Ahead of the rest International skills Typhoon helmet most A global outlook for advanced of its kind exchange apprentices See page 06 See page 15

News for BAE Systems Military Air Solutions people· September 2009

MAS It's a joy to fly MRA4 begins talks

The decisions on potential job cuts and shows what it can do a site closure in Military Air Solutions reflect a business that is tackling change. Following the announcement on 15 September, consultation has begun between the senior ma nagement, the trade unions and employee representatives to mitigate the potential job losses at our Woodford, Warton, Samlesbury and Farnborough sites. Kevin Taylor, Managing Director, said: "Going forward, a key driver for me will be how we look after those people who either leave the business or stay on. "I believe we have Above: the first production MRA4, with a wingspan longer than the Wright brothers' first manned flight, lifts off effortlessly from Woodford. Chief Test Pilot Bill Ovel described it as "a joy to fly" taken the right meas­ ures, in consultation with others, to ensure Effective First production MRA4 prograrrune has been advanced and capable "T IS TO over the coming months and our employees are through some difficulttimes, aircraft, and to run a design years, We will continue to do supported during this The first production MRA4 aircraft impresses and many people doubted and development pro­ EVERYONE'S everything we can to deliver difficult time." took off from Woodford on on maiden flight this day would ever come. gramme concurrent with CREDIT THAT a much-needed advanced He continued: "It is 10 September for a success­ "Over the last couple of production activities has WE REACH THIS capability to the RAF" with regret we ma ke ful maiden flight, with many they have achieved, The years, through the hard work provided major challenges. MILESTONE WITH Group Captain George this announcement. of the site's employees RAF can look forward with and dedication of all those "Ultimately though, it's Martin, MRA4 Operations However, we have to proudly looking on. confidence to the imminent involved, we've built confi­ clear our engineers have AN AIRCRAFT Manager, said: "It's a ensure we are the right At 16:45, PA04 departed for arrival of an excellent dence in our ability to deliver developed a superb aircraft THAT OFFERS tremendously exciting day size and shape to an 82-minute sortie, during weapons system and a wor­ this aircraft. that has been brought to THE RAF HUGE for all concerned in the remain competitive which the aircraft performed thy successor to the MR2." "It's been a tremendous reality by a great set of POTENTIAL' design, development, manu­ and meet our manoeuvres to test aircraft Steve Timrns, Managing achievement by the entire people on production. facture and testing of the customers' require­ Group Captain George Martin, "Many BAE Systems sites handling and system opera­ Director of the MRA4 team to hit this important MRA4 Opelations Manager MRA4. me nts in the future. tion before landing at programme, said: "It 's milestone, and shows the have played their part while "The challenges faced on "We have had to Norwich Airport where its wonderful to see this aircraft MRA4 is on track. the excellent support of the the prograrrune have been ma ke tough decisions RAF livery will be applied. take to the skies. The "This is a hugely customer within our joint teams has been essential. significant and required con­ across a number of After landing, Chief Thst "This day has been partic­ siderable resourcefulness areas ofthe business. Pilot Bill Ovel said: "The air­ ularly rewarding given the and determination over a Several factors craft performed very well challenges the team have number of years by all those have driven this and was a joy to fly. faced over the last few years. directly involved, announcement. "This was an impressive We can take pride in what "It is to everyone's credit "These include maiden flight andall of those we have achieved today, but that we reach this milestone MRA4 production involved in the development it's important we remain with an aircraft that offersthe coming to an end, the and manufacture of PA04 focused, as there are many Airbus contract at can be very proud of what Above: Woodford employees turn out to witness the maiden flight and fly past more milestones to meet Continued on page 08 Samlesbury ending, and work on Tornado, Hawk and Harrier declining as elements of these programmes Student Pippa stuns Brough with £114,000 savings draw to a close." Kevin stressed that Effective for Mum and Dad. the Brough team, it also working on a rig which more effectively and the we need to ma intain Well, if you're Pippa won her Student of the mi mics the forces acting on more efficient monitoring focus on delivering our We all know the stereo- Horton, aged 19 from Year title in The Yea r in an aircraft. and planning introduced commitments and typical perception of No rth Ferriby, you can Industry's Contribution to She created and by Pippa translated into highlighted the student life - late nights, forget a 11 that. the Business Awards - implemented a logistics savings of £114,000. importance of long lie-ins, unwashed Pippa ca me to which showcase exception- syste m to ma nage the Pippa said: "I have had mitigation through job clothes and no-go BAE Syste ms to join the al achievements of hydraulic actuators on the most incredible experi- opportunities connect­ bedrooms. Military Air Solutions tea m students on paid 12-month the rig. ence at BAE Systems, ed with the availability And, if they do go away, at Brough during her ga p- work placements. This ma de the actuator working with intelligent, contracts that we on a gap-year for exa mple, year, got stuck in - and How did she do it? installation process more hardworking and exceed- have in place with it's long periods of silence in just 12 months saved Pippa's work at Brough flexible and better able to ingly generous people. the UK MOD. when things are going well, the Company a massive was extensive - but it was in cope with changes in "I have really enjoyed my panic calls home for mo ney £114,000. the Structural and Dynamic delivery schedules. year in industry and I'm now Editorial Comment - when they are not - and In so dOing it not only won Test Department, where As a result, employee looking forward to pursuing turn to page 02 endless nights of worry her a place in the hearts of she made the most impact, resources could be used a career in engineering." Above: Pippa Horton

© BAE Systems plc 2009. The publishers, authors and printers cannot accept liability for any errors or omissions. Articles or opinions expressed in this publication may not reflect company policy. All rights reserved. On no account may any part of this publication be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the copyright holder, application for which should bemade to [email protected]. Designed and produced by Connect Communications Ltd. lNWW.connectcommunications.co.uk BAE SYSTEMS FRONTUNE 02 September2009

MILITARY AIR SOLUTIONS As the Salam Typhoons are Working as an integral part of delivered to the team delivering effective Saudi Arabia air power, our aim is to give real from Warton advantage to the men and women (right), MAS has of our customers' armed forces. created a special Trusted to deliver - always. team to deal with the new challenges raised by its growing export activities Chartinga

Comment> way through

This issue of Frontline hits your desks following September's job losses announcement. It is with huge regret that I have had to announce job losses within the international Military Air Solutions business. My thoughts are with all those who will have to face the challenges, both personal and professional, that this will bring. We will work with the trade unions and employee representatives to do whatever we can to mitigate these job losses and to work through the process of maze of rules implementing them in a sensitive and professional way. I know that, for many, it will be particularly hard to understand why these job cuts are necessary when we are still seeking to win new business. Team, effective we decided to develop a tionship with the British Sadly, this is an inevitable reflection of some of our small team to deal with the Embassy in Washington programmes coming to an end. Our overall business The Salam contract to issues raised by Salam." D.C. - and with the US State remains strong and I am determined to ensure it supply 72 TYPhoon aircraft This "virtual" team is com­ Department which continues to do so. to Saudi Arabia has brought prised of representatives administers the ITAR." Alongside the difficult announcement we have made new challenges for from the Project Karen added: "Working this month, we must not lose Sight of the successes that BAE Systems to comply Management, CommercIal, closely with the Embassy the business continues to deliver. with national and interna­ Legal, Procurement and and the US State The initial flight of the first production MRA4 this tional export licensing Engineering functions. It Department means we can month is a tremendous requirements. also includes members of quickly find out what the achievement. It is an Contracting routes the traditional Import/Export Company needs to do to incredibly capable machine through Eurofighter and the teams, and is led by John make sure it stays compliant. and one we can all be truly partner countries (the UK, Waiters, Head of Export "We're pushing the bound­ proud of. Germany, Italy and Spain), Licensing - TYPhoon. aries all the time with the the aircraft's state-of-the-art He said: "The core team is Salam progranune, and rais­ Kevin Taylor, systems, and the need to relatively small, but we have ing issues that the State Managing Director, conform with the US established a robust review Department hasn't had to Military Air Solutions International Traffic in Arms consider before. Regulations (lTAR) have led "Unfortunately, the ITAR 'AS WE PUSH Military Air Solutions to cre­ isn't complete - not every­ ate a new TYPhoon Export BACK THE thing in the regulations is Licensing team to support BOUNDARIES, black and white, and the US the business's increasing GREY AREAS authorities would acknowl­ export activities. edge that. Dave Osborn, Saudi REQUIRING "As we push back the TYPhoon Project Director, CLARIFICAT ION boundaries, those grey explained: "We are export­ BECOME MORE areas requiring dialogue ing the most sophisticated APPARENT' and clarification become product we have ever sold - more apparent." Have delivery Karen Wllllams, Alison Ramsay a fourth-generation, fast-jet added: "The US State Managing editor Legal Senior Counsel Jo hn Te l: 01772 858360 or internal: 7745 58360 weapons system packed Department appreciates the email: [email protected] with components supplied process which encompass­ fact that we want to work team, will from many different coun­ es the extended teams." with them and the impor­ Ed itor Simon Shrouder tries - including the US. Karen Williams (Legal tance we attach to ITAR." Tel: 01772 856525 or internal: 7745 56525 "More than 800 items on Senior Counsel) added: He added: "It's a two-way email: [email protected] the aircraft are ITAR­ "We've learned a lot more street. Because of our regu­ travel ... controlled - from rivets and about export licensing over lar contacts, the State Production and distribution Simon Shrouder nuts, all the way through to the last couple of years and Department knows what is Te l: 01772 856525 or internal: 7745 56525 full equipment sets and the lessons learned are developing on the Salam Deliveringfighter jets around France. On other ferries the email [email protected] systems. being used to support the progranune 12 months, and the world requires a real ground crew stay on sta ndby "While across the busi­ business teams, and to bet­ even two years, from now. team effortand involves and the pilots go it alone. Air Mission Support and Services Andy Bunce ness there are pockets of ter inform our suppliers. That knowledge allows them hundreds of people across Project Manager Ged Te l: 01772 852070 or internal: 7745 52070 knowledge on export licens­ "Working on the US ITAR time and opportunity to plan MAS, and depending on the Curleytook up the story. email: [email protected] ing, no one area had the regulations has allowed the their work. " customer, can often involve "Ferryingjets, to those not complete ITAR picture, so team to build a good rela- Dave Osborn said: "These other business units. involved, sounds pretty TyphoonMission Supportand US regulations are just one While the concept of flying straightforward - you take a International Programmes Rob Miatt set of international export Hawks, To rnados or jet, fly to its final destination Te l: 01772 856249 or internal: 7745 56249 licensing regulations with Typhoons thousands of via a few stops on the way for email: [email protected] which we have to be compli­ miles, stopping off in what refuelling; simple - unfortu­ ant. We are also building the might on the surface look nately it's not quite like that. Autonomous Systems and same strong relationships like glamorous locations, "A huge amount of work Future Capability Adam Morrison with the UK licensing author­ may sound appealing, the happens beforehand here at Tel: 01772 852714 or internal: 7745 52714 ities and their equivalents realityis somewhat diffe rent. Warton to make that possi­ email: [email protected] across Europe. Having successfully com­ ble. Spares and tools have to "The Export Licensing pleted the first leg of a recent be available together with Functions/Other Simon Shrouder team has evolved out of the ferry, pilots John Lawson and the releva nt export licences, Tel: 01772 856525 or internal: 7745 56525 need to manage the busi­ Paul Stone called Warton to and security and occupation­ email: [email protected] ness's obligations on the give the signal for the ground al health risks had to be Salam progranune, but we crew which totalled nine identified. Airportcustoms Published by Communications Department, now have an opportunity people accompanied by a clearances have to be organ­ MAS, W182L, Warton Aerodrome, to transfer this knowledge range oftools and spare ised and hotels booked for Preston PR4 lAX base to other export parts, to board a support the team, so it's quite a Above: teamwork - a vital component for export success campaigns. " aircraft and join them in logistical challenge." FRONTUNESeptember2009 03 Tranche 3 is huge boost to Typhoon export drive

Signing of production contract signals commitment to Eurofighter programme and collaboration

Delivery

The new production contract for 112 TYPhoon Tranche 3 air­ craft is a significant development for Military Air Solutions and gives a positive boost to the Company's export efforts. The breakdown of the con· tract signed by the four Eurofighter partnernations on 31 July is: ·40 aircraft for the UK, including 24 replacement TYPhoons for the RAF as part of the 72 aircraft order for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ·31 for Germany ·21 for Italy ·20 for Spain. Above: Tom Fillingham, Director of Capability Enhancement and 'Ibm Fillingham, Director of Aircraft Programmes Capability Enhancement and Aircraft Programmes, admit­ ships built over several years commitment, not just to the ted it had been a busy seven were vital to the success of the Eurofighter Typhoon pro· months for the MAS and UK programme. gramme, but also to MOD teams involved in "We've been in regular con­ European collaboration. securing the Tranche 3 con· tact at every level to make "It's also hugely important tract, which had been sure our Tranche 3 proposals in our drive to sell the aircraft achieved primarily through were meeting everyone's overseas. The Eurofighter fmding a more affordable needs. It's been a big team Typhoon consortium has solution. effort involving not only MAS ongoing exportcampaig ns in He said: "An important and the MOD, but our Switzerland, India, Japan, element of Tranche 3 is the European partner compa· Romania, Greece and 'furkey need to reduce through·life nies, NETMA (NATO and is exploringopportunities costs for our customers. Eurofighter and Tornado in other parts of the world.

"We recognised the need "Inthe eyes of potentialcus­ Engineering Supervisor George Smith (left) and his ground crew colleague Clive Hardman (below) were among for more cost·effective tomers, the fact that 559 the team members who leapt in action and flew out to support the Ty phoon operation when they were given the through·life support costs 'THIS CONTRACT TYPhoons are now under pro­ signal by ferry pilot John Lawson (above) some timeago, and we have WILL SUSTAIN duction contracts with more been working with our MANY HIGHLY than 180 in service across six partners and suppliers to SKILLED JOBS nations - the UK, Germany; 'YO U'VE ONLY GOT WHAT, AND WHO, develop relevant proposals. Italy; Spain, Austria and the YOU HAVE WITH YO U. SO EVERYONE "We recently agreed with ACROSS UK Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - DOES THEIR BIT, BOTH GROUND AND the UKMOD an availability INDUSTRY AND sends a strong message that contract for the UK TYPhoon this is a hugely capable air­ AIR CREW. TEAM SPIRIT IS WHAT PROVIDE OUR fleet (Typhoon Availability NATION WITH craft. GETS YO U THROUGH' Service) which has confirmed "We can go into negotia­ George Smith, Engineering Supervisor cost reductions in line with UK OUTSTANDING tions with our future affordability for a significant DEFENCE customers and explain, with proportionof the total support CAPABILITIES' confidence, exactly why they around the airfield at one Pilot John Lawson said: activities. Tom Fllllngham need Typhoons rather than stopover place. "Most fe rry flights are "In addition, we have also aircraft manufactured by the "The real challenge comes uneventful and unexciting worked with our key suppliers competition." when you have an issue on since the aircraft are to develop and submit a pro· Management Agency) and He added: "This contract is the aircraft - then that's on autopilot for much of posal to provide a five·year government ministries in the for 112 Tranche 3 aircraft and when the team really steps the time. availability contract for two four nations." it will sustain many highly up to the ma rk. Yo u've only "But not havingto look fo r key systems on the TYPhoon, The UK Defence Minister skilled jobs across UK indus­ got what, and who, you have bandits at 10 o'clock or namely radar and Defensive Quentin Davies attended the try and provide our nation with you. So everyone does ensure you meet certain Aids Sub System (DASS), that signing ceremony at with outstanding defence their bit, both ground and air flight test criteria, means you offers our customers across Eurofighter HQ in Munich capabilitiesfor years to come. crew. Team work and team can take the opportunityto Europe a potential50 per cent along with Air ChiefMarshal "While discussions will be spirit is what gets you view the scenery which can saving over the life of the Sir Stephen Dalton, who took held at a later date between through." be spectacular and quite programme. over as Chief of the Air Staff the four partner nations Ged Curley added: different from the views we "We have used the lessons from Air Chief Marshal Sir regarding any follow·on "Thankfully, on the most normally see when we are we've learned on 'Ibrnado Glenn 'Ibrpy on the same day Tranche 3 contract, having recent fe rry,the only unfore­ flying the Ty phoon around and Harrier to develop a Tom Fillingham said: this core programme in seen problem was an air Warton." bespoke support service for "Signing the Tranche 3 con­ place is absolutely key to our traffic controllers strike in George summed it up radar and DASS that reduces tract was a highly significant future prospects and puts Greece which meant we had sayi ng: "The recent fe rry the risk and allows our cus­ and symbolic statement by us in an improved position to divert the jets to another tea m was probably the most tomers to keep their aircraft the UK and the other three to achieve success in our So what's it like on a ferry? then normally decamped airfield." flexible tea m you could have flying" European nations. current and future export "Interesting!" said into some hangar at the fa r Travelling thousa nds of taken anywhere - from the He added that the relation- "It signalled their continued campaigns." Engineeri ng Supervisor end of an airfield so all you miles in a military jet - pilots and ground crew to the George Smith. "Itcan be really see is the jet, aircraft designed for operationa I support sta ff at Warton. If we from one extreme to the flying in and out, and the combat, not "island-hop­ had a problem and called 'SIGNING THE TRANCHE 3 CONTRACT WAS A HIGHLY other. Yo u do get the chance hotel - if you're stopping in ping" - th rows up diffe rent the UK at 3am I'm confident SIGNIFICANT AND SYMBOLIC STATEMENT BY THE UK to visit places you might one - although we did have challenges fo rthe pilots, someone would have AND THE OTHER THREE EUROPEAN NATIONS' otherwise not, but you are some wild dogs wandering including boredom. answered the phone." Tom Fllllngham 04September FRON1llNE 2009 Market of eastern promise

Real advantage India offers MAS Company has enjoyed a Michael said: "The Indian good working relationship AirForce has already decid­ India has become the sev­ big opportunities with India. The Indian gov­ ed that the Hawk will be its enth of BAE Systems' for new business ernment purchased Jaguar main AJT, and we are sup­ "home markets", with an fighters from the UK and we porting HAL in its bid to win expanding economy, and a gramme and since the air­ provided a licence that a contract for a further 57 sense of confidence in its craft entered service there allows the aircraft to be built Hawk aircraft - 40 for the air future that makes it one of last year the focus has in-country to this day. force and 17 for the Indian the most exciting countries become even more intense. "The Indian government Navy. Winning that contract in the world. "India offers huge potential is committed to increasing would make the Indian BAE Systems is seeking to for growth among all of the the size of its army, navy and Hawk fleet among the Above: the Hawk is the main AJTfor the Indian Air Force create an indigenous in­ BAE Systems businesses - air forces, and BAE Systems biggest in the world." country footprint in its home on land, sea and in the air. is well placed to help." Michael also aims to grow "NDIA OFFERS HUGE POTENTIAL markets and India is the lat­ It's one of the few economies Among the opportunities the BAeHAL joint venture est to join Australia, Saudi in the world that is still grow­ that Michael and his team software company set up FOR GROWTH ... IT IS ONE OF THE Arabia, South Africa, ing, and there's no sign that will be working on isIndia's Above: Michael Christie 15 years ago. FEW ECONOMIES IN THE WORLD Sweden, the UK and the US. its growth is likely to tail off requirement for a new "I'm a government­ THAT IS STILL GROWING' Building on his experi­ anytime soon. medium multi-role combat the relationships we've built approved board member Mlchael Christle, Senior Vice-President India ence with India via the ''It's aircraft (MMR CA). up with the Indian AirForce." along with Julian Scopesalso a very hard mar­ Hawk programme, Michael ket to be successful in. The "At 126 aircraft, it's one of Another opportunity is (President, BAE Systems India that will eventually be aim to develop relationships Christie has been appoint­ Indian economy is growing the biggest export contracts around further sales of the India). We plan to support able to win significant con­ not only with HAL but also ed Senior Vice-President fast, and the country is very in the world that's open to Hawk advanced jet trainer BAeHAL as they move into tracts in countries outside with some of the larger India for MAS. keen to become self-suffi­ free competition. We are (AJT) , which will build on new areas of the market where the sub-continent." private companies, like As he got used to his new cient. That is where our supporting EADS, our MAS's relationship with it cansupport our efforts towin Michael and his MAS Larsen and Toubro, and title and responsibilities, experience of working with Eurofighter partners, in HindustanAeronautics Limited business across the entire team, some of which will be Mahindra Mahindra, as well, Michael told FronUine: "I've indigenous industries may developing the TYPhoon bid, (HAL). India also presents BAE Systems portfolio. based in Delhi, will work which would give us entry to been heavily involved with give us an advantage. using the experience we've opportunitiesin the unmanned "Our aim is to create an alongside Julian Scopes and the civilian markets of India India through the Hawk pro- "For many years this had selling the Hawk, and aircraftsystems sector. indigenous operation in the corporate team. "We'll in the future."

The Typhoon airframe testing True excellence team has made a complex task - service with a user friendly - with dividends personal touch

Trusted

One man who knows better Real advantage than most how service excel­ lence has evolved within TYPhoons are put through a BAE Systems is MAS's Paul battery of tests during their Whiteside. With 43 years final assembly to make sure experience in the Company, their enormously complex Paul, who retired in August, systems are working had fo ur decades to get to correctly. grips with huge changes and The tests are part of a massive developments in a de-risking exercise major defence business. Paul Whiteside designed to reduce the Here, Paul, Director explains why it likelihood of problems Engineering, Internal Supply, being encountered. shares his thoughts on what still matters Because the systems are it means to him. so complex, the testing "In simple terms," says make a real difference to equipment and procedures Paul, "it is all about adding how we deal with both inter­ themselves can also be an additional dimension to nal and external customers. highly sophisticated. the role we already have. To As Chris would say 'it's not However, some smart me, this additional'dimen­ rocket science', indeed, it's thinking by the Engineering sion' is all about relationship easy to understand - but Airframe Testing Team with­ building and taking the applying it consistently and in MAS has transformed one time to empathise with then making it stick is the of the most complex and dif­ colleagues and customers. real challenge. ficult of these tests into a Basically it is about treating "The approach we are quick and easy procedure, Above: airframe test electrician Carl Brennan at work on the new radio frequency testing system which has transformed the process people in the way you would taking across Integrated resulting in big savings in wish to be treated yourself. Services is to introduce the time and resources. Easy to say but hard to do. structure, training and The test involves sending "In my career, I have been resources necessary to get radio waves through the Smarter thinking that lucky to have worked on all everyone on board and radio frequency (RF) cables major projects since Jaguar equipped to embrace on the aircraft. Once the and I can recall developing the concept. cables are installed on the strong personal relation­ "Many people have asked aircraft it is important to ships with many colleagues, me why I have stayed so long prove that the cables have saves time and money customers and suppliers. with one company. To me it's not been damaged or routed "The most rewa rding have been simple. Where else in a way which impairs their been those where I took the could you work on so many performance. and we saw that it too was a graphic display that walks He said he had been par­ trouble to get to know people different world-beating

Allan McCabe, Senior going to prove unsuitable to the operator through all • The radio frequency ticularly impressed by how on a personal level and in projects? And where else Manufacturing Engineer the production environment the stages. testing system is just closely Allan's team had doingso achieved a mutual would you have the wealth of with the Samlesbury-based - it was too delicate and Paul Hardman, TYPhoon one example of how worked with the end users understanding of what was talented people at all levels team, said the previous wasn't very user friendly." Production Manager, said MAS is driving down on the build line to develop a needed. that ensure continual chal­ equipment, which had been Working with an external the new machine had the costs of building solution that addressed all "Last year I was introduced lenge and change to improve used for the first tranche of software house within dramatically improved the Ty phoons to help their concerns. "They really to service excellence by Chris performance? aircraft, had proved difficult the National Instruments usability and speed of deliver the affordability treated the user as the Daffywho runs the Academy "The introduction of serv­ to use and it was not as reli­ Company alliance, the team the process. challenge for future customer." of Service Excellence and I ice excellence is yet another able as the new equipment. developed a machine that "With the old system, it core programme and The RF testing system's went into the session with exa mple of how we are "We looked at the next was both much more robust was so complex that it export orders success has been recog­ my usual 'positive scepti­ willingto pick up new ideas generation of the equipment and much easier to use, with required a high level of prod­ nised beyond the build line: cism'. I have to say though, that, in this case, could be a uct knowledge for the Allan and his team have that I came out of it with key competitive differentiator production line to use it. We 24 hours, with a lot of techni­ been selected for the Silver renewed enthusiasm and a in our objective to de liver a 'THE TEST NOW TA KES LESS THAN were also having problems cal support needed from Panel at this year's conviction that there was 'th rough-life capability serv­ TWO HOURS, EVERY TIME. IT IS with false readings and Allan's team. Chairman's Awards for their something in it that could ice' to our customers." COMPLETELY USER FRIENDLY, variations. "The test now takes less efforts. "Even if things went exact­ than two hours, every time. lt Meanwhile, the team is AND EVERYONE ON THE LINE CAN 'BASICALLY IT IS ABOUT TREATING ly according to plan the test is completely user friendly, looking to see where else its PEOPLE IN THE WAY YO U WOULD USE IT WITH ONLY AN HOUR OR would take about nine hours, and everyone on the line can skills could be used across SO OF TRAINING' and if there were any prob­ use it with only an hour or so the business to save time WISH TO BE TREATED YOURSELF. Paul Hardman, Typhoon Production Manager lems it could take up to of training." and resources in production. EASY TO SAY BUT HARD TO DO' FRONTlINESeptember2009 05

PavewaylV Heads-up display as entertainers drop in on RAF Marham> deployed on Tornado in sixmonths

Effective

Six months of hard work by MAS employees is paying big dividends in Afghanistan where the latest generation of precision-guided bombs, fit­ ted to the recently deployed RAF Thrnado GR4s under an the introduction of the Paveway IV to the To rnado aircraft urgent operational require­ ment (UOR) , are performing Neil McKay, Proje ct lier models, and draws on extremely well. Manager CUS (P), said the lessons learned in the The UOR involved MAS meeting the UOR meant Gulf and Kosovo campaigns integrating the Paveway N working very closely with where pilots had difficulties onto the To rnados that both the customer and the pinpointing targets through have subsequently been supplier, Raytheon. cloud. It entered service in deployed to Afghanistan as "We only had six months Afghanistan on Harrier GR9s part of Operation Herrick. to complete this from start to late last year and has proved It meant that part of the fmish, and in parallel with itself to have a world-class planned introduction of the that we had to carry out our strike capability combined Paveway IV across the other contracted work, so it with advanced flexibility. To rnado fleet under the was quite pressurised Neil said MAS had Capability Upgrade Strategy in terms of allocating received a lot of very positive (Pilot) contract, or CUS(P), resources and reprogram­ feedback from the customer had to be brought forward, ming and replanning on the performance of while still meeting all the activities. " the Paveway N-equipped other currently contracted Paveway N is both smallp.r Thrnados. work requirements. and more accurate than ear- "Meeting this UOR was a magnificent achievement by 'THE SUPPLY BASE AND INDUSTRY the MAS team and Raytheon. PULLED TOGETHER TO DELIVER A We had the supply base and industry pulling together to HIGH QUALITY PRODUCT FOR A deliver a very high quality DELIGHTED CUSTOMER' product into service for a Above: as well as the traditional flying displays, there was plenty of unusual entertainment for visitors to the annual RAF Marham families day in July. Neil McKay, ProjectManager CUS(P) delighted customer." BAE Systems supported the event and part of the money raised on the day will go to BAE Systems' Charity Challenge partner Sue Ryder Care Alliance is forging stronger links

Integral NWAA helps 'THE WORK competing through the com­ mercial tendering process." WE DO WITH In many ways, the success of supply chain to As well as delivering for BAE Systems and MAS deliver the best BAE SYSTEMS the companies involved, depends on our suppliers. If to BAE Systems IS CRUCIAL. Martin added that one of the they're not the very best, we WE CO-OPERATE important factors is the value suffer. The North West for money his organisation Aerospace Alliance (NWAA) suppliers need. "O nce the IN SEVERAL gives. For every £1 the North helps make sure that the firms go through the diagno­ AREAS' West Regional Development supply chain around Warton sis they get a mentor in the MartinWrlght, Agency puts in the NWMs and Sarnlesbury is one we form of a senior production Chief Executive NWAA Supply Chain Excellence can rely on. specialist from one of the programme (ASCE 1), the The NWAA Chief Executive, three prime companies alliance delivers between Martin Wright, explained: (Airbus UK, Rolls-Royce and £50-75 in return. "We're different from other BAE Systems). "This approach has machining are on our pro­ "That's over seven times 'cluster' organisations. We "We have ten senior peo­ helped deliver some very gramme. The fact that two of more than some other examine the strategies of the ple fromBAE Systems taking significantimprovements. In them hadn't done any programmes," he said. operate in several areas, programme, which will take big, prime companies in the part. The mentor works with one example of success, work for BAE Systems Equally important is co­ including autonomous us up to 2014. It will mean North West of England - the supply firm for two days four of the six companies before shows how the operation with BAE Systems. systems. We have a very big challenges. For example, including BAE Systems - take a month for anything up to that have secured contracts programme helps open up "The work we do with the good relationship with creating a shared services time to understand them and three years. on F-35 Li ghtning 11 new opportunities for those Company is crucial. We co- BAE Systems and we're culture, where people have develop world-class supply always looking waysat we can to co-operate in new ways, is chain. help. Certainly, the level of a major task. "In 2006 we created a investment we bring to the "But, we've been planning £4.5 m 'S upply Chain Agreement to support F-35 production North West supply chain isnot this next phase for more Excellence' programme, something a private organisa­ than 12 months, and which is as good as it gets in A raft of agreements with to support rate production. Procurement F-35, said: meet the high standards tion such as BAE Systems BAE Systems has played an the UK, and probably in external suppliers worth This has enabled "The key to the success of the Company is looking for, could achieve on its own." important part, alongside Europe. It covers around 45 more tha n £500m has BAE Systems to sign the Samlesbury facility and we welcome the Looking to the future, the organisations such as the supply companies in the recently been signed to long-te rm commercial and the F-35 programme opportunity to work NWAA has just bid for fund­ chambers of commerce, North West and helps them support F-35 Lightning 11 agreements between local is the requirement for an alongside them" ing to deliver ''ASCE2''. science establishments and deliver the right products production. and international suppli­ affordable and external Four of the companies "This is a £6.6m pro­ universities, as well as the and services." BAE Systems' Integrated ers on the programme. supply chain and its ability concerned are also actively gramme that aims to develop supply chain. Martin explained how, Procurement Services and The potential value of to deliverto the planned involved in the North West complex skills, planning "The collective approach with the assistance of the F-35 Procurement and these contracts ranges manufacturing rate of one Regional Development models, and shared services has worked so far and BAE Systems and others, the Supply Chain teams have from £35m up to £130m, aircraft per day. The sup­ Agency-funded Aerospace as well as drive innovation in we believe phase two of NWAA had developed a rig­ been working closely to with one contract going pliers BAE Systems has Supply Chain Excellence the supply chain. We'll hear if this very exciting pro­ orous diagnostic tool that deliver a long-term exter­ out as far as 2035. chosen to work with have Programme managed we've received funding gramme will take the North helps get a very precise nal supply chain solution Mike Marsden, Head of shown they are able to by the NWAA . soon, and are confident of West supply chain up to defmition of the skills these success. We'll then start the the next level." 06 SeptemberFRONTUNE2009 New helmet is the most advanced yet

Pilots can engage is truly panoramic, giving the pilot the ability to position air­ a ta rget just craft sensors and weapons, by looking at it constrained only by the extremities ofthe head's phys­ Advantage ical movement," Mark said. "In combat, the HEA will After several years of develop­ allow the pilot to gain early ment work, a dedicated tactical advantage, deliver­ helmet for Eurofighter ing him capabilities such as 'TYPhoon pilots - believed to the first-shot opportunity or be the most advanced of its increased accuracy in quick­ kind in the world - has just ly pinpointing ground targets. passed a major milestone and But capability does not stand entered the customer type still and while the front line acceptance process. will be delighted with the The helmet - officially HEA we are about to deliver, called the Head Equipment Above: Ty phoon test pilot Mark Bowman says HEA is eagerly awaited this technology can be Assembly (HEA) - is packed expected to be further devel­ with sophisticated electron­ ditionally been for protection, nose of the aircraft to point at oped in the future." ics, including technology that for providing life-support such the target- it gives a massive The HEA conference was allows a pilot to engage a tar­ as oxygen and for communi­ advantage. " supported by the UK cus­ get simply by looking at it. cations. He said keeping the hel­ tomer, Wing Commander

In early September, about "HEA does all of that very met's weight down had been John Ball, who delivered a 60 representatives from well, but what is new is the a major challenge but remark­ motivating presentation that BAE Systems ' Rochester and complex integrated avionics ably, the fi nished product provided a clear view of the War ton sites who have been system that sits both within weighs little more than a stan­ importance of the HEA. involved in developing the the helmet and within the dard helmet. The HEAgoals are to have helmet met at Farnborough aircraftitself. Pilots are enthusiastic about a successful entry into service to discuss how they could "Two 'mini-proj ectors' the HEA. 'TYPhoon Thst Pilot of the helmet and associated improve team-working within the helmet display posi­ Mark Bowman said HEA was equipment and provide HEA across the Platform Solutions tional and target information as eagerly awaited by with clearance for the full life and MAS businesses to on the inside of the visor, wh ile front-line pilots as head-up of the aircraft. ensure the success of the computers monitor the pilot's display (HUD) technology Work is also under way to HEA programme. head position to determine was 30 years ago . introduce night-vision capabil­ Mark Smith, 'TYPhoon HEA where he is looking. "Where HUD provides a ity to the helmet along with Te chnical Manager who "He can target an aircraft relatively small field of view measures that will provide attended the conference, told just by moving hishead rather upon which to present vital nuclear, biological and chem­ Fron tlinethat helmets had tra- than having to manoeuvre the tactical information, the HEA ical protection. Above: even with all its sophisticated electronics, the HEA weighs only slightly more than the traditional helmet Harrier: the cutting-edge workhorse

Effective airpo wer Reliable platform Danish firm Thrma - worked to help us develop a fully Spotlight on pilot-assisting technology> In five years of continuous incorporates costed integration. service in Afghanistan, new equipment "With the need identified Britain's Harrier aircraft have and the technical feasibility proved themselves one of demonstrated, the customer HMCS the world's most effective its suppliers meeting - and raised two urgent opera­ Designed and developed by platforms. even anticipating - the tional requirements (UORs) BAE Systems, Electronics, Intelligence On Operation HERRICK, customer's requirements . for the work." and Support at Rochester, the Helmet­ Joint Fo rce Harrier UFH) The aircraft has seen sig­ Angus said both UORs Mounted Cueing System (HMCS) uses accomplished 8,557 sorties nificant improvements with were embodied at the same an existing Jaguar helmet coupled with and 22,771 flying hours in the introduction of the time, saving both money and an adaptation ofthe Ty phoon helmet­ support of NATO and coali­ Helmet-Mounted Cueing Above: Angus Currie time. "This was a very com­ mounted display optical tracking tion ground forces during System (HMCS) - which can plex programme. The technology. the longest period of high allow the pilot to guide the tion with BAE Systems teams at Farnborough and HMCS gives the pilot the abilityto tempo operations since the targeting pod to potential tar­ Electronics, Intelligence and RAF Cottesmore achieved immediately visually acquire the Second World War. gets just by looking at them Support, was able to inte­ what seemed impossible, locations of targets and, more importantly, In the final 17 months of - and the Defensive Aids grate new equipment onto with a true parallel design locations of friendly forces. What took the deployment, only seven System pod that releases the Harrier dynamic rig to and embodiment pro­ minutes to achieve now happens in out of 2,673 planned sorties flares to counter missiles. demonstrate the HMCS gramme delivering both seconds, due to HMCS's ability to guide (0.26 per cent) were lost Angus said operational feed­ to pilots. They were so capabilities on all the GR9s the pilot's eyes immediately to the due to technical faults, back showed a need for an impressed by its capabilities operating in Alghanistan by real-world point where the targeting Above: the HMCS cuts down time taken for demonstrating the Harrier's enhanced targeting capability that it went straightto the top the agreed dates. pod is tracking. pilots to Identify targets unparalleled levels of along with the need to counter of their priority list. "When we delivered the This not only allows the pilot to quickly reliability and serviceability. evolving anti-aircraft missile "At the same time, the planes they went straight into identifyta rgets hence, but exponentially any danger or expose a presence to The deployment also threats. "Working with our sup­ team identified that a defen­ service in Alghanistan and increases his ability to immediately and the enemy. witnessed the rapid, cost­ pliers, the Company invested a sive aids pod being were used from day one. accurately discriminate between friend effective and highly significant amount of money developed for the Nimrod Pilots from N Squadron, and foe on a dynamic battlefield, such Defensive Aids System successful introduction of up front to develop this capa­ could be modifiedfor use on who saw these UORs into as that witnessed on a daily basis in The DAS Pod, designed and supplied by new equipment such as the bility The design team at Harrier, and the company Alghanistan, have described Afghanistan. Terma in Denmark, is a development of Sniper advanced targeting Farnborough, in collabora- developing that pod - them as providing 'war­ The HMCS also affordsthe pilot the their modular countermeasures pod , pod and the Paveway N winning' capability. " ability to look at the ground and use the which has been specifically adapted for precision-guided bomb. The joint UOR team helmet sight to designate a point of inter­ Harrier and complemented by the Angus Currie, Head of 'WHEN WE DELIVERED THE PLANES received a Director General est without having to aim his aircraft at integration of BAE Systems' missile Aircraft Capability - Harrier, THEY WENT STRAIGHT INTO SERVICE Combat Air Commendation the point; the targeting pod can then be warning system. said that even in their last last month, presented by immediately cued to begin investigation. This provides an automatic self­ IN AFGHANISTAN. PILOTS HAVE Air year of the deployment the Vice-Marshal Simon Bollom, Not only is this process dramatically defence capability that can detect and Harriers were still receiving DESCRIBED THEM AS PROVIDING predicting the requirement faster and more accurate than before, defeat surface to ground threats while breakthrough capabilities as 'WAR-WI NNING' CAPABILITY' and working to seemingly it takes away the need to descend into providing audio warnings to the pilot. a result of BAE Systems and Angus Currle, Head of Aircraft Capability - Harrier impossible timescales. FRONTUNESeptember2009 07

Bringing Our Missi on to Life> ------'Being true to myself has been key to my success'

As part of the Bri ngi ng our " DIDN'T TRY M ission to Life activities, MAS TO USE FA NCY WORDS OR has commissioned author BLUFF MY Da mian Hughes to produce a WAY OUT OF new book of inspirational SITUATIONS. IF I DIDN'T KNOW stories and people from within THE ANSWERS, our business. I SAID SO. ONE SENIOR In this, the third of a series of MANAGER inte rviews to be featured in ACTUALLY Frontline, Da mian hea rs from COMMENTED THAT I WAS THE Grace Johnston - a woman FIRST PERSON whose determination, HE HAD HEARD intelligence, honesty and ADMIT THIS' strength of cha racter show how a successful career can come to those who have the desire for it.

When I first started working I was involved in the first I was the first person he had at BAE Systems, I was a guided firing flight of an heard admit this. 16-year-old apprentice, who air-to-air missile off a I thinkthat it was partly this was keen to get my hands Typhoon, which was taking approach that helped us dirty and be paid for the place in the UK. I was achieve success on the very privilege. working alongside one of my first attempt, but I was very I was one of only four girls senior colleagues, who surprised when my efforts in my intake to join and soon broke his arm just sixweeks lead me to being nominated after, I found myself working before the launch. This as one of the finalists for the on the shop floor as the only meant that I was required to lIE Yo ung Woman Engineer female among 100 blokes. take the lead as test of the Ye ar Award. To be honest, it was a bril­ engineer on the armament I had to go down to London liant experience as it taught control system, including for an interview and then me an important lesson that co-ordinatingour efforts with again for the final, where it has served me well through­ US, Italian and Royal Navy felt very surreal to be called out my subsequent career. stakeholders. to the stage as the winner. I had always had pretty My initial nerves - Wa s I Although I was surprised low self-confidence but good enough? Would it and delighted to win this when I was working with the work? Could I cope? - soon award, I quickly started to blokes, I soon realised that camecrashing in. I reminded worry as I was required to they didn't judge me on myself that people should make speeches and presen­ whether I was a woman or only judge me on my own tations for the Ambassadors what clothes or make up I merits and efforts and Scheme, which involved vis­ wore but whether I could nothing else. I fo und myself iting schools and talking do the job or not. They thrown into the deep end about my experiences. assessed me on my own and remembered to be This wasn't something I merits and this is a powerful honest and true to myself. felt particularly comfortable lesson, which I have tried to Firstly, I broke my task with but I knew that it would remind myself of regularly. down into bite-sized chunks be a brilliant experience and After qualifying as an and tackled each one inturn. one that would help me in electrician, I eventually got This included the bizarre my future development. I the chance to get hands-on task of having to gain special was also aware that some aircraft experience working dispensation to be able to people within work were on Tornado and Hawk as conduct the test on the same especially cynical and dis­ part of the Development day as the Queen Mother's missive of the award and flight line, which meant funeral. what it meant. being heavily involved with a Secondly, I didn't tryto use Once again, I overcame number of flight test trials fa ncy words or bluff my way my worries byremembering and soon afterwards landed out of situations. I tried to that I should remain true to my dream job - a flight test keep things simple and if myself and be honest as the engineer working on the I didn't know the answers, I award was something which avionics system of the said so. One senior manager I personally valued. This was Eurofighter Typhoon. actually commented that a huge help and has done my confidence a lot of good. I suppose that this, then, is the message that I would offerfrom my experiences. It is easy to listen to critics - including our own worries and self-criticism - and let that stop us from acting and doing what we really want. , If you can go home at the end of a day, look in the mirror and be completely honest with yourself about what you have and haven't done and are satisfied with the answers you give, that is the ultimate success. Above: Grace Johnston joined the business as an apprentice electrician aged 16, and went on to win the liE Yo ung Woman Engineer of the Year Award Are you being honest? 08 SeptemberFRONTlINE2009

Spotlight>

• les ? enea • With the first MRA4 due to arrive at RAF Kinloss early next year, av iati on journalist Peter Almond, � - -- - in an article writtenfor the nati onal press, gives - - his personal views on the vital role the airc raft will play in the defence of the UK

Several years after they urgently took on search and rescue, surface attack and anti­ American destroyer on II June this year. new equipment for operations over submarine warfare. China has a new TYPe 094-class nuclear Afghanistan, the RAF 's Nimrod aircraft are A vital priority is an ability to defend ballistic missile boat which is expected to to return to what they do best: anti-subma­ Britain's Trident nuclear ballistic missile take its first long range patrol soon, and rine and maritime patrols, including submarines against any surface or with a developing hy personic anti-ship search and rescue. submarine threats. One of the navy's fo ur cruise missile has greatly increased mar­ The new Nimrod MRA4 - seen in fly­ Trident boats is patrolling "silent and itime combat capability Upgraded past at the Royal International Air Thttoo in deep" under the sea at all times, and long­ Russian nuclear ballistic missile subma­ July and due into RAF service in range anti-submarine protection is also rine patrols have returned to sea at levels December next year - will effectively give considered vital by the Navy for its two new not seen for a decade, with a probable up the overland role pursued so avidly by aircraft carriers. ability to mount continuous patrols. Nimrod MR2 crews to other new The new Nimrod's changed role, Among other developments this year, Intelligence, Surveillance, Thrgeting and however, is questioned by some in the Iran commissioned three new Gadhir mini­ Reconnaissance aircraft such as Army, which is desperate for more troops, subs at Bandar Abbas on I June, India is ASTORs, Watchkeepers and Reapers. intelligence-gathering and equipment for reportedly set to launch its first ballistic The first MRA4 anti-submarine training battles in Afghanistan. It believes future missile nuclear sub at the end of July, and course has already been started for even Australia is buying 12 submarines instructors at RAF Kinloss. 'THERE MAY NOT over the next 20 years. The MR2 fleet willretire in 2011, and the And with Colombian drugs runners modified role change marks a UK MOD APPFAR TO BE A CLEAR buildinga fleet of semi-submersible boats, acceptance of RAF concerns that aircrew AND PRESENT DANGER each costing over US$I m and often travel­ operating the MR2s in the overland role RIGHT NOW BUT, OVER ling thousands of miles to transport tons of "looking ahead, [ see the Nimrod MRA4 torpedoes, Harpoon anti-ship missiles, are in danger of losing their anti-submarine THE NEXT FEWYEARS, cocaine along the rivers and coasts of assuming the [STAR role currently under­ precision-guided bombs and defensive warfare (ASW) skills at a time of rising sub­ Latin America, US officials fear they could taken by the MR2, but with enhanced air-to-air missiles it will be the RAF's marine capability and activity around the THAT PERCEPTION be used by terrorists to reach America with capabilities", budget cuts mean the over­ only long-range, heavy duty combat air­ world. There is also concern about tighten­ MIGHT WELL CHANGE' deadly cargoes. 'IWenty-two such boats land We stcam XI5 cameras, plus radio craft, with a potential of even being ing defence budgets. Rear Admiral Chrls Parry (Rtd), former head of have been apprehended at sea since and mobile phone intercepts and relay able to carry long range Storm Shadow the UK MO�'s future threat assessment team "The Ministry of Defence recognised 2007, with many more believed to have communications urgently installed on the cruise missiles. that unless it rebalanced the Nimrod gone undetected. MR2s in 2004 for Afghanistan operations, It is a "leap in technology", according to force's commitments to the available threats are more from al-Qaeda-type "There may not appear to be a clear and willnot be transferred to the new plane. Group Captain Noel, and willbe able to do resource there was a potential fo r skills to terrorism than risks needing "a handful of present danger right now but, over the next The Nimrod MRA4 is already being longer missions without refuelling. Even fade below a certain threshold," said very expensive aircraft going back to few years, that perception might well recognised as a huge advance on any so, he said, "anti-submarine work is more Group Captain Robbie Noel, a Nimrod chase Cold War submarines, " in the words change," said retired Rear Admiral Chris maritime patrol aircraft before it. Although an art than a science," and finding increas­ navigator and Station Commander of of one senior Army officer. Parry, until last year head of the Ministryof it looks essentiallythe same as the original ingly stealthy submarines, particularly in RAF Kinloss. But both senior Royal Navy and RAF offi­ Defence's future threat assessment team. 1950s Comet, the MRA4 is 93 per cent a coastal waters where readings of variable "They have been listening to command­ cials say that other aircraft will replace "If certain states become more assertive new plane. water temperatures can be misleading ers who say they need some relief from them in Afghanistan, and submarines are at sea, or if Pakistan, for instance, col­ It is bigger and 30 per cent heavier, car­ and where acoustic signals can be operations overseas in order to rebuild a persistent and expanding problem that lapsed, we would see a significant rying 30 per cent more fuel and is 30 per obscured by surface ships, oil drilling and capability for UK tasks including protect­ aircrews are losing the skills to deal with. submarine capability, not to mention its cent more fuel efficient. At 6,000 miles it sonar decoys is a real challenge. ing the nuclear deterrent and countering According to recent information that the nuclear weapons, available to make mis­ has nearly twice the patrolling range of the any terrorist threat from the sea." Fe deration of American Scientists obtained chief in a strategically critical part of the MR2, with three times the complexity and • This article does not necessarily reflect The MRA4 will have only limited from US Naval intelligence the Chinese world. Yo u can't grow top-end anti-subma­ electronics of the B2 bomber. the views of BAE Systems. From time to equipment for overland surveillance Navy doubled the number of patrols by its rine warfare capabilities overnight." Its Searchwater radar is able to cover time Fro ntline reproduces articles by inde­ (Night Hunter) , and only nine aircraft attack submarines to a record level in 2008 Although Sir Glenn Torpy, retiring Chief a sea area almost the size of Britain from pendent journalists to offer an "outside are now being acquired for maritime - one of which bumped into an of the Air Staff, said only in 2007 that 40,000 feet. Equipped with long range view" of the Military Air Solutions business.

MRA4 makes • • Manufacture involves: ·63,000 parts Impressive

• more than 200 key suppliers fi rst flight · 1,500 major bought-out Continued from page 01 This aircraft is the fourth MRA4 to fly, items with three development aircraft providing · 1,000 mission RAF huge potential and is a credit to the ev idence for the formal Release to avionic line replaceable items the Company. " Service for the platform. The Group Captain added: "With excel­ The MRA4 has an all-glass cockpit with many ofthe systems, Steve Timms said: "We've been work­ lent weather and the entire Woodford ing very closely with the customer and displays and avionics developed for Airbus workforce out to watch PA04's take-off have just completed the test flying need­ Its advanced integrated mission system has built-in and fly-past, it was a truly a memorable ed to provide the initialclearance that will growth capabilityand flexibility sight. To one and all [ offermy thanks and allow the RAF to operate the aircraft, and congratulations." also agreed the approach to supporting The aircraft gathers, processes and displays up to 20 times more data PA04 is the first of nine production air­ the MRA4 when it enters service, so we're than the MR2 craft to be built, and one of four to be making excellent progress on all fronts." It is equipped with more than 90 sensors and delivered to RAF Kinloss before the air­ contains more than six million lines of software code craft is declared in service at the end of next year. "T HAS BEEN A MRM is able to fly 6,000 miles or 14 hours without refuelling - it can fly direct The aircraft will undergo test flights to from its home base at RAF Kinloss in Scotland to Los Angeles or Buenos Aires TREMENDOUS prove all systems are working correctly without refuelling ACHIEVEMENT BY before moving to Warton for training It can scan an area the size ofthe UK eve'l ten seconds flights involving RAF crews, de-risking the THE ENTIRE TEAM entry into service and ensuring the MRA4 ... AND SHOWS THE The length and wingspan of MRM are botft lOtlgert.llaft �Wrlght Brothers' firsUIIgtrt will be put to the best possible use when MRA4 IS ON TRACK' it reaches RAF Kinloss. Steve Timms, Managing Director, MRA4 FRONTlINESeptember 2009 09

An excellent demonstration

Customer

The latest version of the Nimrod recon­ naissance aircraft has been given a seal of approval by the Chief of Defence Materiel. General Sir Kevin O'Donoghue joined the MRA4's management team on a two ­ hour flight in aircraft PA02 from Warton, allowing him a demonstration of its mission system capability "My opportunity to fly in Nimrod MRA4 was invaluable," he said."The crew pro­ vided an excellent demonstration of the aircraft's sensors and displays throughout the sortie and left me with a clear under­ standing of the contribution that MRA4 will make to defence." Sir Kevin then saw the MRA4 produc­ tion line at BAE Systems, Woodford. After a detailed tour of a number of Nimrod aircraft in various stages of construction there followed a fruitful overview by both the company and the project team. Sir Kevin complimented all concerned in the professionalism, motivation, deter­ mination and resourcefulness being shown to drive the aircraft into service. 'MY OPPORTUNITY TO He said: "] was hugely encouraged by the sight of the aircraft only weeks away FLY IN NIMROD MRA4 from delivery and ] do not underestimate WAS INVA LUABLE ... the sheer hard work and dedication that I WAS HUGELY it must have taken over the last 12 months ENCOURAG ED BY THE to reach this position - the joint MRA4 team should be rightly proud." SIGHT OF THE AIRCRAFT ONLY WEEKS AWAY • This article first appeared in the UK MO�'s FROM DELIVERY' desider magazine General Sir Kevln O'Donoghue

Above: the RAF crew after their successful six-hour sortie First flight by RAF crew

Deliver 'WHAT I SAW TODAY Air Officer Commanding 2 Group was clear about what the MRA4 will The MRA4 has been flown for the first SAYS TO ME THAT provide to the RAF time while fully crewed by the Royal Air WE'RE. .. MAKING GOOD "What the Royal Air Fo rce needs is the Fo rce, who took full responsibility for PROGRESS TOWARDS ability to continuethe maritime patrol and operating the aircraft and mission THE FIRST DELIVERY search and rescue tasks, tasks the systems. Nimrod MR2 has carried out successfully During the six-hour sortie the aircraft OF THE AIRCRAFTTO for very many years, and we need to linked up with the Royal Navy in one of THE ROYA L AIR FORCE sustain that capability, because those their regular exercises, and also NEXT YEAR' capabilities are vital. completed handling checks as part of the Air Vice-Marshal Stephen Hillier "The MRA4 is what will give us that RAF's operational test and evaluation of capability from next year and long into the aircraft. ensure that the RAF is able to make best the future. Such tests are traditionally use of the MRA4 once the aircraft enters "What ] saw today says to me that we're completed once aircraft are formally service. very much making good progress handed over, but incorporating such On board for the flight was towards the fIrst delivery of the aircraft to Above: Air Vice-Marshal Stephen Hillier aboard the MRA4 flights into the trials programme will Air Vice-Marshal Stephen Hillier. The the Royal Air Fo rce next year. " FRONTUNE 10 September2009 TAS team ramps up air base support

Integral the work provides a chal­ lenging, stimulating and The shifting nature of rewarding environment, with defence requirements, cou­ every day different. " pled with new and more Herman said that the efficient ways of working, prime purpose of TAS was means that the shape and to provide an affordable sup­ size of Military Air Solutions port solution for the RAFand is always liable to change. a lot of work had gone Indeed planning for change, into developing ways of and coping with the measuring the output of demands it brings, is a chal­ the contract. lenge that faces us all. "It is important that both As the "footprint" ofMAS's we and the customer under­ operations at sites such as stand the balance between Wo odford, Wa rton and output and costs, so that Samlesbury flexes in one decisions can be made Above: fast mover - Warton's 1.2 metre high speed wind tunnel is the only one of its kind in the UK direction those on and about reducing costs by around the air bases we reducing performance that serve can flex in another. is not required. Effective A case in point is RAF "We have set up a mecha­ Coningsby. More than 100 nism to measure the output It's official. Things now MAS employees have taken of the service through a set move faster in MAS's The winds of change up new jobs at the base this of key performance indica­ unique 1.2 metre high­ year as work there ramps up tors that are reviewed jointly, speed wind tunnel. Why? to meet the requirements of so there is true transparency Because Warton's wind achieve tangible results_ " delighted both internal and the Typhoon Availability for the customer around tunnel team has now Brian explained: our external customers, Service eTAS) contract exactly what the outputs and upped the run-rate in the "Historically run rates in the Customer Service under which the Company is costs are." tunnel from between four the 1.2m high-speed wind Excellence programme Early 2010 will see work and five runs a day to more tunnel have always been in has helped the team to " HAVE NEVER start on the first of the than six_ the order offour orfive re-visit exactly what the Service Enhancement The secret for success in runs per day, but the team customer wants. SEEN SUCH A Packages contamed in the the only wind tunnel of its set themselves a target of Brian said: "We are look­ CLOSE WORKING contract, which will include kind in the UK has been six runs per day and have ingat ourselves to see how ENVIRONMENT supporting the stand-up of solid teamwork and the consistently been exceed­ easy we are to do business AND IT IS REALLY 'TYPhoons at RAF Leuchars. implementation of a new ingthis target after the with. We are using the "We will also be increas­ set of clear and consistent introduction of a number principles learnt from the PAYING OFF' ing our maintenance standards. of small improvements. Customer Service Herman Claesen, Head of capability and in October Operations Manager This has been facilitated by Excellence team to help us Manage Business for TAS we will get UK MOD Brian Cleator told applying lean principles, engage our customers more Maintenance Approved Frontline:"As a team we which were underpinned effectively in understanding partnering with the RAF in Organisation Scheme wanted to improve the way by a well-structured com­ their requirements." the maintenance and sup­ approval at RAF Coningsby, we worked the service we munications process." lems encountered are sta ndards have been He added: "While there is port of the aircraft . which is a requirement that provided. To do this we Teamwork, engagement unlikely to be repeated. implemented in everything still much to do we are TAS "went live" on its in­ will make us fully responsi­ were supported by the and well-structured Clear and consistent from model parts storage already finding that we are service date of 4 September, ble for the output of the Integrated Services service processes have been key sta ndards also mean any and configuration, to receiving an increased level six months after the contract hangars there. Abig respon­ system design team using to the success. Learning is problems are obvious and health and safety_" of interest from new areas, was signed. Herman sibility to take but it is an both lean and service now recorded and shared can be resolved quickly_ While the productivity as our existing customers Claesen, Head of Manage essential part of being able excellence principles to ensuring that any prob- Brian said the improved improvements have spread the word." Business for TAS, said that to provide an availability with another 150 or so service." employees needed at the Herman said there was an station within the next two important focus on improv­ years, recruitment remains a ing the supply chain and the priority. availability of spares as that Partnered approach "We had 138 BAE Systems was seen as an area with people employed at great potential for reducing Coningsby at the end of last costs. "Looking ahead we year today we have 239 and will be working to increase is paying dividends we will eventually have about the capacity of the mainte­ 450 people working here." nance line so more tracks While people were being will be introduced within Team Research benefits and the partnerships it recruited locally and several the hangar. brings with it are now had joined from the RAF, "We've also put a lot of A new integrated vehicle from collaboration enabling MAS to carry out many were also transferring attention on the review health management (lVHM) through university even more valuable fr om MAS sites. process we have set up so programme being developed research and achieve "The message we have that everything is transparent by MAS 's Supportability greater value for money in Above: as part of the collaboration at Cranfield, MAS has donated a fibre been getting is that people - the customer takes part in Research team holds the ways of spotting problems doing so. optics Interrogator to the university . Pictured here are (from left) Jim who have made that move most of our meetings, and promise of reduced down­ early - or even before they "For example," she said, Angus (Commercial Director of the IVHM Centre), Professor lan Jennions are very pleased. They find it we share problems and time for aircraft in the future arise - and also reducing "by sharing some of the (Director of the IVHM Centre), Jim McFeat (MAS R&T Supportability a very exciting environment ideas. I have never seen and is a prime example of maintenance time costs of the research we do Technical lead) and Peter Foote (Executive Scientist, ATC Sowerby) to work in. They share the such a close working envi­ BAE Systems' focus on and costs." at Cranfield we can signifi­ customer and end-user ronment and it is really through-life support. She added: ''Along with us, cantly cut costs freeing up working with the university centre and other develop­ experience, and the pace of paying off. " The IVHM programme is there are several partners further funding for additional and our partners, is to have ments, are a sign of being run through a centre of involved including Rolls­ work." the initial IVHM programme interesting times for Anne's excellence set up in Royce, Boeing, Thales, And, she explained, itis not complete by the end of 20 11. team. As she explained: November 2008 at Cranfield Meggitt, East of England all one-way traffic. "We've On legacy platforms like "Last year we updated the University which aims to Development Agency, and donated equipment that is Tornado it will replace some R&T strategy in light of the push this field of work the Engineering and Physical used on MSc courses, the maintenance and non­ change in business focus forward. Services Research Council. students get the benefit, and disruptive tests. from design and develop­ As Anne Morris, MAS's This in additionto the experts we get data back on the per­ "On unmanned aircraft ment to through-life support. Head of Supportability from the university" formance of the equipment." systems it will also help us ''As a result, supportability Research, explained, the Anne believes the centre Anne said: "Our aim, detect damage due to wind gained extra importance, work is already providing a turbulence, bird strikes and and now it's been expanded host of benefits. other factors . Because to include availability fleet "The IVHM programme 'WE WILL NOW HAVE MORE there's no pilot on these air­ management and through covers structural and system RESPONSIBILITIES AND ARE craft some of these incidents life . We 'll now have more health management for our LIKELY TO BE BUSIER THAN EVER' could be overlooked." responsibilities and are like­ Above: the new BAE Systems Ty phoon maintenancefacility at RAF Coningsby aircraft, helping us to find Anne Morris, Head of Supportability Research The IVHM, the Cranfield ly to be busier than ever. " FRONlUNESeptember2009 11 Innovation spurs on F-35

Samlesbury capabilities boosted by new buildings and technology while US displays the future of air power

Integr al important building that will significantly enhance our The new F-35 Lightning IT manufacturing capability. machine shop at Samlesbury BAE Systems Investment is taking shape fast: not only and Infrastruc-ture Services has it moved to the latest has worked in partnership phase in its development after with the machine tool the last bolt was fitted in a supplier Starragheckert of golden bolt ceremony; but a Switzerland to design a new new innovative machine that machine which will manu­ willbe installed in the building facture long thin titanium has been developed. spars for F-35 tails. Over the last ten weeks This innovative five-axis steelwork has been manoeu­ machine tool costs about vred into place on the 9,000 £5.5m and has taken three square-metre machine shop. years to develop the concept The ceremonial golden bolt, and the design. fitted on 12 August. brings to It will use two machine a close the current phase of heads to produce two com­ the build. ponents simultaneously, Coos Addison, a project effectively halving the item director on F-35, said: "It production period. was great to be part of the Martin Knot!, Senior ceremony to fit the final bolt Facilities Engineer, said the into the structure of such an design challenges were sig­ nificant but in July the concept was successfully proved with "T WAS GREAT the build of a single-spindle TO BE PA RT OF test head. Based on this, the team THE CEREMONY placed an order for the first TO FIT THE FINAL machine tool, which will be BOLT INTO THE available for production in STRUCTURE OF September 201 1. The F-35 Lightning II SUCH AN machining facility is essen­ The first F-35 Lightning 11 CV during the summer at series of ground tests the third one in the F-35 IMPORTANT tial in moving from low rate First carrier (carrier variant) airframe Lockheed Martin's Fort before taking its first flight Lightning 11 trilogy. BUILDING' initial production to the full variant for has been presented to the Worth plant in Texas. towards the end of the BAE Systems continues Chrls Addlson, project director on rate production of one air­ US Navy. Over the coming months year. This was the public with its production of all the F-35 programme craft a day by 2016. US Navy The ceremony took place the airframe will undergo a debut of the carrier variant, three variants. Nothing but the Defense Secretary best for MEST visits Fort Worth Deliver "GT" Tomlinson, pictured The latest buildingto be focus to date has been on left, who explained the given the seal of approval enabling Samlesbury site The US Secretary of helmet-mounted display at Samlesbury is the new with an improved road Defense, Dr Robert Gates, system to the Defense Materials Engineering infrastructure, a new site visited Lockheed Martin's Secretary. Support Test (MEST) facility. entrance and an attractive final assembly operation for At a news conference Costing approximately reception building. the F-35 Lightning 11 at Fort after his tour of the factory, £1.gm, construction work "Having moved a Worth, Texas, on 31 August, Dr Gates said: "We cannot started in October 2008 significant element of the conveying optimism for the afford as a nation not to and was completed ahead Warton population to programme's future and have this airplane. of schedule and on budget Samlesbury, the two new emphasising the F-35's "I was very impressed by in July. office buildings are also importanceto global security. what I saw this morning ­ The facilities include now fully occupied. Dr Gates walked along by the investments that seven laboratories and "The MEST building is the portions of the mile-long have been made in the office space for 50 engi­ first of a number of industri­ factory floor, where he production line, the neers. Investment in new al facilities we are investing stopped to speak with robotics and automation. technology includes a high­ in and reinforces our trans­ F-35 workers, and saw all "I'm heartened by what powered microscope formation goal, which is to three variants of the aircraft I've seen ... but especially costing £250,000. establish Samlesbury as in different stages of by the commitment Dave Holmes, Director of the hub of MAS airframe assembly. of the people involved in Investment and Infrastruc­ engineering and manufac­ He also met BAE Systems putting this airplane ture Services, said: "Our turing activities." F-35 test pilot Graham together." Working together to enhance flight safety

Team Steve Frost, Maintenance 'SUCCESS nance across the UK to work "Success depends on peo­ Function Safety Manager, together using a single ple being prepared to DEPENDS ON Developing a safety man­ MAS , leads the business's safety management system highlight potential issues, agement culture that can be efforts to create a safety PEOPLE BEING enabling us all to maximise and no matter what process adopted by every individual system that everyone PREPARED our learning from our or systems we put in place, who is working on aircraft can use to meet the require­ TO HIGHLIGHT experiences. " the key is culture. maintenance is a huge task ments of the MOD regulator Keyto this is establishing a "People have to feel com­ ... but one that's vital to and continually improve our POTENTIAL truly effective safety culture. fortable and confident ensure the safety of aircraft safety culture. ISSUES' Steve continued: "We need a enough to report any issue." and everyone involved To help tackle this issue, Steve Frost, Maintenance culture where people feel In recognition of the Function Safety Manager with it. MAS is developing a Safety able to report any issue or progress that has been The increasing number of Management System (SMS). error they see which made, SMS has been through-life partnerships The first major step on safety issue, which will then could affect the safety of the rewarded with a established with military and this journey was the estab­ be thoroughly investigated product." BAE Systems Chairman'S sub·contractors and the lishment of an MAS Error and improvements suggest­ Through-life partnerships, BAE Systems, RAF andRoyal different cultures are now Award for the implementa­ development of export activ­ Management System ed and implemented. already established on plat­ Navy, and sub-contractors coming together and the tion of the process at ities has sharpened the (MEMS). Steve said: "Our ultimate forms such as Harrier, working shoulder to shoulder common theme we have is RAF Va lley in partnership focus on aircraft mainte­ This enables individuals aim is for all of the partners Tornado and Typhoon, bring on maintenance tasks. that all of us want the aircraft with Babcock Defence nance safety at MAS . to report a potential aircraft involved in aircraft mainte- a mix of cultures, with Steve said: ':All of these to take offand land safely. Services. 12September FRONTll2009 NE

HERTI has support for • life built In at the start

Flexible and contracts alreadydeveloped by MAS for the Tornado, scalable model Harrier and Typhoon pro­ planned for UAS grammes. And they have been talking to other land Tru sted to deliver and sea support teams in BAE Systems as well as Military Air Solutions is industry teams in the non­ developing a through-life military world. Above: because it is a new type of aircraft, HERTI customers will rely on BAE Systems people to advise them on how to achieve their desired outputs support mechanism for Wayne added: "We've unmanned aircraft systems visited different organisa­ (UAS) - even before they go tions and examined their into commercial production. support models to build up ASTRAEA programme Wayne Scholz, Support our understanding of world­ Services Director for 'WE ARE TA KING class practice and autonomous systems, is in OUR PEOPLE'S considered how we can use charge of developing a ENTHUSIASM that in our programmes. through-life support model ''I'm particularly grateful demonstrates promise for products, such as HERTI. AND VITALITY for all the help and advice ­ Wayne told Fr on lline : AND USING IT and openness - my team Integral ment system was also "MAS is a 'can do' organisa­ TO CREATE has had from the other installed and run on the tion full of people with great BAE Systems businesses ASTRAEA, the £32m, three­ HERTI OC IA vehicle during ideas and the ability to fol­ A FLEXIBLE who've helped us to under­ year research programme set taxi trials at Walney Island in low them through to the SUPPORT stand their business models up to take the next steps in Cumbria. concept stage and beyond. PACKAG E FOR and support cultures. showing how unmanned And the most recent "Now we are taking that THESE EXCITING "We are looking for a UAS aircraft canuse the UK's com­ success was the design and enthusiasm and vitality and support model that's flexible mercial airspace, has now assembly of UAS wings using it to create a flexible NEW SYSTEMS' and scalable to meet the concluded its first phase. using a novel carbon fibre Wayne Scholz, support package for these needs of different cus­ The ASTRAEA manufacturing process Support Services Director exciting new systems. tomers, whether they want to (Auto-nomous Systems whose aim is to be more "We have been given the buy or lease and whether Technology-Related Airborne affordable. opportunity to do some­ Customers ask us 'How they need a small or large Evaluation and Assessment) Programme Manager thing few people have done does it work?' and we have number of systems from us. programme investigated Steve Whymark told before. In the past, military to be able to offer them the "We are a small team at the key technology and f}-ontline: "We had signifi­ customers who purchased support they need. the moment, but we will regulatory issues surround­ cant involvement on this a Typ hoon or a Hawk "They understand the grow steadily and develop ing the routine use of wing programme from col­ had already owned other capability they want, but the ability to fully discharge such aircraft. Above: a new way of manufacturing carbon fibre wings during static tests leagues across the business. aircraft , so they had a they will rely on our assis­ through-life capability and The MAS Research & The task was led by Brough preconception of how the tance to specify how they support services for all of Technology team, based at systems developed by the integration test facility to sup­ and the manufacturing by new machine worked and will achieve that output." our customers. Warton, led BAE Systems' programme partners - port the rapid prototyping, Samlesbury, and the work was supported. Wayne and his team have "We still have a lot to do, involvement in the ASTRAEA including BAE Systems, development and testing of was commended at the 2009 "With the UAS , there 's no learned plenty of lessons but we will be ready for our programme, and completed EADS, Cobham, QinetiQ, different UAS. The intercon­ lET North West Engineering baggage to bring along. from the through-life first support contracts." a number of significant Rolls-Royce and Thales - nected rigs - including fuel, Innovation Awards." demonstrations. and illustrated how electrical and propulsion He added: "Work has 'WITH THE UAS, THERE'S NO BAGGAGE TO BRING Among its successes was unmanned aircraft systems systems - can be used to already started on a follow-on ALONG. CUSTOMERS ASK US 'HOW DOES IT WORK?' a joint integrated synthetic (UAS) could be operated test different setups of UAS programme that willmature a environment demonstration safely in UK airspace components either inde­ selection of these systems AND WE HAVE TO BE ABLE TO OFFER THEM THE at Parc Aberporth in Wales, Another BAE Systems pendently or as an further through a range of SUPPORT THEY NEED' that brought together a innovation was the develop­ integrated system. development and demonstra­ Wayne Scholz range of technologies and ment of a vehicle systems A vehicle health manage- tion programmes."

Progress showcased at two MOD events

Showcase and allowed the industry partnering UAS Project Team to arrangement and the A team from MAS recently demonstrate the tangible template for future showcased BAE Systems' progress in exploiting next­ collaborative ventures. unmanned aircraft generation capability. The partnering ethos and systems (UAS) capability The MAS team is rapid prototyping achieve­ at two UK MOD events currently worki ng on ments across all of the alongside Thales, a number of concept UAS platforms generated Lockheed Martin and demonstrator programmes a lot of interest from QinetiQ. such as Mantis and Ta ranis. members of MOD The events were Steve Cobb, Head of proj ects as diverse as designed to increase Business Integration within submarines and artillery the awareness and AS&FC, explained: "These systems. understanding ofthe events provided MAS with "There were lots of developments in UAS an ideal opportunity to questions about project capability among MOD explain how we are making progress as well as our employees. Held at Abbey partnerships work in our use of system intelligence Wood and Whitehall, the UAS programmes. to improve military events were attended by "Team Ta ra nis is seen capability and reduce Above: MOD personnel asked a lot of questions about the progress of the UASprogra mme at events held at Abbey Wood and Whitehall senior MOD personnel as an exemplar MOD and through-life costs." FROSeptemberN11. 2009INE 13 Expert training course is a hit across business

Tailored content delivers best practice in a day

Real advantage

A proj ect management awareness course that is proving popular across BAE Systems businesses is not just a great example of sharing best practice and delivering expert training, but an effective way of reducing costs, too. Alan Jackson is the MAS Proj ect Management Processes Manager. He explained: "We're about to head off toEurofighter GmbH in Munich and Platform Solutions in Rochester to deliver the one-day course. Above: the course has become global, with sessions held in Saudi Arabia as well as interest from Australia "That follows a trip to Saudi Arabia, and attendance at our 'WHEREVER is downto several factors, not course process, but he has Wa rton sessions by represen­ least its focus on specialist also received detailed com­ tatives from Detica, the data POSSIBLE, input. Wherever possible, ments from people who have security firm BAE Systems EXPERTS FROM experts from the business attended. acquired last year. We 've also THE BUSINESS come and deliver their own Alistair Hudson is a senior manager in the Law had interest in the course COME AND modules." from BA!:: Systems AustralIa. There are other advan­ Enforcement Busmess Unit at "In fact, we have a fulldiary DELIVER THEIR tages, too. "The fact that Detica. He took part in a ses­ for 2009 including RAFbases, OWN MODULES' people from Detica came sion in May and was suitably such is the popularity of the Alan Jackson, MAS Project along to Wa rton - and more impressed. course." Management Processes are due in the future - has "The aim was to see what Manager The course began life several benefits. They get to BAE Systems had in place Above: the course's content, delivery and presenters have earned high praise in feedback from participants about four years ago as a ered that MASwould provide know how we operate, so it for project management cost-effective, low-level intro­ the materials free of charge helps make the integration of training and findout if it was and the presenters were company is the ability to iden­ see them starting to take up duction to BAE Systems so that they could deliver it our new partner smoother, suitable fo r our junior-level excellent - professional and tify and share best practice our offering." project management locally themselves. more effective and quicker. " consultants. engaging. We 've now added across the organisation. principles for non-project ''As a result, my colleague Alan gets documented "I thought it was content the course to our training cur­ "Over time, we have collat­ Ifyou're interested in the course managers and new people Don Hazeldine, the Project feedback as part of the rich, made great use of time riculum. ed a wealth of subject matter go to Peopleportal, (course 2524), joining the Company in Management Learning "This is the way forward for expertise to produce the where you can find out more. The project management roles. and Development Manager, consultants who are looking Project Management sharing of best practice within Before long, the reputation and I have been to Saudi 'THIS IS THE WAY FORWARD FOR to run their first project." Awareness training module project management is a prime of the course grew among Arabia to present four ses­ CONSULTA NTS WHO ARE LOOKING Ken Groves , Head of we have today. We knew that example of how we can deliver other BAE Systems business­ sions to CS&S International," TO RUN THEIR FIRST PROJECT' Project Management other BAE Systems business­ a culture of total performance. es, and their interest said Alan. Allstalr Hudson, Senior Manager In the FUnction, added: "One of the es could gain benefit from it Read more on this in issue 4 increased when they discov- "The success of the course Law Enforcement Business Unit at Detlca characteristics of an excellent as we do, and it's gratifyingto of BAE Systems News

Performance Review shows Another honour improvements for MAS for winner Keith

Trusted 2008 and 2009, MAS pro­ phone enquiry is dealt with, Keith Thomason, winner grammes improved their how well we turn good ideas of the 2008 Bee Beaumont MASprogrammes have post­ scores by an average of 11 into effective solutions, and Engineering Award, will be ed improvements in the per cent - almost double the how hard we try to explain presented with the Royal armual Performance Review industry average. "Our high­ why something has gone Aeronautical Society's conducted by Defence est scoring programme wrong. Allof these things can Yo ung Persons' Achieve­ Equipment & Support achieved a score of 8.2, the be and have been comment­ ment Commendation at the (DE&S), with an average same as the overall highest ed upon during past CEAS 2009 Conference for increase in their ratings of scoring key supplier, while Performance Review assess­ Yo ung Professionals in nearly double the industry one of our programmes ments, he said. Manchester in October. average. registered a 31 per cent "What is being assessed is This latest honour came The review is a percep­ improvement, year-on-year. " the opinion our customer has as Keith this month told tion-based assessment in This year's overall MAS fo rmed about us over the Frontline: "The nomination which DE&S - MAS 's score was bang on the whole year. No-one is exempt process fo r BAE Systems' biggest UK customer - runs review average, at 7.1. Drew from, immune to or excluded Air Sector Engineering the ruler over its key said that while it was a good from the activities that shape Awards 2009 is now suppliers. This year 15 MAS score in isolation, a lot more the outcome of Performance open, an event which programmes were assessed needed to be done for MAS Review. Yo u can, and you do, recognises outstanding as part of the overall to keep improving its rating. make a difference. achievement. BAE Systems review. "If a customer is looking to "The next assessment "I was thrilled to win my During the review, 11 place a contract, are they phase, Performance Review award last year. It would be characteristics, such as likely to look at the 'average' 2010, will take place next great to see new successes Above: Bee Beaumont winner responsiveness and manage­ companies? I suspect not. January and Fe bruary - what being recognised this year." Keith Thomason ment of suppliers, are The customer's perception you do today might affect "I didn't set out to win assessed and awarded a of our performance really our score." any awards, I just did my "I would say, don't be score from zero to ten. matters." job to the best of my ability afraid to think imaginatively Drew Steel, MAS Drew said simple things For more information, contact and was willing to stick my to overcome problems and Performance Review could make a signifi cant Drew Steel at Warton 55547 or Above: because the Performance Review is based on the customer's neck out for what I use your hard won knowl­ Manager, said that, between difference, like how a tele- [email protected] opinion, all activities make a difference believed to be right. edge and experience." ...."'4 September2009 FRONTUNE

News in brief> How texts 69% of lost time accidents are caused by slips and trips. carry an Don't let yourself important me a statistic . Top ten tips: - Tr ip hazards - spotit- report it - makeit safe! - Clean up spills immediately - Keepyour area tidy Above: BAE Systems RAF Conlngsby played host to a visit by a message - Tidy awaytr ailing cablesand airlines group from the International Aerospace Summer School (lASS), - Bevigilant - beaware ofpotential hazards who got to see Typ hoon up close. As part of their visit, the 11 - Wear appropriate, sensiblefoo twear teachers and 29 students, from Austria, Germany, Greece, India, - Don't use mobile phones whilst walking Italy, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey and the UK, were also given a tour of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. The lASS on safety - Don't allowyourself to bedis tracted byothers course has been supported by the Eurofighter consortium of - Don't take shortcuts - stick to the walkways BAE Systems, Italy's Alenia Aeronautica, EADS Germany and Effective Don't fall down - Always usethe handrail on stairs Spain's EADS CASA since 2006. It sees the students taking part in a week of aerospace-related activities at Cranfield University. More than 69 per cent of on the job - pay Course director John Farley, an ex-BAE Systems chief test pilot for accidents are caused by a attention to the the Harrier progra mme, said: 'We are aiming to motivate and slip or trip across MAS . This educate the students by giving them hand!Klnexperience of was the message highlight­ new poster aircraft. They are tomorrow's aerospace engineers and designers." ed in a recent poster campaign campaign across the business. Although this has gone many people still do. Raising the bar for some way to highlight the Another potential cause of issues associated with slips accidents is inappropriate software research and trips in our business, footwear. there's still much more we "We have to remember can all do to improve things, that we are working in an The UK MOD-funded industry partners. according to Danny industrial environment and Software Systems "We've introduced a Martiand, Head of Safety, wearing appropriate Engineering Initiative (SSEI) project health check that Health and Environment. footwear should be a com­ consortium has been will review MOD projects, "In many ways this is a cul­ monsense decision. awarded a £3.5m contract identifyrisk areas and tural thing," explained "It's often these simple extension to fund addition­ provide advice on how Danny. "Put simply, we don't things that are the causes of al research activity. the delivery teams can believe it will happen to us accidents and I firmly BAE SYSTEMS The project, which is address those risks." and we tend to ignore some believe that we can all chal­ MIUTARYAIR SOLUTIONS managed by Military Air She added: "The MOD of the main causes of these lenge and improve the way Solutions for the MOD, wanted support and types of accidents. we do things ourselves a bit Above: the latest poster inthe slips and trips campaign aims to raise awareness of the impact of accidents was set up in 2008 to reassurance that the "Spills are a prime exam­ more. determine how both new information presented ple and you will often find "The ongoing slips and engage people and we will demonstrates that people and existing software to them by outside that a spilled drink or other trips campaign provides be providing give-aways at are starting to think much systems can be optl­ consultants is technically liquid is ignored when we all some simple safety tips and the road shows in order to more about improving the mised fo r maximum accurate and appropri­ know the responsible thing these will be reinforced spread the message," said safety for everyone's benefit. efficiency, flexibility and ate, especially where they I to do is to wipe it up. through a series of road Danny. "I would like to encourage value for money. don't have such skills "Using mobile phones and shows which will be running "People often forget about people to keep the improve­ The growth in complexi­ within their own teams. texting while walking dis­ at MAS sites between now the human impact of these ment ideas coming," said ty of software means that "We are helpingto tracts people and has led to and the end of the year. types of accidents, which Danny. today, between 80 and raise the barfor software accidents, yet it's something "The campaign sets out to can affect your quality of life "Most accidents that take 90 per cent ofthe func­ development and not just at work, but at home place in the business could tionality of aircraft such acquisition and making as well." probably have been prevent­ as Typhoon and the F-35 sure the MOD is getting 'USING MOBILE PHONES AND One very positive aspect ed by a safety kaizen, so Lightning 11 is enabled by consistent advice. TEXTING WHILE WALKING of the safety exemplar story within the thousands of software. "We are also organising is the number of safety improvements made already DISTRACTS PEOPLE AND HAS LED SSEI Programme a conference at the kaizens or improvements we have probably prevented Manager Jane Fenn, who MOD in Abbey Wood in I TO ACCIDENTS, YET IT'S SOMETHING ideas that have been submit­ a number of accidents and is based at Brough, said: November that will attract MANY PEOPLE STI LL DO' ted. Nearly 10,000 have now that's a really positive "With the MOD, we have 250 delegates from Danny Martland, Head of Safety, Health and Environment been completed and this message." already selected 11 among MOD integrated research tasks and project teams/delivery awarded eight contracts teams, core partners to our university and and associates." We have the power to save energy April, are very popular Go green with those who use them, something about it. If they tell the buses are still far Success pays off us where we can save heat - and travel from full - and the free in EU emissions for example heating process travel promotion aims to baths when they're not need­ for free boost interest in the trading dividends ed - we can take action. scheme which could save "If every one of MAS 's MAS is offering employ­ many employees hun­ Effective employees got involved in ees using its new dreds of pounds in saving energy we could company bus services motoring costs and help Between them, our sites at shave 10 per cent - £lm - off into its Samlesbury site the environment. Wa rton and Samlesbury con­ our annual energy bill." a limited period of free So between 5 and sume enough power to heat The next phase of EUETS travel in October so they 16 October inclusive, and light a small town. willsee emissions fromcivil ­ ca n boost thei r green employees who leave With 15,500 employees in a but not military - aircraft credentials without their cars at home will be range of different jobs, included from January 2012, I MAS dentingtheir wallets. able to travel free. Even is constantly on the lookout for bringing a further challenge The Company is com­ when "normal" service ways to save on gas, electric­ Above: managing energy consumption and carbon emissions is a key business issue to BAE Systems in mitigating mitted to promoting resumes and fares have ity and water consumption. its costs. alternative forms of travel to be paid, the charges Not only does it save the "We monitor and report on Ky oto Protocol on greenhouse complain when buildings are Stuart said: "OurCorporate and has been operating will remain modest - and Company money - it helps to all of our utilities related CO2 gas reduction - face a fine of not warm enough but often Air Travel service will be three bus routes into the highly competitive with build up valuable energy emissions - mainly from gas 100 Euros per tonne for emis­ don't report it when a build­ included, and we are already Samlesbury site in line other more conventional allowances, currently worth usage - from about 50 differ­ sions that their allowances ing's too warm. If colleagues preparing for it by asking CAT with its pledge to pro­ forms of commuting. some £ 180,000 a year, that we ent gas meters. At the end of don't cover. tell us when we are using heat to capture and record their mote green travel where Andrew Lamb, can trade to other companies the year they are independ­ Stuart is a pioneer in envi­ unnecessarily we can do emissions data from now on." possible. The measure is Investment and under the European Union's ently verified and declared to ronmental engineering, one of many being taken Infrastructure Services Emissions Trading Scheme the Environment Agency, having gained his degree in after consultation with Manager, said: "This is an (EUETS) . whereupon we are allowed to 1998, well before the subject Eco Day message for schoolchildren the local planning author­ opportunity not to be Stuart Barker, Estates trade our allowances." came to the fore. Engineers from MAS visited a local school to tell children ities to make Samlesbury missed, try it - you may Sustainability and SHE Making savings in con­ A member of the Chartered about BAE Systems' efforts to save energy and help the one of the greenest­ get to like it." Manager, said: "Inthe last six sumption pays real dividends Institute of Wa ter and environment. They were among several speakers taking thinking sites in the years, we have reduced our for MAS . Sites that do not Environmental Management, part in an Eco Day at Balshaws High School in Leyland. The Company portfiolio. For further Information on the gas consumption by a third have enough allowances - he has seen energy and sus­ invitation came via the South Ribble Community Partner­ While the services, the scheme go to the MAS intranet and we will continue along agreed in advance with the tainability climb up the ship. Stuart Barker said: "I think the exercise helped to first of which began in A-Z and look under 'r for travel that path to reduce the UK Government as part of the agenda at BAE Systems. open children's minds to what's happening in the real amount that we use. country's commitment to the Stuart said: "People rightly world around them." FRONTU September 2009NE 15

Spotlight on apprentices> Yo u're hired! Skills learning on an Gary joins international stage competition German exchange programme helps judging panel to give apprentices global outlook

Real advantage global outlook and training in Effective technical innovation that is With fewer places available cutting edge." It was a case of "appren­ at university for students and This year's activities got off tice-turned-Sir-Alan" for the offer of a chance to earn to a flying start with the arrival Gary Stephenson this year. as you learn, apprenticeship in the UK of a group of craft, The Brough-based MAS schemes have never looked technical and business quality engineer followed more appealing and for one apprentices from Germany. up his winning part in group of lucky MAS appren­ After a tour of Warton and last year's Apprentice tices the chance to add an Samlesbury, the students Innovation Challenge by international dimension to moved on to participate in becoming a judge in this their training is just one placements within a number year's event. This is a first. more bonus. of business areas including His chance came about The group recently partici­ Typhoon production and after a conversation pated in the annual final assembly, Tornado with Charity Challenge Apprentice Exchange design, fabrications and Campaign Associate James scheme sponsored by the electrics. Hayward who suggested a British Council and run by While working in these dif­ winner from the current BAE Systems in partnership ferent areas the students year should be nominated Above: Gary Stephenson with Rolls-Royce, UK, EADS were able to compare manu­ on the judging panel of the (European Aeronautic facturing techniques used following year. judge next time. I got a lot Defence and Space back in their own business, Gary said: "There were out of it and I think the identifybenchmark practices two judging days where the Challenge benefited, too." 'THE EXCHANGE and understand the cultural nine teams involved made The annual Apprentice differences in a workplace presentations," he added. Innovation Challenge is HAS DEFINITELY environment. "I know lots of people held in association with the BEEN THE BEST A schedule of social events involved in these sort of UK's partner charity. OPPORTUNITY I included visits to the National things say they had a really Apprentice teams from hard time making a deci­ HAVE GRASPED Fo otball Museum in Preston across the UK business and the Science and Industry sion, but it's really true. were given mechanical and IN MY CAREER Museum in Manchester. "It was great to take part. electrical challenges based SO FA R' The three-week visit culmi­ I got a different perspective on real situations faced by MAS apprentice Jonathan nated in presentations about on all sorts of subjects this year's partner charity, Edmondson their thoughts on the whole and it increased the value Sue Ryder Care. exchange experience. of my learning from last For the mechanical chal­ Company) and MTU Aero Jonathan Edmondson, year. I got new experiences, lenge, the teams had to Engines of Germany. MAS apprentice, said: "The too. On fi nals day, because design and build a device Celebrating its tenth anniver­ exchange has definitelybeen I was the first apprentice to help nurses evacuate sary, the scheme is designed the best opportunity I have who'd moved on to be a people with limited mobili­ to promote British-German grasped in my career so far, judge, I was asked to give a ty in an emergency. co-operation in the field of not only for my education short speech." The electrical challenge work-based training. and picking up best practice Gary said: "I hope this was to create opportunities Katie Epstein, Director of but also forming new friend­ aspect of the Challenge is for people with severe Technical and Vo cational ships and experiencing retained and one of this physical restrictions to Education at the British another way of life." year's winners can be a enjoy and take part in Council, said: "BAE Systems Janine Muller, MTU music therapy: and its partners are to be apprentice, said: "Because At the award ceremony at "T WAS A GREAT congratulated for developing of the exchange I have Above: MAS apprentice David Sharples (right) and his German partner from EADS, Danny Plotz, at Warton Duxford Imperial War this programme over the last learned more about the TO TA KE PART. I Museum, a special com­ ten years . Britishand the Bavarians, but the Preston Training supplier base bringing both sets of apprentices to GOT A DIFFERENT mendation was presented "The programme aims to also more about me. Centre, Dave Brooks and Rolls-Royce in as a fourth develop both language and PERSPECTIVE ON to the MAS team from develop cultural and industri­ "I have met some new John Connor, have seen the partner, giving two of their key skills." Warton, which produced a al relations between the two friends and overcome the scheme go from strength to apprentices the chance to In August, after 60 hours of ALL SORTS OF device that has the ability to countries and for young language barrier with a lot of strength over the years and be involved. It's great to German language training, SUBJECTS AND enable a patient with dis­ people to realise their full jokes and dictionaries. I think said: "This exchange see the apprentices grow the BAE Systems apprentices IT INCREASED abilities to be easily potential through the skills the work and leisure experi­ scheme is considered a in confidence both in a embarked on a reciprocal THE VA LUE OF MY transferred from a bed to a they learn on the internation­ ence are an enrichment of model of best practice and workplace environment visit to the EADS and MTU chair and evacuated from al exchanges. our life." this year for the first time and socially. sites in Manching and LEARNING FROM the building using tank­ "These skills give them a Xchanging Instructors at we've expanded into the "It's also a chance for Munich respectively: LAST YEAR' style tracks.

First graduates from unique scheme

Effective made up the first intake in support the business with an honours level responsibility at work. 2004. They have just offers that makes a differ­ degree and have been Compared with others A unique BAE Systems Ael returned from nine months ence as far as Luke is welcomed back into the joining BAE Systems with­ apprenticeship scheme is at university to add their concerned_ business." out industry experience, celebrating success as its new skills and expertise to He said: "A lot of our Graham highlighted the they can handle more first-ever graduates have the business_ Jason said: friends from university are advantages of combining complex tasks_ What's emerged from "The scheme gives you a having real difficulty get­ work and university_ "We've more, they have the Bournemouth University good start in your career. ting a job in the current been a ble to tra nsfer a 11 the chance to integrate more with full honours degrees. The Company has been climate. But we've left skills we learn here to our quickly, and pick up and The scheme is the only very good to us and taught school,joined the appren­ course at university. apply knowledge at a computer software devel­ us some key skills_" ticeship scheme, enjoyed "And, if we have any faster rate_ opment apprenticeship in It is that security and work experience, come out questions or problems we Reports from the busi­ the cou ntry that gives can go directly to our col­ ness indicate that successful candidates the leagues in BAE Systems_ successful careers lie chance to finish with a 'WE JOINED THE APPRENTICESHIP Others at university don't ahead for all three. degree of this type. SCHEME, CAME OUT WITH AN have that type of back-up." It seems they're the Jason House, Luke HONOURS LEVEL DEGREE AND Jason, Luke and Graham first of a regular flow of top Ferguson, and Graham believe the business bene­ class people to come from Law are the talented HAVE BEEN WELCOMED BACK fits too. Their experience this groundbreaking Above: (left to right) Jason House, Luke Ferguson and Graham Law apprentice graduates who INTO THE BUSINESS' allows them to take more scheme. 16 SeptemberFRONTlINE2009

RAF technicians see behind the scenes

Team 3 (F) Squadron the impact they have on front-line operations. For the first time since enj oys 'valuable' "Having a connection forming a Ty phoon visit to Warton with the pilots and ground Squadron in 2006 at RAF crew who operate and ConingsbY, 3(Fighter) support the jets when Squadron technicians of the Ty phoon project as a we've delivered them to recently visited Warton. whole. From production to RAF Coningsby can only It was a chance for modification, we were help improve the quality the squadron to see the shown many aspects of of service we deliver." activities that are under­ the BAE Systems Warton Personnel 3(F) Squadron taken on their aircraft, Ty phoon facilities includ­ operate the aircraft on a give them an understa nd­ ing manpower and daily basis, including ing of the constraints the management. support to the Quick Ty phoon maintenance "As an air maintenance Reaction Alert activities team works within, and to mechanic on Ty phoon on at RAF Coningsby. help to build even closer 3(F) Squadron, I thought Wing Commander working relationships. the visit was very va luable Jez Milne, Officer Small groups of as it gave me a better Commanding 3(F) Sqn, personnel from the understanding of the said: "The traditional Ty phoon maintenance aircraft I work on." customer-supplier relation­ team in Warton's 5 The squadron's visit also ship between the RAF and Hangar known as Ty phoon included a tour of the BAE Systems is often under­ Maintenance Unit (TMU) Typhoon Final Assembly mined by rumours and West are regularly sent to Facility where they wit­ exaggerated anecdotes. RAF Coningsby to do just nessed the Tra nche 2 "Visits such as this the same thing. aircraft at various stages promote real mutual Senior Aircraftsman of assembly. understanding and "Spense" Spenser sa id of Anthony Eccles, TMU meaningfu l communica­ the visit: "I thought it was West Operations Manager, tion that is genuinely very useful as it allowed sa id: "These visits re mind helpful in achieving our Above: members of 3 Squadron take a look at Ty phoon going through the R2 upgrade programme me to get a good overview the team here at Warton of shared goals." Chairman's Awards going from strengthto strength

The BAE Systems Chairman's Awards are going from strength to strength and this year Military Air Solutions has submitted a record number of nominations. The awards, which now include an assessment of corporate responsibil· ity, give everyone a chance to be recognised, and help capture the very best ideas in the business. In this issue of Frontline we take a look at three Bronze·winning nominations - one from each of the categories of Innovation, Transferring Above: the Chadderton team that made it all happen - from left, Sue Best Practice and Enhancing Customer Performance. Dawson, Hazel McGregor, Jayne Fisher, and Steve Kilroy. The fifth member of the team was Louise Laughton

Company made in the new Life in the road system was match· 'One Oldham' fu nded by the North West fast lane Development Agency. Nigel Aspin, nominator of Transferring Best Practice With managemnet help this Bron2e award winner, from the BAE Systems team, Enhancing Customer explained how consultants The inaugural One Oldham the steering group, working Performance were brought in for the Business Awards were a glit· alongside the Oldham busi· project. "One looked at Above: the new face of Samlesbury - the reception building tering success in April with ness community, was able to When the F·35 Lightning II archaeological and ecologi· the help of a small team from start planning the event. programme came to cal issues as well as the our Chadderton site. About 10,000 businesses Samlesbury, it was clear it overall site infrastructure plan The awards were the were approached and spon· was going to have a massive which supported the manu· brainchild of the Oldham sorship for this first event impact on the site and on the facturing and office facilities. Doing the maths Evening Ch ronicle's Martyn totalled £35,000. surrounding roadways. The "'!Wo of the many chal· Torr. He saw the need to After months of planning programme put in place to lenges we faced involved recognise the skills and and hundreds of hours of plan for and deal with that the relocation of the great Innovation 'NOW WE CAN own "in-house" softwa re innovation of Oldham busi· personal time put in by the impact is a real success story. crested newt and appropri­ product and importing nesses but needed support team, the awards evening In 2005, a masterplan was ate recording of significant Maths is like Marmite - DO IN THREE tested algorithms, to launch the project. took place at the Queen drawn up to take Samlesbury archaeological finds ." you either love it or you MONTHS WHAT they have successfully Enter Steve Kilroy; MAS's Elizabeth Hall in Oldham. into the future. It was clear the Nigel said: "In creating hate it. Just as well then USED TO TA KE reduced costs by 75 per Chadderton Site Manager, Five hundred key stake· F-35 programme would have and building the new site that two Bronze award- A YEAR' cent, development and Louise Laughton, holders attended, including an effect on both the manu· facilities we've really sup· winning F-35 Lightning time by 60 per cent, and Chairman's Awards North We st business leaders, 11 Mlchelle Wolfenden fa cturing and office facilities ported our green agenda. teams working at sustainment costs by Campaign Manager. Both felt councillors, MPs and the looking towards 2017·2020. "We've considered envi­ Samlesbury love it - it's 45 percent. their experience gained from Asian business community The end result needed to be ronmental issues, equipped what their everyday job health, a series of mathe- Fort Worth-based working for BAE Systems and The event was a huge something special. ourselves with renewable is all about. matical calculations, or Michelle Wolfenden, part involvement in the Chairman's success. The plan included new energy, and sustainable Prognostic Health "algorithms", are created of the Off-Board team, Awa rds scheme could help "This was an amazing office and reception build­ technology, and we've Management (PHM) is by the Structures team. nominated the idea for a the project. opportunity for us to give ings, a new site entrance, solved an important traffic used to test aircraft life This can involve up to Bronze award. At a meeting with the something back to the local and significantroad changes. impact issue. I think all the and how it degrades 2,000 lines of 'code' She said: "When the Chronicle , they looked at community, " said Steve. "It's Before submitting the teams involved should have overtime. per element of the job. teams formed this idea, it what they could offer using important that we encourage plans in 2007, computer sim· a real sense of pride in what Within MAS two teams The Off-Board team was considered too si m- the Chairman's Awards and support other local ulation was used for traffic they 've delivered. " drive this facility: the then work these calcula- pie to be a solution to process as a benchmark. businesses to succeed and, analysis and when, in April The facilitieswere opened Structures PHM (SPHM) tions into multiple lines of what was a complex With a small team from as individuals we certainly 2008, outline approval was in March 2009. Vi sit engineers and the Off- code before putting them problem. But they made it Chadderton, Steve and found the experience given, it was subject to a Samlesbury, or just drive Board PHM (OBPHM) into the Autonomic work. Now we can do in Louise provided a wealth of rewarding. " number of conditions, past, and you can see the engineers. Logistics Information three months what used expertise. And, on the back He added: "We couldn't including consideration impressive end result. Now, by working together, System - popularly known to take a year." of this, the One Oldham have done it without the being given to "green travel". they have devised and as ALlS. This is the system With the success ofthe Steering Group was formed. team." This meant ensuring fewer 'WE'VE REALLY developed a smarter, that monitors F-35 air- new innovation, the teams single occupant vehicles by leaner way of working frame health. have also considered its providing car sharing SUPPORTED producing savings in both Doing all this was time- transferability across and 'THIS WAS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR schemes and a bus service OUR GREEN man-hours and money. consuming and expensive. how it can be used in the US TO GIVE SOMETHING BACK TO and providing facilities for AG ENDA' To monitor airframe But now, by creating their future. THE LOCAL COMMUNITY , cyclists. The investment the Nlgel Aspln Steve Kilroy, Chadderton Site Manager