ISSUE 1

INSIGHT

INSIGHTMAGAZINE 1

2 INSIGHTMAGAZINE

INSIGHTMAGAZINE 3

INSIGHT
ISSUE 1 2014

From the
Editor
A Bumper Issue
This issue captures some
significant changes at RAF
Waddington from November
2013 through to early January
2014, the biggest being the
change of Command with
Group Captain Barrow taking
over from Group Captain
Gillespie. In addition, the arrival
of the Rivet Joint adds another
platform to the Intelligence,
Surveillance, Targeting,
Acquisition and Reconnaissance
Force. The diverse set of
platforms at Waddington
continue to attract high profile
visitors and the recent visit
by Minister for The Armed
Forces Mark Francois proved a
valuable opportunity to present
the role of Unmanned Aerial
Systems in the Royal Air Force.
There have been some
particularly entertaining
charity events included in
this issue and I am always
keen to ensure the magazine
reflects the efforts of those on
Station to help others. The
Movember and Christmas
jumper events have provided
some outstanding pictures
and I hope you all enjoy the
images we have included in this
issue, hopefully encouraging
future participation in these

superb events. Articles

from remembrance events
in Annoeullin, France and
Malaysia keep us connected
with the Service past
and are valuable Force
Development activities.
The Station Cricket club
deserve particular mention,
not just for their undefeated
season, but also for their
enthusiasm for reporting their
successes in this magazine.
With articles submitted for
every issue I have edited,
I hope the magazine will
contribute by helping them
attract new members and
continue their successful run
into next season. For all those
other sports out there, please
use the Insight Magazine to
promote your activities and
successes. Equally I have
had a fantastic response to
my request to reinvigorate
the Insight Reps across the
Station and look forward to
ensuring that this magazine
reflects all the activities and
areas of RAF Waddington.
If you wish to contact the
editorial team please e-mail
to WAD-Insight Editorial Team
(MULTIUSER)@mod.uk.

On the cover:
RJ Arrives

4 INSIGHTMAGAZINE

EDITORIAL TEAM:
WAD-InsightEditorialTeam@mod.uk
External Email: Use personal email addresses listed
Tel: 01522 720271 (Extension No. 7801)
Editor:
Sqn Ldr Stewart Bremner
8SQN-EngOC@mod.uk
Deputy Editor:
Flt Lt Kevin Lee
kevin.lee409@mod.uk
Assistant Deputy Editors:
Flt Lt Joey Marquet-Horwood
joeymh@hotmail.co.uk
Mrs Marie Isaac
Distribution:
Sgt Booth
5ACSQN-SENTEng-AVSNCO03@mod.uk
Artwork: S Oliver
Photography:
Sgt Pugley, Cpl Bibby, SAC Pope, SAC Carruthers, SAC Clarke
Advertising by:
Jo Marchant
Tel: 01536 526674
Designed by:
Emily Robb
Published by:
Lance Publishing Ltd, 1st Floor, Tailby House,
Bath Road,Kettering. NN16 8NL
Tel: 01536 512624
Fax: 01536 515481
www.lancepublishing.co.uk
Email: mike@lancepublishing.co.uk
Printed by:
Lance Print Ltd

24

16

30

38

In this Issue
06

STATION COMMANDERS
FOREWORD

17

RAF WADDINGTON
PARTICIPATES IN JOINT AIR
FORCE EXERCISE

24

A GOOD BREACH

06

ALL CHANGE AT THE TOP

19

50,000 DONATION TO
BOMBER COMMAND
MEMORIAL

30

MINISTER FOR ARMED

FORCES VIEWS ARMED
FORCES UNMANNED AERIAL
SYSTEMS

07

PROJECT X SEES AIRCRAFT

DESIGNERS SCRAMBLE
TO THE RESCUE

19

A BELTER OF A SEASON FOR

RAF WADDINGTON CRICKET
TEAM

33

PIPER COLLECTS FOR HELP

FOR HEROES TO THE TUNE
OF 10,000

08

FIRST RIVET JOINT AIRCRAFT

DELIVERED IN THE UK

20

RAF WADDINGTON GROWS

MOS FOR THEIR BROS

33

RAF ASSOCIATION YOUTH

AT AIR POWER DAY

12

56 (R) SQN MEMORIAL

21

CHRISTMAS JUMPER DAY

38

BOWING OUT IN STYLE

13

NEW YEAR HONOURS

23

A BLACK BUCK
NARROWBOAT

16

51 SQN REMEMBRANCE

23

THINK YOU CAN DRIVE?

HOW ABOUT TESTING
THAT BELIEF?

The magazine is entirely funded by advertising and costs the Station nothing to produce. Insight is not an official publication and, unless otherwise stated, views expressed in this magazine
do not necessarily represent MOD, RAF or Station policy. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the permission of the editor or publishers. Advertisements accepted
on the understanding that they conform to the British Code of Advertising Practice. Insight is produced by kind permission of the Station Commander, RAF Waddington.

INSIGHTMAGAZINE 5

Station
Commanders
Foreword...
Station Commander Group
Captain Richard Barrow
OBE, RAF

AT THE TOP

Group Captain Barrow

is no stranger to the
base having previously
been stationed at RAF
Waddington as Officer
Commanding 5(AC) Sqn.
to the station and the
Reaper control centre
was widely covered by
mainstream media and
enabled a more informed
and balanced analysis of
the Reaper capability.
In his recent address to
1 Group, the Chief of the
Air Staff, Air Chief Marshall
Andrew Pulford talked
about the Whole Force
Concept. This term aims to
recognise the partnerships
between Service, Reserve,
Civil Servant and Industry
personnel to deliver
capability. I believe
that RAF Waddington is
a prime example of the
benefits of the Whole Force
Concept with the diverse
set of military, civilian
and industry partners
pulling together to deliver
operational capabilities.
Understanding that all
partners have a vital role
to play, and optimising
these relationships are
critical to the continued
success of the Force
Elements at Waddington.

As the Station Commander

and ISTAR Force Commander
at RAF Waddington, Group
Captain Barrow takes
command of the RAFs
Shadow R1, Sentinel R1,
Reaper MQ-9, Rivet Joint
and E3-D Force Elements.
On his new position as Station
Commander RAF Waddington,
Group Captain Barrow said:

It is a great honour
and privilege to be
back at Royal Air Force
Waddington as the
Station Commander,
I look forward to the
many challenges and
opportunities that will
present themselves
during this tour. RAF

Waddington has
been making a very
real contribution to
supporting operations in
Afghanistan and around
the world, and I intend to
ensure that we maintain
a world-class reputation
for delivering air power.

A tradition in the military

to celebrate an individuals
time at the unit; a formal
dining out dinner was held
in the Officers Mess for Air
Commodore Al Gillespie
before he takes up his
appointment as the UK Air
Component Commander
at Al Udeid; a RAF base
serving as a station for British
operations in support of
operations in Afghanistan.
Also being dined out was
Wing Commander Gary
Crosby who previously
commanded 51 Squadron but
has now after 31 years service;
has retired from the RAF.

This issue of the magazine

again captures a snapshot
of the activities at RAF
Waddington over the last 2
months and demonstrates
effort being applied at
all levels to operational
output, force development
and community support.
I wish you and your
families a successful
and fulfilling 2014.
L-R: Air Commodore Al Gillespie and Group Captain Rich Barrow

6 INSIGHTMAGAZINE

Our work at Waddington

continues to attract
a steady tempo of
high profile visitors
keen to understand
the capabilities and
employment of the ISTAR
Force. Although these
visits require additional
support from the Station,
they also help policy
makers and Commanders
understand the utility of
ISTAR assets. These visits
are valuable opportunities
to influence decision
makers and ensure that
our narrative is understood
at the highest level. I will
continue to ensure that
we are not overwhelmed
by these requirements, but
remain extremely grateful
for the professional and
positive image that we
demonstrate through your
continued support. A
recent example being the
13/39 Squadron media
event, which was a great
opportunity for the RAF
and MOD to present its
case for Remotely Piloted
Air Systems and their
role to the British public.
The Defence Secretary
Philip Hammonds visit

ALL CHANGE
RAF Waddington has a new Station
Commander. Group Captain Rich
Barrow OBE RAF took over from
the outgoing Station Commander,
Air Commodore Al Gillespie, on
Saturday 16th November 2013.

Happy New
Year...
One of the great
privileges of command
is recognising
the outstanding
performances of the
people that work for
you. I was delighted
over the Christmas grant
to be able to inform
a number of Station
personnel that they
had received awards in
the New Years Honours
list. It is a tremendous
acknowledgement of the
individuals effort and
the level of commitment
of the whole Station
that so many of these
highly prized honours
were awarded to
Waddington personnel.

RAF WADDINGTON

PROJECT - X

Top: Station Commander Group Captain Rich

Barrow presents prizes to the winning team

Sees Aircraft Designers Scramble to the Rescue

A proud Mr James Carter, the

Science Head at Branston
Community Academy, said:
The Project-X Schools

Finals Day was an intense

experience, especially in
the Dragons Den! My
students were initially
unsure of how things

Aircraft ready for take off

would go, especially after

seeing the high level of
competition; however
our confidence grew
throughout the day.
There was certainly a
roller-coaster of emotions,
but the kids were
absolutely buzzing when
they were announced as
winners! My students are
still on cloud nine after
the experience and our
whole school is really
proud of them! Well look
forward to defending our
title next year!

Following a 12-week
planning, design, build and
test period, the participating
schools displayed their
excellent aircraft and
innovative air-drop solutions
in RAF Waddingtons
gymnasium on Finals Day.
The competitors were
faced with many challenges
spanning the curriculum,
where logistics, maths,
engineering and design
skills were put to the test.
Furthermore, the teams had
to endure an intense Dragons
Den event where they first
had to earn their Certificate
to Fly by answering several
tough questions from the

nasty Dragons regarding

their particular engineering
solutions. The participating
schools engaged in healthy
and nail-biting competition
during their assessed
aircraft flights down the
zip-wire in the afternoon.
To keep the students busy
between their assessments,
there were several Show and
Tell stands that demonstrated
life in the RAF, comprising
military ice-clearing
vehicles, fire and rescue
equipment, Service weapons,
bomb disposal and medic
displays. The competition
was stiff and all teams
scored highly; however,
the ultimate Project-X
2013 winner was Branston
Community Academy
who flew near perfect
sorties to take the title.

Project organiser, Flight

Lieutenant Kenny Hemlin said:

All participating schools

delivered impressive
aircraft designs and their
delivery systems were
innovative, employing a
variety of ideas to protect
the sensitive packages
(eggs) with varying
results! The competition
was stiff, however
Branston Community
Academy were worthy
winners of the trophy
with a strong Dragons

Den performance, two

excellent flights and no
broken eggs!

On 20 Nov 13, RAF

Waddington hosted
students from ten
schools from across the
Lincolnshire region to
compete in the prestigious
Project-X Challenge, where
teams of Year 8 (aged
12-13 years) students
were set an engineering
challenge to design and
build an aircraft that
could successfully drop
sensitive supplies to two
downed pilots whilst
travelling down a zip-wire.

Challenge supported by
Northrop Grumman is just
one of many exciting and
challenging initiatives
run by RAF Waddington
as part of its wider Youth
Engagement Strategy.
The high level of uptake
from Lincolnshire schools
demonstrates that the
students have the desire
and all the requisite tools to
be successful engineers of
the future.
Over 30 Servicemen and
women, some of which
have only just returned
from operations in
Afghanistan and Libya,
volunteered to mentor
the schools through
the past 12 weeks and
have been instrumental
in the huge success of
Project-X.We have all
been enormously
impressed with the
enthusiasm and dedication
that the students have
shown during the Project.

Above: Aircraft put to the test

INSIGHTMAGAZINE 7

FIRST BRITISH RIVET JOINT

AIRCRAFT DELIVERED IN THE UK

The first of 3 RIVET JOINT (RJ) signals intelligence aircraft has been delivered to
RAF Waddington to begin a period of squadron work-up activity before entering
service with the RAF in late 2014.

Weve been so excited

about bringing this jet
to you guys. Weve flown
through the night in some
pretty overcast conditions
so as we came in for

Air Vice-Marshal Peter

Ewen, Director Air Support
at Defence Equipment
& Support (DE&S), who
are responsible for the
procurement of the Rivet
Joint, said:

I am delighted that the

first Rivet Joint aircraft has
been delivered to the UK,
an important milestone
in the procurement
pathway for the future
AIRSEEKER signals
intelligence capability for
UK Defence. A testament

to the ongoing and

highly effective UK/
US co-operation in the
procurement programme,
support and RAF aircrew
training, this first of 3
aircraft, will form a vital
component of the nations
future ISTAR capabilities.
Officer Commanding
51 Squadron, Wing
Commander Tom
Talbot said:

Following 3 years of
training and preparation
with our USAF brethren
the RIVET JOINT brings
with it a step change
in airborne Signals
Intelligence capability for
the UK. This is a fantastic
day for 51 Squadron
and marks the start of a
new era in our long and
illustrious history.

RJ Sqn Remembrance

8 INSIGHTMAGAZINE

Lt Col James Spencer

USAF who piloted
the RJ flight said:

our final approach; to

see bright sunny skies,
the beautiful backdrop
of Lincoln and RAF
Waddington airfield lined
with service personnel
was a fantastic sight. Its
a privilege to have the
RAF as team mates in the
RC-135 community.

The Boeing RC-135V/W Rivet

Joint system has a proven
track record, having been
used by the United States
Air Force for many years.
Since 2011, 51 Squadron
have been training and
operating alongside
their USAF colleagues in
preparation for the UK
aircraft entering service in
late 2014. UK crews have
already achieved

in excess of 32,000 flying

hours and 1800 sorties
as part of the US 55th
Reconnaissance Wing.
The MoD has purchased
three aircraft from the
US which will each be
configured to support
UK operations. The first
aircraft has successfully
completed its flight trials in
Greenville, Texas ahead of
schedule, allowing it to be
delivered to the UK early.

The aircraft will form part

of project AIRSEEKER,
which will provide
the UK with a world
class capability able
to provide real time
on scene intelligence,
surveillance and analysis
to forces in the air
and on the ground.

Squadron Leader Axel Foley

Air Vice-Marshal Phil

Osborn, Director of
Capability at Joint Forces
Command, said:

Its been fantastic.

How great to see the
crowds out in force to
welcome us. What you
see is a culmination of
years of hard work by
all those involved. I am
very proud to be a part
of it and to have had the
opportunity to fly the
first UK Rivet Joint in to
its home station here
at RAF Waddington.

Wing Commander Tom Talbot

Lieutenant Colonel James Spencer USAF

The delivery of the first

of 3 Rivet Joint aircraft to
the UK is a critical step in
the re-establishment of
a world class UK airborne
signals intelligence
capability. I know that
the RAF and Defence
are looking forward
to operating this key
capability and
building on the unique
history of 51 Squadron.
We plan to have our
AIRSEEKER programme
comprising all 3 Rivet
Joint aircraft, with their
highly skilled aircrew,
groundcrew and analysts,
fully operational by
mid-2017.

Squadron Leader Axel

Foley 51 Squadron RAF
Waddington who copiloted the RJ flight said:

INSIGHTMAGAZINE 9

Come on you party organisers,

you sports lovers, you cooks.
We need YOU to give your time
to a great fundraising cause.
Helping the incredible men,
women and families of the RAF.
To nd out more visit

www.rafbf.org/raf96
10 INSIGHTMAGAZINE

Registered charity number 1081009 (England and Wales) and SC038109 (Scotland)

INSIGHTMAGAZINE 11

56 (R) Sqn

Memorial

It was a bright October morning when the 56(R) Sqn XO, Sqn Ldr Rich Milburn,
came into my office and asked if I fancied a trip to commemorate this years
Armistice. I was shocked; it wasnt exactly normal for the XO to come bearing
such an enjoyable opportunity.
I cheerfully accepted the
invitation; however, that
cheer was short lived as in
his next breath generously
informed me that I was to
organise the transport and
accommodation for the
Squadron representatives.
The plan was to take the
Squadron Standard to
Annoeullin, France; specifically
to the grave of Captain Albert
Ball, VC, DSO**, MC. He was a
leading flying ace in World War
I with 44 kills to his name. Ball
died on 7 May 1917 in battle over
Annoeullin whilst serving as flight
commander on 56(F) Sqn. As Ball
was a Nottingham native, the
Squadron Standard is paraded
annually at Nottingham Castle
on the anniversary of Balls death
and it had been long hoped to
parade at his grave: Armistice Day
2013 provided the opportunity to
achieve this goal. A party of four
personnel, Sqn Ldr Milburn, Flt
Lt Gary Settery (Standard Bearer),
MACR Phil Townsend (Sqn WO)
and myself as Standard Escort
were selected to attend. Thanks
must be given to AWC MT who
managed to squeeze the six
week preparation of European
documentation into two days.
The party departed RAF
Waddington at 0715 on 10
12 INSIGHTMAGAZINE

November, making our way

to the Eurotunnel. As we
approached the terminal,
the licence plate recognition
identified that we were travelling
in a service vehicle and we were
offered an earlier train than
we had booked; a quick coffee
later, we were on board. As a
first time user of Le Shuttle I
was impressed; we drove on,
turned off the engine and 40
minutes later we were in France.
We set off in search of lunch, but
being Sunday (and a holiday)
we had to settle for a service
station, which turned out to be
a much better option than that
offered in the UK. Brushing off
our language skills we ordered
le cheeseburger et frites and it
turns out that desserts in French
service stations are excellent; I
had only ever seen lisle flottante
on Masterchef before. Sqn Ldr
Milburn ordered his first crme
brulee of the visit, unfortunately
receiving sweetened scrambled
eggs instead of the anticipated
custard based dessert. Upon
reaching our hotel we asked for
the best local restaurant. It turned
out it was the local Chinese
frogs legs stir fry anyone?
The next morning the party
travelled to the town hall of

Annoeullin for a meeting with

the Mayor and other local
dignitaries. As well as discussing
our participation in the Armistice
parade, we also talked about
the future of the field where
Captain Ball crashed. Purchased
by his father after the Great
War, the local population has
been maintaining the site ever
since. It is envisaged by the
local council that a permanent
footpath and fence should be
erected to preserve the site, and
56(R) Squadron will help facilitate
the negotiations between the
council and Ball family. After the
meeting, the party moved to
Annoeullin cemetery where we
paraded next to Captain Balls
grave. The XO took the salute
as the local band played God
Save the Queen, followed by a
reading by local school children.
After the parade we were invited

for drinks at the community

centre where we enjoyed the
opportunity to meet more of
the community. We could not
have received a better welcome
from the people of Annoeullin; as
an occupied town during both
World War I and II, they still hold
our Armed Forces in high esteem.
After enjoying our hosts
hospitality we headed home,
stopping for lunch and wine at
Calais. The XO had some more
sweetened scrambled egg and
we boarded Le Shuttle. The trip
to Annoeullin allowed 56(R)
Sqn to forge new links with a
town steeped in the Squadrons
history. Work is now ongoing to
make this a regular commitment,
especially given the upcoming
Squadron Centenary in 2016.
Sgt Danny Holmes

RAF WADDINGTON

NEW YEAR
HONOURS

WO McEvoys commitment
to the RAF and 14 Squadron
in particular is beyond
reproach. He is held in
the highest regard by
his subordinates and his
superiors alike and is truly
deserving of this honour to
recognise his outstanding
achievements. I wish him the
very best for his retirement.

On receiving his award

WO McEvoy said:

I was initially speechless,

then overwhelmed and
finally extremely proud
to receive the award
in recognition of the
outstanding achievements
accomplished by all the
personnel of 14 Sqn.

This award is in recognition of

his outstanding contribution
to the operational output and
development of the Shadow
R1 force. As the Squadron
Warrant Officer he has been
responsible for all engineering
personnel and standards
across 12 different locations.
Through his exceptional
portfolio, professionalism
and engineering excellence
he has been pivotal to
all. WO McEvoy has been
referred to as a shining
example of an unselfish and
loyal member of the Royal
Air Force who possesses
immense moral courage; an
individual who places the
needs of his team and the
Service above his own.

RAF Waddington Station

Commander Group Captain
Rich Barrow said:

Warrant Officer (WO)

Barry McEvoy (54)
an engineer from 14
Squadron RAF Waddington
has been awarded an
MBE in the 2014 New
Years Honours List.

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INSIGHTMAGAZINE 13

14 INSIGHTMAGAZINE

INSIGHTMAGAZINE 15

51 Sqn

Remembrance
On Remembrance Sunday, 51 Sqn Chief of Staff Sqn Ldr McAllister led a small
group of 7, 51 Sqn members to Vliermaalroot Belgium.
The purpose behind this
visit was to take part in a
remembrance service and to
lay a wreath at the unveiling
of a memorial to Sgt Evetts.
Sgt Evetts was part of the 51
Sqn crew of Whitely Z6569,
which was shot down in
August 1941 after a night
raid in Cologne. Sgt Evetts
was mortally wounded,
but the good people of
Vliermaalroot ensured
he was given a respectful
burial and continued to tend
his grave and lay flowers
despite the displeasure of
the German occupiers.
After traveling for 12 hours in a
speed restricted mini-bus, we
arrived in Maastricht, which
would be our base for the 3
days of the staff ride. 51 Sqns
force development provider Sgt
McBride had provided us with
7 stands to present at locations
within easy reach of Maastricht,
which we would carry out around
the main purpose, the Memorial.
Monday the 11th November,
all present and correct, we
headed of to Vliermaalroot for
the service. There we were met
by Benny Ceulaers, head of the
Plane-hunters Recovery team
Belgium. Benny and his small
team of Plane-hunters give up
their time freely to locate and
excavate allied aircraft crash
sites and research the identity of
aircraft and personnel. Also there
to meet us was the organizer
of the memorial event, it was
clear from the outset that she
and her team had gone to
considerable effort planning and
executing an event that would
include the local mayor Tom
Thijsen, the media and a fly-past.
Following the service which was
attended by the whole village, we
proceeded outside to the laying
of wreaths and the unveiling
ceremony. This was followed by
the fly-past of a US Navy Harvard
aircraft before we were escorted
to the village hall to view the
exhibition to 51 Sqn and the
remains of the Whitely bomber.
Formalities all accomplished we
headed back to Maastricht before
heading of to the Fort of EbenEmal, the impressive location of
the 1st stand on how Air Power
was used to devastating effect.
On the way back to the hotel
16 INSIGHTMAGAZINE

Sgt Nicki Applebe completed

her stand on comparisons
from WW2 to the Joint
Personnel Recovery of today.
Tuesday 12th.
This was to be another busy
day where we would try to
carry out 4 of the remaining 5
stands. To begin with we went
to a memorial to the Dutch
Resistance where MACr Ed
Dunning presented his stand,
how Air Power was vital to the
Resistance. Then it was a one
hour drive to the Ardennes and
a Museum dedicated to the
Battle of the Bulge where MACr
Mike Whelan presented on the
Battle and why Air Power was
crucial to the German attack
against the back drop of a King
Tiger tank and the stunning
scenery of the Ardennes. On
then to Liege and Fort Battice the
location of my talk on leadership
styles employed from WW1 to
present day and how it will be
taught and developed in the
future. Finally that day, on the
way back to the hotel at a bridge
over the Albert Canal, FS Liam
Osmond gave us his stand on
strategic bombing. Whilst all
this was going on in Belgium,
back at base our shiny new
Rivet-Joint was being delivered
so it would be necessary to
celebrate this historic event later..

Presentation of Sqn Plaque to the Village of Vilemaalroot

Memorial Plaque to the crew of Whitley Z6569

Wednesday 13th November.

0800 and back in the fun bus for
another 12 hours of travel only
to be broken up with the ferry
crossing and the chance for SAC
Adele Smith to tell us all about
the role of St Omer in WW1 and
how todays EAWs compare.
In summary the 4 days allowed
us to understand the origins
and need for Air Power, with
particular emphasis placed
on the importance of Air
Power on todays battlefield.
It provided a historical insight
into the development and
employment of Air Power during
the Second World War, from its
employment during Blitzkrieg,
through to the strategic air
offensive that helped bring
ultimate victory. It also allowed
the Sqn to establish valuable
links with the community of
Vleirmaalroot and to remember
those that have served and
paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Flypast

XW664 Lands at RAF Waddington

RAF WADDINGTON

Participates in Joint
Air Force Excercise

The United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia and New Zealand forces have
carried out Exercise Bersama Lima 2013 in Malaysia. An E-3D and supporting
personnel from RAF Waddington participated in the exercise.

Detachment Commander
Wing Commander
Tim Monk said:

The RAFs ISTAR Force is

regularly called upon to
deploy overseas at short
notice. Operating with

Airborne Technician,
Sergeant Tim Sparkes said

Having the opportunity to

operate an E-3D around
the world as part of an
Operational Conversion
Unit course is pretty much
unheard of.The experience
of working in different
climates and operating with
other nations will prove
invaluable in the future.

Remembrance at the Penang War Memorial. Salute given by Wing Commander Tim Monk

The E-3D has two main

roles, Airborne Early Warning
providing timely information
of an opponents air activity
and his potential to attack
friendly territory and
secondly, Airborne Warning
and Control System which is
where the aircraft can also
provide control and direction
of friendly defensive and
offensive airborne operations.

key partners on exercises

such as this is an essential
part of our preparations
helping us to understand
each others capabilities and
advance our integration.

A Five Power Defence

Arrangements (FPDA)
activity the exercise
is an air and maritime
exercise drill aimed at
sharing operational
methods between the
FPDA militaries and
boosting relationships and
interoperability between
participating nations.

In addition to participating
in the exercise the E-3D
contingent attended at
wreath laying ceremony
at Penang War Memoriala
gated stone monument
erected to commemorate the
brave soldiers who sacrificed
themselves in The Battle of
Penang during World War I.
Hosted by Wing Commander Tim Monk excercise participants were invited to view
the E-3D aircraft

Excercise participants in front of an E-3D

INSIGHTMAGAZINE 17

Fighting for
The Forces
and Their Families
Ive read recently on some military website
forums that there appears to be a debate
on the payment of widows pensions for
life. I wanted to make a contribution to
the discussion but am not sure of the facts
behind the issue what is that all about?
This is a matter that affects only those on the
AFPS75 pension scheme, and it is, in short, a
matter of forcing widows, widowers or civil
partners who are awarded a dependants
pension as a consequence of their spouses/
partners death, and the cause of that death is
not attributable to their service. If later the
owner of that dependants pension elects to
remarry or cohabit (with somebody of the same
or opposite sex), they are obliged to surrender
their dependants pension. In other words the
MoD is forcing these dependants to choose
between the financial security their Service
partner earned for them and have no future
happiness in love, or surrender the benefit their
Service partner earned for them for the sake of
a second loving relationship. This archaic
attitude has already been acknowledged as
being socially unacceptable by the MoD and
Treasury since it no longer demands such a
draconian measure on the dependants of those
who receive benefits under the AFPS05 pension
scheme or the new AFPS15 pension scheme
they keep their dependants pensions for
life, regardless of their social activities.

sector pensioners. There are 10s of thousands

of Service men and women who are today still
serving on the AFPS75 pension scheme who are
unknowingly saddling (in many cases) the wives
and husbands they have yet to meet with this
dreadful burden. The change is not, as some
would like the serving community to believe, a
change that will benefit only those who have
retired from the Armed Forces far from it. 1st
April 2015 sees the introduction of a brand new
pension scheme for all public sector employees;
here is a golden opportunity to get rid of this
dreadful rule once and for all from everybody
who is in receipt of a dependants pension from
that date onwards (no retrospection is sought).
If not we are going to start to get dependants
who have entitlement to a portion of the AFPS75
pension scheme and AFPS15 pension scheme,
some can be kept for life but some cannot how
much is the administration of all that going to
cost probably less than the cost of allowing the
retention of dependants pensions for all.

What is regrettable is that the MoD insists it will

not make retrospective changes to the pension
scheme, when a retrospective change is not what
is being sought, and the Treasury claim that if
they make this concession to the Armed Forces
then they will have to make it for all other public

All Armed Forces personnel, serving or retired

are eligible to join the Forces Pension Society and
enjoy the benefits such membership offers. If you
are not already a member, and would like to join,
visit our website at www.forcespensionsociety.org
or call us on 020 7820 9988.

18 INSIGHTMAGAZINE

68 South Lambeth Road, Vauxhall, London, SW8 1RL

Tel: 020 7820 9988

Email: memsec@forpen.co.uk

www.forcespensionsociety.org

A BELTER OF A SEASON

RAF WADDINGTON

FOR RAF WADDINGTON

CRICKET TEAM

to Bomber Command
Memorial

RAF Waddington International Air Show

Board of Trustees has made a significant
contribution of 50,000 towards the
Lincolnshire Bomber Command Memorial,

Following a campaign
launched in May of this year
the winning design The
Spire of Names created by
award winning structural artist
Walter Jack was selected from
several suggested designs.
RAF Waddington Station
Commander Air Commodore
Al Gillespie said:

The Bomber Command

Memorial is a cause
close to every aviators
heart, especially
considering RAF
Waddingtons role during
the Second World War.
Despite Lincolnshires
long affiliation with
Bomber Command the
county has no formal
acknowledgement of
this and Lincolnshire
hosted 27 Bomber
Command stations
and HQ 5 Group. The

Spire of Names will

stand as a significant
and contemporary
memorial that will serve
as not only a location
for remembrance but
also something that has
international appeal for
generations to come.

An iconic, significant
and lasting national and
international tribute
to the brave crews of
Bomber Command.

Once completed the

monument will sit on
Canwick Hill, an elevated
position above Lincoln and
opposite the Cathedral; a
familiar sight to the crews
of Bomber Command who
used the Cathedral as a
beacon signalling that
they were almost home.

The RAF Waddington Cricket Team has

had a belter of a season having won
every single game they played during
the 2013 season.
Fine weather and a strong
pool of players resulted
in a string of titles for the
team including; the East
of England Cricket League
(EECL), the John-Wells
Trophy (played between
the winners of the EECL
and the London Cricket
League defeating Brize
Norton), the East of England
T20 Competition (defeating
Coningsby and Wyton/
Brampton on finals day),
the RAF T20 Competition
(defeating Lossiemouth
and Odiham on finals day)
and the big one, the RAF
Cricket Cup defeating
Northolt in the final.
Deputy OIC Cricket Alan
Cowdale said:

The secret of the teams

success this season was
in being able to put out
competitive team each
week. With Operations
and Exercises taking place
over the summer months
it wasnt always easy to
field a consistent team but
with the commitment of
over 30 enthusiastic players
representing the station
during the season we were
able to convincingly beat
the opposition. It is the first
time that RAF Waddington
has won either of the RAF
national competitions,
and to win both in the
same season is immensely
satisfying for the team

50,000 donation

The 50,000 donation was

made possible because of
the hugely successful RAF
Waddington International
Air Show; all proceeds
of which are donated to
various charities. Receiving
the cheque on behalf of
the Lincolnshire Bomber
Command Memorial
were Trustee Lady Sarah
McCorquodale and Air Vice
Marshall Paul Robinson.

L-R: Air Commodore Al Gillespie, Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Air Vice Marshall Paul Robinson

INSIGHTMAGAZINE 19

RAF WADDINGTON

Grows Mos for their Bros!

You could be forgiven for thinking these photos were taken in days gone by but
youd be wrong! Personnel from RAF Waddington have gone back in time to the
1940s; an era when the moustache was considered part of the uniform for men
serving in the Royal Air Force.
The 20 chaps from
General Engineering
Flight (GEF) RAF
Waddington supported
both Movember, by
growing Moustaches
throughout the month
of November, and
their Squadron Charity,
Sheffield Hospitals.
The chaps visited Just
Jane at East Kirby to really
put their moustaches
into context and hope
to have raised 500 for
their two charities.
Likewise personnel from
around RAF Waddington
took part in the campaign
including some from
the Air Warfare Centre
who grew regulation
moustaches and showed
them off in front of the
Vulcan Gate Guardian.
During November
each year, Movember

is responsible for the

sprouting of moustaches
on thousands of mens
faces in the UK and
around the world.
The aim of which is to
raise vital funds and
awareness for mens
health, specifically
prostate cancer and other
cancers that affect men.
On November 1st, guys
register at Movember.com
with a clean-shaven face
and for the rest of the
month grow Moustaches.
Individuals growing
Moustaches become
walking, talking
billboards for the 30
days of November and
through their actions and
words raise awareness
by prompting private
and public conversation
around the often ignored
issue of mens health.

Flying Officer Mercer from GEF said:

Below: Personnel from GEF visit East Kirkby

20 INSIGHTMAGAZINE

The chaps in General Engineering Flight have been

flying the flag for prostate cancer research and the
Squadrons nominated charity; Sheffield Hospitals,
with differing degrees of success. Regardless of
growth-rate all the taches have been groomed and
trimmed with pride in an effort to raise both funds and
awareness for charities close to the Squadrons heart.

Personnel from the Air Warfare Centre show off their moutstaches

CHRISTMAS

Jumper Day

On Friday 13 December hundreds of thousands of people up and down the

country tinselled up and wore their Christmas Jumpers to work to raise funds for
good causes.
The SWO gave
permission for RAF
Waddington personnel
to take part and by
wearing their best
festive sweater
personnel raised just
under 100 for Save
the Children so they
can continue their lifesaving work around the
world.
Each person wearing their
seasonal knitwear was
asked to donate 1 or
more to Save the Children
which could buy;

One days high nutrient

food to help treat a
severely malnourished
child.
Nine sachets of oral
re-hydration treatment
for children suffering
from life-threatening
diarrhoea.
Antibiotics to treat
three newborn babies
with potentially deadly
infections.

The AWC also got involved

wearing their Christmas

jumpers and held a

Christmas cake sale.
Their donations made a
significant contribution
towards the AWC Charity
fund.
To capture the spirit the
Stn MCO ran a competition
for the best festive
photograph. Out of the
great entries from around
the Stn but the ultimate
winners were F Flight 5/AC
Sqn, whos prize is a framed
print donated by Northrop
Grumman.

INSIGHTMAGAZINE 21

You could be in the Algarve,

relaxing in
the sun...

A spacious 1 bedroom apartment with

shared swimming pool. The apartment is
situated on the top floor of a 3 storey block.
Sleeps 4
Quiet location, but only 5 mins walk to the
marina and another 5 mins to the town centre
Nov - Mar 190 Apr & Oct 255
May & Sept 290 June 330
July & Aug 410

Self Catering
Holiday Apartment

Phone Judith
on 01536 711884
www.algarveestatemanagement.co.uk
apt meia

22 INSIGHTMAGAZINE

Twin bedroom.
Open plan kitchen & lounge.
The kitchen has a 4-ring hob, oven,
microwave, toaster and washing machine.
Family sized bathroom.
The lounge has a sofa (which converts into
two single beds) and a table to seat four.
A TV, DVD and CD player are also available.
Patio doors open onto the balcony, offering
views over the pool and across Lagos.
Ample parking space in front of the building.

The Black Buck Narrowboat

Havent you always dreamed of a genuine away from it all family holiday?
Well, canal cruising will make
it a reality. Some of Englands
most beautiful countryside is
simply waiting to greet you.
Waterside pubs, country towns
and a wealth of hidden heritage
sites and historical treasures are
yours to appreciate. The Black
Buck Narrowboat is owned by
SIF at RAF Waddington and is
available to all MOD employees
for hire. The boat is based at
Gailey which is at the northern
end of the Staffs and Worcester
canal giving easy access to a
host of attractions which can
be visited during your holiday.

delighted with the comfort levels

and standards achieved in a one
of our modern narrow boats. Its a
travelling holiday but your home
comforts travel with you. Your
family will never forget the fun
of learning to handle a narrow
boat. At a leisurely 4 MPH even
youngsters (properly supervised)
can manage the craft with ease.
Working the locks is a lot easier
than you might imagine and
provides plenty of opportunity
for all the family to share the
experience. And hardly a moment
passes when something new and
interesting wont delight you.

Comfortably accommodating up
to 8 people the season runs from
March through to November.
Prices for the 2014 season range
from 550 in the low season to
1000 for the high season. The
prices quoted are competitively
priced and are approximately
half the price charged to hire
a privately owned boat. The
boat layout below is very similar
to our boat Black Buck.

If you are interested in getting

away from the hustle and bustle
boat availability can be found on
our MOSS page
http://cui5-uk.diif.r.mil.uk/r/30/
Clubs/NB/default.aspx
Alternatively please contact either:
FS Mark Fort x8470 email
5ACSQN-AIA05@mod.uk or
CT Gary Jenson x6396 email
WAD-ELWISTARCAMOSentinelSNC
O@mod.uk for bookings and
more information.

Your boat is very much a

home from home. Constant
hot water, shower, flush toilets
and comfortable beds. You will
be pleasantly surprised and

THINK YOU CAN DRIVE?

HOW ABOUT TESTING THAT BELIEF?

Everyone thinks they are a good
driver, but the public roads are
no place to put that belief to the
test. The only place to really see
how good you are is on a track.
However, track days are expensive
and you dont want to wreck your
car or blow the engine up. How
about motor sport then? Thats
really expensive..isnt it?
Well no, actually. There are a
number of forms of grass roots
motor sport activities out there that
require little in the way of financial
outlay and put you and your car at
no more risk than being out on the
open road. To help RAF personnel
get into motor sport the RAF Motor
Sport Association looks after a
number of disciplines including
karts, motorbikes and cars and they
support competitors at a number
of levels. Yes, motorsport can be
very expensive. You only have to
watch the TV coverage of British
Touring cars to get that impression,
but at the lowest levels of club
motor sport, you will find an all
together more accessible way
into showing how good you are
at driving and then helping you
to learn how to make it better.
Since 2003, the RAFMSA has been

running motor sport events at

RAF Barkston Heath. These events
are designed to provide a cheap
opportunity to get into a very
simple form of motor sport, by
allowing the use of road cars, or
safe non-road going cars. Drivers
only need a clean set of coveralls
and a cheap helmet and you can
get on track. The events are run
against the clock, so there is no
chance of contact with another car
and the track layouts are biased
towards learning how to handle
your car, rather than getting up to
high speeds. Along with the cheap
entry fee and plenty of track time
you wont find a more cost-effective
way to have a go at motor sport.
Once you have tried your hand at
Barkston Heath, then the RAFMSA
is there to help you develop your
talent and support you should you
wish to move into any other form
of motor sport. Many of those
that take part at Barkston Heath
move into circuit racing, but that is
not the only avenue open to you
and the RAFMSA is there to help.
If you have the desire to see
what you can really do behind
the wheel of a car (or any other
vehicle) then get in touch. The

RAFMSA is always looking for new

members and we will do what
we can to support the petrol
head that you have inside you.
For more information then have a
look at the RAFMSA MOSS Site:
http://cui5-uk.diif.r.mil.uk/r/354/
Motorsports/default.aspx
Or contact the Competition

Secretary for Motor Racing:

Sqn Ldr Darren Berris.
OC Weapons Training,
Air Warfare School,
RAFC Cranwell.
Darren.berris470@mod.uk
RAFMSACompSecMR@
gmail.com
95751 6618
INSIGHTMAGAZINE 23

A GOOD BREACH

Corporal Boyhan adjusting the laser sights on a rifle.

Members of RAF Waddington based No 2503 (County of Lincoln Squadron)

RAuxAF Regiment have recently continued their Close Quarter Battle (CQB)
training at RAF Honingtons Advanced Urban Combat Training Facility.

Under the direction of the

squadrons CQB Instructors, Sgt
Martin Berry and Cpl Tom Boyhan,
the training took Squadron
personnel through new and
challenging drills. Firing from the
ground, where the individual
fights his way back to standing to
continue the drill, breaching doors
using force to break into buildings
and rooms, the tactical use of
bullet-proof ballistic shields to
enable the team to push forward
to dominate more dangerous
24 INSIGHTMAGAZINE

Cpl Boyhan, who is normally

employed as a commercial diver
on civilian engineering jobs said:

The Squadrons CQB training

will reach its climax in early
2014 with two days of
further continuation and
confirmation training. Like
this weekend, instead of
firing at paper targets, the
guys will be engaging an
armed enemy force with
Simunition; this paint-filled
ammunition is used in standard
issue weapon systems and
will leave a coloured mark
when firing is accurate.

Corporal Boyhan adjusting the laser sights on

a rifle with Senior Aircraftman Nick Sykes

Gunners learning to use force to enter

a complex

Sgt Martin Berry demonstrating CQB

techniques

Pistol adapted for Simunition.

Between drills, SAC Nick Sykes,

who is a subscription campaign
planner within the publishing
industry in his civilian life, said:

CQB training is very different

to our usual open warfare
doctrine; it continually tests
and challenges each of us
physically and mentally
in a fast paced and everchanging environment.

The Gunners began their CQB

training earlier in the year by
honing their rifle and pistol skills
at short ranges; this progressed
onto a four-day CQB tactics and
drills package as part of the
Squadrons Annual Continuous
Training (the Reservists two-week
Annual Camp) at Catterick Garrison
in September. This most recent
training further developed the
skills already learnt and pushed
the Reservists to truly embrace the
Initiative Based Tactics approach
to CQB, where every man has the
responsibility to make decisions on
his and the teams actions as the
scenario they encounter unfolds.

areas and most importantly, the

fluidity with which the team or
Stack makes progress through
a complex. It is this fluid progress
of the Stack that is key to the
CQB tactics success, with the
enemy being taken by surprise
and any threat eliminated in
an almost surgical fashion.

CQB is the employment of

specific tactics and skills
in order to efficiently take,
dominate and clear an urban
environment which, in the RAF
Regiments role, could include
key airfield facilities and
buildings, such as hangars and
Air Traffic Control Towers that
need to be preserved intact,
so they can be brought back
into use as rapidly as possible.

Defence Discount
Service Car
Programme
Helps Armed Forces
and their families
save money on new
car purchases.
The scheme is
available to The
armed forces
community,
including serving
regular and
reserve personnel,
veterans, spouses/
partners of service
personnel and
MOD staff.

Call into your

local car deale
to see if they r
are involved
in the DDS

INSIGHTMAGAZINE 25

26 INSIGHTMAGAZINE

INSIGHTMAGAZINE 27

Lincolns No. 1 Motorcycle Repair Centre

We also offer
a full collection
service
SERVICING EXCEEDS
MANUFACTURERS
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INSURANCE APPROVED
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REBORING etc.

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Mobile towbar fitting service
Witter, Brink, & PCT Towbars supplied and fitted
Van Ply lining and extra seat fitting.
Service discount available
01529 306670
Mobile 07740 683867
Email dandmtowing08@btinternet.com
Unit 3, Pride Court, Sleaford Enterprise Park,
Sleaford NG34 8GL
Web dandmtowing.co.uk

TWELLS

Massive New Car Discounts

and/or 0% APR Finance
Plans available to HM FORCES

Masterfit Service Centre

Vauxhall Approved Bodyshop

Always call Twells FIRST

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for accident repairs, paintless dent removal.

upholstery repairs. enhancement and valeting

We will collect and redeliver

your car from your base
Spend 100 or more with
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Our prices for TYRES, BATTERIES,

and EXHAUSTS are checked
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We usually come out as good on
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28 INSIGHTMAGAZINE

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BK MOTORHOME HIRE
Boston, Lincs

01205 353372 or 07879 048048

Hiring one of our luxury motorhomes
allows endless possibilities
We offer flexible hire terms, leave and return
whatever day or time you like.
Immaculate new 2010 and 2013, 6 berth models.
Fully comprehensive insurance included.
Free Parking. Satellite TV with DVD and fully equipped kitchens.
Credit or Debit cards welcome.
Call Tristan to arrange to view or check availability.

BEING POSTED? NEED TO SELL YOUR CAR QUICKLY?

Call Mathew on 07860 363002
Main office line FREEPHONE 0800 118 2527
We will give you a price guide over the phone
Settle outstanding finance
Consider any part exchange
No matter what age or mileage

Repairs and Servicing of

all makes and models
Tyres Supplied & Fitted
MOT on Mopeds
to Motorhomes
FREE Re-Tests
Motorcycles
and Cars
Unit 2, Hadley Road, Woodbridge Road,
Industrial Estate, East Road,
Sleaford, Lincolnshire NG34 7EW

Telephone (01529) 307162

INSIGHTMAGAZINE 29

Minister For the Armed Forces

Views UKs
Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)
Minister for the Armed Forces Mark Francois toured RAF Waddington today to
view the full scope of the UKs Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) capability.

Mr Francoiss visit was part of

a wider drive by the Ministry
of Defence to dispel some
of the myths around the use
of unmanned systems and
demonstrate the vital role they

precisely at those who pose

a risk to our personnel and
the people they are trying
to protect. I was delighted
to meet with and listen to
the talented personnel who
operate this capability. They
deserve great credit for
the work they do in saving
the lives of our ground
troops, our Afghan and
international colleagues,
and Afghan civilians.

Ground troops who have

served in Afghanistan were also
present at RAF Waddington
to describe how UAS assets
had provided them with lifesaving support at vital times.
Mr Francois said:

Our remotely piloted

systems provide lifesaving
intelligence, reconnaissance
and surveillance on
operations as well as giving
us the ability to strike

Air Vice-Marshal Philip

Osborn, Joint Force Command
Capability Director, said:

allied forces with persistent

surveillance of enemy
positions without putting
their lives at unnecessary
risk. In todays operational
environment, they are
still used predominantly
in surveillance and
reconnaissance roles.

The UKs unmanned aerial

systems provide UK and

When precision strike

capability is required by
ground commanders, this
is always in accordance
with International
Humanitarian Law and
governed by the same
strict rules of engagement
as those governing
manned aircraft.

He also viewed the inside of

a Reaper control cabin and
was shown how a highlytrained and highly-qualified
team control the aircraft with
pilots, sensor operators and
analysts all working together
to make decisions in real-time.

play in supporting personnel

on operations in Afghanistan
and confirm the utility of
such systems for the future.

Mr Francois spoke to
operators of Navy, Army
and RAF UAS including
Scan Eagle, Desert
Hawk and Reaper.

Ministry of Defence UAS/RPAS Fact File

The Ministry of Defence currently operates

Image Wikimedia Commons

Hermes 450 Tactical

Unmanned Aerial System:
Unarmed. Provides video
surveillance to UK ground
forces day and night.
Remotely piloted by trained
members of the Army (Royal
Artillery).
At all times there are up to 9
Hermes 450s available for use.
Aircraft provided by Thales UK.
85,000 hours flown in
Afghanistan and Iraq since
2007.
Total approved cost of 215M.
Hermes 450 Tactical Unmanned Aerial System

30 INSIGHTMAGAZINE

Image Crown Copyright

Reaper MQ-9 Remotely Piloted

Aircraft System:
Remotely piloted by Royal Air Force
pilots.
Designed for medium altitude
and long endurance surveillance
operations.
Carries precision guided air to
ground missiles and bombs.
Weapons can only be fired on the
command of RAF pilots.
UK Reaper only used within
Afghanistan.
Five aircraft in-service which will
expand to a fleet of 10.
Procured from USAF an
manufactured by General
Atomics US.
54,000 hours flown and 459
weapons fired since 2007.
Total approved cost of 506M.
Reaper MQ-9 Remotely Piloted Aircraft System

Image Crown Copyright

Tarantula-Hawk Unmanned Aerial

System:
Unarmed. Examines possible IEDs
to allow safe passage and assist in
the clearance of these devices.
Operated by the Royal Engineers
Counter Improvised Explosive
Devices task force.
Designed for short
endurance, lightweight,
vertical take-off and landing.
Around 550 hours flown.
Total approved cost of 15M.

Scan Eagle Maritime Unmanned

Aerial System:
Unarmed. Provides key surveillance
and intelligence.
Operated by a specialist contractor
team on board Royal Navy vessels.
The first maritime-specific
unmanned reconnaissance asset
that operates from UK warships and
auxiliaries day or night.
Manufactured by Insitu, a
subsidiary of Boeing.
600 hours flying per month.
Total approved cost of 38M.

Image Crown Copyright

Tarantula-Hawk Unmanned Aerial System

Scan Eagle Maritime Unmanned Aerial System

Image Crown Copyright

Image Crown Copyright

Desert Hawk Mini Unmanned Aerial

System:
Unarmed. Provides key surveillance
and intelligence.
Operated by trained members of
the Army (Royal Artillery).
Carried by armed forces on the
ground and launched by hand.
Can be used day and night on the
frontline in Afghanistan.
MOD has 34 DH3 systems.
Each system is made up of
8-10 aircraft.
Manufactured by Lockheed Martin.
30,000 hours flown in support of
operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Total approved cost of 70M.

Desert Hawk Mini Unmanned Aerial System

Black Hornet Nano - UAS

Black Hornet Nano-UAS:

Unarmed. Provides
surveillance and intelligence.
Operated by Infantry.
Used in Afghanistan since 2012.
Manufactured by Prox Dynamics.
Total financial approved of 20M.
INSIGHTMAGAZINE 31

Future MoD UAS Programmes

Scavenger programme:
A project to provide an
armed medium altitude and
long endurance surveillance
capability up to 2030.
Scavenger is currently in
assessment phase.

Image BAE Systems

Taranis:
A Technical Demonstrator
Programme for stealth,
unmanned combat aircraft.
Joint project with BAE Systems
(Rolls Royce, QinetiQ & GE
Aviation).
Evidence from the Taranis
programme is already helping
to inform future combat air
capability planning.
Joint MoD and industry funded
with a current contract value
around 180M.
Watchkeeper Tactical
Unmanned Aerial System:
Unarmed. Will provide
surveillance and intelligence.
Will provide enduring tactical
UAS capability.
Remotely piloted by trained
members of the Army (Royal
Artillery).
Features state of the art
sensors and laser designators.
54 aircraft have been procured
from Thales UK.
Over 500 hours flown in UK to
trial the system ahead of going
in to service.
Total approved cost of around
1Bn.

Image Crown Copyright

Taranis

Watchkeeper Tactial Unmanned Aerial System

Fact Versus Fiction

Fiction: Unmanned Aerial Systems
(UAS) and Remotely Piloted Aircraft
Systems (RPAS) are operated
by machines, not humans.
Fact: UK RPAS and UAS are only
flown by RAF pilots and trained
members of the Armed Forces. UK
RPAS and UAS are always flown and
controlled by trained personnel
and on Reaper, the only armed UAS,
it is a qualified and experienced
RAF Pilot - not a machine - that
decides whether a weapon is fired.
Fiction: All UAS are armed and their
sole purpose is to drop missiles.
Fact: Only Reaper, which makes
up a very small proportion of the
MODs overall UAS capability, carries
weapons. In fact the main purpose
of all MOD UAS is to provide
surveillance, reconnaissance and
intelligence to inform front-line
troops and save both military
and civilian lives in Afghanistan.
Fiction: There are hundreds
of armed drones flying every
day in Afghanistan.
Fact: The current fleet of UAS
have flown nearly 170,000
hours in support of operations
in Afghanistan and Iraq. All are
operated by trained pilots or
operators. Only 459 weapons
have been fired in over 54,000
hours of Reaper RPAS operations
in Afghanistan (as of Nov 13).This
is less than one weapon in every
120 hours of Reaper aircraft flying.
Unarmed UAS have flown more
than double as many hours with
32 INSIGHTMAGAZINE

around 115,000 flight hours.

Fiction: A computer decides
what to target and fire upon.
Fact: All UAS are operated by
professional and trained personnel.
For Reaper, trained pilots, not a
computer, decide whether to
fire a weapon. Weapons are only
released under strict rules of
engagement on legal targets.
Fiction: The MOD is planning
to create weapons that
have no human control.
Fact: The MOD has no plans
to create weapons that
operate without human
control. Trained members of
the armed forces will always
be involved in the command
and control of UAS / RPAS.
Fiction: UAS strikes are
not very accurate.
Fact: UAS / RPAS offer precision.
The ability of UAS to monitor a
situation for extended period of
time offers the ability to ensure
that strikes are completed with the
absolute minimum risk of civilian
casualties. The professional aircrews
flying RPAS are often assigned
to operations for extended
periods and may consequently
fly missions in Afghanistan for
many years which gives them an
unrivalled depth of knowledge and
familiarity with the environment
in which they are operating.
Fiction: UK UAS are responsible
for the deaths of many civilians.

Fact: In over 50,000 hours of

Reaper operations there is only
owwwwwwne known operation
that has resulted in the deaths
of civilians. On 25 March 2011
an attack on two pick-up trucks
resulted in the destruction of a
significant quantity of insurgent
explosives and the death of two
insurgents. Sadly four Afghanistan
civilians were also killed. An ISAF
investigation concluded that the
Reaper crew acted in accordance
with established procedures
and rules of engagement.
Fiction: Pilots are desensitised
to what they are doing as
they fly UAS remotely.
Fact: Quite the opposite. The
experienced pilots who fly UAS do
not face the same level of direct
danger as crews of manned aircraft.
Because of this, and the greater
amount of time they can spend in
the air assessing the situation, crews
are able to exercise their judgement
in a more measured way, free
from the stresses of the combat
zone or concerns about their
survival. Likewise the persistence
of UAS ensures the crew observe
the aftermath of their actions.
Fiction: The use of UAS increases
the likelihood of civilian casualties.
Fact: UAS can monitor areas
of interest for a considerable
period of time. This affords the
crew time to conduct a detailed
assessment of any target, the
environment in which they are
operating and the ability to

time any attack to minimise

the risk of civilian casualties or
unnecessary damage to property.
Crucially the surveillance they
provide decreases the risks to
ground forces and civilians.
Fiction: There are no rules
governing use of UAS and as a
result they have been used to
undertake targeted killings.
Fact: On the rare occasions that
weapons are used, the same
strict rules are followed that
govern the use of weapons on
other aircraft. All systems are
operated in accordance with UN
Security Council resolutions and
the strict Rules of Engagement.
Fiction: Armed UAS can be operated
from anywhere in the world.
Fact: UK Reaper RPAS on
operations in Afghanistan are
piloted from control stations at
RAF Waddington, Lincolnshire
and Creech Air Force Base
in the United States.
Fiction: The MOD is exporting
UAS to many different countries
Fact: The Government does not
export UAS. The UK takes its
arms export responsibilities very
seriously operating one of the
most robust export licensing
regimes in the world. Quite
rightly, these regulations apply
to any UK based manufacturers
wishing to export UAS in exactly
the same way as for any other
defence related exports.

RAF WADDINGTON

Piper collects for Help

for Heroes to the tune
of 10,000
RAF Waddington Piper,
Nigel Warmington, passed
a milestone at Christmas in
his efforts to support Forces
charity, Help for Heroes.
Nigel has been piping for
the charity in Truro, Cornwall
since leaving the RAF in 2008
and has now collected over
10,000. Aided by his wife,
Deller, he said that He was
motivated to work for the
charity to help to provide
not only the immediate
relief for casualties that
were returning from Iraq
and then Afghanistan but
also providing for their long
term support. It has been an
inspiring experience meeting
the public and hearing of
their support for the men

and women that have been

wounded with many having
family and friends that had
been involved with the war.
Others recounted memories
of their own or partners
military experiences from the
Second World War and other
conflicts which has made
our collecting experience
interesting and rewarding.
Nigel, a former RAF pilot
and flying instructor started
learning the bagpipes while at
RAF Linton-on-Ouse and then
joined the RAF Waddington
Pipes and Drums during his
final tour at RAF Cranwell
and, despite the distance
from his home in Cornwall,
still enjoys occasionally
playing with the band.

RAF Waddington

RAF ASSOCIATION YOUTH

AT AIR POWER DAY
On the 5th of November,
as a prize won through
RAFA Youth, I attended
RAF Waddington which
was holding an Air Combat
Power Day. Where people
from all over the country,
young and old alike,
attended. There were some
of the businesses that
work alongside the RAF.
There were also people,
who simply wanted to
learn more about the Royal
Air Force, the planes and
what actually happens.
First, after we had a talk by the
Waddington Base Commanding
Officer, Group Captain AK
Gillespie ADC MA BSc (Hons) RAF.
We were then all taken by mini
buses to the side of the runway
to watch a Typhoon jet fly over,
even though it was a very short
display because of the weather,
it was very impressive. After that
we went to theAir Battlespace
Training Centre (ABTC) which
is used to provide a training
capability for UK Air, Land and
Maritime force elements in a
National and Coalition synthetic
environment, focusing on
training for Team, Collective, Joint
and Combined Operations.
We were then taken to the
apron, where we went into a
Boeing C-17 Transport aircraft,
which can carry almost any of
the Armys air transportable, out
sized combat equipment. It can
also carry three Warrior armoured
vehicles or 13 Land Rovers, a
Chinook Helicopter or three
Apache-sized helicopters. The
aircraft can also be used as an Air
Hospital or be configured into
an aero medical evacuation role.
Some of us were invited to look
around the flight deck, which
in itself looked complicated in
nearly everyones minds, how

difficult it would be to fly (but

the Pilot said it was very easy,
but thats their opinion). Other
than the complicated looking
design of the flight deck it was a
very interesting plane and also
it was interesting to listen to the
pilots talk about the plane and
explain about what it does and
what it could do in the future.
We also visited a Hercules, which
wasnt as large as the C-17 but
impressive in its own way.
After staying in the warmth of
the C-17 and the Hercules, we
then went back out into the
freezing cold and wet weather
and went to talk to some of the
people there about what they
do within the Royal Air Force,
my group only had time to talk
to the Royal Air Force Police, but
the way they talked about their
jobs, it seemed they wouldnt
change it for the world.We
then went for lunch Pasta and
Meatballs or Curry, both nice, I
had the pasta, but my friend said
the curry was very nice as well.
We listened to talks about
the Intelligence, Surveillance,
Targeting, Acquisition and
Reconnaissance as well as the
Joint Services Mission control,
after that we had a talk about
the Typhoon before it was time
to leave. We got on to the mini
buses for the last time and went
back to the hanger for a question
and answer session, but we didnt
have many questions to ask.
All together the day was
amazing and very educational
for all age groups and no one
left without something new
added to their knowledge.
My grateful thanks to Helen
Gibson, (Youth Community
Manager, RAFA) and RAF
Waddington for a great day.

INSIGHTMAGAZINE 33

CLASSIC
LANDROVERS

Lincolnshire Course 4-12

Wadd = Waddington
Con = Coningsby
Hon = Honington

Broken, leaking or blocked guttering

at your home or business?

We are happy to discuss putting

on courses at a place and time
that suits you

Conservatory roof needing cleaning or fixing?

Dont know who to call?

GUTTERCLEANSE
CAN HELP!
British Classics * Heritage Motors
Parts 1948 to Date
Retail Trade Export
Special Projects
Restorations Manufacturing
Country Workshops, Risegate,
Nr. Spalding,
Lincolnshire, England, PE11 4EZ
Tel/Fax: 01775750223
www.british4x4centre.co.uk

Emergency call out

Gutters cleaned and repaired
Yearly health checks of your guttering
Conservatory

ILM Leadership and Management award level 2 175

14 - 15 April Con

ILM Leadership & Management award level 3 750 & level 5 950

12 -15 May Hon

8 -11 Sept Con

ILM Coaching award level 3 including NLP Practitioner 1500

ILM Coaching award level 5 including NLP Practitioner 1700
NLP Practitioner only (not ELC eligible) 895
Starting an On-line Business & ILM Enterprise & Entrepreneurship level 3 1500

12 - 16 May Wadd

Service Improvement Manager 2 level 5 ILM certificates 1900

24,25 March (part 2) Con

28 April (part 3) Con
30 April - 1 May (Part 1) Wadd
28,29 May (Part 2) Wadd
26 June (part3) Wadd

Full Public Liability Insurance

No job too small or too big

Call Dave

01529 410380
07877 362941

250 discount if 2 We are fully approved so you can use SLCs, ELCor Resettlement grants to fund training
For further info contact your Learning Centre or Andy Greene Inspired2Be
courses are booked
together
on 01522 501886 / 07941 501886 or email info@inspired2Be.com www.inspired2be.com

Catering for your

Business or Private Function
Now in our 14th year of providing
fabulous food in Lincolnshire

01522 539602
www.bellesandbeaux.co.uk

34 INSIGHTMAGAZINE

7 - 11 April (part 2) Wadd

5 - 9 May (part 1) Con
2 - 6 June (part 2) Con
9 -13 June (part 1) 7 - 11 July (part2) Hon

Garden now open

Finest quality home-made food,
hot or cold
Affordable prices
All dietary requirements catered for
Choice of menus or choose your
own
Use of our welcoming caf for
your celebration or party,
seating for 40 people
Air conditioned

INSIGHTMAGAZINE 35

of Waddington,

your local supermarket serving the local community.

Fresh Fruit & Vegetables
Fresh Meat,
Poultry & Fish
Fresh Dairy Produce
Chilled Ready Meals
Lunchtime Snacks
Freshly Baked Bread

Cream Cakes
Groceries
Frozen Foods
Wines, Beers & Spirits
Newspapers & Magazines
Flowers & House Plants
Carpet Cleaning

Home delivery
Cash Dispenser
Celebration Cakes
(to order)
Payzone

Glass Loan
National Lottery
Extended range now
available
Free Parking

Convenient opening hours:

Mon Fri 8am 10pm Sat 8am 9pm Sun 10am 4pm
Major credit cards accepted.

Bar Lane, Waddington Lincoln

01522 721970

36 INSIGHTMAGAZINE

Branston
Community Academy
ston
Bran

Communit

y Academy, Station Road, Branston, Lincoln, LN4 1LH

01522 8804

40 enquiries@branstonca.lincs.sch.uk

Converted December 2010 from outstanding

(OFSTED) high performing specialist school - offers an
all round education for students from 11-18. We are
proud of our record of success in both examination
results and the personal skills and attributes of the
young people in our care. Parents and Students
continually rate the Academy as Outstanding
in Nationally bench marked surveys. Visits are
welcomed at any time, please contact the Academy
01522 880400

for further information or see our website

www.branstonca.lincs.sch.uk

Enterprise, Ambition & Success

INSIGHTMAGAZINE 37

Image Crown Copyright

BOWING OUT IN STYLE

Flight Lieutenant Mike Chatterton at the Royal Albert Hall

After almost 40 years service in the Royal Air Force Flight Lieutenant Mike Chatterton
from RAF Waddington bowed out in real style on his last day of service by leading
out the RAF contingent at this years Festival of Remembrance held at the Royal
Albert Hall on Saturday 9th November.

My family has always

watched the Festival of
Remembrance on TV for
as long as I can remember
so actually being part of
it today is something very
special to me; Im suredad
would have been very
proud.

Mike joined the RAF in 1974

and served on operations in
the Balkans, Iraq, Afghanistan
and most recently Libya. With
over10,000 flying hours he
concluded his operational
flying career on 51 Squadron
RAF Waddington flying the
Nimrod R1 which was retired
from service in June 2011
with Mike at the controls.
Having now become a
member of the Volunteer
Reserve Mike will continue to
fly and give air experience to
cadets in the Tutor aircraft at
RAF Cranwell.

Passionate about aviation

history he still gets to sit at
the controls of his favourite
aircraft type - the Avro
Lancaster, - as he is part of
a small but dedicated team
of people that keep NX611

John Chatterton in Lancaster Cockpit 1944

38 INSIGHTMAGAZINE

- "Just Jane" in the public

eye. Having amassed over
450 hours as a pilot with
the Lancaster of the Battle
of Britain Memorial Flight
during the '90's Mike now
pilots "Just Jane" for the Taxy
Runs at East Kirkby Aviation
Heritage Centre; a place with
which Mike has a special
connection, his late father
John having flown Lancs from
the same airfield during WWII.

Taxy runs give members

of the public a coveted
opportunity to experience the
Lancaster from a completely
different point of view; inside
the aircraft with engines
roaring providing the ultimate
WWII experience.
Back at home in Lincolnshire
Mike reflects on his career in
the RAF and said:

Flight Lieutenant Mike Chatterton in the cockpit of

Jane at East Kirkby

I have thoroughly enjoyed all

my flying in the RAF over the
last 40 years, and look forward
to a further 5 years with the
Air Experience Flight where I
can pass on the joy of flying
tofuture generations.I have
been to some amazing places
and met lots of good friends, many of whom I hope to keep
in touch with. The highlight
would have to be when I took
Father and several members
of his wartime operational
crew for a flight in the
BBMF Lancaster in 1993. My
daughter Amy has recently
gained her Glider Pilot Wings
with the Combined Cadet
Force, and so I am now very
proud to be able to say
that there have been three
generations of Chattertons
with Pilot's Wings.

Mike hails from a military

background; his late father
John Chatterton having
been a Lancaster pilot
during WWII. Following in
his footsteps is daughter
Amy who has recently
gained her Glider Pilot
Wings with the Combined
Cadet Force.
As part of the muster
paradeMike said proudly:

Amy Chatterton

INSIGHTMAGAZINE 39