Project CATARA

Centralised Air Transport and Air-to-Air Refuelling Assets

Following the Armed Forces Strategic Review, a number of efficiencies were identified to increase the effectiveness of our operations and to secure the long-term future of our core RAF sites. One such efficiency was to combine the Air Transport (AT) and Air Re-fuelling (AAR) fleets at a single centre of excellence. After a period of consultation and investigation, it was decided that RAF Brize Norton would be developed into the core AT and AAR station and that RAF Lyneham’s aircraft assets would relocate by 2012. Following this decision, a joint team was established combining HQ Air Cmd (HQ Air) staff officers and specialist personnel from Defence Estates (DE).

Since the announcement that Lyneham was to become surplus to HQ Air’s requirements, the team has been refining the RAF’s future plan for RAF Brize Norton and preparing for the introduction into service of new aircraft such as the Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) and A400M, to replace the ageing VC10, Tristar and C130K aircraft. Whilst the final plan for RAF Brize Norton has yet to be confirmed, it is certain that a concentrated period of construction will follow in preparation for the new aircraft fleets and the arrival of their Support Units from RAF Lyneham.

However a word of caution…

As you would expect, rumours are rife about the scope of the CATARA project. Whilst planning and consultation remain ongoing, the level of investment and infrastructure required for the Station to fulfill its new role is yet to be finalised and even those Sections and Wings that have been identified as core to the Station’s output, have yet to have their final location determined. If you hear otherwise in the crew-room, don’t believe it.

Likewise, Programme CATARA is responsible for providing the infrastructure solutions only, not new equipment. This remains the responsibility of the equipment Integrated Project Teams (IPTs) who will introduce new equipment and training where the requirement and funding exists. That said, where new equipment requires specialist accommodation, Programme CATARA will work alongside the equipment IPTs to ensure that new buildings are designed to efficiently incorporate the new equipment and its supporting elements.

Finally, through Project SLAM (Single Living Accommodation Modernisation) and other procurement initiatives, projects are now underway to develop new SLA and SFA and to dramatically improve accommodation for servicemen and women and their families.

Although the blueprint has yet to be agreed, you can be certain that the whole team is dedicated to improving the working and living conditions for all those associated with the current and future Brize Norton and making it a valued part of the local community.

We hope you find this website useful.

Live Projects

Defence Estates, in partnership with RAF Brize Norton are delivering the following Capital works projects through Regional Prime Contracting. These projects are underway and the CATARA team are ensuring that their development is co-ordinated with the emerging Establishment masterplan.

ASP (Aircraft Servicing Platform)

Project Manager – Mike Terry – Updated April 2009

Twelve new and six replacement Aircraft Service Platforms (ASPs) will be constructed as part of the project to allow parking for the new A400M, FSTA Fleet and existing Tri-stars as well as the C130Js transferred from Lyneham. Some of the platforms are to be over-sized to accommodate large charter aircraft. The new ASP will provide the capability for on-stand refuelling, de-fuelling and ground power. The new facility will enable aircraft to taxi in and out of each ASP. The construction of the Phase One works is going to programme and four of the new stands are now in operational use. Phase Two and Three of the project have commenced and all work should be completed by October this year.

Utilities: HV Electrcity

Project Manager - Roger Price - Updated April 2009

The two new 9MVA HV feeders were completed and commissioned on Friday 16th January ahead of the April target date bringing secure electrical supply to meet future Brize needs. A shutdown of the supply will be necessary in March 2009 for installation of the on-site protection system to match the new capacity. DCRE are preparing the Standby Power Generators to facilitiate this.

Utilities: HV On-Site Work

Project Manager: Roger Price - Updated April 2009

In addition, the on-site HV interconnecter cables are being upgraded to 9MVA capacity and the undersize sections of the three undersize HV ring mains increased to 3.9MVA capacity to match the remainder of the Rings. Installation of the ducts for the on-site HV Rings is complete north side - cable pulled and connected. Directional drilling of four ducts under the runway commenced on 12 January and the first pass under the runway at circa 7 metre depth is now complete, though extra rods have been necessary due to some sandy conditions. Excavation and  installation of the interconnector cables commenced on 28th January at the intake substation to the Standby Power House and this section will complete in February. Further open trenching will also extend from the Standby Power House to the Officers Mess running in the roads or verges laying 150 metre cable lengths at a time. This will involve traffic diversions over the next 8 weeks. This work is phased to complete before SLAM construction starts near the Officers Mess in MArch. Switching of the new HV rings has progressed well. Overall, still on programme. SAFETY NOTE: Please respect barriers placed around the excavation areas and please do no move these. Any queries should be directed to Tuna Futtu (ext 7272).

Single Living Accomodation (SLAM)

Project Manager: Denis Williams - Updated April 2009

Brize Norton is the only RAF Site in SLA (Modernisation) (SLAM) Phase 2 and will see construction of 744 new Junior Ranks (JRs) rooms and 64 Officers rooms. Construction is due to commence around 2009 and should last approximately 3 years. The location of the Officers' Mess site will be on the SIF garages located directly behind the existing Officers' Mess. the number of officers' bed spaces has been determined by the predicted increase in numbers of station personnel arising from the merger of Lyneham and Brize Norton and other strategic unit moves. Of the 64 rooms, 42 will be to junior officers, specification and 22 to senior officers'. SLAM is managed by the SLAM IPT and the RAFIB PSEUR is Flt Lt Steve Gillespie.

Service Families Accommodation (SFA)

Project Manager: Denis Williams - Updated April 2009

Plans are underway to replace 600 of the worst SFA, including all flats with 800 new Type C and Type D houses for JRs. The houses to be replaced are the REEMA North and REEMA Central SFA, a block of SFA bordered by Brize Norton Road to the South, Broadshires Health Centre and the new leisure centre to the east, Northwood Crescent to the north, Upavon Way down to Northolt road and Stanmore Crescent and Abingdon Road in the south-west. The additional 200 houses will cater for the increase in married personnel expected as a result of CATARA and will be a great and long overdue quality of life improvement for personnel. The lead for this work is being undertaken by Defence Estates Operation s (Housing) who are responsible for compiling all financial and business documentation for both IG and MG approval. It is anticipated that construction will start in late 2009 and complete 2013. However, the demolition of some of the existing flats within REEMA North commenced in June 2008.

Future Plans

At the heart of the CATARA Project has been the requirement to respond to the change in the types and numbers of aircraft that will be operating from RAF Brize Norton in the future.

Following the phasing out of the VC10 and Tristar aircraft in 2013/14 and their replacement by the Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA), the Stn will also operate the new A400M aircraft which will join 24 Sqn & 30 Sqn who will have moved from RAF Lyneham when operations cease there in 2012. RAF Lyneham will then be declared surplus to HQ Air’s requirements (as announced by Minister for Armed Forces in July 2003) and all Air Transport and Air to Air Refuelling capabilities will then be conducted from RAF Brize Norton.

As the centre of excellence for AT and AAR, Brize Norton will be able to handle new and greater numbers of aircraft, all of which will require improved airfield facilities such as parking bays, hangars, an updated and improved Passenger Terminal and Cargo Warehouse to name but a few.

Immediate Future Plans

Updated April 2009

These following projects are scheduled for completion in the near future at RAF Brize Norton:

• Relocation of Secondary Surveillance Radar - It is planned to move the radar to the south of the airfield to accommodate future SLAM blocks.

Other Projects

• C130J and A400M Simulators
• C130J Sqn Facilities
• Engineering Facilities
• Passenger Facilities
• Cargo Facilities

Completed Projects

• Runway Resurfacing & Upgrades to airfield lighting
• HV Utilities: Gas