristol on 7th and 8th agile and capable forces in a May 2014. more affordable way. To register as a delegate or to exhibit at this event, please visit: www.esas2014.co.uk

For further information: HOSTED BY: IN PARTNERSHIP WITH: [email protected] unmanned air systems 23 Days of thunder

Report: Clare Trenholm

The Taranis unmanned combat air demonstrator – a joint MOD and industry project – has surpassed all expectations during its first flight trials

he world was handed a glimpse remaining trials, the test flight itself a significant lead in understanding into the future of unmanned air was not announced straight away. A unmanned aircraft which could strike Ttechnology when it was announced number of flights took place last year, with precision over a long range while last month that Taranis had taken its of up to one hour in duration and at a remaining undetected. maiden flight on 10th August last year. variety of altitudes and speeds. As part Minister for Defence Equipment, The aircraft – named after the Celtic of the announcement last month, the Support and Technology, Philip Dunne, God of Thunder – has been designed to MOD revealed that the demonstrator said: “Taranis is providing vital insights demonstrate the UK’s ability to create aircraft made a perfect take-off, rotation, that will help shape future capabilities an unmanned air system (UAS) which, ‘climb-out’ and landing on its 15-minute for our Armed Forces in coming decades. under the control of a pilot, would first flight. BAE Systems test pilot Bob Its advanced technology is testament to be capable of undertaking sustained Fraser, a retired , was the UK’s world-leading engineering skills surveillance, marking targets, gathering commanding the team of ten who were that keep Britain at the cutting-edge of intelligence, deterring adversaries and involved. defence.” carrying out strikes in hostile territory. The findings from the aircraft’s To protect the security of the flights prove that the UK has developed n continued on page 25 24 unmanned air systems

Timeline The Taranis technical demonstrator was formally unveiled in July 2010, but only a very limited number of scientists and engineers have ever been given full access to the top secret aircraft. Initial ‘power-up’ or ground testing began later in 2010 at BAE Systems’ military aircraft factory in Warton, Lancashire, followed by a comprehensive and highly- detailed programme of pre-first-flight milestones. These included unmanned pilot training, radar cross-section measurements, ground station system integration and, last April, trials taxiing on the runway at Warton. The aircraft and its ground station were then shipped from Warton to the test range before being reassembled and undergoing systems and diagnostics checks. Taranis then made a number of high speed taxiing tests in July before its maiden flight last August.

A sense of pride, a sense of achievement Wg Cdr (Ret) Bob Fraser was in the RAF for 24 years including being Station Commander in Gibraltar. He now works for BAE Systems providing aircraft and piloting advice for large aircraft and UAV projects like Taranis. He said: “I was the commander of the mission crew team of ten involved in the first Taranis flight. Half of the team are subject matter experts and half are pilots flying Taranis, plus there is a chief engineer and range safety officer. It’s not exactly exciting flying, but there is a sense of pride, a sense of achievement when the mission goes exactly as rehearsed. It’s a privilege for us to be flying Taranis and it’s very easy to be the front man for the team bearing in mind the team has so many specialists and people who put together the aircraft.” unmanned air systems 25

o continued from page 23 like that are some time away. However, demonstration of this type, coupled Air Vice Marshal Sue Gray headed this demonstrator is one step towards to Government initiatives such as the the UAS team before taking up her new proving that the technology exists to Defence Growth Partnership, are vital role as Director Combat Air. A media progress with Combat UAS.” ingredients not just for the creation of event last month marked her third day In a speech to media, Nigel new products but also for the long- in her new job, and she tackled some Whitehead, Group Managing Director term prosperity of the UK’s military air challenging questions from journalists. of BAE Systems’ Programmes and sector.” Air Vice Marshal Gray said: “The Support Operating Group added: “I The technological advances made aircraft can only fly a pre-programmed regard the achievements of Taranis through Taranis will also help MOD mission; it does not make up its own to-date as comparable to those of the and the make decisions missions. The aircraft has the ability Experimental Aircraft Programme on the future mix of manned and to fly a pre-programmed mission which my company launched in the late unmanned fast jet aircraft and how autonomously, but that is not the way 1980s. It was the first thing I worked they will operate together in a safe and the aircraft will be operated. There on as a newly-qualified engineer. effective manner for the UK’s defences. will always by a ‘man in the loop’ to This was an important step towards ensure mission success. Eurofighter Typhoon and I sincerely “An Unmanned Combat Air System hope that this programme will be will not be combat ready until 2030, equally influential. so the basing of the pilots and details “I firmly believe that technology

Philip Dunne

Key Facts • Taranis is about the size of a BAE Systems Hawk – approx 12 metres in length with a wingspan of 10 metres. • Over one million hours have been involved in building the technology demonstrator. • The programme has cost £185 million and was funded jointly by MOD and UK industry. • BAE Systems has teamed up with Rolls-Royce, the Systems division of GE Aviation (formerly Smiths Aerospace) and QinetiQ to work alongside UK MOD military staff and scientists to develop and fly Taranis 26 helicopters

An investment in the future As the economy returns to growth, two contracts for future maintenance and upgrading of helicopters reinforces the UK’s engineering and manufacturing base. Hannah Swingler reports

£760 million investment in Merlins Marines, vital supplies and cargo from British jobs, providing security to Aand Apaches, announced by the sea to land. thousands of workers and their families. Defence Secretary Philip Hammond last The Apache contract will provide The UK defence industry makes an month, will secure more than 1,000 jobs operational support for the helicopters important contribution to the economy, in UK industry. for the next five years, ensuring they are generating revenue of over £22 billion The deal, with based able to play a key role post-Afghanistan. each year, and its highly skilled helicopter company AgustaWestland, Speaking at the AgustaWestland workforce plays a crucial part in growing includes a £430 million contract to facility in Yeovil, Mr Hammond said: our economy.” provide maintenance and support for the “These are two very important contracts During his visit to the site Mr Army’s Apache attack helicopter with that deliver critical capabilities to Hammond met young apprentices an additional £330 million to upgrade the Armed Forces. Not only do these working on both programmes and the RAF’s Merlin Mk3/3a helicopters contracts provide for the sustainment of spoke of his hopes for the future of UK for use by the Royal Navy’s Commando the Apache platform and the upgrading engineering and manufacturing jobs. Helicopter Force. and conversion of the Merlin, but they He added: “As the UK economy The 25 upgraded Merlin helicopters also demonstrate how the working returns to growth I want to see will replace the Sea King Mk4 helicopters, relationship between the Armed Forces reinforcement of the UK’s engineering which go out of service in 2016. The work and industry can drive down cost and and manufacturing base supported by the will involve fitting new glass cockpits and improve efficiency for the benefit of huge investment that the MOD is making avionics, a folding main rotorhead and the taxpayer and those who use the in apprenticeships, in technical skills and tail, and improved undercarriage. The platforms. in education across the country, making Merlins will be used to transport Royal “This investment will help secure the UK an attractive place for companies such as Finmeccanica (AgustaWestland’s parent company) to direct investment in the future.” The work of DE&S’ Apache and Merlin teams was praised by Commodore Andy Lison, Head Helicopters 1. “Working closely with industry, the Apache team has worked tirelessly to ensure that the UK’s Attack Helicopter capability is sustained for a further five years. The Merlin team has agreed an essential upgrade programme that will sustain the proven medium lift capability well into the next decade; the aircraft will provide an essential replacement for the Sea King Mk4 and vital capability for the Commando Helicopter Force. Both teams should be rightfully proud of their achievements.” Air Commodore Simon Moss – Head helicopters 27

Helicopters 3 – added his congratulations: “I commend the Apache team and industry colleagues for their hard in work in securing this highly-competitive second pricing period of the Integrated Operational Support contract. It has involved the careful balance of meeting Initial Operating Capability of the full At , the Apache the requirement and reducing risk while configured aircraft in mid-2018. fleet is fast approaching 150,000 flying securing the best value for money to the The Apache contract will continue hours milestone and recently more UK taxpayer. By working with industry to provide support and maintenance to than 40 per cent of annual flying hours colleagues we have agreed an extension 31st March 2019 with AgustaWestland have been performed on operations in of a support solution that will enable us supported by partners Boeing, Lockheed Afghanistan. to build on the success of Apache IOS Martin, Longbow International and Selex to date. This contract will continue to ES. ensure that Apache support is delivered to the best possible standard both at home and abroad where its mission winning capability remains critical.” Expert work will be carried out by AgustaWestland at its sites in Yeovil, Suffolk and , sustaining hundreds of jobs within the company. More will be protected in the supply chain at GE Aviation in Cheltenham, General Dynamics in East Sussex, Selex ES in Luton and APPH Aviation Services in Cheshire. Work on the Merlin design and manufacture contract will start immediately with seven interim Phase 1 aircraft delivered to the Royal Navy in 2015 and 2016 and all 25 Phase 2 standard aircraft delivered between 2017 and 2020. The seven Phase 1 aircraft will provide the Royal Navy with an interim capability between the withdrawal of the Sea King Mk4 in 2016 and the 28 synthetic training Duncan joins the battl e – on land The Americans have been in town, working with the Royal Navy and proving the effectiveness of the latest synthetic training. Lt Cdr Mike Dineen of the Maritime Warfare School reports

MS Duncan, the Royal Navy’s event attracted significant interest and At the same time, it takes advantage of latest warship, has taken part in a Rear Admiral Ben Key, Flag Officer advances in computing technology to Hweek-long transatlantic exercise Sea Training, hosted a VIP day on 23rd provide all aspects of synthetic training with some of the United States’ biggest January, which saw a number of senior – individual and team training – along naval assets – without casting off from officers from across the Royal Navy, with interoperability with Army, RAF port. RAF, Army and Joint Forces Command and international simulators and thus Personnel from the ’s visit MCTS to see how modern simulated provide full combined and joint simulated operations room manned a simulator training is conducted in the 21st century. training capability. at HMS Collingwood in Hampshire, The successful FST-J is expected to MCTS simulators are extremely connected to simulators in the US be the first of many, with Royal Navy versatile, with the system able to simulate and Germany. The exercise with the participation in these pre-deployment any of the command systems the Royal USS George W Bush battle group and exercises planned to become a regular Navy uses in surface ships today, German naval units provided valuable event. It will allow Royal Naval warfare together with their associated displays, pre-deployment training for the US and teams to operate with their US and Nato sensors and weapons, while the ability to allowed Maritime Battle Staff to rehearse counterparts in a realistic environment, swiftly reconfigure the hardware set up their role before deploying to the Middle without any ships having to go to sea. enables MCTS to adopt any Operations East. Such training is invaluable for all Room layout. Fleet Synthetic Training (Joint) is a key participants and is also set to become a The system effectively simulates part of the training package for every US key part of the pre-deployment training every ship type the Royal Navy has but, Carrier Battle Group before deployment. for Royal Navy ships deploying with US with upgrades due to be incorporated It is a fully synthetic exercise that links and Nato units. MCTS plays a key role this summer, MCTS will be able to different national simulation systems in this and participation in FST-J built provide realistic training for the Queen together to enable fully joint and on previous training events linked with Elizabeth class carriers and the Type integrated training to be conducted. RAF AWACS and Typhoon simulators. 26 Global Combat Ship, before either Duncan’s staff were using warfare This international exercise was both vessel is in service. In total, the system simulators in the Maritime Composite the final requirement for the system to provides more than 160 different specific Training System (MCTS) which began achieve Full Operating Capability and configurations for different operator training operators more than two years the realisation of the original concept for roles, supporting 84 training courses for ago. versatile maritime training. personnel of all ranks and rates. As the Royal Navy’s first participation MCTS provides core warfare training Simulators are also in Devonport, in FST-J for some time, the January to all levels of Royal Navy personnel. which enables Plymouth-based ships and synthetic training 29 Duncan joins the battl e – on land

personnel to conduct simulation training the backbone of Royal Navy training for without the need to travel to Portsmouth. the foreseeable future and the capacity The two simulator sites are connected and flexibility of the system will ensure through a secure link, which enables it can provide cutting edge and effective the simulators to interact in the same warfare training for the Royal Navy for a scenario in real time and thus a Type 45 long time to come. in Portsmouth can interact with a Type 23 in Devonport, with a common synthetic environment, despite the two simulators being 170 miles apart. MCTS has achieved its base level capability and is now running in ‘steady state’, providing individual career training and training for ship’s warfare teams. The capacity of the system is still being explored, new equipment fits and closer links with MWC are being pursued. Simulation training in MCTS has now been formally included as part of the ship regeneration programmes and sea training packages. Interoperability, already successfully proved, offers the opportunity to connect with national and Nato partners and provide greater fidelity in more challenging and realistic joint exercises than ever before, without the associated costs of using real ships. The intent is to conduct bi-annual FST-J exercises as well as continuing to explore every opportunity to interact with the Army, the RAF and allies. MCTS will be Above and below: MCTS at HMS Collingwood. Top: the real thing in a ship's control room 30 defence co-operation

The UK French conne ction The UK and France have strengthened defence co-operation. desider reports on a wide-ranging defence agreement

E&S will be working with its confirming joint orders for a future France are natural partners for defence French counterparts and the two helicopter-launched, anti-surface guided co-operation. We have made substantial Dcountries’ industries will be closer weapon for both countries’ navies. progress since the Lancaster House together as part of the strengthening of treaty was signed in 2010 and today we defence co-operation between the UK Agreements have also been reached have committed ourselves to go further and France following a summit at RAF that will see: still. Brize Norton. n a £10 million contract for “The agreements we have reached A communiqué signed by Prime development of underwater vehicles at this summit will improve the Minister David Cameron and French capable of finding and neutralising interoperability of our forces, enhance President Francois Hollande sets seabed mines; our joint equipment procurement and out plans for closer ties between the n investment in the Atomic Weapons build on our capacity to support security countries. Establishment at Aldermaston, and stability in places such as Libya, Mali Building on the Lancaster House treaty Berkshire, to allow collaboration on and and the Central African Republic.” signed in 2010, the agreements further safe testing of UK and French stockpiles Industry has welcomed the two the security and prosperity of the two and greater sharing of technical and nations’ initiative. BAE Systems has nations through commitments to jointly scientific data to further joint research; completed a study with Dassault Aviation invest in the procurement of defence n further co-operation between for both governments, known as the equipment, the joint training of Armed both armies in the areas of equipment Future Combat Air System programme Forces and the continued development capability and interoperability. preparation phase. of the Anglo-French Combined Joint BAES Chief Executive Ian King Expeditionary Force. Both countries also agreed to build said: “Given the strong research and on international peacekeeping missions development investment and progress Both countries have signed: carried out by their respective forces in technology that has already been n a statement of intent for a future in Libya, Mali and the Central African made, continuing work in unmanned air combat air system, which would launch Republic. systems will also ensure we maintain the a two-year, £120 million joint feasibility Defence Secretary Philip Hammond core knowledge and key skills necessary phase that will see British and French and his French counterpart, Jean-Yves Le to make a long term contribution to both industries working together; Drian, agreed to continue development our national economies.” n technical arrangements for an of a Combined Joint Expeditionary Force Rolls-Royce will continue work with exchange programme to provide RAF capable of carrying out co-ordinated Snecma to explore propulsion systems as pilots and engineers with experience expeditionary military operations. part of the Future Combat Air Systems of operating the A400M ahead of the The two nations also agreed joint preparation. Studies have focused on delivery of the UK’s first aircraft later efforts to tackle security issues in north developing engine technologies that this year; and for French pilots to gain and west Africa, in particular terrorism, will be required to power the FSAS flying experience on the RAF’s A330 as well as drug and arms trafficking to demonstrator and generate significant Voyager aircraft; achieve long term stability in the regions. electrical power for the aircraft systems n a memorandum of understanding Mr Hammond said: “Britain and and sensors. defence co-operation 31

Synchronisation: an RAF Typhoon and a French Air Force Mirage 2000N practice formation flying skills during Exercise Capable Eagle last The UK French conne ction October

Bob Stoddart of Rolls-Royce said: “We welcome the support of the Governments of the UK and France in this programme at a time where budgets are challenged. Continuing this programme will enable us to further develop and retain critical defence propulsion system technologies that will sustain leading edge operational capability in the UK and France.”

Defence Secretary Philip Hammond and French Defence Minister Jean- Yves Le Drian at RAF Brize Norton 32 equipment plan Forward thinking Stability, soundness and realism underpin the £164 second annual Equipment Plan, published last month. desider dissects the detail billion

he MOD has published its second • as a direct result of the action annual Equipment Plan, described the MOD took in Planning Round Combat Air by Defence Secretary Philip 2012 to place the whole defence T The MOD plans to spend around £18.8 billion Hammond in his introduction as a programme on a stable and demonstration of the stability, soundness affordable footing, for the first time in the Combat Air sector over the next ten and realism that has underpinned the in many years the MOD has not had years, in comparison to £18.5 billion at the end Government’s management of the defence to make significant reductions in the of the previous planning cycle. budget scope of the Core Equipment Plan to This sector covers fast jets, Unmanned He said: “The report sets out our plans maintain affordability. Air Systems and military flying training, to spend around £164 billion over the including procurement of training aircraft. next ten years on new equipment, data The Equipment Plan gives an This includes: systems and equipment support costs, approximate breakdown of spending • continuing investment in Typhoon including once again a healthy provision covering about £79 billion on buying and capability including integration of a suite of £4.7 billion for contingency, as well as supporting new equipment and about £72 of weapons capabilities to enhance its unallocated funding of £8.4 billion. billion on supporting existing equipment, utility in the ground attack role; “Taken together, this demonstrates with contingency and unallocated • investment in the Joint Strike Fighter the stability, soundness and realism that headroom totalling around £13 billion. In programme, a critical element of UK underpins our management of the budget. addition, within individual projects, total plans to deliver a high-end power This year, for the first time in many years, risk contingency amounted to about £11 projection capability for decades; there has been no requirement for us to billion. The MOD had added into the plan • continuing investment in Unmanned Air make short term cuts that undermine our Systems. long term plans, simply in order to live capability enhancements needed within our means.” for contingent operations, as well as beginning the work of bringing UOR Since last year, the MOD has: This was, he said, a huge testament • received the first two test and evaluation to the Government’s work in getting to equipment into the Core programme, costing around £1.4 billion over the next aircraft of the STOVL variant Joint Strike grips with an unaffordable equipment Fighter; plan. “An example of the robustness four years. of our approach is that we had already The stability of MOD’s costings, • established a fourth front-line Typhoon made provision within our budget in unused contingency provision and squadron; anticipation of the increased costs of the reassessment of the rate of spend • using additional funds freed up in-year, Carrier programme set out in this year’s indicated meant the costs could be purchased additional targeting pods to Major Projects Report,” he added. accommodated within budget. increase the capability of fast jets; MOD Capability Audits identified that a significant shift in balance of investment • Invested in improved protection systems Key points from this year include: for the Tornado GR4. • the most significant change is in favour of joint enabling capabilities the transfer of responsibility for offered the most effective outcome for managing the bulk of the Equipment defence. As a consequence, it Budget from Head Office to the four was decided that at least half Front Line Commands; of the £1.4 billion early years’ additional • the data summarised in the report investment should is as at the end of the department’s be allocated to Annual Budget Cycle 2013 and Joint Forces covers the period from Financial Command. Year 2013/14 to 2022/23; • the amount MOD expects to spend, year-on-year, on equipment has not changed significantly; • the underspend in financial year 2012/13 against the planned Equipment Budget was around £1.2 billion; • an assessment of the likely spending over the next three years suggested it would be lower than budgeted, an opportunity to allocate £700 milion in financial year 2013/14, £300 million in 2014/15 and £200 million in 2015/16 to other projects and programmes, to maximise delivery; equipment plan 33

• progressing the Merlin Life Sustainment and ship-optimisation programmes, Air Support for which additional funding has been The MOD plans to spend around £13.4 billion allocated over the next four years. in the Air Support sector over the next ten Since last year: years, in comparison to £13.6 billion at the • the first Wildcat helicopters were end of the previous planning cycle. released to service with the Army in This sector covers all large aircraft, April 2012; including transport, air-to-air refuelling • the modified Merlin Mk2 helicopter and large ISTAR platforms. This investment was released to service and the includes: Royal Navy started initial training • the A400M future generation air in January 2013; transport aircraft; • Project Julius has introduced to • the Voyager transport and air-to-air service a new integrated cockpit refuelling aircraft programme,; and avionic mission system on • new Airseeker aircraft to provide the Chinook helicopter. a state-of the-art airborne signals intelligence collection capability. Since last year the MOD has: • accepted delivery of an eighth C-17 into ISS RAF service; The MOD plans to spend around £15.8 • made good progress building up core billion on Information Systems and military capability of the Voyager; Services over the next decade. This is • taken delivery of the first Rivet Joint broadly unchanged from last year’s figure. aircraft, which is planned to enter This sector covers all expenditure service as part of the Airseeker on procurement of data and voice capability in 2014; communications, secure and insecure, and the development and upkeep of all of our • accepted into service two BAE 146QC supporting network infrastructure. transport aircraft, procured under UOR. Since last year: EQUIPMENT PLAN • the next upgrade to the Bowman, Common Battlefield Application Toolset, – NATIONAL AUDIT OFFICE Infrastructure and Platform Battlefield Information System Application (BCIP) 5.5 The National Audit Office’s review has been developed and integrated within of the MOD’s Equipment Plan 2012, cost and on time; published last month, concluded • the first two increments of the BAE that the MOD’s work to address the Systems-supplied Falcon communications affordability gap and create more system were accepted into service by the certainty around its equipment budget Army and RAF. appeared to have had a positive effect on its ability to maintain an affordable plan. However, Amyas Morse, head of the National Audit Office, said: “Most significantly the department has not subjected the half of its equipment budget related to support to the same degree of scrutiny as its procurement costs. Nor can it be certain that the impact of a £1.2 billion underspend on equipment and support in 2012-13 will Helicopters not cause some increased cost and delay further down the line.” The MOD plans to spend around £11.2 Defence Secretary Philip Hammond billion on helicopter capability over the next said in response to the NAO Report: ten years, in comparison to a revised figure of £10.8 billion for last year’s plan, once the “I am delighted that their report removal of the cost of the future search- recognises the progress that we and-rescue service has been reflected in the have made since last year, as well as previous figure. pointing out where we must continue to improve and refine our processes in Plans in this area include: ISTAR the future. We will work with the NAO • over the longer term, rationalising to over the coming years to increase the four helicopter fleets, Chinook, Merlin, The MOD plans to spend £4.9 billion on Intelligence Surveillance, Target Acquisition level of confidence that Parliament Apache and Wildcat, which will be and the taxpayer can have in the sustained until at least 2040; and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) over the next decade, compared to £4.4 billion last year. robustness and affordability of the This sector includes spend on CBRN Defence Equipment Plan.” detection and countermeasures and a range of other specialised equipment. During the last financial year the Cutlass large explosive ordnance disposal remote control vehicle was accepted into service by the British Army. ISTAR’s future profile is dominated by the Project Marshall programme for the provision of terminal air traffic management. n continued on page 34 34 equipment plan

The MOD has adopted an accelerated In addition to this investment, the MOD programme strategy for the Crowsnest has allocated funds to bring equipment, capability, re-allocating funding from later purchased as an Urgent Operational years. Requirement for Afghanistan into the core Across ISTAR the main effort continues programme. These include Jackal, Coyote, to be delivery of low value, strategically Husky, Mastiff, Ridgback and Wolfhound important capability to specialist users. Last wheeled vehicles, and the Warthog tracked year’s significant achievements were: vehicle, as well as a wide range of other equipment. These will be sustained for • the successful transition of the Joint future operations in other theatres. Air Reconnaissance Intelligence Centre and other strategic and operational During the past year: intelligence capabilities into a new • the success of the Foxhound vehicles in facility – the Defence Geospatial Afghanistan saw DE&S award a contract Intelligence Fusion Centre at RAF for the supply of an additional 100 Wyton; Foxhounds; • Procurement and fielding of more • a contract to provide the Armed Forces than 1,000 vehicle-borne electronic with more than 25,000 new Glock 17 countermeasure suites and associated pistols to replace the Browning was platform installation as part of the Trust awarded; UOR; • Terrier, the Army’s medium weight • achievement of the in-service date armoured tractor, entered service in Submarines on Shepherd, which delivers defence April 2013. The £386 million contract is The MOD plans to spend around £38 billion electronic warfare for 60 vehicles. capability. over the next decade, in comparison to around £36 billion last year. This reflects the generally increasing trend of the spend profile as the planned production costs of Ships the Successor deterrent system reach their The MOD plans to spend around £17.4 billion peak. In addition to the Successor deterrent, on surface ships over the next ten years – this element of the plan includes the unchanged from last year, covering: continued build of the Astute class and the support costs for all in-service submarines • completion of the two Queen Elizabeth and the strategic weapon system. class aircraft carriers which, together During the past year, a £1.2 billion with the Lightning II aircraft, will deliver contract was placed to build Audacious, the a high-end power projection capability fourth submarine in the Astute class. The for decades to come; MOD also committed another £1.5 billion • continuing delivery of Type 45 to the remaining three submarines in the destroyers, with HMS Dragon and class, enabling early build work on the fifth HMS Defender, the fourth and fifth submarine to begin and long lead items to be Type 45 Destroyers, entering service ordered for the sixth and seventh. with the Royal Navy, after successfully completing sea trials; • design and development of the Type 26 Weapons Global Combat Ship, which will replace the Type 23 frigate; Over the next ten years, the MOD plans • signature of a £600 million contract for to spend £11.6 billion on the Weapons Land Equipment maintenance and repair of 17 different Programme – essentially unchanged from sonar and electronic warfare systems the previous year. The MOD plans to spend around £13.1 billion fitted across the Fleet, for the next ten The MOD continues to manage the majority on land equipment over the next decade, years; of procurement of more sophisticated compared to £12.3 billion last year. weapons through the Complex Weapons The Armoured Vehicles Pipeline plans • four new Tide class tankers, to provide Pipeline arrangement. This is a wide ranging are largely unchanged from last year and modern ships for the Royal Fleet agreement with our industry partners, worth inflationary cost pressures have been Auxiliary from 2016. The contract for all around £7 billion over the decade, through accommodated. The major investments four vessels was placed in 2012 and the which a range of complex weapons systems include: first will enter service in 2016. will be procured. Weapons families include • the Warrior Capability Sustainment During the past year: the Common Anti-Air Modular Missile, which Programme, delivering capability • the final piece of the external structure evolved from the Advanced Short Range Air- enhancements and an extended service for the Royal Navy’s future carrier HMS to-Air Missile and has been developed for the life; Queen Elizabeth was put in place and Future Local Area Air Defence System for the • the Challenger 2 Life Extension her ski ramp completed; Maritime and Land environments. A contract was placed last year for manufacture of Programme; • the long-term maintenance of the Royal the Maritime variant, known as Sea Ceptor, Fleet Auxiliary Flotilla of naval support • the Scout Specialist Vehicle and Utility which will enter service on Type 23 frigates ships was secured for another five years Vehicle programmes, which will in 2016. This arrangement will also deliver a with contract extensions worth £349 replace a range of tracked new Future Air-to-Surface Guided Weapon, million. armoured vehicles to equip the new Wildcat helicopters. reaching the end of their viable lifespan. news 35

Foxhound gets a reminder of how life might be in Kabul as troops of 1st Foxhound in the wars Battalion, The Coldstream Guards prepare for their latest deployment to the Afghan capital. Nearly 300 soldiers of the Windsor-based unit, first and foremost a modern infantry battalion, will be providing security in Kabul using the highly-regarded Foxhound as draws to a close. As the Kabul Support Unit, the Coldstream Guards will be responsible for protecting mentors to the Afghan National Army Officer Academy and Defence University, as well as supporting the administration and protection of International Security Assistance Force and UK Government organisations operating in Kabul.

Below: Sgt Josh Richardson

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NEWSREEL Signing up

CAE (UK) and Intelligence Management Support Services are the latest companies to sign up to Niteworks. CAE provides training products while IMSL is an intelligence and data specialist. Niteworks is the partnership between the MOD and industry helping the MOD to make more informed decisions.

Early release Prepared for the off: a Tornado GR4 pictured in Afghanistan Close to 2,000 people from DE&S took voluntary The F-35 Lightning II jet is heading for the RAF’s Dambusters after the squadron redundancy under F-35: completed its final sorties over Afghanistan in their Tornado GR4 aircraft. two tranches in No 617 Squadron, formed in 1943 for night raids on dams near Germany’s 2012, Defence the RAF industrial heartland, was flying missions in support of coalition troops as part of Minister Philip its final operational tour. Dunne has told makes During the tour the Dambusters flew 188 missions, clocking up more than MPs. “A total of 1,500 flying hours supported by 11,352 engineering hours. seven individuals ready The squadron is due to disband this month to re-form as the RAF’s first have been rehired Lightning II squadron in 2018. into DE&S who subsequently applied either for lower grade posts or who have upskilled in the meantime,” KPMG to support MOD’s he said. Bid partners growing cost analysis The Bloodhound Project – the supersonic car DE&S has awarded KPMG a directly to DE&S Director being built in Bristol three-year £75 million contract General Resources Michael with the aim of to provide a range of technical Bradley, said: “CAAS provides breaking the land and financial support for the independent cost assurance and speed record – has announced a MOD’s Cost Assurance and analysis for MOD equipment and new partnership Analysis Service (CAAS). support programmes. This is a with lubricant The service is facing a hugely demanding and complex company Castrol. growing demand for the task and is one that is growing The company independent cost management – hence the need for this level of will provide high advice it provides across the professional support. performance MOD due to the demands of “Recent successes that CAAS lubricants, brake and hydraulic fluids the Defence Transformation has registered include helping for Bloodhound. programme. to balance the MOD equipment The land speed The contract is to enable and support programme and record has been further improvements in providing critical advice to broken 21 times CAAS’ products and services enable the recent successful with Castrol as a and address potential CAAS renegotiation of the aircraft partner, from Sir resource shortfalls which could carrier programme heads of Malcolm Campbell’s first record attempt have an impact on MOD’s need terms. in 1924 for strengthened financial Support: Tim Sheldon “The key to our role is advice to enable equipment provision of independent cost Navy safety acquisition decisions. resources cannot need the need. management advice. We provide KPMG will provide support CAAS is led by Dr Tim objective advice on costs using A Navy Safety Centre across five separate areas Sheldon with more than 400 staff, techniques and methods that has been approved of CAAS’ work, including many based at Abbey Wood, but are in use in outside industry for Navy Command enhancing service delivery using with some working at other MOD and commerce and this has Headquarters in industry standard practice, sites or industry locations across helped provide a realistic view of Portsmouth. It enabling the introduction of the UK, including London, future Equipment Programme will achieve full the new Single Source Pricing Barrow-in-Furness, Manchester costs – helping MOD negotiate operating cabability by the end of the Regulations, and additional and Rosyth. value for money non-competitive year. support to MOD when in-house Dr Sheldon, who reports contracts.” news 37

Staff briefed Engineering development on weapons takes big strides forward safety Air Commodore Mike Quigley – Head of Engineering Engineers and scientists Richard Bolwell (DE&S) in the Weapons Operating Centre – launched the from across DE&S came summarised engineering fifth safety Learning from together to discuss continuing in the efficient but highly Experience event at Abbey professional development complex WR21 gas turbine on Wood. at the latest Professional the Type 45 destroyer. It focused on best practice Engineers Forum at Abbey Barry Brooks, President of approaches to ensuring Wood. the Institution of Engineering delivery of safe systems on Director Technical, Air and Technology, described time to meet users’ needs. Air Commodore Quigley Vice-Marshal Julian Young, continuous development as said: “As part of our pictured, opened the event, ‘the cure for skills shortages’, continuous improvement drive describing it as “a key event with more focus on structured in the Weapons domain, in May bringing together engineers professional development 2013 I instigated a repeatable and scientists from across likely in future. evidence-based Weapons- the organisation to create Representatives from wide review – a ‘health check’ a cohesive professional engineering institutions, – of safety and engineering delivery. I was new in post grouping at the core of DE&S engineers and scientists from training providers and and wanted an objective business.” across DE&S. Technical Development assessment of safety and The Air Vice-Marshal This was followed by a Partner teams provided engineering, not an audit.” summarised progress presentation on land-based advice and guidance on skills, He explained how a Quality made to develop engineers, electronic countermeasures development opportunities Management System has been with a focus on achieving by DE&S’ Steve Westwood and professional registration introduced to address common chartership. He encouraged and Alan Cook (dstl) throughout the event. challenges across project teams. attendees to attain further demonstrating the challenges The next Forum will be He also presented the qualifications – fundingof protecting troops from held on Tuesday 29th July. Weapons, Ordnance, Munitions is available to help – and Improvised Explosive Devices Further information on and Explosives Skills Strategy promoted the Engineering threats in Afghanistan, and Eng Pol events please contact to ensure DE&S develops and Development Course to the showing the benefits from Rachel Dyer-DES TECH sustains suitably skilled staff. 28th January audience of 190 DE&S and dstl co-operation. [email protected]

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Visit www.cranfield.ac.uk/cranfield-works-for-me.html for details of our programmes delivered at the Defence Academy of the 38 news ‘An opportunity we must not miss’

ngagement really matters. All successful organisations David Ball, DE&S Director HR, reviews ‘Ethink so. The reasons are obvious enough: if people feel results of the 2013 MOD Your Say survey, engaged with their organisation they will contribute more and better. key action areas and new staff engagement That is why we use the annual ideas for 2014 Your Say survey to ask staff how engaged they feel, and why the DE&S Board puts significant time into looking at the results and at the quality and availability of the our engagement strategy. tools to do the job. More than 9,000 DE&S staff • There is low satisfaction with completed the survey: a big thank pay and reward. you to you all. I doubt these results will come Our headline score improved as a surprise. But I like to think by one point (from 52 to 53). there is a strong link between the That is comparable to other big things that staff are concerned government departments, but about and the transformation some way short of the best in programme we are embarking on. government, who score more It is all about getting the framework than 60. I feel strongly that in for managing and rewarding DE&S we should be aiming to people that fits our specialist be up with the best. So there is business; the specialist tools to some way to go. support it; and the professional The survey measures whether environment for developing staff speak positively about careers. the business; are emotionally A couple of final thoughts, committed and attached to it; reflecting the discussion at the and motivated to do the best Board: for it (‘say’, ‘stay’ and ‘strive’ in • The change programme we the jargon). Our scores on all are embarking on as we become three have improved a bit, with a new entity making our own emotional attachment better than decisions on all sorts of things motivation. What people do for provides an unprecedented chance defence clearly matters to people, to get involved. We have been put but we do not do enough to make DE&S Director HR David Ball in charge of changing ourselves, with them feel motivated. external help; so please get involved! If we look at the more detailed • As we design new structures questions some themes come and development but there is still for DE&S, we really need to make through: more to do. sure that they give staff room to take • We score well in objectives and • We do not score well for decisions and take responsibility, purpose: staff are clear what they are leadership and managing change. not just feed the machine. We are not about. Senior leaders are more visible but just here to administer procurement • We score well in teamwork and there is a long way to go to build buy- processes, but to add value. If we inclusion: the way that staff work day- in to the way change is managed at all trust people to take decisions then to-day in teams and how we treat one levels. we are genuinely engaging them in another is generally well regarded. • Staff are concerned over the business. There is an opportunity • We are getting better at learning resources and workload – particularly here that we must not miss.’ The refreshed DE&S Staff Engagement Strategy will focus on . . .

Supporting development of ‘engaging line including rolling-out the work by Director Materiel Strategy programme managers’: Technical for programme and project managers and engineers across all n Three Families Days to be held this professions and continuing to promote the year n Identifying and disseminating leadership development offer for Band Bs examples of engagement good practice n Further site improvements from high scoring teams, including Top Team visibility, communications and ‘engagement’ briefing sessions as ‘improving staff experience’: Well-being and diversity: appropriate n Continuing Chief of Defence Materiel n Identifying opportunities for practical Town Halls and Talk to the Board ‘Live’ improvements to staff well-being Learning and Development: events n Raising DE&S' game on diversity by n Intensifying engagement via the n Continuing to provide a range of producing a new DE&S Diversity Strategy professions by establishing further opportunities for staff to engage on the and establishing 1* diversity champions in learning and development opportunities development and implementation of the each operating centre news 39

MOD bill payment figures looking even better Facebook all set to boost Minister for Defence paid within 30 days in 2012-13. in November I inadvertently Equipment Support and He said: “This department, misled the House and I would recruitment Technology Philip Dunne has told under this Government, is well like to put the record straight. MPs the MOD paid 92 per cent aware of the benefits of prompt I informed the House that the DE&S has launched of correctly submitted invoices payment and the importance of MOD had incurred a single late- social media pages on within five working days in the cash flow to SMEs. That is why not payment penalty on only one Facebook and Twitter last financial year. only are we paying our suppliers invoice out of some four million. to help promote its The majority of the less than on time, we are also encouraging It has now come to my attention Bulk Recruitment 1 per cent of late payments made them to pay their subcontractors that in fact we paid almost five Programme. by the MOD were a result of within 30 days of receipt of a valid million invoices last year – a The programme incorrectly submitted invoices. All invoice. penalty payment rate of 0.00002 has entered its correctly submitted invoices were “When this issue was raised per cent.” fourth phase which includes campaigns for engineering, programme and project management, finance and quality. There have Abbey Wood centre will been more than 720 appointments and the programme is on target to reach 1,000 by the end of this month. lead disaster response The next challenge once the programme completes in May is Responses to major incidents to continue raising in DE&S will be co-ordinated by awareness of the a new organisation at Abbey department to meet Wood. future recruitment The Incident Management requirements, including Operations Centre will graduate and apprentice add to the well-practised intake. A social media presence will play a Establishment and Operating critical part. Centre contingency plans. DE&S Recruitment It will focus on co-ordinating Head, Mark Large, said: the wider emergency response “Recent research has while freeing on-site staff to shown that over half of address the immediate incident. UK job seekers use social The Centre will operate media in their search for employment. from 1st April at the Defence “Twitter and Supply Chain Operations Facebook are a brilliant and Movements (DSCOM) platform to enable us to operations centre in raise the awareness of Neighbourhood 3. DE&S and the wide range It will operate ‘as required’ of career opportunities but be ready to act round the we have here”. By following on clock with core staff manning Facebook (www. during normal working hours. facebook.com/ A duty officer will be DESCareers) and Twitter available in Abbey Wood (@MOD_DES_Jobs) during out of hours and stand potential candidates will down periods with an on-call receive information on team of five DSCOM military current and upcoming vacancies, and a flavour staff able to establish the centre of what working for within two hours of call out. DE&S is like. Further staff will be available, depending on the nature of the Red tape red light incident. The aim is to react in a Three more ideas from controlled way while keeping the Red Tape Challenge DE&S’ Board and others in Disaster response: Abbey Wood will co-ordinate the DE&S reaction. have been put in place. defence informed. Above: a recent response exercise at Corsham with volunteers as These are accident 'victims' Brigadier Angus Fay, Head of simplified processes on staff departures; a Incident Management in DE&S, ‘freecycling’ scheme said: “Incident management build. But we must now enshrine incident management duty for sharing IT spares for an organisation as diverse those plans in an overarching officer post will provide that among Army support as DE&S should be based on system that guarantees an timely response and will be able brigades; and changes the complementing pillars of immediate and coherent pan- to activate the Centre which can to the Joint Personnel prepare, react, control and DE&S response. then co-ordinate the follow-on Administration system to report if it is to be successful.” “We can always be better response. enhance unit reporting. The Red Tape “The various Establishment prepared and must ensure we “I ask all DE&S staff to take Challenge ran from April and Operating Centre are able to react in the most an interest in this important to June last year, inviting contingency plans provide a appropriate and timely manner.” aspect of our task to support the bureaucracy-busting firm foundation on which to Brigadier Fay added: “The wider defence community.” ideas. 40 news A fellowship of excellence

DE&S Fellowship: Fellows get together at Abbey Wood, with Director Technical Air Vice-Marshal Julian Young, right, and Director HR David Ball, second right

DE&S is breathing new life into its the last few years, of how this sits with cost accounting, naval architecture, Specialist Fellowship Scheme to continue people. airworthiness, naval welding, maritime developing the most important skills “Hopefully we can be better in the propulsion, nuclear safety, munitions towards global recognition. future at attracting, rewarding and testing and food safety. The scheme has 40 Fellows and Senior retaining those people we most Fellows among its ranks – there are places need for our business. What we and funding for a maximum of 50 – who do is technically challenging every are expected to maintain the highest day and we need to retain skills and levels of expertise. For that, they are knowledge as much as we can.” financially rewarded and supported in Air Vice-Marshal Young put their continued professional development the Scheme at the forefront of towards world-class qualifications. skills development at DE&S. “You Air Vice-Marshal Julian Young, DE&S’ are being retained and rewarded Director Technical, addressed a gathering and hopefully funded in the of Fellows at Abbey Wood on 10th future to maintain the expertise February and pointed the Scheme towards and knowledge you have,” he told a future of greater heights brought about Fellows. “Congratulations and by continued upskilling of staff.. thank you for having been accepted “This organisation cares about into the scheme and for what you knowledge and expertise,” he said. “But bring to this organisatio.” I am aware in times of not being able to Many members of the scheme, The Air Vice-Marshal pointed to the recruit as many people as we would like, which began in 2007, are engineers many ways in which DE&S is upskilling and when pay has not been enhanced in while specialisms of Fellows include its staff, including 40 new MCS students in systems engineering starting this Who are DE&S’ specialist Fellows? year, the recruitment of 130 graduates and 85 apprentices, and an increase of The Fellowship is made up of members numbers at each level determined by a 30 students on the latest undergraduate – Fellows and Senior Fellows – who are selection process. course at Bristol’s University of the West expected to maintain particularly high levels of England. of expertise, for example in areas of technical All Fellows have been asked to provide safety assessment and certification. Fellowship members: Hilary Bollan, Philip an annual report by 1st June on how Such expertise takes a long time to Cheese, Morgyn Davies, John Duncan, Helen they have developed their professional develop and often individuals are required to Peterson, Simon Rusling, Richard Savage, remain in the same post for much longer than Paul Wrobel, Ian Barnes, Nicholas Barnett, Ian competences; what they have done a normal tour length. Batten, Richard Brewin, Paul Burden, Ian Carr, to deliver DE&S, defence and wider For some, developing and deepening Richard Denning, Nicholas Desmond, Michael government outcomes; and how they specialist skills at the expense of broader core Edwards, Sam Ellis, Carolyn Faith, David have helped grow other people in their competence and managerial skills means they Flemington, Lisa Galeozzie, Tina Goodall, Ian specialisms. tend not to be in the field for promotion or Graham, Craig Hoing, Peter Hopkins, Craig And all Fellows will have to reapply for advancement to develop their careers. Jones, Duncan Kemp, Martin Lowe, David the scheme by 2016, and be judged against DE&S’ Specialist Fellowship Scheme Manley, Stephen Marshall, Francis Parkinson, rewards and recognises such deep expertise Colin Paterson, Stephen Quinn, Simon new applicants. New applicants will be and supports people in continued professional Ransom, Martin Sloan, Nicola Stanton, Brian sought later this year for membership development. It applies to only a small Sugden, Geraint Swann-Price, George Wallis, starting in April 2015. number of people at any one time with James Ward news 41

Defence for today and tomorrow – a research and development showcase

Abbey Wood’s Neighbour Two is to host current and future defence capabilities, signed a Strategic Relationship Charter. a Research and Development showcase on challenge current thinking and enhance Chief Executive of dstl Jonathan Lyle 11th March. understanding of research, development said: “Cranfield University plays a major From 10am-4pm, colleagues and and delivery, and how this can lead to the role in developing and sustaining the UK’s technical experts from the Defence acquisition of cost-effective, integrated base of skills, capabilities and facilities Science and Technology Laboratory (dstl) solutions. for defence science and technology. This and industry will guide staff through the Further information: DES TECH-TD PO2 Charter reflects our commitment to work crosscutting role of DE&S and dstl, industry (Roger Price) or DES TECH-TD LogSys- together to better align and utilise each and academia throughout the research, PPM-1 (Irene Carter). other’s capabilities to strengthen UK development and delivery pipeline. o Cranfield University and the Defence defence and security.” DE&S staff will be able to discuss Science and Technology Laboratory have

Below: Lt Gary Turner, More than 30 military wives living in Bristol have come the wives' conductor, together to launch a new choir. Wives during their performance The Bristol Military Wives launched their new venture at DE&S with a special performance at Abbey Wood last month. Covering songs such as Adele’s “Make you feel my love” strike a and the Queen’s Golden Jubilee song “Sing” (Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber/Gary Barlow), the women hope to attract more members to their venture. Conductor Lt Gary Turner, who was involved with chord in Plymouth Military Wives Choir, one of the original choirs Bottom: The Bristol started by BAFTA award-winning choirmaster Gareth Military Wives line up for Malone, said: “The Bristol Military Wives Choir aims to the camera during their bring women together to have fun and enjoy singing. visit to Abbey Wood last “More importantly it is a way to socialise and offers a Bristol month global network of support to each other when a husband, partner, or in fact any family member is away from home whether it is with the Royal Navy, Army, or RAF or the Reserves – our door is open to them all.” Although it is only early days for the choir they have already been approached by the British Royal Legion to support the Bristol Poppy Launch and Festival of Remembrance this year and they are hoping to perform a number of charity concerts at the Colston Hall in Bristol and at national First World War commemorations later in the year. Money raised will go to service charities, predominantly SSAFA, which supports members of the Armed Forces and their families, and the Royal British Legion. Lt Turner added: “This is an exciting time for us and we are looking forward to building this choir up and providing a supportive and fun network for the military wives of Bristol.” The choir meets every Tuesday 7-9pm at Mangotsfield United Reformed Church in Emerson’s Green. Contact [email protected] or BristolMD@ Militarywiveschoirs.org 42 people news

The perfect combination of man and his best friend has earned national television recognition for DE&S’ Ashley Man and beast Russell. Ashley, a commercial officer with the Networks Beyond Line of Sight team at Corsham, joined his German short-haired - Ashley’s in pointer called Oliver Twist on the Channel 4 series Superstar Dogs. The 15-part programme was hosted by presenter and dog lover John Barrowman perfect and tapped into the UK’s affection for everything canine. With dogs and their owners from all over the UK competing in a number harmony of challenges and the final spectacular Dogstacle Course, the series was full of sporting drama and entertainment. Ashley and Oliver were filmed in MediaCity UK at Salford Keys, Manchester at the end of January competing against 30 other dogs and handlers for a cash prize and a grand unveiling at Crufts. The programme was transmitted in the second half of February, with Ashley and Oliver acquitting themselves well. The pair won their first round heat and were leading the semi-final before being edged out. But they enjoyed their time in the spotlight. Ashley said: “I was extremely pleased with Oliver’s performance on the days’ filming; the bright lights and TV audience seemed to encourage him rather than hinder his performance. “I asked Oliver to work out of his comfort zone on obstacles he was unfamiliar with and I couldn’t have asked for more effort nor commitment from my best friend and companion. “Entering this competition has further Oliver and Ashley get into the competition during their appearance on Channel 4 built mine and Oliver’s bond and I could not have asked for a better or more loving Picture courtesy of www.imageandpicture.com dog than Oliver Twist.” Neptune fired up to take on field gun challenge

The field gunners of HMS Neptune have Captain laid down a challenge to the teams taking Alistair Willis, part in this year’s Field Gun competition. Captain Some of the fittest men and women of HMS at Clyde naval base will be proving their Neptune, mettle in the contest on 31st May at HMS said: “The Collingwood in Portsmouth. Other areas of Field Gun DE&S are likely to be pitted against them. competition The 18 sailors gearing up for the upholds gruelling event against other teams from the key across the services and DE&S, have been tenets of the given a boost with £12,500 backing from Royal Navy, Lockheed Martin UK. including “We have an excellent chance this year,” discipline, said the team’s No 1 trainer, Warrant Officer commitment, Gary Nicolson. integrity, “There is a high level of field gun skill respect, and experience in Faslane at the moment. enthusiasm The training package adds to that, making and honesty.” Gun boost: Martin Davidson from Lockheed Martin, left, presents sure the crew get to a peak of physical The Captain Alistair Willis, Captain of HMS Neptune, with a sponsorship fitness for the competition and can stand origins of the cheque for this year’s field gun team up to the rigours of hauling the gun around competition without injury.” lie in the siege of Ladysmith in 1899 during Legend has it that some sailors carried The field gun itself will arrive at the second Boer War where members of a 12-pounder gun for more than two miles. Faslane next month from storage at HMS the Naval Brigade came to the aid of the The modern competition consists of Collingwood to signal the next phase of British Army, transporting field guns across a 78-metre long track, with the 18-strong training. country. team completing a timed total run of 160 metres. people news 43

Clyde sees revamp of popular charity venue

Senior Rates at Clyde will benefit from benefit from this work. With Clyde set to an upgrade of their Mess recreational become the sole operating base for the facilities. submarine service the popularity of the The refurbished Kennedy Bar has Mess can only grow.” been officially opened by Captain of the The refurbishment work, which Base, Captain Alistair Willis. was carried out by Miller Shopfitting, The facility was given the facelift consisted of renewing the work surfaces after £22,000 from the Royal Navy and and the main bar area. The money was Royal Marines Charity. also used to purchase a new fridge and “The facility is a popular venue equipment. for functions and charity events,” said Kennedy Bar was named after a Warrant Officer Stephen Thorpe, the former Chief Petty Officer – Alan Kennedy From left: WO Stephen Thorpe, Captain Alistair Mess President. “We have over 500 – who designed the original bar back in Willis, WO David Mason and WO Andy Stevenson Mess members and all of them will 2000. at the refurbished facility

Cash handover at Portsmouth will help families in the workplace Mick looks set to get a flying start

A classic occasion! Engineers at industrial partner Supacat – designers of the Jackal patrol vehicle – have completed their sit-ski rig in time for the Winter Paralympics. Mick Brennan, a member of the Combined Services Disabled Ski Team, which Devon-based Supacat backs, took delivery of the new rig with its high-tech suspension for his participation in Sochi. Mick lost both legs ten years ago in a suicide bomb attack in Iraq while serving with the Royal Signals. He got onto skis for the first time in 2008 as part of his rehabilitation. “For the last five years I have been climbing the world rankings in an attempt to get to the highest level in In harmony: classic cars, disability skiing,” he said. and a classic ship “The main equipment change that has made the greatest difference is the suspension system; without this I Portsmouth has played host to a group He said: “I have seen the support the would be nowhere.” of classic and sports car enthusiasts as they charity offers to families in my workplace Pictured is Supacat’s Jamie Clarke, below left, handing over the boosted the Royal Navy and Royal Marines and I’m proud to think that in some small refurbished rig to Mick Brennan as he Children’s Fund. way we can help them continue providing left Heathrow for pre-event training. HMS Victory provided the backdrop such a valuable service.” to the handover of £6,800 by the Sporting Forty Sporting Bears members attended Bears car club adding a touch of glamour to the handover ceremony and were treated to the ceremony by bringing 12 of their most a tour of HMS Victory, hosted by Second prized vehicles. Sea Lord, Vice Admiral David Steel. The cash was raised by a series of Among the cars lined up next to the Sporting Bears fundraising events, most ship were an Aston Martin DB9, Bentley masterminded by Warrant Officer Class 2 GT Speed, Ferrari California, Corvette CO6 Baz Firth – the Bears’ south west regional and a Jaguar XJ220. organiser. WO2 Firth also used his fundraising skills outside the Sporting Bears to provide the fund with an extra £4,500. As a member of the Rotary Wing Committee at RNAS Yeovilton, he collected £2,000 from a charity ball and raised another £2,500 by raffling a Sandrail lightweight car donated by Dreamshack which gives engineering training to homeless ex-servicemen and teenagers.

Left: Vice Admiral David Steel, Second Sea Lord, at the cash handover in Portsmouth 44 people news

Sign up, have a swab taken, and help save a life Members of the Command team at Yeovilton to donate bone marrow so the likelihood is are encouraging people to register as low; but considering more than 4,000 work on potential bone marrow donors to help save a the air station – thousands more across DE&S life. – there is a chance that some may hold the Commodore Jock Alexander joined key to saving a life. members of his team in having a swab taken More info at www.deletebloodcancer.org. for the charity Delete Blood Cancer UK. uk/become-a-donor/register.html Registering as a potential bone marrow Pictured from left: Cdr Kevin Fleming, Cdr donor and taking a swab to identify tissue type Terry Tyack, Cdre Jock Alexander, Surg Cdr is simple and takes a few minutes. Marcus Philpot, Cdr Mark Langrill and Cdr There is a 1 in 500 chance of being asked Con Burns,

Geoff battles the Kimberley – elements in title hat-trick ‘an excellent role model’

DE&S apprentice Kimberley Hill has been named runner- up in the national EEF/EAL Outstanding Achievement by a Final Year Apprentice Award at the EEF Future Manufacturing Awards. Kimberley, pictured, who works for the Air Defence and Air Traffic Services team, won a south west award towards the end of last year, taking her through to the national finals. She was named national runner-up on 30th January for her commitment to and determination to succeed in her apprenticeship, and good understanding of her employer and its training programme. Judges praised her for being an excellent role model with tremendous potential, developing her placement programmes for others to follow. Julia Chippendale, Managing Director of EAL, the specialist awarding organisation for industry qualifications, said: “Huge congratulations to Kimberley. It is testament to her hard work and DE&S’ orienteering star Geoff Ellis is pictured in miserable dedication that she has conditions at the Southern Championship, near Bagshot. been acknowledged in the Geoff, of DE&S’ Falcon team at Corsham, battled heavy awards. going to retain his men's title in the 35-40 age range that “Apprentices are such he won in 2012 at Epping Forest and retained in 2013 in the a vital part of the future demanding dunes of Penhale Sands, near Newquay. of the engineering and He achieved his aim and has now won the title in all three of manufacturing industry the southern regions, confirming his ability across a multitude and it is great to see such of terrains. outstanding talent being Picture: Ian Buxton recognised for their efforts.” Phil Brownsord, regional director for the south west, said: “Ensuring that the UK has future engineers, team leaders and managers Ginny’s Imperial tonic is essential to long economic prosperity, which is why it is important to nurture the talents of apprentices such as Ginny Lindow is pictured receiving Kimberley. her Imperial Service Medal from Air Commodore Mark Sibley. “Her enthusiasm is infectious and I hope that this passion The medal recognises civil servants and interest encourages more young people to become who have completed more than 25 years engineers.” of loyal meritorious service. Kimberley was one of the youngest apprentices taken on Ginny was Executive Assistant to in 2010 when she wa just 16. Head of Helicopters 3 at Abbey Wood The awards were presented at a gala dinner run by EEF, before retiring under the early release the manufacturers’ organisation, at the Grand Connaught scheme. Rooms in London. n Calling all apprentices: page 47 people news 45

Helicopters celebrate treble delight

Left: Helicopters' running team tired but elated at the end of the challenge

Right: Cdre Andy Lison, Head of Helicopters 1 at DE&S, presents a cheque to Paul Smith of the Brainwave charity which helps children with disabilities to reach their full potential

A team from DE&S’ Helicopters Operating Centre has more than trebled its fundraising Collect for Kerry’s Corner target from a 75-mile cycle ride followed by the New Forest Half Marathon. The cycle route on quiet roads in Somerset, Dorset, and Hampshire was followed by the equally picturesque half marathon. Music man: Last September’s Kerry is event followed two pictured at the previous Helicopters Oxfam shop in challenges including Helensburgh the Bristol Half Marathon in 2011 and a 200-mile cycle from RNAS Yeovilton to RNAS Culdrose in 2012. Commodore Andy Lison, Head of Hels 1, led the challenge and said: “We set the goal of having fun, A Royal Navy Commander is Staff urged to Oxfam workers have dubbed getting fitter and appealing to colleagues at Abbey the media section, now boasts a raising £2,000 for the excellent Brainwave Wood to support his fundraising donate music and fantastic selection of items for the charity and we have efforts for Oxfam. collector and music enthusiast. more than delivered. Commander Kerry Marmont media items for The shop also holds the odd item “We were has been giving his free time to of naval interest. supported throughout the charity for the past ten years, charity “Recently we were given a by colleagues, family commuting each weekend to his number of model Royal Navy and friends who worked tirelessly home in Helensburgh, Scotland, ships to sell,” he said. “They to ensure that where he runs the local Oxfam Torpedoes, Tomahawk and are handmade from wood and everything ran shop’s music and media corner. Harpoon team have been very of such good quality that I am smoothly for us. Since 2007 Kerry has helped generous with their donations sure that whoever made them “We achieved raise around £50,000 and with over the last two years and I had access to some very detailed more than £7,000 just 18 months to go before he have been really grateful for plans.” taking the overall retires, he is asking kind-hearted their support. Everything that is The ships are all vessels total that we have raised for charities in Abbey Wood staff for their help. donated can be used to help the from the 1940s and 50s – HMS the last three years to “Before I leave the Navy I charity; we do our best to ensure Cossack, HMS Alamein, HMS £13,000. would like to ask those at Abbey that nothing ever goes to waste.” Amethyst and HMS Dainty. “This is an Wood to help by donating their Kerry began helping the “They were donated by an outstanding team unwanted, good quality items to charity after his wife Melanie elderly lady and were apparently effort and I am Oxfam,” said Kerry. volunteered at the Helensburgh made by her husband,” said hugely grateful to “Running the media corner shop. He would call in on a Kerry. our team of amateur athletes from DE&S, means that I am particularly Saturday morning for a coffee “I have seen a number of Navy Command, interested in vinyl, CDs, and a chat but soon started warship models around MOD Lockheed Martin, DVDs, cassettes, electronics, helping the volunteers. His love establishments over the years, AgustaWestland and photography equipment and of music saw him begin to run but these are more detailed Selex. computer games. the media section. and of better quality than the “The next big “My colleagues in the Kerry’s Corner, as his fellow majority. Ideally I would like to challenge for me is see them go to someone with to work out how we could possibly better a naval connection who would o Kerry is happy to collect larger donations. If you can help his charity this in 2014.” efforts, contact him on Abbey Wood ext 35484 or at DES WpnsTTH-3@ really appreciate them.” mod.uk 46 people news

HMS Astute hosted a veteran submariner from her World War Two namesake as Clyde naval base turned back the clock. Ron Raymond, 77, is one of the last known living sailors to have served with the original HMS Astute, an Amphion class vessel launched towards the end of World War Two. At the end of January, Ron was treated to a tour of the modern-day Astute alongside in her home port of Clyde. During the day the Grangemouth man met with some of the 98 crew on board and spent time exploring the high-tech submarine. “ H M S Astute is a lovely boat,” said Ron. “The conditions Astute – but not as we know it! on board are a hundred times better than I was used to on the original Astute. Astute then and now “One of the things that stands out in Above: the 20th my mind is the quality of food we had century's HMS on the old submarines. After a while the 1,620 tonnes Displacement (dived) 7,400 tonnes Astute bread would start to get green and mouldy 85.50 metres Length 97 metres and we’d be living on what’s known in the 6.80 metres Beam 11.3 metres Inset: Ron Raymond in the Navy as ‘babies’ heads’ – that’s tinned 5.12 metres Draught 10 metres 61 personnel Complement 98 personnel 21st century steak and kidney puddings. Diesel-electric Power Nuclear Astute's “Touring today’s Astute was fantastic. Vickers, Barrow Constructed BAES, Barrow Wardroom I am sure I will keep in touch with the crew 30thJanuary 1945 Launched 8th June 2007 through the Grangemouth Submarine Association.” The HMS Astute which Ron served in was built by Vickers at Barrow-in-Furness War was underway. Today’s HMS Astute is relatively luxurious and launched in April 1945. Commanding Officer of the current in comparison to the submarines of Ron’s Eighteen of the class were ordered, but HMS Astute, Commander Stephen day, but there is the same professionalism, only two were completed before the end of Walker, said: “After hearing about Ron’s sense of duty and spirit of adventure the war, with neither seeing action. By the service with the original Astute you realise which unites submariners from all eras time Ron joined Astute in 1958, the Cold how far submarine technology has come. and nationalities.” 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:

2014DIN04-008: The Promina network system which has provided secure voice and data communications throughout deployed operational theatres since Operation Grapple during the Balkan Wars will be declared End of Life with the end of Operation Herrick on 31st December this year.

2014DIN04-011: Some variants of the Hilti gun ammunition are to be withdrawn and replaced with newer variants. There will be a transitional period when some variants of the legacy stores and replacement stores will be available to the user. The legacy store will be removed from service with no further issues of this store after 28th March.

2014DIN01-016: The 56th International Military Pilgrimage in Lourdes will take place from 15-19th May for the UK (by air) contigent and from 14-20th May for the British Forces Germany (by train) contingent. The pilgrimage is open to all service personnel, Reserve Forces and any interested civilians regardless of religious affiliation or none.

2014DIN01-032: From 6th April, any staff in receipt of an Excess Fares Allowance based on public transport costs in accordance with Change of Work Location in the UK, will have payments increased by 7.2 per cent. There is no change to those payments based on the Private Travel Rate of Motor Mileage.

Further information and more details on the latest DINs see: http://defenceintranet.diif.r.mil.uk/Reference/DINsJSPs/Pages/DINsindex2014.aspx people news 47 From the way we were . . .

Above: the first apprentice entry in September 2004, back row from left – Matthew Gooding, Neil Wallace, Christopher Ryall, Toby Bryant, Dale Humphreys, David . . . to the way we are Moulding. Front: Kevin Dix, Holly Pennington, Joshua Macey and Ben Marsh.

Above: the 2013 intake of Ten years on – the hunt apprentices, pictured at Abbey Wood over the for DE&S apprentices summer

Calling all apprentices! On the hunt for DE&S’ scheme is now ten years young talent of old, and the apprentice team at the last decade: Abbey Wood wants to hear some of DE&S' from all those who have gone apprentice team through the scheme during its 2014. This year's lifetime. team is made up of They want to know where Air Vice-Marshal you are, what you are doing Julian Young and how your time at DE&S (Director Technical), Duncan Kemp, helped you in your career. Vince Doyle, Phil “We would love to hear Rotherham, Paul from all the ex-apprentices to Gilbert, Andy Maul, find out where they are now,” Michele Donald, said the team’s Tracey Cruse. David Ford, Krishna “We know many have Gurung, Kate Perry, moved on but we would like to Tracey Cruse, David know what they are doing.” Greenham and Kelly All will be asked to take Davis part in a short survey for the team to help improve the was later closed. engineering firms – notably Future Submarines. scheme still further. DE&S apprentices include Gosport’s 2011 MOD Hannah Stanbury Mike Waite was tasked those employed at Devonport Apprentice of the Year Wayne from Gosport won the with creating an Engineering and Defence Munitions Bantick, now employed as a C2 national Women In Science Apprenticeship in 2003. Gosport including technician in the Weapons area at Abbey Engineering Award last year. The team was recruited and and craft apprentices. Wood. Apprentices will be formed up in early 2004 with Over the decade The first female Apprentice emailed by Kelly Davis (DES the first intake of apprentices apprentices have won many of the Year was Polly Blaikie TECH-EG ESDT-BM1a). Any in September of that year. competitions internally and from DE&S in 2012 who has who miss out should e-mail or Ten apprentices were nationally against external just been promoted to C2 in phone 030679 37741. recruited with the total who have gone through the scheme now nearing 300. The scheme was expanded o DE&S’ three-year apprenticeships work towards a Higher National Certificate and an NVQ Level 3 in in 2009 when it took over Technical Support. Applicant requirements are: 16+ years as at 1st September 2014, a minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade A-C Level passes or equivalent, to include Maths, English Language, Science and two the management of Rosyth others. Applications are invited until 14th March 2014. and Devonport apprentices Further information and how to apply at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/defence- although the Rosyth scheme equipment-and-support-advanced-apprenticeships Secure communications you can depend on

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