www.des.mod.uk

Issue 146 October 2020 the magazine for defence equipment desider and support

Unparalleled radar technology developed for Typhoon desider October 2020 Foreword

ForewordBy Sir Simon Bollom, CEO

COVID-19 has brought the future adversaries and develop health, safety and wellbeing a robust, interoperable plan. of our people into sharp Strengthening relationships with focus. Whether you’ve been our allies is key to advancing in part of a COVID-19 response line with the rapid evolution of team, seconded to another warfare and we will continue to government department or have build the international alliances adapted your ways of working, that have been at the centre of we have all worked together to so many of our major acquisition protect others and ourselves. programmes. In DE&S, we will We need to keep doing so. continue to embrace innovation With that backdrop, we are to successfully deliver urgent approaching an incredibly busy operational requirements and time with the much-anticipated shape future concepts. Integrated Review (IR), Elsewhere, we continue associated Spending Review to achieve a huge amount of and the Defence and Security success in our day-to-day Industrial Strategy. The IR is the projects and programmes. deepest and most radical review Last month we finally secured of Britain’s foreign security, approval for the world-leading defence and development ECRS radar to be integrated policy since the end of the Cold into Typhoon, reached initial War. It will undoubtedly have a operating capability for our significant impact on the future ORCUS counter-drone research direction of DE&S and the and development programme, programmes we manage. We and the world-leading Protector must be agile in our response aircraft made its maiden flight. to the review and carry on Many of you attended DE&S’ delivering to the high standards annual Safety Day. The theme we pride ourselves on. for this year was ‘Protecting The current crisis has brought Yourself, Protecting Others’. defence together in pursuit of COVID-19 has highlighted our shared goals and DE&S more than ever the need for us We“ must continues to adapt and develop to be aware of the impact of to meet the needs of whatever our actions. Embedding safety all upgrade defence and wider Government into every aspect of our work technologically to requests of us. I have the is important to every one of greatest confidence that we us – whether it’s through the be ahead of future will keep delivering world-class acquisition of safe products equipment and support to for front-line commands or adversaries and our armed forces, alongside managing our own safety. develop a robust, supporting the government This virtual event reinforced where we can with the ever- that we all have a role to play interoperable plan present risk of COVID-19. in providing assurance and Speaking virtually at the security for our organisation, US hosted Common Defence and we must keep driving Conference at the end of greater productivity without September, the increasing need compromising security. ” for stronger collaboration in Finally, I would like to sustaining our global supply welcome the new members of chain was recognised and our senior team, our new Heads agreed by our international of: Corporate Communications, partners. Agile procurement Helen Tobias; International was a central theme and how, Relations, Laura Farhall; as technology accelerates, and Strategy, Robin Kelly; we need a shift in thinking all of whom bring extensive if we are to keep pace and knowledge and expertise to their stay relevant in the digital respective roles. world. We must all upgrade technologically to be ahead of

3 desider October 2020 desider October 2020 Contents Contents Contents Twitter: @DefenceES On the cover Facebook: @DefenceES A Typhoon aircraft on the runway in the rain

(Picture courtesy of BAE Systems) LinkedIn: Defence Equipment & Support HMS10 Spey debuts at sea 16First Person 20Small Diesel engines Steve Robinson, Type 26 contract to support critical YouTube: DE&S Combat Systems Manager mine hunters www.gov.uk/government/publications/desider-2020

Editor: Louisa Keefe Louisa Keefe - 07971 013054 [email protected]

Contributors: Daniel Evans, Louise Allford, Tom Morris, Lowri Jones, Ash Pitman, Hannah Swingler, Paul McLennan

Photography and Design: Katherine Williams, Jack Eckersley, Charlie Perham, Andrew Linnett, Geraint Vaughan, Grace Tamsett, Will Andrews and Hannah Bone

Distribution Manager: Dick Naughton - 0117 9134342 6Senior Leader Comment Mexeflote21 successful trials in Southampton [email protected] Krishna Dhanak, Director Advertising Manager: Strategy and Corporate Edwin Rodrigues Operations [email protected] +44 (0) 20 3411 1008

Printing desider is distributed free to DE&S employees and the equipment capability organisations. Copies may be sent to readers outside MOD, including in the defence industries and is published on the world wide web via GOV.UK and www.des.mod.uk. While the editor takes care to ensure all material produced is accurate, no liability can be accepted for errors or omissions. Views expressed in desider, and products and services advertised, are not necessarily endorsed by DE&S or the MOD. All editorial submissions must be cleared by the relevant MOD authorities.

© Crown Copyright Typhoon8 Protector14 makes inaugural flight 24Supporting local community This magazine is printed on Novatech Matt FS 115gsm £317-million in funding to develop world-leading radar which is Forest Stewardship Council certified material from well-managed forests and elemental chlorine free.

4 5 desider October 2020 Senior Leader Comment

Krishna Dhanak, Director Strategy and Corporate Operations, talks to Desider about her role, the future strategy for DE&S and the responsibilities she feels as a leader

I’m now four months in post, We need to adapt to our wider Civil Service. I’m keen to manage the pandemic. I’m hugely after arriving in DE&S back in customers’ changing needs, help improve the lived experiences impressed by the contribution that June. Joining the organisation moving away from the individual of our people. Talking openly and DE&S has made to the national during a pandemic was a platform-centric approach. In authentically about the issues is effort and our performance scores somewhat unusual introduction – DE&S, we’ve always been in the the first step to taking informed for our military customers are the having to meet colleagues virtually business of buying platforms that action that will make a change for best yet. Great people doing a great and learn the organisation with drive, fly, or float. Now, we need the better. job in challenging circumstances. little opportunity for face-to-face to start changing that focus and And whilst there has been a Developing a strategy that engagement to begin with – but thinking in terms of data and particular focus on race recently, supports them and ensures we part of the job is always about intelligence flowing seamlessly it is also relevant now where are ready for the future, in every adapting, finding new ways to between platforms and across different parts of the workforce respect, is something to get excited work and keeping the show on the domains, to maximise our military are disproportionately affected about! road! I’m delighted to be here. capability in the battlespace, and by the restrictions put in place to The Director Strategy and also in the workplace. The ask of Corporate Operations role brings our customer is tough; we need together all my past experiences to be ready to respond alongside – including international policy, our suppliers, all enabled by the strategy, risk, security and cyber right people and the right delivery capability development - into focussed, culture. one role. That, coupled with Our culture and our values are the opportunity to influence part of what makes DE&S a great such a large, complex and vital place to work and they are also organisation, made it the ideal what will enable any strategy to My first – and biggest – package for me and an opportunity be delivered. A culture that can “ I couldn’t resist. And having challenge the status quo, where priority over the coming started my civil service career people are empowered to take months is to lead the in procurement (as it was called informed risk, where they can then), it feels like coming home. innovate, fail fast and recover development of a strategy for My first – and biggest – priority quickly. As well as one that over the coming months is to lead maximises a diversity of talent. the next generation of DE&S the development of a strategy for It is fair to say, like the rest of the next generation of DE&S. One defence, we have some way to go that allows us to fully exploit our on our D&I agenda. skills in delivery for our customers Having lived some of those - all in a fiscally challenging challenges on a personal level, I’ve ” environment and with an ever- experienced racism throughout evolving threat. my career, both in defence and the

6 desider October 2020 desider October 2020 A Typhoon aircraft on the runway in the rain (Picture courtesy of BAE Systems) News News

World-leading radar to be developed for RAF Typhoons This continued development“ is the culmination of years of collaborative work with industry to deliver cutting-edge radar capability to the The radar development programme, negotiated by DE&S’ Typhoon delivery RAF. It will sustain hundreds of highly-skilled team, will see hundreds of highly skilled jobs sustained across the UK jobs across UK industry and is central to the UK’s future combat air strategy

Sir Simon Bollom,” DE&S CEO

DE&S has helped negotiate the Scanned Array (AESA) radar, jobs across UK industry and is needed in the world. release of £317-million in funding known as European Common central to the UK’s future combat In addition, the introduction to continue the development of a Radar System (ECRS) Mk2, will air strategy.” of a ground-breaking Multi- new world-leading radar for RAF have an electronic warfare and Currently, Typhoon is fitted Function Array would ensure Typhoons. electronic attack capacity, in with a mechanically-scanning Typhoon’s continued viability and The continued development will addition to ‘traditional’ radar Air Vice Marshall Keith Bethell, design through to a prototype building further expertise and contractor Meggitt in Stevenage. radar, but in future it is planned competitiveness in the export see BAE Systems and Leonardo capabilities, to locate, identify and Director Combat Air at DE&S, radar. technological innovation, with Leonardo is leading the to upgrade Typhoons to the new market. carry out the work, securing more then suppress enemy air defences said: “I am delighted with the “This project has strong ties much promise for the future.” development of the new radar, ECRS Mk2 hardware. The UK’s programme is being than 600 highly-skilled jobs across using high-powered, wide-band announcement of the contract to the Combat Air Strategy and The radar development designed to meet the specific needs The technology provides access developed in parallel to similar the UK, including more than 300 jamming. for the development of the next promises to deliver a formidable programme, negotiated by DE&S’ of the RAF, and BAE Systems to advanced modes, including the commitments from Germany and at Leonardo’s site in Edinburgh. The advanced sensor generation radar capability for leading-edge capability, whether it Typhoon delivery team, will see will deliver its integration onto ability to simultaneously detect, Spain to deliver their own national This maintains a highly- technologies of the AESA Typhoon. be for the continued evolution of hundreds of highly skilled jobs Typhoon aircraft. identify and track multiple targets requirements for an E-Scan radar. specialized, world-leading industry equipped ECRS Mk2 will not only “It is a product of persistent Typhoon as a world-class combat sustained across the UK. DE&S CEO Sir Simon Bollom in the air and on the ground in the It is planned to equip the RAF base that will ensure the UK ensure UK Typhoon maintains a hard work from the Typhoon air platform or in years to come In addition to the jobs at said: “This continued development most challenging environments. Typhoon aircraft from the mid- remains at the forefront of radar capability edge in the increasingly Enterprise in the UK, working as part of Future Combat Aircraft Leonardo’s Edinburgh’s site, there is the culmination of years of This, along with ECRS Mk2’s 2020s. technology development, which contested battlespace it will face with our colleagues in the System. are a further 100 at Leonardo’s collaborative work with industry electronic warfare capability, is essential for the Future Combat in future years, but they are also European Partner Nations, to “It comes at an important Luton site, 120 at BAE Systems’ site to deliver cutting-edge radar would ensure the RAF can protect Air System (FCAS). central to the longer term and cement the agreements to progress time for UK industry, retaining a in Lancashire, 100 at BAE’s site in capability to the RAF. It will UK land and maritime forces and The Active Electronically FCAS. the development of the ECRS Mk2 sovereign workforce of hundreds, Dunfermline, Fife and 50 at sub- sustain hundreds of highly-skilled deliver UK air power wherever it is

8 9 desider October 2020 desider October 2020 News In Brief News In Brief

HMS Spey on the Clyde at her naming ceremony (Beth Squire) HMS Ledbury F-35’s at RAF Marham (Ben Mayfield) and HMS Blyth return home HMS Ledbury and HMS Blyth have returned to their base ports of Portsmouth and Faslane after three-and-a-half years operating in the Arabian Gulf. HMS Ledbury, a Hunt-class MCMV, and HMS Blyth, a Sandown- class MCMV, have been forward deployed to maintain access to international shipping lanes and to support Operation Kipion ­– the UK maritime contribution to allied operations in the Middle East and Northern Indian Ocean. DE&S provided regular support from Bahrain to enable them to remain continually deployed and ready for tasking. Speaking about HMS Blyth, the DE&S Naval Ship Support mine countermeasures vessel Sandown F-35’s arrive at RAF Marham ahead of Exercise Joint Warrior HMS Spey debuts at sea on contractor sea trials manager, Ewan Downie, said: The DE&S Lightning delivery leader, said: “The deployment of The aircraft will then conduct with the customer, industry and The fifth and final new Offshore teamworking. The team should be bear on continuous improvement “HMS Blyth has now returned team is supporting Aircraft from the USMC to RAF Marham is a exercise Joint Warrior from the F-35 Joint Programme Office Patrol Vessel (OPV), HMS Spey, immensely proud.” and quality over the whole from a successful three-year V Marine Fighter Attack (VMFA) significant milestone and provides HMS Queen Elizabeth, and to enable this deployment to has sailed from BAE Systems’ yard Three members of the OPV programme.” operational deployment in the -211 squadron which recently a true test of the interoperability exercise Crimson Warrior, from happen. We will continue to play at Scotstoun on the Clyde to begin delivery team will be on board The sea trials are designed to Middle East. The diligent and arrived at RAF Marham to start its of aircraft, personnel and global RAF Marham, to prepare the a key role by providing logistic contractor sea trials. alongside BAE Systems staff to thoroughly test the capability and collaborative efforts of the Navy’s UK detachment. The US Marine and national support solution, squadrons for UK Carrier Strike and engineering support to the The ship will now be put monitor progress. integrity of the vessel. Testing will Forward Support Unit, Babcock Corps (USMC) squadron will be while allowing both nations to Group 21 next year, which will see UK Force.” through her paces ahead of her Head of the DE&S Ship include live firing of weaponry, Marine and DE&S teams have working alongside 617 Squadron learn from each other.” the carrier deploy operationally delivery voyage to Portsmouth Acquisition OPV and Type 26 pushing the ship’s engines to full ensured she received timely and ahead of a group exercise where Both Squadrons will conduct for the first time. and formal acceptance by the delivery teams, Mark Beverstock, power and testing top speeds. effective engineering assistance they will embark on HMS Queen carrier qualification training Peter Davidson, Lightning . said: “Sailing a ship on contractor OPV Team project manager, throughout the duration of her Elizabeth to take part in Exercise on-board HMS Queen Elizabeth operations manager at RAF DE&S Director General Ships, sea trials is the culmination of Gareth Morris added: “This is the deployment. The focus now shifts Joint Warrior. to ensure all pilots are proficient Marham, added: “The Lightning Vice Admiral Chris Gardner, years of hard work and teamwork. last time we, as a team, will get to delivering key maintenance Air Commodore Phil Brooker to operate from the carrier during delivery team at Abbey Wood and said: “Getting HMS Spey to sea This is an immense achievement an OPV to sea for trials. I want and capability upgrade packages OBE, DE&S Lightning team both day and night. RAF Marham have worked closely on contractor sea trials in the given the additional challenges of to thank my colleagues for the before recommencing UK midst of a national pandemic has COVID-19 this year, and reflects many hours put in to get us to this operations.” required drive, focus and strong the focus the team has brought to point.” Both ships have now entered eight-week support periods with BAE and Babcock Marine respectively to regenerate and upgrade capabilities while their crews take leave before heading back to sea on UK tasking. New Director Combat Air appointed Air Vice-Marshal (AVM) Fast Air Support Team with Chinooks support operations in West Africa Simon Ellard will take up the role responsibility for Tornado, RAF Chinooks currently equipment to strategic locations. of Director Combat Air (DCA) Typhoon, BBMF and Defence deployed in Mali have continued Rainy season in the Sahel for DE&S in the new year. He Crew Escape Systems projects. to conduct key supporting makes ground movement succeeds AVM Keith Bethell CBE, Sir Simon Bollom, DE&S CEO, missions for the French and difficult so the unique heavy lift whose next appointment is yet to said: “I am delighted that AVM Malian ground forces during the capability of the Chinook has be announced. Ellard will be re-joining DE&S to extreme weather conditions of the allowed a replacement vehicle to Simon re-joins DE&S from take up the position of Director Malian wet season. be delivered over a long distance 38 Group HQ at RAF High Combat Air. Simon will bring a Arriving from RAF Odiham, where ground movement is Wycombe, where he is the wealth of experience to the role, the aircrew have supported the difficult. Air Officer Commanding. having held a number of senior operations to assist the French DE&S Chinook team leader, He previously worked for positions with the RAF. I know military with a programme of Mark Geoghegan said: “The DE&S as Group Captain Type that Simon will guide our Combat re-establishing Malian Army capabilities of the Chinook Airworthiness Authority for Air teams with real enthusiasm Forward Operating Bases that will are well suited to the varied and Battle of and determination, and I look also enable future French combat requirements of Op Newcombe, Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF), forward to welcoming him back operations. from a large internal and and was the Air Commodore to DE&S in the new year. The Chinooks and aircrew external payload to move troops leading the Unmanned Air “I would also like to place on allow French troops to cover a and equipment through to ‘fat Systems team. record my thanks to AVM Bethell, much larger field of operations by tanks’ for long range missions, Keith has held the role of who has done a tremendous job moving personnel to the front- the iconic aircraft is once again DCA since 2016, when he as DCA over the past four years. line of activity, eliminating the demonstrating why it is the go to was promoted to AVM. He I wish Keith the very best for the need for dangerous road moves, platform for such an operation.” An RAF Chinook Mk6A delivering a 4x4 all-terrain vehicle (UK MoD Crown Copyright 2020) joined DE&S in 2012 as Air f utu re .” Air Vice-Marshal Simon Ellard (Crown Copyright) and help move vital support Commodore, selected as Head

10 11 desider October 2020 desider October 2020 News News

Upgraded Spearfish torpedoes put to test in

Spearfish was recently put to the test when it was ‘fired’ repeatedly at Type 23 HMS Sutherland, as scientists, engineers and sailors studied its performance. The Spearfish“ Upgrade project Considered one of the most delivers a real increase in both powerful and advanced wire- guided torpedoes in the world, it safety and performance over the enables Royal Navy to engage in a variety of surface and current weapon capability underwater targets. The upgraded Spearfish torpedoes are carried by the Royal Navy’s Astute, Vanguard and Simon Pearson, DE&S Torpedoes, Trafalgar-class submarines and, ” once fired, Spearfish homes in on Tomahawk and team leader its target using . Controlled by the after launching via fibre optic link, Spearfish was put through Simon Pearson, DE&S Spearfish, fitting a new warhead, its paces over four days on special Torpedoes, Tomahawk and new, safer fuel system, an ranges near the Kyle of Lochalsh, Harpoon team leader, said: “The enhanced electronic ‘brain’ and a where both software and hardware Spearfish Upgrade project delivers new fibre-optic guidance link with enhancements were tested. a real increase in both safety and its parent submarine to improve its The latest testing took place at performance over the current accuracy and lethality. the British Underwater Test and weapon capability and, like all Following the torpedo trials, Evaluation Centre stretch of water projects that push technological HMS Sutherland moved on to join between Skye and the Scottish boundaries, it has had its the Americans, Norwegians and mainland, peppered with state-of- challenges over the last couple of Danes on exercise in the Arctic the-art sensors, 10km long, 6km years. The recent trials continue Sea. Further trials of the upgraded wide and up to 200m deep. to build confidence as we push Spearfish will take place before the The latest trials are the fourth towards the equipment delivery weapon is declared operational involving HMS Sutherland – date later in the year and initial and then introduced to front-line purpose built to hunt down hostile operating capability next year.” submarines over the next four submarines – to help introduce the The Royal Navy is investing years. It will remain in service into upgraded Spearfish into service. £270-million in upgrading the 2050s.

A computer-generated image of a Spearfish torpedo (Picture courtesy of BAE Systems)

12 13 desider October 2020 desider October 2020 News News

UK’s first world-leading Protector aircraft makes maiden flight

The UK’s first Protector RG could operate in civilian airspace. Mk1 aircraft, which is being Protector will be deployed procured by DE&S for the RAF, in wide-ranging Intelligence, has successfully completed its Surveillance, Targeting and first flight after coming off the Reconnaissance (ISTAR) production line. operations where its ability to fly The latest milestone in the UK consistently for up to 40 hours, Protector programme follows offers the RAF vastly improved the announcement in July that armed ISTAR capability. the first three aircraft were being It would also be available, if manufactured following the award requested, to support civilian by DE&S of a £65-million contract agencies in the UK, for example to General Atomics – Aeronautical in search and rescue and disaster Systems Inc (GA-ASI). response missions The aircraft recently took to the Sir Simon Bollom, CEO of skies in the US under the watchful DE&S, said: “The maiden flight of eye of GA-ASI staff. The air vehicle the UK’s first Protector aircraft is took off from El Mirage Airfield in yet another important step in this California, flew over the local area significant programme which will for 34 minutes before landing back see a truly cutting-edge capability at El Mirage airfield. delivered to the RAF. Charlie Hazeldean, Head of The committed DE&S Remotely Piloted Air Systems at team involved has worked DE&S said: “This milestone is collaboratively with industry to another proud moment for the overcome considerable challenge Unmanned Air Systems team who and ensure this project remains on have worked tirelessly alongside schedule.” their colleagues at General The aircraft will use enhanced Atomics to ensure the RAF can data links and carry next- look forward to having access to generation, low collateral, a world-class, ground-breaking precision strike weapons - the UK- capability.” made Brimstone missile (MBDA) Protector RG Mk1 will replace and Paveway IV Laser Guided the current Reaper Force when Bomb (Raytheon UK). it is introduced to the front-line The fleet will also have and is considered a step change in advanced anti-icing and lightning capability for the RAF. protection, providing the RAF The cutting-edge platform with unprecedented flexibility will be capable of being flown to operate in adverse weather anywhere in the world while conditions. being operated by personnel Group Captain Shaun Gee, located at their home base at RAF the RAF’s Director Air ISTAR Waddington, Lincolnshire where it Programmes, said: “Protector will enter service by mid-2024. will be deployed in wide-ranging This first Protector aircraft Intelligence, Surveillance, Target will remain in the US to support Acquisition and Reconnaissance system testing as part of a (ISTAR) operations where its combined UK MOD, U.S. Air ability to fly consistently for up Force and GA-ASI test team. Upon to 40 hours will offer a vastly UK’s first Protector aircraft takes to the skies in USA completion of this initial testing, improved ISTAR capability. Picture courtesy of General Atomics – Aeronautical Systems Inc it will be delivered to the MOD Given that it is designed to fly in the summer of 2021 but will in non-segregated, civil airspace, remain in the USA to complete the the Protector RPAS will be able The committed DE&S team involved RAF’s test and evaluation program. to respond rapidly and offer “ This is the first of the three flexibility, delivering many types of has worked collaboratively with Protector aircraft currently on military or civil authority support order. The contract includes missions, including search and industry to overcome considerable an option for the remaining 13 rescue.” aircraft to complete the currently The first aircraft delivery to the challenge and ensure this project planned fleet of 16 aircraft that will RAF will be in 2023. remains on schedule more than double the capability currently provided by Reaper. Protector will have to meet stringent NATO and UK safety Sir Simon Bollom, DE&S CEO certification standards meaning it ”

14 15 desider October 2020 DE&S People

RN Phot; LH Daniel Rosenbaum On delivering battle-winning equipment, working at pace and his love of live music Steve Robinson is part of the Type 26 team in DE&S Ship Acquisition. Having held some fascinating and varied roles, Steve reflects on the rewards and challenges of defence procurement

What does your role involve? MOD, BAE and QinetiQ team, so attributes. Defence procurement I work in the Type 26 Combat teamwork and understanding one never gets dull as there are always System team. We act as the another are extremely important. challenges and issues to overcome. MOD’s Approval and Integration Being co-located with our main Authority for the Type 26 Combat supplier is invaluable and means What do you most enjoy about System, covering anything that we can make decisions at pace and your job? contributes to the warfighting reach a common understanding I enjoy being part of a diverse capability of the platform – far more quickly than if we team delivering to a common everything from guns and missile worked in stove pipes and were goal, jointly solving problems systems to radar communications geographically separated. This has and ultimately delivering battle- and a cutting-edge shared been tested during the COVID-19 winning equipment to our computing infrastructure. The pandemic, but we’ve been able to customer. I’ve had the privilege to construct of the joint team with overcome issues remotely and find work with some very talented civil BAE Systems means we are both new ways of working to maintain servants over the years who have customer and supplier, as DE&S the trials programme. provided me with a broadened must ensure the Government perspective to that gained from a Furnished Equipment (legacy How are you helping embed purely military environment. change in your area? systems) are delivered in a timely What do you enjoy doing in fashion for BAE to integrate A slight spin on the question: Part of our role in the Type 26 your spare time? into the platform. I have specific I have three children ranging responsibility for the Type approval authority is to try and to minimise design change so we from 18 months to 15 years old, 26 Land Based Integration so spare time is a premium. Facility of the Type 26 ‘Ship 0’ can keep the programme on track, while continuing to deliver against I enjoy hiking and am in the in Portsmouth, where we bring process of taking the children all the Combat System elements the customer’s requirement as systems evolve from the to all the peaks in England and together to test and trial prior to Wales – a challenge with a baby installation on the ships. contracted baseline. There is still much bureaucracy to try on your back. I also like to keep fit through Crossfit. I’m firmly What about your role is to navigate, which can slow our on the bandwagon here. I have a exciting, rewarding or processes down and we endeavour passion for live music and Bristol interesting? to find ways to expediate this The team is working with to deliver across all those good is a great place to see bands, but cutting-edge technology on a ship project management objectives of not so much recently with the that will be in service for many schedule, cost and requirement. lockdown restrictions. I’ve been years after we’ve all retired. We a lifelong supporter of Leeds are delivering a digital warship Why did you choose to pursue United (a lifetime of pain) and I’m for the 21st century, which as a career in DE&S? enjoying the recent return to top- a Royal Navy engineer is an I’m on my fourth tour of DE&S, flight football (albeit in slightly exciting project. Knowing you having held some fascinating odd circumstances with no fans in are contributing to a project and varied roles. Most recently stadiums). as military assistant to Director of strategic significance while What might surprise people keeping the Navy at the vanguard Weapons, as a requirements manager for Maritime Intelligence about you? of technology is extremely I originally walked into the rewarding. Systems and as the marketing and sales manager for DESA (Defence armed forces careers office to join the RAF, but quickly came to How important to you is Equipment Sales Authority). No my senses and joined the Senior teamwork? two roles have been the same and I work in Filton with a joint have required different skills and Service.

17 desider October 2020 desider October 2020 News News

Counter-drone research and development programme reaches significant milestone

The ’s Synergia The RAF will maintain ORCUS support, were operated by the RAF counter-drone research and as an upgraded national standby Force Protection Force in 2018 and development programme has capability which, in the event of a 2019 following drone sightings at reached a significant milestone, drone-based crisis, can be rapidly Gatwick and Heathrow airports. with the successful testing of the deployed anywhere in the country This rapid intervention allowed full range of integrated detect, for the provision of Military Aid to airport operations to be resumed track, ID, and defeat technologies. Civil Authorities. safely. Managed by the DE&S RAF Wing Commander Rob Rakesh Takooree, pre-concept Future Capability Group and Wilson, DE&S Force Development delivery project manager, said: This project is supporting the using technology delivered by Force Protection officer said: “The unique approach taken “ Leonardo, the Counter-Unmanned “Project Synergia is delivering by our highly knowledgeable development of world-leading Aerial System (C-UAS) study is the Orcus R&D system hardware commercial and engineering teams considered of high importance through the Future Capabilities has enabled rapid procurement to understanding of counter-UAS to national security and a means Group (FCG) within DE&S and demonstrate new technologies in technologies within UK defence of further protecting UK main involves a close partnership this area to satisfy Air Command’s operating bases. between the prime contractor, requirements. Exploiting Leonardo, in conjunction with Leonardo UK, the FCG, Air technologies in the pre-concept sub-contractors Metis Aerospace Capability and the RAF Force space is what FCG do well, whilst and SRC Inc, have successfully Protection Force. considering its utility to the wider RAF Wing Commander” Rob Wilson, DE&S delivered ORCUS – a modular and This project is facilitating Defence.” Force Development Force Protection officer scalable R&D system – in support the rapid development of the The current phase of the of the next stage of the multi- knowledge necessary to define programme, which started in million-pound programme which future capability to protect RAF 2019, supports 20 highly-skilled allows RAF Force Protection sites and assets and, as a result, is jobs at Leonardo with the primary operators to evaluate a range of supporting the development of integration work being undertaken capabilities including advanced world-leading understanding of at its Basildon and Southampton sensors and effectors. In due counter-UAS technologies within sites and real-time testing taking course, further sub-systems will UK defence.” place at several MOD locations be integrated for testing and Elements of the ORCUS system, within the UK. evaluation. in conjunction with Leonardo

Orcus Counter drone hardware (DE&S and Leonardo MW Ltd - created graphic) 18 19 desider October 2020 desider October 2020 News Feature

DE&S award £5.5-million small diesel engines New engines for Mexeflote landing raft The DE&S Boats team contract to support critical mine hunters recently conducted a two-day acceptance programme of the A £5.5-million contract new Hydromaster engines for the to provide support for small Mexeflote landing raft. diesel engines onboard critical DE&S procured the new Royal Navy vessels, including engines, supplied by Hydromaster, amphibious assault ships and mine which have completed the trials hunters, has been placed by DE&S. This £5.5-million contract will maintain and and demonstrated the increased Under the terms of the contract, “ speed, thrust and manoeuvrability Royston Diesel Power in Newcastle support the vital small diesel engines of our of the Mexeflote raft. will be responsible for providing It is used by the British Royal diesel engine spares and technical Royal Navy fleet. The five-year agreement will Logistic Corps to move goods and support as well as repairing and also secure highly-skilled work in the north- vehicles between ship and shore, refurbishing the engines where and the units are now cleared for required. east’s marine industry, highlighting the region’s entry to service. The five-year contract First used by British military negotiated by the DE&S Marine contribution to UK defence in the 1960s, the Mexeflote has Diesel Group will sustain highly- since been deployed during skilled jobs within the marine the Falklands conflict and in industry in the north-east of humanitarian aid missions such as England as well as providing the 2010 Haiti earthquake, where Defence Minister Jeremy Quin work to those enrolled in the ” the Mexeflote helped transport company’s sponsored engineering supplies to remote Haitian villages apprenticeship scheme. to name just a few examples. Marine Diesel Group Team The Mexeflote pontoons can leader, Commander Richard including Type 23 , single maintain engine availability to the be connected to form powered McHugh, said: “This was an role mine hunters, Albion-class Royal Navy and RFA. or dumb rafts, tugs, causeways excellent example of DE&S and amphibious assault ships and Defence Minister Jeremy Quin and floating platforms for use in industry working together to Bay-class RFA, and are the main said: “This £5.5-million contract harbours and inland waterways. provide a value-for-money support engines to vessels like the Hunt- will maintain and support the vital In addition, the pontoons can be contract for small diesel engines class minesweepers. small diesel engines of our Royal used as pump-carrying rafts for within the Royal Navy fleet.” Diesel engines are key to Navy fleet. The five-year agreement pumping bulk petroleum and Small diesel engines are fitted providing either electrical or will also secure highly-skilled lubricants from dracones through alongside larger engines to vessels propulsion power to the ships in work in the north-east’s marine a hose to shore. The Mexeflote throughout the Royal Navy and which they are fitted. An effective industry, highlighting the region’s is commonly carried aboard the (RFA) support contract is essential to contribution to UK defence.” landing ships docking auxiliary ships, secured to the sides of the hull and can be further broken down into smaller modules at HMS Brocklesby, a Hunt-class mine countermeasures vessel (Crown copyright) approximately 6m x 2.5m for transportation.

The successful trials demonstrate“ that the Mexeflote can provide the Army with enhanced capability in terms of speed and manoeuvrability, and will offer significantly improved availability

Michael Walker, DE&S Boats The Mexeflote landing raft on Southampton water (top and middle) and at the Sea Mounting Centre, Marchwood (below) Platform Chief” Engineer (Michael Walker)

20 21 desider October 2020 DE&S People

60 second spotlight

Rebecca Green

Job: for my local team, and at Abbey Wood. Defence General Munitions assistant team leader - Army What are you most proud of? Heavy Your route into DE&S? I have a one-year-old daughter I was a sponsored student and and she’s happy and healthy, so I joined as a graduate into the am impressed with myself for that engineering scheme where I in all honestly. got some great opportunities, including working at NATO and If you were sent to a desert getting my MSc, and have pretty island, what three things much been here ever since. I would you take with you? worked in several teams as an engineer and got my chartership Probably War and Peace. I’ve back in 2016 before changing to started the book a few times but the project management function never made it to the end, so this in the last year. would be a good opportunity. Also, a netball to see if I could Your claim to fame? hone/create my skills as a shooter and, practically, a sharp knife. I was part of the winning boat What irritates you the most? race team at the national junior When people are unwilling to indoor rowing championship admit mistakes. I can sometimes when I was 17. be quite a blunt person and I have no issues with making Your advice to anyone? mistakes - I have made quite a few - it’s just worth owning them. I take a lot of things to heart and it has taken me some time to What is your favourite place in SSAFA is a great understand that criticism and “ the world? failure are constructive. So, I organisation. I have been would say try to refrain from being I absolutely loved Vietnam. The defensive and ask how you can people were so nice and the involved for a few years do better next time instead. country was beautiful, especially now and I would implore Halong Bay. However, I moved What do you do when you’re to Wales a few years ago and I anyone who has some away from work? love nothing more than visiting spare time to volunteer, if the national parks and beachlines I volunteer as a divisional that are so accessible to us in this interested secretary for SSAFA (Soldiers, country. Sailors, Airmen and Families Association), the armed forces What would surprise people charity, running a small team about you? of volunteer caseworkers in ” Chepstow and the wider areas. I am a very undomesticated When a serving/ex-service person. I don’t enjoy cooking, member or their families require cleaning or even ironing. help, the team is the first However, I really enjoy making contact to assess the case and clothes and my daughter often Do you or hopefully report back to wider showcases a ‘Green Original’ pair charities for help. SSAFA is a of trousers or romper. someone you great organisation. I have been know deserve involved for a few years now and I would implore anyone their 60 who has some spare time to seconds in the volunteer, if interested. I also love playing netball but I’m sadly spotlight? still recovering from an ACL knee reconstruction. I’m looking forward to going back to playing Email [email protected]

22 desider October 2020 desider October 2020 DE&S People DE&S People

Local heroes of rural village Tuck shop supports Great Western Air the MOD Lottery A DE&S employee living in Team, said: “Over the three Ambulance charity May an isolated village has shared months that we offered the winners his experience of how he set service we received around 100 Over the last few years, staff one of the busiest air MOTTO up a COVID “operations cell” in calls. Our team of volunteers from the Weapons Operating ambulance services in the his dining room, ensuring the helped distribute food parcels Centre in Abbey Wood have UK and is entirely funded £10,000 Julie Cole, RAF Marham most vulnerable members of and the village magazine and pulled together to raise more on vital donations from the £2,500 Jackie Walker, Larkhill than £2,300 for the Great local community to remain his community were cared for we provided cakes for elderly £1,000 Scott McGarvey, Faslane during lockdown. resident to enjoy VE Day. We Western Air Ambulance charity operational. Martin Casey and his wife also coordinated gardening (GWAAC). Sheila Smart, A spokesperson for the £500 Michael Peel, Rosyth Nikki, lived in a rural village with services, shopping trips and Agnieszka Zwiersz, and Fiona charity said: “Thank you so £250 Wendy Little, Bristol Foster have raised the money much to the staff from MOD no bank, shop, post office or picked up prescriptions to £100 Stephen Kettlewell, Arrochar even a pub and where a third those in need and my wife by running a tuck shop on their in Abbey Wood for continuing of residents were advised to visited those who were feeling floorplate, selling a variety of to support our cause and David McCartney completely shield. lonely”. chocolate, sweets and crisps our service during this hard Sandra King, Arrochar and attracting staff from all over time. We wouldn’t be able to Realising that so many Now that restrictions have Peter Robinson, Wittering neighbours would be finding been lifted Martin and Nikki the neighbourhood. continue to be right here and lockdown challenging, have moved out of the village The GWAAC team work ready to save lives without Theresa Ellis, Salisbury Martin and his wife set up an and have closed up their 365 days of the year to people and organisations like Richard Hope, Bristol attend emergencies across you, and for that we remain operations cell in their dining operations cell but still look Trish Roberts, Bristol room and, with the help of back fondly on their time Bristol, Bath and North East incredibly grateful.” Helen Thomas, Bristol Wiltshire Council, quickly set up helping the residents of Kington Somerset, Gloucestershire, Sheila, Dr Andy Lockyer a data base which listed those Langley. North Somerset, South – a critical care doctor with Julie Quinn, Liverpool who needed help, or were self- Gloucestershire and GWAAC - and Agnieszka are Timothy Willson, Nottingham surrounding areas. It is pictured. isolating, and matched them Nigel Hector, Bristol with neighbours who could support them. Sharon Prowting, Corsham With a team of around 60 Alison Williams, Marham volunteers, they distributed Cathy-Ann Wride, Bristol flyers containing essential information to more than Jason Hindley, Manchester 300 homes and established James Cotterill, Leconfield an official telephone service Rosemary Tully with funds from the local Parish Council and the village Joanna Leach-Williams, Warmister scarecrow charity, so that Nicola Whiffin, Bristol residents could call and ask for Sean Clarke, Bristol help at any time. Martin, who is a senior project manager for the DE&S Dismounted Close Combat Shackleton Trophy winners DE&S Project Control scheduler Edward Smart, from the Weapons Operating Centre, is part of the winning team of MOD Menopause network RAF Air Cadets to have recently Mo Bingham, from the events, and Safety Day. There normalise the conversation recognised as a stage of life - a been awarded the prestigious DE&S Land Equipment was immediate interest and and encourage people to be new beginning rather than a Shackleton Trophy. operating centre, has founded people were keen to share their braver about saying the ‘M’ stigma and embarrassment.” The trophy is named after a community that supports experiences. Mo was invited word. I want to leave a legacy To find out more, please celebrated explorer Sir Ernest anyone directly or indirectly to speak at the MOD Gender that can continue in support contact DESLELCA- Shackleton and is awarded affected by the menopause event in support of World of all colleagues for their future [email protected] annually to the team that transition. Starting as a small Menopause Day. Reaching working lives, with Menopause completes the most successful, group of around 20 people, both military and civilian imaginative and adventurous Mo now co-leads the MOD colleagues, Mo’s talk received a expedition of the year. Menopause Network and phenomenal response, resulting Edward and his team - represents pan-civil service to in the MOD Menopause Exercise Mountain Storm raise awareness. Mo’s work Network being formed. - completed a six-day has been welcomed by the The community offers a unsupported mountain Diversity & Inclusivity Executive safe place for support and expedition to the wilderness of Committee in MOD main resources, and the network is the northern Rockies, where building and is supported by now influencing MOD policy. they climbed through waterfalls, DE&S senior leaders. Menopause is included in the encountered impassable highlight the challenges they and community projects in recognising the groups tenacity When Mo started her DE&S wellbeing strategy and boulders and trekked through faced, whether it was route Ghana. To Exercise Mountain and determination while on menopause transition, there there is realisation that this gorges. Each scenario put the planning through tricky terrains Storm’s delight, they came expedition plus 18 months was little support available so is more than a 50+ women’s strength of the team to the test. or finding the next source of out on top. After explaining of preparation. For more began speaking about her lived issue. Peri-menopause, early After returning home, the water for the camp. Edward’s how they safely and effectively information, please contact experience at MOD Women’s and medical menopause also team were invited to the Royal team was up against trekking worked together as a team, Edward Smart. Network (South West) wellbeing affect people. Geographical Society in London in the Pyrenees, trekking in the they impressed the judges and events, International Men’s Day Mo said: “I want to to present their experience and Alps, canoeing in the Ardeche were presented with the trophy,

24 25 desider October 2020 desider October 2020 Recruitment Recruitment Case Study Kevin Marlow, operations manager, performance measurement & business intelligence, gives his insight What do you most enjoy about your job? into some of the benefits of working I enjoy collaborating with people across the organisation and getting to appreciate the challenges for the organisation they face. Our first product has been focused on inventory and the supply chain, and it’s introduced Name: me to some great people with a real drive to improve. Kevin Marlow What’s your ambition? Job title: I have challenges and opportunities I’m enjoying Operations manager, performance measurement & right now, so I’m in no hurry to move anywhere. As business intelligence far as the project’s concerned I want us to maintain our record for delivering a high return on investment How long have you worked for DE&S? and to finish this year with a wider span of support Approximately two years. topics than inventory and the supply chain.

Why did you choose to pursue a career in DE&S? What’s your greatest achievement to date? After university, I spent 21 years enjoying life in the Each time I’m sat in performance committees and oil and gas industry without it really having been part I hear a supply chain manager being recognised in of a plan. An opportunity came up for me to make front of the CEO for a cost-saving or avoidance that I SIX GREAT REASONS TO WORK FOR DE&S a change and I’d always had an interest in defence. know we helped them achieve it, makes me feel really My interviewer had a passion for DE&S and the role proud. My team get a real buzz from creating these signalled the sort of culture that appeals to me. kinds of opportunities for others.

What does your role entail? Why would you recommend DE&S to others as a I’m leading a team in the Support Directorate that great place to work? works across DE&S to provide information from I like the respect DE&S shows to its employees’ data. We’ve listened to people’s needs and produced work-life balance and that it’s willing to commit to a suite of interactive Power Business Intelligence change programmes beyond the quick wins that the reports that give them the information to make private sector tends to focus on. DE&S people share a Bonuses & Pension Flexible Professional Holiday Facilities quicker and better-informed support decisions. Our common purpose and responsibility that goes beyond products play a part in corporate reporting and are just delivering a product out the door. Recognition Working Development constantly evolving through user feedback. What are the social benefits of working for DE&S? What are the opportunities to develop and progress In normal circumstances, having so many people within your function? co-located makes it easy to connect with people and For more info and job opportunities visit: I’ve been really impressed by the training available the facilities support making really strong working and being able to work with senior members of relationships. When on site, it’s a pleasant working www.des.mod.uk the organisation. If you take responsibility for your environment and I get the opportunity to get an on- development, DE&S gives you the opportunities you site haircut or gym session at the end of a day, which need. is really handy.

26 27