October 2012 Issue 53

desthe magazine for defenceider equipment and support

New capability – and a new ministerial team

All change on the ministerial team See inside

Wildcat Cutlass Safety down Apprentices Lightning II - a goes training unveiled the mines hit the mark flier’s dream

des Steve Moore [email protected] [email protected] Ralph Dunn [email protected] Dick Naughton © Crown Copyright desider [email protected] 7155 7379 (0)207 +44 Fax: 1819. 7657 (0)20 Tel: +44 1NU WC1A London Holborn, High Street, Anthon Linton Advertising Distribution Manager: Editor: Deputy Relations: Public Head, Assistant expressed in in expressed Views omissions. or errors for accepted be can liability no accurate, is produced material all ensure to care inthose the While editor the takes defence industries. including MOD, the outside readers to available made be sponsor. and the can also equipment Copies capability relevant MOD project team before publication. before team project MOD relevant the by cleared be must advertorials for content All MOD. the or DE&S by endorsed necessarily not are advertised, Printing: Printing: from well-managed forests. Stewardship Councilcertified material post consumer waste andForest cent recycled andde-inked pulpfrom Silk 90gsmwhichcontains 50per This magazineisproduced onCocoon FEATURES 28 26 24 19 is distributed free of charge to DE&S employees employees DE&S to charge of free distributed is

Tunnel vision–Corsham's safety challenge Shipshape supportto theOlympics Wildcat onthewayto thefront A flier’sdream F-35 test pilot provides hisperspective mainstay oftheUKfighter force for thenext 35 years. An July itmarked anew dawn.TheF-35issetto become a When theUKaccepted itsfirst F-35LightningIIaircraft in staff. Corsham site safe provides auniquechallenge for DE&S Keeping thetunnels,minesandquarriesunderneath Ships Operating Centre taking stock ofOperation Olympics River Thamesandsailingvenues atPortland sawDE&S' The endoftheParalympics andthereturn ofshipsfrom the Command Wildcat. Five have already beenhandedover to theFront Line to trialtheArmy'snext generation helicopter, theLynx Groundcrew from theTerritorial Armyare amongthefirst - 9352 30257 or 0117 9130257 0117 or 9130257 30257 -9352 - 9352 30537 or 0117 9130537 0117 or 9130537 30537 -9352 desider, – Ten Alps Publishing, 1 New Oxford Oxford 1New Publishing, –Ten Alps ider - 9352 34342 or 0117 9134342 0117 or 9134342 34342 -9352 : desider

and the products and services and services and the products reports

18 17 15 13 11 8 6 5 NEWS

New strategic chiefappointed Cutlass hascuttingedge DE&S takes onpatrol vessels First upgraded Pumaisdelivered More drivers signup to Foxhound Minister defends MRA4decision Preserving the A new top team takes over has come into service into come has vehicle – Cutlass –the remotely-controlled devices explosive improvised defeat to capability A new the MODmillionsofpounds been secured inadealwithindustry whichwill save The future ofthree Royal Navypatrol vessels has to DE&SbyEurocopter step forward withthe first Mk2aircraft handed over Upgrade oftheRAF'sPumahelicopters hastaken a in HelmandProvince train onthenew Foxhound protected patrol vehicle RAF drivers have become thelatest converts asthey MPs from criticism renewed of face the in programme MRA4 Nimrod the end to decision the defended has Robathan Andrew submarines oracquisition Executive atDE&Shasspentmost ofhiscareer in The newly-appointed ChiefStrategic Systems Navy's Royal the of legacy the preserve to ideas for industry to look to is DE&S reshuffle Government the in Technology and Support Equipment, Defence for Minister new the is Wood, Abbey visited already has who Dunne, Philip aircraft carriers carriers aircraft

port ofFaslane last month. pictured asshemakes herwaytowards herfuture home embark onasetofseatrials submarine-building facility atBarrow andisdueto The second ofthe cover image Invincible legacy

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LA (Phot) Stu Hill Insider OCTOBER 2012 Bernard Gray Philip Dunne, the new Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology, made his first visit to DE&S Chief of Defence Materiel headquarters at Abbey Wood on 10th September. Bernard Gray, Chief of Defence ‘Project teams in the Materiel, formally welcomed him and hosted him during a series of briefings Submarines Operating Centre and meetings. are at the forefront of working The Minister met DE&S Board members. Separately, Dr Simon Cholerton, with industry to achieve DE&S Chief of Staff, briefed Mr Dunne objectives in an affordable way’ on the organisation including its role, strategic objectives, staffing, budget and locations. Barry Burton, Director Materiel I was pleased to welcome Barrow-in-Furness to view the Strategy, then briefed the Minister on the the new Minister for Defence second Astute class submarine, Strategy, its background, the significant Equipment, Support and Ambush, as she was made amount of work that has been undertaken Technology, Philip Dunne, ready to depart on sea trials. I so far, work currently underway and what lies ahead. to DE&S Abbey Wood know the Minister was hugely The visit coincided with a Materiel headquarters immediately after impressed by what he saw. Strategy Industry Stakeholder Day and his recent appointment. During The Astute class programme the Minister meet some of the key DE&S the visit he spent time with is one of DE&S’ biggest, most industry stakeholders. DE&S Board members, visited challenging and demanding teams on site and received projects. Nuclear-powered briefings on DE&S operations attack submarines are and The Materiel Strategy. enormously complex and costly All change on the ministerial team In addition, he was able to to construct and are much meet and speak to a number needed by the Royal Navy to Mr Dunne then visited the DE&S of key industrial figures who meet the defence requirements Operations Facility in the Defence Support had convened in Abbey Wood of the country. Chain Operations and Movements team to participate in a Materiel Further, the UK is committed and met the Maritime Combat Systems Strategy Industry Day. to building and operating project team to gain an understanding of These are very important nuclear-powered submarines project activities. times for DE&S. As many into the future. DE&S project Mr Gray said: “I was delighted to welcome our new Minister to DE&S of you know, following the teams in the Submarines Headquarters at Abbey Wood. I hope the Government’s announcement Operating Centre are at the visit provided him with a thorough insight in July, we are working up forefront of working with into the scale of DE&S’ activity, the range the detail of how DE&S would our partners in industry to of its project portfolio, some of the key be transformed into a GOCO, achieve these objectives in an issues we face and our top priorities. in particular to inform any affordable way. “I’m very much looking forward legislation which may be This programme is an to working with the Minister over the forthcoming months on the challenges required. illustration, at one extreme, of ahead.” Alongside that work we are the complexities and difficulties In a message to staff Mr Dunne said it developing a value for money that many of us in DE&S face was a great privilege to serve UK Armed benchmark “DE&S-Plus” as as we work to meet the needs a comparator, so we can take of the Armed Forces. These soundly-based decisions on the difficulties have in the past future of DE&S in the coming been exacerbated by having an months. over-committed programme, No final decisions have which led to a large number been taken and, as always, of programme and funding I will ensure you are kept changes that in turn absorbed fully informed of progress. so much time and effort. This work is, as you would The Secretary of State’s imagine, high on the priority announcement, before recess, list of the new Minister and he that the budget was largely has expressed a wish to get balanced should go some way involved early on and be briefed to easing the commitment on the detail. pressures and allow teams to The Minister has also made concentrate more on delivery clear his determination that – we have an agreed budget the Armed Forces should get and plan for the next decade the equipment they need. His – but other challenges remain first public event was a visit to be overcome as the change to BAE Systems Maritime programmes within DE&S and – Submarines’ shipyard at MOD press forward. news 5

‘A critical time for defence’

the MOD’s new Permanent Under Secretary has been appointed at – to use his own word – a ‘critical’ time for defence. Jon Thompson took up the post on 3rd September after Prime Minister David The new House of Commons team, Cameron, with the from left: Dr Andrew Murrison (Minister agreement of Defence for International Security Strategy), Mark Secretary Philip Hammond, approved Francois (Minister for Defence Personnel, his appointment as Welfare and Veterans), Defence Secretary Philip successor to Ursula Hammond, Andrew Robathan (Minister for the Armed Brennan. Forces), and Philip Dunne (Minister for Defence Equipment, Mr Thompson Support and Technology, including defence exports). became the MOD’s Picture: Harland Quarrington Director General of Finance in January 2009, where he was responsible for a range of cross- departmental All change on the ministerial team business including strategy, financial management and Forces at the MOD. “They are the pride Mr Dunne is MP for Ludlow where he corporate services. of our nation and it is an honour to be was brought up on the family farm. He is given the responsibility for ensuring married with two daughters and two sons. they are properly equipped for the often In Parliament he has been a member of dangerous and always demanding tasks the Work and Pensions Select Committee, that we ask of them,” he said. the Public Accounts Committee and the ”These remain difficult times for the Treasury Select Committee. economy, and defence must continue to Before politics, Mr Dunne had a 20- play its part in addressing this. However, year business career. He has experience great strides have been made. An of business both big and small having overheated equipment programme and an worked for investment banks in London, out-of-control procurement budget have New York and Hong Kong and having He has spent been reined in and we have a deliverable helped start and build businesses. Chief of Defence most of his career in path towards Future Force 2020. I am His former chairmanship of a venture Materiel the public service, committed to driving this forward.” capital trust reflects his enthusiasm for Bernard Gray working for the Mr Dunne added: “Service personnel encouraging entrepreneurship in the welcomes Department for and civil servants responsible for small business sector. Mr Dunne to Education, Ofsted and delivering and supporting our equipment Mr Dunne has also paid tribute to his Abbey Wood, two local authorities. far left, on 10th at Abbey Wood, in Main Building and predecessor, Peter Luff, who will retire Mr Thompson has September and across the sphere of defence, are critical from the House of Commons at the next also worked for also House of Ernst & Young and in to the success of operations on the front General Election. Lords Defence international financial line. He said: “The MOD is in much better Spokesman services. “But we should continue to improve shape now than when Peter was appointed Lord Astor of He said: “It is a our performance in procurement. So I in 2010. For the first time in a generation Hever, below privilege to be taking regard the transformation of DE&S as the books are balanced and there is a right, a week over at this critical one of my main priorities, a view shared clear and deliverable plan to meet the later time for the MOD. by the Prime Minister and the Defence requirements As Director General of Finance, I have Secretary. of Future Force seen the passion and “We must have the most effective and 2020. Peter can commitment that efficient system to ensure the Armed take enormous defence inspires in Forces get what they need, when they pride in these our people. need it, at best value-for-money. I look achievements. “The MOD is forward to working with Bernard Gray to They did not come one of the great achieve this. without some departments of state and should be a “I am pleased to be entrusted with very difficult, global exemplar for promoting responsible defence exports. but ultimately others to follow. It is a They play a critical role in the UK’s defence correct, decisions considerable honour policy and objectives as well as making and the process to have been selected a significant contribution to national of transformation to lead the MOD as the prosperity and growth. I look forward to is underway. I Permanent Secretary, working closely with the defence industry look forward to as we transform the organisation while and helping Britain punch above its building on his ensuring success on weight in the export market.” achievements.” operations.” 6 news

NEWSREEL Contract Preserving a long legacy values

The current value of the contract of the Invincible class for the Queen Elizabeth class carriers, including the engineering transition stage and DE&S is to look to industry for DE&S project costs, ideas to preserve the legacy of is £5.24 billion, the Royal Navy’s Invincible class according to the aircraft carriers. latest Parliamentary As the out of service date for figures. Sea trials are currently HMS Illustrious, the last of the planned for 2017 three still in service, approaches, with aircraft trials in industry is being asked to provide 2018. Astute class viable proposals to keep her submarine contracts available for future private use are currently valued in a different capacity while still at £6.109 billion. offering taxpayers good value for This includes design and development, money. support studies and HMS Invincible, HMS long lead items. The Illustrious and HMS Ark Royal current value of the came into service in the early 1980s contracts for the and have spent the last 30 years Type 45 destroyers protecting the UK’s interests across is £5.577 billion. the world. HMS Illustrious is due to retire from the Royal Navy in 2014 and the Ceremony MOD intends to talk to organisations work interested in preserving her as a lasting tribute to the work of the The total number Invincible class, who have played of military horses key roles in conflicts in the Falkland employed on ceremonial duties as Islands, Iraq and Bosnia. at 13 July this year HMS Invincible was was 417, Parliament decommissioned in 2005 and her has been told. A recycling was completed earlier further 82 horses this year. were held by the Above: Ark Royal makes The 31-year-old HMS Ark Royal her final entry into Defence Animal was withdrawn from service last Centre for rest or Portsmouth nearly two treatment, for use years ago year, following the 2010 Strategic as training horses, Defence and Security Review. She or waiting to be Left: Invincible will also be recycled as part of re-homed on their approaches Leyal's yard a £2.9 million deal with Turkish retirement. Two in the Aegean before company Leyal, the same company ponies are kept recyling responsible for recycling Invincible. by the Parachute Leyal is one of Turkey’s leading Regiment as mascots. The cost of ship recycling companies based in feeding and bedding Aliaga, near Izmir on the Aegean ceremonial horses coast. for the last four Minister: Why this is Preparatory work will be financial years has carried out on HMS Ark Royal over been £4.2 million. so important the winter to enable her to travel from Portsmouth to Turkey. The new Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology Bids received for further use for Costs confirmed has outlined why HMS Illustrious will be the subject of ideas from HMS Ark Royal were considered, industry as to how she can be preserved. but were judged either not feasible In-service costs “It is important that we preserve the legacy of the Royal Navy’s of the UK’s nuclear or appropriate, or carried too much Invincible carriers," said Philip Dunne. deterrent are around risk. "When Illustrious retires from the Royal Navy, we would like to see five per cent of the Invincible was the company's her preserved as a legacy to the work she, Invincible and Ark Royal defence budget and eighth and highest profile ship have done to protect the UK over three decades. We would be keen are expected to stay to seek innovative proposals from a range of organisations, including recycling following previous at that level during private sector companies, charities and trusts. recycling of Type 42 destroyers the current spending “HMS Ark Royal, like her sister ships, served this country with Cardiff, Newcastle, Glasgow, review period, which great distinction. Retiring her five years earlier than planned was a covers the financial Exeter, Southampton and difficult decision but it was the right one that, combined with her sale, years 2011-12 to Nottingham, and the former fleet has saved more than £100 million. That has helped the MOD achieve a 2014-15, Defence auxiliary Oakleaf. sustainable and balanced budget for the first time in decades.” Secretary Philip Invincible was the 14th ship He added: “The Royal Navy’s new Queen Elizabeth class carriers Hammond has told and the Lightning II aircraft that will fly off them are among the biggest successfully recycled by DE&S’ Parliament. projects of the now fully-funded equipment programme.” Disposal Services Authority. news 7

Picture: Lockheed Martin NEWSREEL Surveillance milestone

Surveillance aircraft at RAF Waddington have notched up 20,000 flying hours protecting British and other ISAF forces in Afghanistan. Sentinel and Shadow aircraft have each clocked up 10,000 hours on Operation Herrick. On 14th August Sentinel hit the milestone of 10,000 operational hours in support of British and coalition troops, with more than half of these hours clocked up since May 2011.

Above: two US F-35B aircraft – the short take off and vertical landing variant to be operated by the UK – are seen together in a rare picture as BF-02 and BF-04 take part in a formation flying qualities test in the Atlantic test range Trials day in the US on 22nd August. Testing formation flying qualities provides data on handling characteristics of the aircraft which are undergoing test and evaluation at Patuxent River. Lightning II – a pilot's view: pages 19-21 DE&S teams and staff involved in planning or programming army trials and evaluation Stop-start tests propel are reminded of the essential Army Trials Briefing Day at Larkhill JSF to a new level on Tuesday 6th November. It is free to attend, but spaces are limited; e-mail The short take off and vertical UK an early and valuable insight landing option should it become CGS EqptStratA- landing version of the Joint into the capability of this cutting necessary. BM-TPO-E1 for a Strike Fighter – the F-35 edge aircraft.” “Overall the tests were a booking form to Lightning II to be bought by the Cdr Bow Wheaton, UK great success and have paved the secure a place. Tel UK – has completed its first air Technical lead at Patuxent way for high alpha testing next 01980 84 5272 or 5664. starts, which test the ability of River in the US, added: “In true year.” the propulsion system to restart integrated spirit the UK team RAF and Royal Navy during flight. was fully involved in the airstart personnel played a lead role in the Systems fit Verifying the restart testing at Edwards and played a deployment of the aircraft. “The Kelvin Hughes capability of the propulsion vital role in the detachment. Brit contingent is well respected Surveillance system is part of the initial flight “Airstarts represent an in the US/UK development test has secured an test programme for the F-35 essential element of development team,” said Wg Cdr Dan Blogg at agreement to and a prerequisite for extreme testing of any new aircraft. This Patuxent River. supply integrated manoeuvre testing, scheduled to relatively high risk activity, bridge systems and start next year. particularly in a single engine helicopter control radars for four The aircraft, the US BF-02, jet like the F-35, was conducted Below: the joint UK and US test fleet tankers being completed 27 air starts at various at Edwards where the vast lake team pictured at NAS Patuxent River built by Daewoo altitudes at Edwards Air Force bed provides an emergency Shipbuilding and Base in California. The Edwards Marine Engineering range is 20,000 square miles of in South Korea for airspace, and has 65 linear miles the Royal Fleet of useable landing area on dry Auxiliary. Kelvin Hughes systems lakes if required during testing. – navigation, Flight Lieutenant Ian Bennett command and of DE&S’ Lightning team, said: control and “This testing in support of the helicopter control extension to the air start flight radar – have envelope is a highly positive low integration move towards the acceptance risk, enhanced operational of the F-35 Lightning II into the capability and UK’s front line operational fleet. reduced whole-life “Playing a part in these cost. advances of the F-35 gives the 8 news NEWSREEL New Strategic Systems Jubilee centre is opened The Prince of chief takes up his post Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall have opened The newly-appointed the new Jubilee Rehabilitation DE&S Chief Strategic Systems Complex at the Executive (CSSE), Rear Admiral Rear Admiral Defence Medical Mark Beverstock, has spent most Mark Rehabilitation of his Royal Navy career either Beverstock, right and Centre in Headley in submarines or in acquisition below, is Court, Surrey.This is – much of the latter in DE&S a new £16.9 million DE&S' new complex funded by project teams. Chief Strategic the MOD. It includes He was promoted Rear Systems a new therapy Admiral after spending Executive building with a two years on secondment second prosthetics from DE&S to the department, military customer radiology organisation in MOD department and open plan gym Main Building and to ensure injured took up the post of personnel continue CSSE in July. to receive the best “I’m delighted to be medical care and back at Abbey Wood. rehabilitation. It’s a great privilege to work on such a complex programme that is so Shared info important to the defence of the nation. I continue Babcock’s to be hugely impressed Collaborative Working by the dedication, Environment commitment and (CWE) information competence of the people First Sea management service here in DE&S who manage the Lord; is to be extended programme as well as those • Successor programme of the Trident submarine HMS across the maritime in industry and the men and manager; Vanguard’s build, trials, missile enterprise, under women who operate, maintain • Deputy Director for tests and her first operational a contract awarded earlier this year. and support the system,” he said. DE&S Submarine Operating deployment. Full transition to “On a programme of this Centre. This year he is working the new capability scale and importance there towards graduating from the will be completed will always be challenges and I He said: “My own team is Major Projects Leadership by next spring. look forward to tackling these only a couple of dozen strong, Academy, a new programme The CWE provides as well as supporting the Chief but I also deputise for Director across Government aimed at a secure web- based workspace of Defence Materiel in the up- Submarines Rear Admiral improving delivery of complex for members skilling of DE&S staff and the Simon Lister as leader of the programmes. of disparate work of The Materiel Strategy.” DE&S Submarine Operating Outside work he is an organisations to The CSSE post has four main Centre and its several hundred amateur flautist and very keen work together in roles: personnel.” cyclist; he has been President a single, secure The Admiral’s extensive of the Royal Navy and Royal environment, and • The UK Project Officer service in the Navy includes duty Marines Cycling Association is used by DE&S to share data and for the Polaris Sales Agreement on the frigate HMS Ambuscade for more than ten years and systems with all Tier – which reaches its 50th during the Falklands campaign, regularly rides to work at Abbey 1 industry partners. anniversary next year; following which he specialised Wood. • Assurance of as a Submarine Weapons He is married with three the programme to deliver Engineer. He served on board the children, two of whom are at Top answer Continuous At Sea Deterrent – Polaris submarine HMS Repulse university and training to be for which CSSE reports to the and oversaw the completion doctors. The MOD received 5,342 items of correspondence HMS Astute’s substantial in-service maintenance period, with joint working which received a maintenance programme has completed practices applied from the outset. ministerial response on-schedule. “In a separate project, we have between 1st August Work on Work by DE&S, Babcock and BAE also been working with BAE Systems to 2011 and the end of Systems was carried out at Faslane review Astute class transition from build July. Ninety-two per Astute during transfer from build and to becoming operational, and ways to cent were answered commission into full operational use. improve efficiency and value for money. in 20 working days finishes Babcock Submarines Managing This work is still underway.” and 95 per cent Director Mike Homer said: “This HMS Astute will leave the Clyde within 30 working on time maintenance period has demonstrated for further sea trials before her full days, according to how collaboration can be successfully operational handover. the latest figures. implemented, and the experience will be applied to Ambush’s first future base o Ambush to Faslane: pages 22 and 23 Our engineers are proud to be working with the Wheelchair Racing Team as part of a £1.5M technology partnership BAE Systems has OUR ENGINEERS with UK Sport. Over the past two years we've been applying ghter jet design engineering in materials WORK WITH and aerodynamics to redesign key elements of the wheelchair. Sports and engineering – a winning combination! UK SPORT TO HELP WHEELCHAIR RACERS REALLY FLY. 10 news

NEWSREEL A warm welcome on Abbey Wood visit Reserve cash Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach, Dakin from ISTAR. He was briefed on on the right, Commander of Joint Sentinel and Sentry while visiting Air An additional Forces Command, is welcomed to ISTAR within Air Support, hosted by £1.8 billion being Abbey Wood by Pete Worrall, DE&S’ Bill Chrispin, leader of the Airseeker invested over the Chief of Materiel (Joint Enablers). team. He also toured DE&S’ next ten years in The focus of his visit was within Operations facility, hosted by Col reserve forces will Mr Worrall’s operating centres where Justin Stanhope-White, and received be used to increase he was briefed by Col Martin Ringrose a Materiel Strategy briefing from and develop their from Helicopters and Brigadier Brigadier Peter Fox, Head Materiel trained strength Rob Meinertzhagen and Dr Simon Strategy Interface Design. and enhance their capability, Defence Secretary Philip Hammond has told Parliament. It will increase Kit goes on show to keep recruiting and improve retention, enhance training and provide front line troops safe more and better equipment. Investment has An Apache attack helicopter, already begun and left, puts on a show for watching will enable reserve photographers while, below, forces to play Foxhound attracted a host of greater roles as integral elements of admirers the whole force.

On the line

The MOD’s railway infrastructure moves equipment, including munitions and armoured vehicles, and includes a wide range of assets, such as standard “We also gauge and narrow DE&S provide examples gauge locomotives, staff have of kit that we rolling stock, tooling been out and about to see the are developing and infrastructure, latest deployment of troops to the for future use, former Defence front line put their equipment on for example lightweight “The kit is great; I think it is Minister Gerald Howarth has said show. waterproofs, a new thermal shirt brilliant, especially the wet and in an answer to Military personnel from 4th and a thermal fleece. warm weather gear. I am also a Parliamentary Mechanised Brigade showcased “Enhancements have also impressed by the way things are question. Some of their capability as they prepared been made to the body armour being tailored for women now this equipment is for deployment to Operation which comes with fitted side such as the boots and the new operated on behalf Herrick 17 this month. panels. In addition to this we female ballistic underwear.” of the MOD by Also on display at Bulford have designed new ballistic tier Brigadier Bob Bruce, contractors. Sites include Defence Camp was some of the latest 1 underwear which will come in Commander 4th Mechanised Munitions Kineton, protective equipment the both male and female versions Brigade, said: “Today has the Logistic Services Brigade will use in Afghanistan, rather than the current unisex enabled many of the men and site at Bicester, and including personal equipment, design which will be issued in women who will deploy on Marchwood Military and Foxhound, the Army’s the New Year.” Herrick 17 to showcase the high Port. newest vehicle. DE&S’ efforts were praised quality equipment with which DE&S is buying another 25 by a number of personnel on they will deploy and also the T23 transfer vehicles at a cost of around £30 their way to Afghanistan. results of the extensive pre- million. Private Emma Hollis of the Royal deployment training they have Proven equipment Defence Clothing team took Army Veterinary Corps said: conducted.” from Type 23 frigates will be used part in the event where they in the future Type displayed current and future kit. 26 Global Combat The team’s Lt Col Matthew Ships, according Tresidder said: “We have Typhoon Tranche 3 hits the front to Philip Dunne, revolutionised the soldier’s kit The first Typhoon Tranche 3 front fuselage unit has rolled off the Minister for Defence over the past three years and production line at BAE Systems’ Samlesbury site. Equipment, Support will continue to improve it based Under the Tranche 3A contract signed in 2009, 112 aircraft have been and Technology. This ordered for the four European partner nations, with 40 bound for the is being explored as on feedback from troops. RAF. Deliveries are expected to start next year. part of the ongoing “It is important that we attend The front fuselage, part of British single seat aircraft number T26 assessment these events so then we can show 116, includes more than 350 modified parts designed, engineered and phase to ensure deploying units what they are assembled to incorporate the most advanced capability enhancements. best value for going to be issued with during Improvements include a fuel dump system which will enable money for defence. their time in Afghanistan. Typhoon to fly further and stay on mission longer. news 11

Games organisers Oceans of thanks pay tribute to those who supported security work

Royal visit DE&S Ships support: pages 26 and 27 boosts project

The Olympic Rings pass HMS Ocean during the Games in August The Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers received some Royal DE&S teams who worked thanks go to the men and women clocked up 1,680 hours of flying attention on 19th hard to help safeguard the who stepped up to work shoulder aircrew and snipers in their September when the 2012 Olympics Games and to shoulder with us to deliver embarked Lynx helicopters. Princess Royal paid a Paralympics have been thanked an effective, seamless and well The public was also welcomed visit to the assembly site at Rosyth. by organisers. regarded security operation.” on board with three open days The Princess, HMS Ocean, moored at HMS Ocean provided a attracting more than 11,000 who is Admiral and Greenwich for the duration highly visible presence on the visitors to explore the ship and Chief Commandant of the two events, returned to Thames at Greenwich for the meet the team keeping the capital for Women in the Devonport on 21st September summer, acting as a helipad for safe. Royal Navy, as well marking a wind-down of the aircraft to patrol the skies and Chefs busied themselves as Commodore-in- security operation. as accommodation for more than in the galley cooking up more Chief of Portsmouth naval base, was DE&S staff were heavily 400 soldiers on security duties. than 100,000 meals for the ship’s given a brief from involved in supporting the ships As well as hosting high profile company while visits from the the Aircraft Carrier involved in security, while also visits from the Prime Minister Team GB athletes helped keep Alliance management helping the massive logistic David Cameron and the Princess morale high. team and a tour operation in looking after Royal, the ship controlled 180 HMS Bulwark and RFA of HMS Queen thousands of servicemen and landings from seven types of Mounts Bay performed security Elizabeth. women who were working at the aircraft and sent personnel on roles at the Olympic sailing Programme Director Ian Booth Games. more than 120 security patrols events off Weymouth, while said: “It was a great Lord Coe, Chairman of along the river. P2000 patrol boats and a host of honour to brief the London 2012 Organising While co-ordinating flying smaller vessels provided security the Princess on Committee, said: “Our heartfelt operations, the flight team operations at both venues. this programme. She was extremely interested to learn about the way the Aircraft Carrier Nimrod MRA4 decision was ‘the right one’ Alliance operates and to see how far The MOD has defended the decision to end the ships, submarines, Merlin and Sea King helicopters, the programme has Nimrod MRA4 programme in the face of MPs’ Sentry and Hercules aircraft and we are also co- come. renewed criticism. operating with our allies,” he said. “As the work to Armed Forces Minister Andrew Robathan said: MPs are worried that a decision on a maritime assemble the first of “Tough decisions had to be taken to get the MOD’s patrol aircraft has been postponed until the next class accelerates the books back into balance and cancelling the Nimrod defence review in 2015. scale of these ships is MRA4 programme was the right decision. Committee chairman James Arbuthnot said: becoming more and “Only one Nimrod MRA4 had been delivered to “We are unconvinced that the MOD has the capacity more apparent, and the RAF and it had not passed air worthiness tests, to respond to any escalation in the risks that may I hope we will have the project was hundreds of millions over budget, appear beyond the UK’s shores. more opportunities to years late and needed considerable further funding “We believe the risk is likely to worsen in the show the tremendous to rectify ongoing technical problems.” medium term as further maritime surveillance achievements that Mr Robathan was replying to the House of capabilities are withdrawn or not yet filled.” are being made Commons Defence Committee’s 19th September The report welcomes establishment of the across the Aircraft report on future maritime surveillance which raised Maritime Security Oversight Group and the National Carrier Alliance.” concerns over capability gaps. Maritime Information Centre as first steps towards a “UK maritime surveillance is being delivered by more strategic and co-ordinated output and as a way o Mission system a wide range of military assets, including our surface of mitigating some of the capability gaps. training: page 16 12 news

A grounding in overseas More front line drivers are on the Foxhound trail procurement

A training course has been set up to help mitigate risks in procurement contracts between DE&S teams and overseas suppliers. The course covers how to apply Government Quality Assurance (GQA) to contracts with the UK’s Nato and non-Nato partners and should be taken by all involved in requesting and providing GQA. GQA is normally provided on a reciprocal basis by Nato countries at no charge. A more complex process is involved with other nations where no arrangement covering GQA exists. The course has been compiled by Defence Quality Assurance with the Defence Academy – College of Management and Technology and is available on its website under ‘Acquisition e-learning’. Sgt Darryl Adams from 2 Tactical Police Squadron shows Defence Secretary Philip Hammond around Further information can be Foxhound at Camp Bastion while, right, Defence Minister Lord Astor talks to members of DE&S' obtained from dessedqa- Foxhound team during a visit to Abbey Wood on 17th September [email protected] Pictures: Cpl Paul Morrison and Paul Griffin

MAJOR CONFLICTS WORLDWID E: 28 Visit us on MILIPOL QATAR 2012 SOLDIERS IN ACTION: 530,000 October 8 - 10 Qatar International ONE PARTNER FOR SECURITY S OLUTIONS Exhibition Center Doha, Qatar SECURITY OF DEPLOYED FORCES. Wherever in the world, situations arise in which interventions Stand B082 inevitably have to be made and force has to be applied, all while trying to avoid collateral damage. Thousands of soldiers depend on the quality of their training and the reliability of their equipment. We are proud that partners around the globe have selected us for our outstanding capabilities to protect armed forces in these confl ict zones. www.cassidian.com DEFENDING WORLD SECURITY news 13 More front line drivers are on the Foxhound trail RAF drivers have become the latest Foxhound. Now that the first vehicles have he said. “From a logistics perspective, converts to the Foxhound patrol vehicle in been released to us, we're keen to make it will offer significant benefits to the Afghanistan. the very best use of it. This is a cracking mechanics in terms of reliability. Members of No 5 RAF Force Protection bit of kit.” “It is the ideal platform for the Wing in Helmand Province are among the Squadron Leader Rich Curzon, operations being conducted by the RAF first to operate Foxhound, DE&S’ latest who commands the Bastion Security Regiment and RAF Police around Camp protected patrol vehicle, while providing Squadron, agreed. Bastion,” he added. external security for 28,000 personnel at “Foxhound’s arrival provides A total of 325 new vehicles will Camp Bastion. my troops with first-rate protective eventually be delivered to DE&S under And they have been extremely equipment, the very best they can get,” he a contract worth £430 million that is impressed with the results as they patrol said. providing around 750 highly-skilled jobs an area where improvised explosive “We are simply pleased to be able to put across the UK. devices are an ever-present threat. Foxhound straight Being lighter and smaller than other into operational use,” he added. Squadron ‘Foxhound is Leader Jim Stewart, Chief of Staff for a cracking the Bastion Force Protection Wing, piece of kit’ described the vehicle as ‘an enormous leap forward in protected vehicles Foxhound brings capability’. a whole new capability to the Force “The off-road Protection Wing and is ideal for personnel mobility, enhanced operating in partnering roles and protection and night- engaging with local communities. vision systems that it Corporal Fraser Bruce of the RAF offers to the troops Police said: “Along with members of my on the ground are section, a few weeks ago we undertook unmatched in a local training on how to drive and operate vehicle of this size,”

MAJOR CONFLICTS WORLDWID E: 28 Visit us on MILIPOL QATAR 2012 SOLDIERS IN ACTION: 530,000 October 8 - 10 Qatar International ONE PARTNER FOR SECURITY S OLUTIONS Exhibition Center Doha, Qatar SECURITY OF DEPLOYED FORCES. Wherever in the world, situations arise in which interventions Stand B082 inevitably have to be made and force has to be applied, all while trying to avoid collateral damage. Thousands of soldiers depend on the quality of their training and the reliability of their equipment. We are proud that partners around the globe have selected us for our outstanding capabilities to protect armed forces in these confl ict zones. www.cassidian.com DEFENDING WORLD SECURITY 14 news

And Duncan makes six!

DUNCAN, the sixth and final Type 45 a significant milestone in the early life of the Once handed over, Duncan will be based destroyer, left Scotstoun on the River Clyde ship and a tribute to the teamwork between in Portsmouth where DE&S, BAE Systems, the last month for her first stage of sea trials off BAE Systems, the MOD and my Royal Navy Royal Navy and industry partners will work the west coast of Scotland. personnel to get to this point.” as a single team – the Type 45 Class Output The three-week programme was to test The BAE Systems-built ship is on track to Management Team – to sustain the high level her power and propulsion systems, auxiliary be handed over to the Royal Navy in the first of availability required throughout the life of and domestic services. half of next year. This follows the handover of the Type 45 ships. Duncan’s senior officer Commander Phil Defender, which was accepted off contract in a The team will provide support to all six Game said: “Putting to sea for the first time is ceremony at Portsmouth in July. ships in class.

When it comes to the nation’s security, you Achieving new need outstanding engineering partners with the highest levels of experience, integrity depths in and creative thinking. BMT has all these, which is why we’ve worked with Government departments and defence agencies, submarine design major defence and industrial contractors in the UK and overseas since 1985. We don’t just design submarines, warships and auxiliaries, we also provide you with a watertight business case, ongoing support and valuable peace of mind. So when you decide to work with BMT, you’ll be putting together a highly successful partnership.

email our submarine specialist Ian Parker at [email protected] or visit www.bmtdsl.co.uk

BMT half page_DESider_Subs_April2012.indd 1 08/03/12 11:19:33 news 15

Torbay is back in the water again NEWSREEL Successor A major milestone has been completed with the flood- up of HMS Torbay (left) – the first time the Trafalgar class spend so far submarine has been afloat since docking ten months ago. THE MOD has so Flood-up signals completion of around 85 per cent of far spent just over the vessel’s Revalidation and Assisted Maintenance Period £17 million on (RAMP) by Babcock at Devonport. long lead items The milestone has been achieved in what is the largest for the successor planned workscope undertaken in a RAMP. submarines, specifically on Work has included examination of the hull and ship’s development of the systems, plus full rebuild of one of the platform’s combined Pressurised Water coolers and a revalidation of the circulating water system. Reactor 3 plant. Significant emergent work has been managed as part of There has been the RAMP programme by a joint team of DE&S, Babcock, no spending on ship’s staff and Fleet. long lead items for Babcock boat manager Jon Lewis said: “Flood-up marks nuclear weapons as decisions on the ‘beginning of the end’ for this project as we focus refurbishing or firmly on the RAMP end game and delivery back to the replacing the customer.” existing warhead Completion is scheduled for next summer. will not be required until the next Parliament, Defence Secretary Philip First Puma handed over Hammond has said. Data boost

BMT Isis and BMT for trials at Boscombe Defence Services have announced they are supporting the MOD in Upgrade of the RAF's Puma enhancing the helicopters has taken a major Maritime Legislation Database for the step forward with the first Mk2 Defence Maritime aircraft handed over to DE&S by Regulator. This Eurocopter. helps ship operators The aircraft will begin trials understand at QinetiQ’s facility at Boscombe legislation they Down. must comply with. Gp Capt Malcolm French, As well as improved functionality, BMT leader of DE&S’ Puma 2 Gazelle is adding all UK, EU team, said: “We are modifying and International our Puma helicopter fleet ‘safety’ legislation, to enhance significantly its (previously only performance, safety and mission environmental capability. Puma will be significantly upgraded legislation was included) making “I am delighted to announce by its life extension programme it more useful for the arrival of the first modified management of aircraft at Boscombe Down MOD shipping safety where it will conduct the UK and environmental phase of its flight and ground aircraft. system; as well as a secure compliance. trials. “This delivery milestone communications suite, new “This is a significantmarks another important defensive aids and ballistic achievement in the programme accomplishment in a programme protection for crew and A testing life and I am grateful for the that is vital for the UK’s combat passengers. successful efforts of the joint capabilities, and it results equally The helicopter’s greater Eight thousand MOD and Eurocopter team in from Eurocopter’s commitment onboard fuel capacity and lower hours, or one complete lifetime, progressing this key future to its success and our close co- fuel consumption will increase of durability testing capability for defence.” operation with the MOD,” said the Puma Mk2’s operating range. on the 350-tonne Eurocopter has completed Markus Steinke, Managing It will be able to carry twice rig at BAE Systems the initial upgrade on three Director of Eurocopter UK. the payload over three times in Brough is now Puma helicopters, the first of “Once upgraded, Puma the range than its predecessor complete on the which is now at Boscombe Mk2s will be serving the RAF even in the most demanding of airframe of the Down. until 2025, offering exceptional environmental conditions. F-35 conventional take-off version, The Puma Mk2 helicopters performance and capability.” The Puma Life Extension proving it can handle will be a key element of the UK’s Enhancements include new Programme contract was signed all kinds of flying medium battlefield supportMakila 1A1 turboshaft engines; in September 2009. Eurocopter conditions. Work helicopter capability, and will integration of a full glass cockpit UK is the prime, with work is on schedule for be deployed for tactical troop incorporating modern avionics being completed at Eurocopter proving the aircraft and load movement by day and and a flight managementin the UK, France and Romania. for up to two night. The upgrade will extend system; implementation of a Aircraft deliveries will be lifetimes, or 16,000 hours. the operational lifetime of 24 digital automatic flight control complete in 2014. 16 news

A new £1 million integration facility has been opened for the mission system which will be fitted to theQueen Elizabeth aircraft carriers. The system is the ‘brain’ of the ship that enables it to conduct air traffic control, Admiral navigation, tactical picture compilation, Sir Mark communications, mission planning for Stanhope the embarked F-35 Lightning II aircraft is shown and Merlin helicopters, and carry out around engineering maintenance and logistics the new support. mission The facility is named after Admiral system Sir Lumley Lyster, mastermind behind facility in the Taranto raid and architect of the Royal Fareham Navy’s carrier strategy during World War Two. Lyster Building at HMS Collingwood in Fareham marks a ground-breaking collaboration between the Aircraft Carrier Alliance (of which DE&S is part), Navy Command and Flag Officer Sea Training. It will bring together the Combat Engineers handed chance Management, Communications and Visual Surveillance systems on the ship’s fibre-optic network and integrate these to learn on carrier ‘brain’ key capabilities on a scale never seen in previous ships. It will also provide an opportunity In opening Lyster Building, First Sea “It is apt therefore that the Aircraft for sailors and engineers based at HMS Lord Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope told Carrier Alliance should take him as their Collingwood to see the new technology guests: “Lyster was a leader and innovator inspiration in developing this world-class and get to grips with it before joining the in delivering air power from the sea and engineering and training facility that will ship at Rosyth. this will be the primary role for the Queen help ensure HMS Queen Elizabeth enters The first Weapon Engineers are due to Elizabeth class carriers, as part of our front line service before the end of the join Queen Elizabeth next March. Future Navy 2020 vision. decade.”

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+ Over 1,400 companies from more than + High number of Official Delegations - To find out how to join the world’s largest 50 countries displaying Air, Naval, Land & 75 from 55 countries integrated defence & security exhibition Security products and new technology + Networking - the world’s Defence & Contact Us Today - + Unrivalled visitor base - 121 countries Security supply chain in one place T: + 44 (0)20 7384 7770 represented in 2011 + Engaging content - seminars, F: + 44 (0)20 7384 7773 + Access new markets including Brazil, high level briefings and scenario E: [email protected] India and SE Asia based demonstrations www.DSEI.co.uk/desider

IN ASSOCIATION WITH OFFICIAL PUBLICATION PLATINUM SPONSORS news 17 Transfer secures future of Navy’s LTPA patrol vessels T&E begins here

HMS Tyne Are we on your radar for T&E? The Long Term Partnering Agreement (LTPA) is an innovative collaborative approach to The MOD has secured the tackle smuggling and other provide Test and Evaluation, Training and future of three Royal Navy illegal activity. patrol vessels in a deal Defence Secretary Philip support services to the MOD. with industry that will save Hammond said: “These three taxpayers millions of pounds. ships represent an essential The LTPA is a framework agreement under Since HMS Tyne, Severn UK capability in protecting and Mersey entered service UK waters and safeguarding which the majority of your fixed costs nine years ago, the MOD has our maritime interests. Buying associated with Test and Evaluation are been leasing the vessels from these vessels is a shrewd move BAE Systems at a cost of £7 and another example of the centrally funded. million a year. department renegotiating The lease was due to be contracts and making renewed in 2013 but rather decisions to benefit our Armed If your project has a T&E requirement call than face having to pay more Forces and the taxpayer. now, or visit the website to find out if the to rent the vessels, DE&S has “This contract saves money costs of your trial are covered under the LTPA. signed a £39 million contract in the long term and ensures to buy the ships outright, the Royal Navy is able to keeping them in service with continue to conduct a wide the Royal Navy for the next ten range of operations to protect years. the UK.” All three River class Head of the Royal Navy offshore patrol vessels play Fishery Protection Squadron, an important role in essential Commander Graham Lovatt, operations policing the UK’s said: “The River class offshore Air territorial waters. patrol vessels have repeatedly Based in Portsmouth, each proven themselves to be Land ship spends around 300 days extremely capable ships. at sea each year undertaking “With maritime security Sea patrol tasking and training. and fishery protection Their duties include maritime roles, they play a vital part security and counter- in protecting the nation’s terrorism, enforcement of interests close to home. I am fisheries regulations, search very pleased that the MOD has and rescue, and operations to secured their continued use.”

Hunt is on to unlock cyberspace secrets

DEFENCE Scientists are inviting research proposals by the end of this month for innovations to improve understanding of cyberspace. A total of £400,000 is available for successful proposals at this initial phase. Projects will also receive support from Defence Science and Technology Laboratory’s (Dstl) experts who can provide an understanding of UK military requirements. Dstl’s Dario Leslie said: “Cyber threat is a tier one risk in the UK’s National Security Strategy, and a key challenge to MOD with its 0800 015 0594 extensive, networked infrastructure and deployed operational forces. The ability to understand and react to events in cyberspace in a timely www.LTPA.co.uk and appropriate manner will be key to future success.” www.LTPA.co.uk is a QinetiQ registered domain name. Further information from http://www.science.mod.uk/events 18 news

Helmets top the one million mark

the one millionth combat helmet has been produced by NP Aerospace. The helmet, made Cutlass at the company's advanced armour systems facility in Coventry, is one of all set 80,000 Mk 7s supplied to the MOD for British Forces in Afghanistan. It was presented to Peter Luff, the former to show Defence Equipment, Support and Technology, on a 30th August visit. The company has a cutting supplied helmets to the MOD for 33 years. Mr Luff was joined by senior figures at DE&S who were hosted edge by Mark Robertshaw (Chief Executive of parent company, Morgan Crucible) and Duncan Eldridge A new capability to defeat Minister Peter Luff accompanied “This technologically (President of NP improvised explosive devices has by Pete Worrall, DE&S’ Chief of advanced device showcases Aerospace). The party toured come into service. Materiel (Joint Enablers). the engineering excellence of the company’s vehicle Cutlass is a next generation Mr Luff said: “The rollout Northrop Grumman and the UK support solutions remotely-controlled vehicle for of Cutlass marks an important subject matter experts who have facility to see hazardous duty operations. milestone in our successful 20- been involved in its development.” integration and spares “Cutlass will The system offers the support operations for significantly enhance latest technology in a the Mastiff family of the ability of users to modular design, enabling vehicles. During the defeat and dispose of the user to deal with the campaigns in Iraq unexploded ordnance full range of military and and Afghanistan, and improvised improvised explosive NP Aerospace has explosive devices from devices. integrated, delivered a safe distance, and It is capable of and supported around also to provide forensic accommodating a wide 750 Mastiff, Ridgback information systems range of payloads, sensors and Wolfhound protected mobility capability for national and tools. vehicles in addition security and resilience,” The manipulator arm to supplying critical said Danny Milligan, is equipped with a three- survivability systems chief executive of fingered gripper and has such as Camac vehicle manufacturers Northrop nine degrees of freedom armour and Osprey Grumman Information for greater movement body armour. Systems Europe. and agility inside limited The visit to NP’s vehicles support “The unique spaces, such as the interior solutions site was knowledge and of a car. timely as the Army experience that we The robot is able to deliberates its have gained in this creep along at deliberately future equipment domain has helped us to Peter Luff, centre, is pictured with Danny Milligan, slow speeds for delicate following the end of deliver this important operations and may combat operations in chief executive of Northrop Grumman's Information Afghanistan. next generation of Systems sector in the UK, right, and Kevin Rooney, accelerate to high speeds NP highlighted improvised explosive managing director of Northrop Grumman Remotec, to enable rapid travel. three issues; its device disposal left The six-wheeled design proposal to undertake capability and we look offers mobility on all types reception, triage and forward to exploiting of hard and soft terrain storage of vehicles the potential opportunities for year relationship with Northrop and in all weather. returning from exporting this capability into Grumman. Northrop Grumman’s Afghanistan; extension of the Mastiff family international markets.” “Cutlass is a world-class unmanned ground vehicle spares contract; and a Cutlass was unveiled at product that will provide our UK- business has been in Coventry for coherence package to Northrop Grumman Remotec’s based bomb disposal teams with more than 20 years. The company give the MOD and the production facility for unmanned a capability to help protect them has more than 2,000 unmanned company time to decide ground systems in Coventry, and the public from the threat of ground vehicle systems in on the future of the visited by former Defence explosive devices. operation around the world. Mastiff fleet. lightning ii 19 A flier’s dream

RAF pilot Sqn Ldr Jim Schofield, UK test pilot for Lightning II, sings the praises of the UK’s version of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter

hen the UK accepted its and supersonic giving it a significant in future conflicts will be able to first F-35 Lighting II at a advantage in combat, as well as being seamlessly merge this fifth generation ‘Wceremony in Fort Worth, able to hover, meaning it has global fighter’s capability to great advantage Texas in July it marked a new dawn. reach from the widest range of aircraft in the battlespace. F-35 is set to become the mainstay of carriers and austere bases. the UK fighter force for the next 35 The unparalleled capabilities So what’s it like to fly? years. the aircraft brings will allow it to Be in no doubt, this is a very interoperate with armies, navies and From a pilot’s perspective the exciting aircraft. It combines advanced air forces like none before and its ‘fifth generation’ slogan is more than sensors, swing-role capabilities, ability to find, track and engage targets just marketing – it also applies to the exceptional performance and an will give the UK the upper hand in cockpit and the way the aircraft flies. unparalleled ISTAR capability in a future conflicts. relatively small and agile platform. Additionally, with so many partner Oh, and by the way, it’s both stealthy nations in the programme, allies n continued on page 20 20 lightning ii

n continued from page 19

The cockpit couldn’t be any simpler, a single sheet of glass that would be familiar to any iPad user replaces the traditional instruments and screens and there isn’t even a head-up display ‘From a pilot’s view the to clutter the view. This information and much more besides is projected directly into the pilot’s visor no matter where he’s looking. Flying the jet has also been made as situational awareness simple as possible. There are very few checks to carry out and the aircraft’s handling is impeccable. Nowhere is this more applicable than in the short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) is breathtaking’ regime which typically requires in aircraft such as Harrier complicated controls and continual training to avoid mishaps. a comprehensive electronic warfare to track the aircraft and allowing UK With F-35 the designers system and an electro-optical targeting Forces to operate in contested airspace revolutionised the STOVL experience; system. that previously would have been the controls have been simplified and Information from all of these unthinkable. Stealth features include the experience now requires much less sensors is combined to provide a internal weapon bays to reduce radar training and is a wholly stress-free seamless multi-spectral picture of signature. affair. F-35 is the easiest aircraft to the battlespace. From a pilot’s view fly of the 80 or so I’ve flown by a large the situational awareness provided Survivability and availability margin, allowing the pilot to focus his is breathtaking, even more so mental capacity on warfighting rather when datalinks are used to share F-35 was designed with than ‘just’ flying. information with off-board assets. survivability in mind. It features, for These sensors aren’t merely applicable example, defensive systems and flying Sensors to high-end warfighting but also the controls that automatically reconfigure more traditional roles such as close so that the aircraft remains flyable even The heart of the aircraft is its air support where tasking can be sent with battle-damaged control surfaces. sensors and the way the information digitally from forward air controllers, If subsystems fail during flight then the they collect is presented to the pilot. targets digitally shared among aircraft will let the maintenance team The amount of data that can be wingmen and weapons can quickly be know even before it has landed so that gathered has increased to the point brought to bear with great accuracy. they can be ready for troubleshooting where the pilot would be swamped or order replacement parts. many times over – it is therefore vital Stealth A computer system, ALIS, hosts that the data is processed to the point all the support functions from flight where it can be presented in a coherent World-beating sensors alone, planning through to documentation and meaningful manner. however, would be of little use if you and maintenance tasks. There are very Sensors include APG-81, the most couldn’t get close enough to a target high expectations for how available advanced radar fitted to a fighter, the to be able to engage it. This is where the aircraft will be in front line service Distributed Aperture System which F-35’s stealth capabilities come to the and ALIS will be key to this becoming gives 360 degree infra-red coverage, fore, denying the enemy the ability a reality. lightning ii 21

Sqn Ldr Jim Schofield, below, has flown 45 hours on the STOVL (short take off and vertical landing) type and has been selected as one of the test pilots who will embark ‘From a pilot’s view the in USS Wasp with two STOVL F-35s for the second LHD trial next summer. situational awareness is breathtaking’

The UK way ahead

The UK’s focus in the near future will remain on developmental testing at NAS Patuxent River in Maryland, operational testing at Edwards Air Force Base in California and pilot/ maintainer training at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. The UK has bought its first three aircraft, predominantly to support training and operational testing, and intends to build its Lightning Force gradually over the next few years towards an Initial Operational Capability later this decade. Being part of the UK Developmental Test team at Patuxent River has unquestionably been the highlight of my career to date. Even in the largest defence project ever we still have a positive effect on a daily basis. Rest assured the team is working all hours as we strive to ensure that F-35 Lightning II reaches the UK front line with all of its massive potential realised.’ 22 submarines From Barrow to the Clyde – Ambush cuts through the waves ‘It is now time to start putting Ambush through her paces on sea trials and prove that this amazing piece of equipment is ready for operations’ – Commander Peter Green, Ambush’s commanding officer

mbush, the second of the seven which will play a vital role in the future Ambush through her paces on sea trials planned Astute class attack defence of the UK,” he said. and prove that this amazing piece of Asubmarines, has sailed into Clyde “This is the culmination of huge equipment is ready for operations,” he naval base before the start of sea trials. efforts by industry and also MOD said. The 7,400 tonne submarine sailed personnel both civilian and uniformed. Astute submarines will be quieter from BAE Systems’ yard in Barrow-in- I am delighted that Ambush has been than older submarines, with the ability to Furness, where she was built, to Faslane, welcomed into her base port and that she operate covertly and remain undetected where she arrived on 19th September. and her crew can now progress sea trials in almost all circumstances despite being DE&S’ Director Submarines, Rear and prepare for the operational handover 50 per cent bigger than the Royal Navy’s Admiral Simon Lister, was delighted to of the second of what will be the most current Trafalgar class submarines. They witness the departure of Ambush from capable class of nuclear submarines ever will have capacity to carry a mix of up to Barrow. fielded by the Royal Navy.” 38 Spearfish heavyweight torpedoes and “Departure marks a significant Ambush’s commanding officer Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles, milestone in the Astute class programme Commander Peter Green added his can target enemy submarines, surface and the delivery of a new fleet of powerful gratitude to BAE Systems, DE&S and all ships and land targets with pinpoint and versatile attack submarines which those involved in construction. accuracy, and are fitted with a world- are much needed by the Royal Navy and “It is now time to start putting beating sonar system. Ambush is due to

Astute class facts: • 97 metres from bow to stern. • A beam of 11.2 metres. • Displaces 7,400 tonnes of seawater. • The first Royal Navy submarines not to have a traditional periscope, instead using electro-optics to capture a 360-degree image of the surface for subsequent analysis by the commanding officer. • Manufactures her own oxygen and crew's drinking water from seawater. • Could theoretically remain submerged for her 25-year life, if it were not for the need to restock the crew’s food supplies. • Faster under the water than she is on the surface – capable of speeds in excess of 20 knots (37km/h), although her top speed has never been revealed. submarines 23

enter service with the Royal Navy next on the Clyde was wonderful for all year. concerned. Philip Dunne made his first public “I would like to thank everybody who appearance as the new Minister for has been involved in this project for their Defence Equipment, Support and dedication, skill and sheer determination Technology at the pre-exit media facility to bring this vessel to life and I wish for Ambush at Barrow. He was given a Ambush and her crew the very best for tour of the shipyard and the Devonshire the future.” Dock Hall where he met the workforce Ambush was built by BAE Systems and saw the complex process of building Maritime Submarines, with hundreds a nuclear submarine, in this case Boat 4, of suppliers around the country Audacious, which is under construction. contributing component parts, including He was also given a private tour of Rolls-Royce, Derby (nuclear plant); Thales Ambush by Cdr Green where he was UK, Bristol (visual system and Sonar able to meet the crew. While on board 2076); and Babcock, Strachan & Henshaw, Mr Dunne was given an insight into life Bristol (weapon handling and discharge on an operational submarine. “The 2010 system). The class is composed of Astute, Minister Philip Dunne and DE&S Director Strategic Defence and Security Review Ambush, Artful, Audacious, Anson and Submarines Rear Admiral Simon Lister made the right decision in confirming two as yet unnamed vessels. the full order for seven boats,” he said afterwards. For DE&S team members the move of Ambush from Barrow to the Clyde was a proud moment. Colin Caldwell, DE&S’ Head of Submarine Production, said: “Both the Bristol and Barrow-in-Furness based members of the Submarine Production team within DE&S have worked incredibly hard on this project alongside the shipbuilder for the past six years and to finally see this magnificent vessel set sail and head to her new home

Ambush berthed at Barrow before her departure, below

Pictures: BAE Systems

‘Completion of Ambush is a tribute to the hard work and commitment of thousands of people employed in this country’s world-class submarine industry’ – Philip Dunne 24 wildcat

Wildcat embarks on its journey to the front line

roundcrew from the Territorial in 2006,” said 6 Regiment, Army Air and material, and provision of force Army are among the first to Corps Commanding Officer, Lieutenant protection. It will be significantly more Gtrial the Army’s next generation Colonel Nigel Banks. “And I believe for powerful than the current Lynx enabling helicopter, the Lynx Wildcat. a TA unit to be the first Army unit to it to operate in extreme hot conditions Five aircraft have been handed over have this training opportunity reflects and at high altitudes. to the Front Line Command with work the importance of the TA, who will need The name Wildcat originates from continuing to deliver aircraft to meet the to increase their numbers to meet the the Grumman F4F which was widely official Army in-service date of 2014. demands of the Army 2020 structure to used during World War Two. The aircraft DE&S Lynx team leader Captain reshape the service.” ceased operational service in 1945. David Elford said: “I am very pleased with The Government announced in July However, some of these flying aircraft the progress we have made together with that the Army will have a greater reliance remain, including one in the collection of the Joint Helicopter Command in initial on Reserve soldiers to integrate with the the Imperial War Museum Duxford. fielding of this exciting new aircraft. As regular Army. The regiment has two squadrons – a project team we also look forward to 6 Regiment (Volunteers) is based in HQ and 677 Squadron is based in Bury St delivering the Wildcat HMA to the Royal Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. Its role is to Edmunds and 655 Squadron at Middle Navy early next year provide motivated trained groundcrew Wallop, Hampshire. It also has “Delivery of the aircraft has not for Apache and Lynx as reinforcements detachments in Norwich, come without the need to fine-tune the to other Army Air Corps Regiments, Swaffham and Ipswich. design as would be expected with the both on exercise and operations. With introduction of a brand new helicopter the emergence of Lynx Wildcat to replace but, through the hard work and efforts the current Lynx, the Corps will train to of the team and AgustaWestland, these encompass this new capability. issues are being overcome.” The exercise will provide the TA Territorial Army groundcrew have soldiers with the opportunity to learn been delighted to work on the aircraft. about working with the new aircraft, its “It is brilliant for us as a TA unit to be refuelling and resupply. the first to get up close and personnel Lynx Wildcat will perform and work with the Wildcat. The Army a range of tasks on the of the future will rely more than ever on battlefield including Reserve soldiers deploying alongside reconnaissance, their regular counterparts, something we transportation have been doing since we were formed of troops wildcat 25

‘I am very pleased with the progress we have made together with the Joint Helicopter Command in initial fielding of this exciting new aircraft’ – Lynx team leader Captain David Elford 26 olympics

All hands on deck to keep security effort afloat

DE&S Ships Operating Centre plays its part in supporting those who kept the Games safe

he end of the Paralympics and through to equipment procurement was ready for personnel and to provide the return of ships from the River and integration, finally installing the support to the flotilla of small boats. TThames and the sailing venues at equipment and testing it to make sure Urgent taskings came through to Portland saw DE&S’ Ships Operating it provided exactly what the Police and the Maritime Platform Systems Diesels Centre taking stock of Operation Royal Navy required. Group, who supported ships in London Olympics, which became part of the day The Amphibious Ships team and Weymouth with engines for all small job for many staff. responded to an urgent requirement in boats and landing craft. Teams and individuals played their July, a few weeks before Ocean was due The team had to respond quickly on part in responding to routine and to deploy to Greenwich, for additional issues affecting the engines, to ensure urgent requests, making an enormous generators on the flight deck. operational capability was not affected, contribution to delivering a successful An additional requirement for the and also provided assistance to Police and safe Games. Amphibious Ships team was for a £1 boats in Weymouth. Support to HMS Bulwark in Portland million spruce-up to accommodation Alongside overseas operations and HMS Ocean moored at Greenwich spaces and domestic services to make involving boats, the Commercially was key. Bulwark provided a Command sure they were suitable standard for Supported Shipping Boats team provided and Control Headquarters at sea in occupancy by the security forces. more than 50 boats to keep the waterways support of Dorset Police’s maritime Ocean, Bulwark and support ship safe in London and Weymouth. security operations. To work with the RFA Mounts Bay were made suitably Despite a last-minute request from Police, both ships required complicated presentable for the high visibility tasking. the MOD Police to increase the number modification. Mounts Bay was based in Weymouth of boats, the CSS-Boats team met all the Bulwark posed the greatest challenge Bay as a maritime logistics hub to needs of the various users throughout the as she was required to operate with support Police. The Commercially Olympic and Paralympic Games. the Dorset Police to provide security in Supported Shipping team worked with The Thames was patrolled by three Weymouth and Portland. A&P Falmouth to ensure the ship was P2000 Archer class patrol boats in A team of Maritime Combat ready to fulfil all that was required of her addition to a number of offshore raiding Systems engineers played a key role in and that she was presented in the best craft and Arctic rigid inflatables operated establishing a first class capability on condition. by the Royal Marines. Bulwark, from requirements setting A final two weeks in June meant she The MOD Police also contributed two olympics 27

DE&S Ships Operating Centre plays its part in supporting those who kept the Games safe

launches from Portsmouth and Plymouth naval bases. A Fleet motor launch was supplied to HMS President on the Thames to transfer people to and from Ocean. The craft had a major failure in the run-up to the Games but Jack Anderson, Training Craft Project Manager, organised a replacement at short notice. Weymouth and Portland were patrolled by four P2000s as well as offshore raiding craft and Pacific rigid inflatables operated by the Royal Marines. The Army used Mexeflote pontoons Top: RFA Mounts Bay is surrounded by numerous security craft at the sailing events to create a harbour and the MOD Police Above: the Paralympic Flame passes HMS Ocean on the River Thames. Below left: Lord Coe visits HMS Bulwark on 4th September. hosted the Dorset Police Commander Below right: HMS Ocean, moored at Greenwich, seen from The Shard at London Bridge using two of Island class boats from Faslane. Along with Lt Jamie Weller of the Maritime Combat Systems team, who was an official flag bearer, Lt Alex Davies from the Ship Support Alliance team led the national flag-raising during sailing event victory ceremonies. Lt Davies led a ceremony in difficult conditions for Ben Ainslie’s gold medal presentation. 28 safety

Tunnel vision – Corsham’s unique safety challenge As one of defence’s newest assets, Corsham is equipped with the latest safety features. Occupied for nearly two years now, it boasts an impressive safety record. desider looks at what lies beneath and how that record is maintained

‘The No 1 priority for Information Systems and Services is support to operations, but business priorities come and go. My enduring priority is the well-being and safety of all ISS staff’ – Director ISS Major-General Tim Inshaw safety 29

arlier this year Corsham-based a significant code of practice called the A checking regime inspects all areas Information Systems and Services ‘Management and Administration of containing asbestos at least once, and E(ISS) scored 91 per cent in the Safety and Health at Mines 1993’, which sometimes more often, every two years. DE&S Occupational Health and Safety defines what is required of the team at Asbestos conditions are recorded on a Audit, demonstrating robust safety, Corsham to maintain a safe environment central database. Deterioration can be health and environment management below ground. Her Majesty’s Inspector detected and remedial action taken. systems in place. of Mines audits against a national code The same approach is applied to Recent health and safety activity of practice when regularly inspecting the underground roof and pillars. has seen a revamp and simplification Corsham. Independent geological surveys identified of the ‘near miss’ reporting forms and Since a less than satisfactory more than 4,000 separate pillars holding procedures, encouraging around 2,000 inspection in 2007, ISS has put in place a up 2,000 roof sections. Each has been people including operational military robust system of safety monitoring and photographed and the condition of units at Corsham to recognise and an improvement programme managed every pillar and roof section is regularly report when a near miss has occurred. via a mines management plan. The monitored to avoid roof collapse. The ISS H&S team also briefs staff new Inspector of Mines reported recently: Radon gas is a naturally occurring to Corsham monthly on the site’s safety, “Over the last five years, HSE Mines threat. Invisible and odour free, it is health and environment polices and Inspectorate carried out a serious of detected by special ‘readers’ throughout procedures. planned inspections, working closely the caves and held individually by

But work at Corsham is not always with a Corsham mine management team underground staff. If there is a positive conducted in the relative luxury of a to achieve sustained improvement over reading, action ranges from improving modern environment. Beneath the new a range of challenging technical legacy ventilation, which will dissipate the gas, accommodation lurk around 240 acres issues. Implementation of the safety to completely evacuating affected areas. of tunnels, bunkers and quarry, some management system is a credit to all The underground is a vast and dating back to the mid-19th century. For involved and I would congratulate the dangerous place; maintaining it as safely perspective, the entire old Basil Hill site MOD team on its achievements.” as possible is a full-time task. occupied around 110 acres of land. Key to this improving situation is It is now a controlled environment Corsham underground supplied stone the way in which the deadly brown and with no access to anyone other than those to build much of Bath, stored ammunition blue asbestos contained underground is who need to perform essential work. This during the war years and could have being dealt with. Over the past four years comprises a small but expert team of ISS hosted the British Government during approximately 400 tonnes of asbestos has and Defence Infrastructure Organisation the Cold War. Conditions underground been removed and disposed of safely. personnel, plus specialist staff from pose a unique safety challenge with ISS has gone beyond the standard Interserve Defence, the facilities potential threats including roof collapse recommendations by removing all management organisation for Corsham. and exposure to dangerous materials asbestos designated as needing to be The scale and complexity of the like asbestos and radon gas. All are removed, plus all that was designated as underground environment presents a monitored, managed and audited needing to be ‘encapsulated’. unique challenge, but one that is met with continuously to ensure the underground Despite this, there is still asbestos ever-improving success. is safe for those working there regularly. contained within around 1,560 places Keeping this environment safe and The Health and Safety at Work underground. This is being managed secure helps contribute to the smooth Act 1974 laid the foundation for safer by the ISS Mines Manager through the running of what sits above ground, working environments, procedures and MOD Corsham Underground Asbestos helping to maintain an ‘out of sight, out practices for everyone in their place of Management Plan, which is monitored of mind’ position for the vast majority of work. Building on this legislation was regularly by HM Inspector of Mines. Corsham’s staff. 30 apprentices Applying the craft for DE&S to thrive on

E&S apprentices have been putting Elliott said: “It was a particular pleasure their skills and knowledge to for me to be responsible for the apprentices Dthe test against some of the best and attend the Tom Nevard as I represented apprentice engineers from across the MOD the Admiralty Underwater Weapons for the Tom Nevard Memorial Competition Establishment as a craft apprentice at this at North Glasgow College. competition. I’m surprised and pleased The competition was first held that it is still going. The tasks remain as in 1952 in memory of a former MOD challenging and the weeks as rewarding as official responsible for apprentices. they were then.” The apprentices, from areas across the The top team award went to four DE&S business including Abbey Wood and apprentices – Stephen Townhill, Hossein Defence Munitions, took part in a week Khoshtaghaza and Richard Johnson from of competition against apprentices from Abbey Wood along with Keith Edwards other areas of the MOD including the of Defence Munitions in Gosport. The Defence Support Group. They were tested quartet were handed basic materials and on their skills in electronics, mechatronics, were charged with sourcing extra material mechanical hand skills and machining. before project-managing and building a An open day allowed MOD guests to small Ferris Wheel and then making it meet competitors and view some of their work. They pipped a joint team of DSG work. Among those visiting was Richard and DE&S, which included Abbey Wood Nevard, grandson of Tom Nevard. He was apprentices Patrisha Goodman and Alex joined by Commodore Mike Wareham, Bishop, into second place. Naval Base Commander at Clyde, and Mark “This year’s competition was the most Elliott, Director Technical at DE&S. Mr enjoyable I have been involved in and it was a privilege to meet all the apprentices who attended,” said Tracey Cruse, the MOD’s apprentice competition officer. “It is a very intensive week for them. The feedback was that it was a very worthwhile event to take part in. All the apprentices felt that their skills were challenged to the utmost all the time and tested to the fullest. Many of them are from an office environment so it was a real eye-opener for many who aren’t craft apprentices to be in a workshop environment.” Other DE&S award winners included Andrew Hall, who took first place in the mechanical hand skills section – an award normally going to a craft apprentice – Danny White in the mechanics section, and Jake Briscoe and Elliott Rogers in the machining section.

Main picture: Sophie Clelland of Defence Munitions Gosport

Pictures: Andrew Linnett apprentices 31

TOM NEVARD COMPETITION 2012 WINNERS/RUNNERS-UP

DISCIPLINE NAME BASE POSITION TEAM Stephen Townhill ABW 1st Keith Edwards D Munitions Gosport Hossein Khoshtaghaza ABW Richard Johnson ABW

TEAM Jack Jones DSG Donnington 2nd Marc Piddock DSG Donnington Patrisha Goodman ABW Alex Bishop ABW

Mech. H/S Phase 1 Andrew Hall ABW 1st Mech. H/S Phase 1 Jack Carpenter D Munitions Gosport 2nd Mech. H/S Phase 2 Danny White D Munitions Gosport 1st N.B. Winner only in Phase 2 Machining Phase 1 Gareth Hopton DSG Donnington 1st Machining Phase 1 Jake Briscoe D Munitions Gosport 2nd Machining Phase 2 Luke Gosling DSG Donnington 1st Machining Phase 2 Elliot Rogers D Munitions Gosport 2nd

32 news

Soldier support team to take on a new look

Soldier Systems DE&S’ Individual Capability deal with day-to-day delivery; domain boundaries: Programmes will continue to Group, which buys and supports a programme office led by • surveillance and target support the 'soldier a range of equipment for the Colonel James Daniel will acquisition as a system'. UK individual soldier including primarily face the customer and • command and battlespace troops, above, are weapons, sights and body deal with planning, all focused management pictured during a armour, is to reorganise and on delivering the ‘soldier as a • lethality demonstration of take on a new name this month. system’. • survivability individual equipment On 22nd October the existing The delivery team will be Within each domain there earlier this year while, structure based on four teams focused on project management, will be project managers below, a member will be replaced by a single team working across the entire of 12 Mechanised Brigade joins led at 1-star level called Soldier procurement cycle, drawing on colleagues in a push Systems Programmes (SSP). expert skills from within the into part of the Upper Reorganisation is the programme office. Gereshk Valley in culmination of a review by The office will translate Afghanistan Brigadier Mark Gaunt soon Review: the sponsor’s capability plan after he took over as Head of Brigadier into a synchronised equipment Mark ICG in September 2011. programme plan. The office will Gaunt The new structure will contain many of the functional mean that ICG is well placed to experts such as engineering, meet the challenges of the near commercial, finance, quality, future, having taken account safety, environmental, research of anticipated reductions in and risk. staffing levels over the next few It is also intended that the years. turning business cases into programme office will manage This work is also coherent equipment and supporting that performance data and handle with Director Land Equipment’s equipment through life, while requests for information, thus Transformation Programme. ensuring that the soldier’s protecting the delivery staff, A delivery team led by equipment is integrated as a allowing them to get on with the Marcus Bruton will primarily system. It will be divided into important job of delivering and face the supply chain and four domains, based on the Nato supporting equipment.

The Lancaster bomber of the RAF’s Battle of Britain Memorial Flight has taken on a new RAF’s historic Lancaster identity. The aircraft PA474 has been repainted as 617 bomber sports a new identity Squadron Lancaster B1, DV385, “Thumper Mk III”. This was one of the brand-new standard Lancasters issued to 617 Squadron as replacements after the Dambuster Raid in 1943. The “Thumper” nose art features the cartoon rabbit – from the 1942 Walt Disney cartoon ‘Bambi’ – holding a foaming pint of beer. The nose art was carried out by Clive Denney from Vintage Fabrics while the aircraft was in the Eastern Airways hangar at Humberside Airport. Support for the Lancaster and the Spitfire, Hurricane and Dakota aircraft which are part of the flight, is provided by DE&S’ Fast Air Support team. news 3333 Don’t put mail from loved ones out of reach this Christmas! Have your say in DE&S

All DE&S staff are urged to complete this year’s MOD Your Say Survey taking place from 1st to 21st October 2012. Paper copies are

Unsolicited mail to the Armed Forces at Christmas can delay family parcels from reaching our troops in time. If you don’t know a Serviceman to be received by 23rd or woman away on operations this Christmas but want to show your support, there are lots of suggestions on the MOD website. October. Please visit www.mod.uk/publicsupportforourservicepersonnel The survey is a chance to express views, feelings and experiences working for the MOD. Christmas post is sorted by staff at British Forces Post Office, RAF Northolt The data collected will be used corporately and by DE&S to identify areas for improvement. A key difference for MOD issues new caution staff completing the survey this year is that unique survey links will no longer be provided for on Christmas mail each individual. Instead, individuals The MOD has repeated its gifts from families which are who is not known to them, will be given unique ID annual plea to everyone not important for morale; it means they will simply clog up the codes for their business to send unsolicited Christmas extra re-supply flights, which system and delay the packages areas/teams, which they gifts to troops this year. puts personnel at greater risk from friends and families will need to populate Extra gifts sent, no matter of enemy attack; and many which are so important. While when completing the how well-intentioned, can items sent are already available we all appreciate people’s survey. slow down delivery of mail in theatre or not appropriate support, I would ask members A list of codes will be from family and friends to for the Afghan environment. of the public not to send any published on the intranet servicemen and women at Items go to waste and unsolicited mail.” for those completing on- front line bases. resources are diverted from Recommended service line surveys and will be While the Forces are crucial operations to organise charities, which accept public pre-populated on paper hugely grateful for the their disposal. donations to assist deployed copies sent out. sentiment behind such gifts, Captain James Talman, personnel and their families Completing the survey the message is clear: if people Controlling Postal Courier at home, can be found on the should take no more wish to show their support Officer on Operation Herrick MOD website at www.mod.uk/ than 15 minutes. Any for those serving in austere at Camp Bastion said: “Mail PublicSupportForOurService queries, contact DBS- conditions in Afghanistan, is really important to all our Personnel. MODYourSaySurvey there are far more effective troops here. Some of these funds send @mod.uk or focal point, ways of doing so. “However, if people welfare parcels to Afghanistan Katrina McCabe at Mail arriving at Camp send out unsolicited parcels – but in a co-ordinated way katrina.mccabe973@mod. Bastion for distribution causes addressed to ‘any soldier’, or which does not put undue uk a number of problems: it delays even to a named individual pressure on resources.

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www.loricasystemsuk.com © Crown Copyright/MOD 2010 34 news Helping DE&S get into the minds of suppliers

Improvements in presentation of DE&S requirements to industry was the focus of an Abbey Wood workshop. Paul Davis, the Managing Director of partnering and relationship management services company Sigma, delivered a presentation ‘Getting industry to understand your requirements’. The 19th September presentation, delivered from an industry perspective, reviewed reducing the time to contract and guest speaker Peter Smith. Mr Smith Requirements the process that contractors the importance of undertaking a has vast commercial knowledge as from an go through to producing a bid; detailed stakeholder analysis. the ex-commercial director of Mars industry detailing what happens before and The presentation initiated confectionary and Natwest and perspective: after the bid arrives, mistakes that discussion among the 80 audience he now runs the popular website Paul Davis, are made and how good practice members from a range of www.spendmatters.co.uk. above, can improve industry’s receipt of commercial, project and finance His session will cater for of Sigma documentation. backgrounds. networking opportunities and will presents to DE&S staff at He suggested improvements The event was hosted by the debate topical issues. Abbey Wood to relations between the MOD MOD’s Chartered Institute of Events are open to all. More and industry such as defining Purchasing and Supply Special information about the CIPS SIG value for money, the 80:20 rule Interest Group (CIPSSIG). can be accessed via the group’s for polishing requirements to The next CIPSSIG ‘Lunch-bite’ mailbox at DES Comrcl-CIPS-SIG eliminateMSV Desider requirement advert New tel no_Layoutcreep, 1will 10/09/2012 be on 12th 13:00 December Page 1 hosted by (multiuser).

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The Airport, Newmarket Road, Cambridge CB5 8RX Tel: +44 (0) 1223 377094 Fax: +44 (0) 1223 373147 [email protected] A Marshall Land Systems Company people news 35

o DE&S’ Networks team LATEST DSRA orienteering star Flt Lt LOTTERY WINNERS Geoff Ellis, on the left, £10,000: Patricia is presented with the McMahon (London), Claire trophy by retired Royal Leese (Chester). £5,000: Julie Navy Commander Mark Alderman (Alconbury), Andrew White after retaining the Campbell (EDS). £2,000: Sharon Caddihoe Chase M35 Trophy. Millar (Londonderry), Robert He becomes only the Gavin (Catterick). £1,000: third person to hold the Robert Smith (Portsmouth), trophy in consecutive James Cooper (Abbey years at the annual Wood). £500: Ernest Robson two-day event held in the (Larkhill), Richards Smith south west – this year at (Coughton). £300: Richard Longleat. Geoff extended a Weeks (Blandford), Nigel Davies 28-second advantage over (Abbey Wood), Richard Graham his nearest rival after day (Portsmouth), Hilary Murdoch one into a comfortable (Arborfield), Elizabeth Nicholson victory on the second day. (Catterick), Kenneth Beattie Picture: (Devonport), Iian MacGregor Chris Branford (Wimbourne Orienteers) (Clyde), Michelle Davison (Stirling). £200: Paul Stevens (Aldershot), Lee Smith (Bath), Donald Bickerstaff (Wareham), Barry Toner (Portsmouth), Stephen Easton (Dstl), Andrea Middleton (Telford), Niall Abbey Wood blazes a Brown (Holywood), Joan Boorer (Corsham), Brenda Eccleston (Liverpool), Ruth Barker (Abbey Wood), Michael Fenn (RAF trail Alconbury), Janet Harris (Imphal Barracks), Anna Martin (AFCO Canterbury), Tony Treadaway Abbey Wood’s (Feltham), Margaret Henderson basketball players went (Kinloss), Lindsey Chilcott (RAF one better than last year Brampton), Andrew Stevens as they were pipped (Donnington), Patricia Evans for the annual CSSC (Whitehall), Ian Williams basketball title over two (Devonport), Nicole Queen days at Bath University on (RAF Valley), Janet Harding 6th and 7th September. (Northwood), Edward McGuire The ABW Blazers, beaten (Glasgow). £100: Dawn Neil semi-finalists last year, won (Stirling), Robert Wheatley all their group matches, only (Bicester), Stuart Johnston to go down in the final of the (Bicester), Barry Greenwood national competition to the Newcastle Cyclones. (Episkopi), Christopher Cowan Adam Zonic led the way with vision and (Abbey Wood), Katherine intensity while Ali Bird scored points in bunches. Munslow (Abbey Wood), John A second team, the DE&S Sonics, with a Currie (Gibraltar), Joanne number of players only just learning the game, Sloan (Andover), Susan failed to progress from the group stages. D’Alessandro-Wilks (Bath), They were led by the hustle of Wayne John Summers (Abbey Wood), Matthews and Rich Arckless and the rebound Lare Akinmutande, above, and Adam Zonic, Michael Davies (Cardiff), Clive work of Andy McBain. Abel Ferencz above left, going up for the shot with Ali Bird Caldwell (EDS), Alan Church scored most of their points. in the background (Ramsgate), Mark Roberts (BAE Systems), Elaine Holden Binny leads the way (Gosport), Paul Williamson (London), Janet Harris (Imphal Binny Fraser of Marine Combat Barracks), Andrew Smith Systems iHub led the Abbey Wood (Foxhill), Lee Howe (Abbey first team – one of two teams from Wood), Kevin Taylor (Condor), the Defence Sports and Recreation Stephen Woods (Bath), Nigel Plate Association representing Abbey Wood Wooler (Sir John Mogg School), champions: – to the CSSC netball plate title at Bath Binny University on 6th and 7th September, Dawn Harvie (Bulford), Karen Fraser, losing only one game in the round robin Jackson (Upavon), Roger Asplin second contest against seven other teams. (Camberley), Steven Harris from left The two-day competition involving (RAF High Wycombe), Doreen in the front teams from around a dozen Government Jones (RAF Aldergrove), Francis row, with departments was played in two groups McGlade (Kingston Park), Lynda over the two days. her Abbey Dickinson (RAF Cranwell), Wood After stiff competition on day one Gerald Butler (Holywood Sation). team- both DSRA teams played in the plate mates competition on the second day. 36 people news Clive touches down in Crewe! From Defence Munitions to the big screen via American Football’s field of dreams

A chance inquiry about former colleagues in an American Football team has turned into an appearance on the big screen for Clive Dakers of DE&S’ Defence Munitions. Clive, who works in stocktaking at Longtown in Cumbria, played wide receiver for a Gloucestershire team while he was in the Army at Ashchurch in the 1980s. While surfing the web for details of Clive Dakers former teams, he found an advert for on the left, players to appear in a new film on the pictured with sport in the UK. Dorsey Levens, Gridiron UK, a comedy about a group former running of people setting up an American Football back with the team in the 1980s, is released this autumn. Green Bay Packers, who Clive features in some of the action scenes. plays the coach ‘I shuttled Dorsey “I was searching the internet for in the new film details on the Leamington Royals, the Gridiron UK from filming, opponents in my first ever football game in 1984, when I found an advert looking worrying about for players to appear in the film,” he said. next year's “Gridiron UK is about the formation of a team called the Crewe Railroaders and insurance if I will feature their first game against the same Leamington Royals. crashed with him “I contacted the producer and was asked to attend an audition in Crewe. I in my car!’ turned up with my old kit, passed, and I also met up with my old quarterback from my Carlisle Kestrels days.” Filming took place over the summer, Hall of Fame, plays the team’s head coach. actor and, without asking, adjust some with Clive rubbing shoulders with some Singer and actor David Soul of the 1970s wayward piece of costume, and wander of the stars of the film. Celebrities include US police drama Starsky and Hutch is one off again. I was flattered by the attentions comedienne Helen Lederer, Steven Marcus of the film’s writers. of one young lady until I realised she (Nick the Greek from the film Lock, Stock “At first I was cautious around the real wasn’t checking me out, she was checking and Two Smoking Barrels), Alison Carroll actors, trying not to appear star struck, my make up! (Lara Croft) and the Fairbrass brothers of but that didn’t last long. It turned out they “One day I shuttled Dorsey from Right Said Fred fame. were just like regular people,” Clive said. filming back to the production office. I Dorsey Levens, a retired running back “I even struck up a conversation remember worrying about next year’s and member of the Green Bay Packers’ with Helen Lederer about a Twitter insurance premium if I crashed with him conversation we had in my car!” previously engaged in – Clive and other ex-players were there o Gridiron UK is based on a true story in 1985. Derek is a she thought I was very to add authenticity to the action scenes. dreamer and a loser. No matter how hard he tries he fails at everything he attempts. Determined to show the world he can funny. He can be seen wearing number 89. “I succeed at something he forms an American Football team “One thing that had no lines but I always knew where the in a country dominated by soccer, rugby, cricket and fish & struck me about the crew camera was!” he said. chips. His desire to succeed consumes his life and he is blind was their forwardness; The film goes on general release next to see that his success will lead to him losing everything. they would approach an month and on DVD in February.

Jacquie enjoys her cathedral graduation date

Jacquie Harris, Defence Fuels Group civil servant to graduate with an MSc. Her Supply Chain Manager, (second left) is dissertation on bulk liquid oxygen supply to pictured with Brigadier Allan McLeod, British Forces Cyprus’ earned her a well- Commandant of the Defence College of deserved merit. Logistics and Personnel Administration, Course manager Sqn Ldr Jim Nadin said and staff following her graduation in Lincoln the professionalisation of defence logisticians Cathedral on 3rd September. through academic programmes such as Mrs Harris was a student on the this was long overdue and participation by Defence Logistics Staff course and the first members of the Civil Service welcomed. people news 37

Pictures: Tony Tanner

Corsham remembers ‘The Few’

Above left: Air Vice-Marshal Greg Bagwell takes the salute as the RAF Ensign is lowered by local air cadets. Above right: Major General Tim Inshaw, Head of Information Systems and Services at Corsham, pictured with Air Vice-Marshal Bagwell

All three services and civilian mess The evening’s events began with a the Central Band of the Royal Air Force, and members of Corsham Officers’ Mess spectacular display by a Battle of Britain personal accounts from the battle were read commemorated the Battle of Britain on 6th Memorial Flight Spitfire in clear blue skies. out by serving RAF officers. September. The display was followed by a Sunset Dinner ended with a speech from Air Senior guest was Air Vice-Marshal Greg Parade by air cadets of 1304 (Chippenham) Vice-Marshal Bagwell in which he gave Bagwell, Director Joint Warfare within Joint Squadron with Air Vice-Marshal Bagwell a comprehensive overview of the battle, Force Command, whose recent operational taking the salute during the lowering of the including its political context, and additional command experience was co-ordinating air RAF Ensign. layers of Britain’s defence provided by the operations during Operation Ellamy. Dinner followed with music provided by Royal Navy and Army. 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:

2012DIN04-126: This lays down the notification period required by Defence Fuel and Food Services at Abbey Wood for fuel, lubricants and industrial and refrigerant gases, excluding LPG, requirements in support of exercises. The set timescales will enable DF&FS provisioning and contracts personnel to ensure the stocks are available in the right quantity, place and time and at the best possible price.

2012DIN04-125: This details introduction into service of the Residual Vapour Detector kit No1 Mk2A, spares and associated training kit and the withdrawal from service of the Mk1 and Mk2. It should be read by all Royal Navy, Royal Fleet Auxiliary, Army and RAF units scaled with holding RVD kits.

2012DIN04-121: This DIN informs the wider MOD and support community of the VC10 disposal/sales plans with a view to possible re-use of equipment by other project teams.

2012DIN04-116: Due to funding for the BCIP Asset Configuration Management System ending at 31st March next year and with the activation of JAMES there is no longer a requirement to maintaing BACMS, which is now in drawdown phase and all equipment is to be returned to Bicester Trg Wing by 15th March next year.

Further information and more details on the latest DINs see: http://defenceintranet.diiweb.r.mil.uk/DefenceIntranet/Library/CivilianAndJointService/AtoZ/DinsIndex2012.htm 38 people news

The class of 2009 are pictured with their certificates at Abbey Wood

The latest batch of apprentice awards have been handed out to civilian staff at Records of achievement Devonport. Captain Mark Knibbs, Captain of the Base, presented the awards to staff from the MOD Guard Service and Naval Base Commander (Devonport) organisations on 4th September 2012. Meanwhile at Abbey Wood the latest intake of engineering apprentices have been lining up for the camera. And the latest technical apprentices to graduate and receive their certificates – the class of 2009 – have also been in front of the camera to celebrate the end of their three-years’ work. Devonport's latest staff successes: Tania Milburn - Learning & Development Officer; Dave Shrimpton - Level 3 Business & Administration; Adrian Maltby - Level 2 in Customer Service; Sarah Clarke - Level Captain Knibbs emphasised 2 in Customer Service; Sean Allan - Level 2 in Team Leading; Mark Furneaux - Level 3 in Management; the importance of celebrating Captain Mark Knibbs – Captain of the Base; Sharron Wakeley- Level 3 in Management and Level 3 in success and rewarding people Business & Administration; Steve Jones - Level 2 in Team Leading; Gary James - Level 3 in Management; for effort and achievements, Mark Foden - Level 2 in IT User Skills. Kelly Thompson - JHP Branch Operations Manage; Jayne Hooper especially in the current - JHP Assessor. challenging climate. The scheme is part of the MOD’s commitment to the Leitch Skills Pledge, which aims Below: Abbey Wood's 2012 apprentice to improve skills entry, from left: Matthew Taylor, Russell Boden, Joshua Coombes, Lucy nationwide to ensure Fox-Russell, Miles Goldsack-Rowland, prosperity in the global Sam Kantor, Mark Elliott (Director economy, and bring Technical), Thomas Hawley, Dominic world class skills to the Peake, Joshua Phillips, Jamie Morris, workplace. Emily Plummer, Emily Townsend More than 20 have already achieved Levels 2 and 3 MOD Apprenticeships in Devonport. Tailored programmes require the candidates to provide Above: This technical and vocational year's Devonport evidence against set apprentices are, from frameworks, as well as testing left: Emile Kamette, their key skills. Daniel Drury, Kersey Seggar, Thomas The awards ceremony Brenton-Hyde, Duncan recognised the steps to success Kemp (Engineering for individuals involved in a Skills Development team effort and completing Team leader), James them while doing their day Gold-Lewis, Joshua Hugo, jobs. Hayden Baugh, Tristan Jaycock people news 39

Share your And now for Rio! Jon flags ship-based knowledge up a future Olympic dream The Bristol Shiplovers Society founded in 1931 is extending a warm welcome to desider Leading the flag-raising readers to get involved team for the Olympics closing in the society’s ceremony went against family 2012/13 programme. advice for a DE&S RAF officer A line up of who was told ‘never to volunteer’. meetings covering Sqn Ldr Jon Pullen of Logistic various topics relating to ships and the Network Enabled Capability sea, both modern ignored what his Warrant Officer and historical, has father had always told him and been lined up every put himself forward for Games fortnight at the RNR duties. HQ, HMS Flying Fox, He found himself in charge of Winterstoke Road, a 15-strong team performing in Bristol. Further details of front of a television audience of the programme can be more than a billion. found at http://www. Jon’s role was to lead the bristolshiplovers.co.uk team raising the UK, Brazilian The Society and Greek flags while lowering Flag officer: Sqn Ldr Pullen, rear centre pictured with his flag team at the welcomes anyone the Olympic flag. closing ceremony of the 2012 Olympics offering to talk on The tri-service team spent a maritime topic. Contact is Captain two weeks living in Hyde Park Colin Smith, Master Barracks and training in the The moment the team Snags with lowering the Olympic Mariner, the Society’s pouring rain in a disused car marched into the stadium will flag were overcome, but delays in chairman, on 01249 park in Dagenham. remain with Jon forever. the ceremony’s tight timescales 447449, or by e-mail “Our task was to raise the “Now I’m quite tall but I saw the team a few seconds late through the website. Union flag at the beginning of swear I grew at least another raising the Brazilian flag. o The British Military the ceremony and the Greek and two inches when we heard the “It is great credit to the three Tournament will Brazilian flags at the end as well crowd’s reception to us marching lads on the team that the flag be held on 8th-9th as lowering the Olympic flag and on,” he said. was attached in record time December at Earls marching it off,” said Jon. “What most people wouldn't and we only missed the first Court, showcasing “My personal role was to have seen was the chaos that ten seconds of the anthem,” Jon the best of Armed march the teams on, bellowing resulted from redressing the said. “I have yet to be carpeted Forces skills and commands in competition with stadium into a concert venue by the Brazilian Embassy so I’m raising funds for the Royal Navy and Royal Queen and Madness, to salute with fireworks, stages, airborne thinking we probably got away Marines Charity, ABF the three national flags and rigging etc, which also resulted with it! The Soldiers’ Charity to remember not to salute the in us having to march into “Overall, on this occasion and The Royal Air Olympic Flag – I was told the the stadium without a dress my dad was wrong – there are Force Benevolent last person to salute the Olympic rehearsal there.” times to volunteer and this was Fund. flag was Adolf Hitler; this had Raising the Union flag at the definitely one of them. The only To mark the the potential to be my personal start and the Greek flag at the question I have now is: Boss, can Diamond Jubilee celebrations of 2012, YouTube moment!” end went off without a hitch. I go to Rio?" this year’s tournament will celebrate the life and times of the Queen. Youngsters enjoy Boeing will be the main sponsor of this year’s event. an arresting day Tickets available from 0844 248 5026 or Officers from Devon and Cornwall 0870 903 9033. Constabulary dropped in to Rogers Burrow, o Devonport's nursery, complete with a marked The charity Hounds police car. for Heroes, providing Officers Claire Moore and Sharon Mitchell assistance dogs to talked to the children about road safety and how injured Armed Forces to deal with strangers. and emergency Nursery manager Rachel Hewson said: “We services personnel, is have regular visits by the emergency services. hosting a charity night We have had a very interesting afternoon and the where Army boxers children have been given worksheets to complete will take on their and stickers. They particularly enjoyed dressing counterparts from the up in uniform and listening in to the control centre Metropolitan Police on the police radios.” on 29th November at Wellington Barracks in Left: Claire Moore of Devon and Cornwall Police is London. More info at pictured during her visit to Devonport’s nursery. www.thedogfight.co.uk Strength in Partnership