Depth Support Wing

Depth Support Wing (Dep Spt Wg) was formed on 4 Apr 05 as part of the Station's re-organisation to a Forward / Depth environment. The Depth Support Wing is Defence Logistics Organisation (DLO) managed, and as such is part of the process to remove responsibility for support elements away from stations, whilst still providing the same level of support.

The Depth Support Manager (DSM) is the single focal point for all DLO issues at RAF Brize Norton; this is an inherent part of ensuring that the link between the Station (part of RAF Strike Command) and its support (DLO) has a clear line of communication. The DSM reports to the Airborne Refuelling and Communications Fleet Integrated Project Team Leader (ARC IPTL) at RAF Wyton.

Dep Spt Wg currently comprises Aircraft Depth Support Squadron (ADSS), and Depth Business Management, overseeing the Financial and Business reporting, Governance and Leaning within Depth at RAF Brize Norton.

The most obvious and recognisable part of the Engineering support on Station is Base Hangar. When first erected, the hangar was the largest free-standing cantilever construction in Western Europe and towers over the north-eastern quadrant of the Station. It can accommodate six aircraft within its 5.5 acres of floor space, including either two TriStars or one TriStar and one C-17. Base Hangar is the home of Dep Spt Wg HQ, ADSS and AESF.

Aircraft Depth Support Squadron

ADSS consists of a number of distinct sections. Aircraft Engineering Support Flight (AESF), Air Transport & Air-to-Air Refuelling Aircraft Engineering Development & Implementation Team (AT & AAR AEDIT), and VC10 & TriStar Maintenance School (VCTMS).

AESF

AESF comprises three main support areas; the Surface Finish Section, Structures Bay and Oxygen Bay.

The Surface Finish Section supports all the flying squadrons on the Station, MT/GSE corrosion protection, Stn workshops, as well as the lodger units (TCW, JATEU). The Section also includes a comprehensive Trim and Fabric Bay.

The Structures Bay continues to ensure adequate second line spares are available for all the aircraft on the Station, as well as supporting the Depth activity at DARA St Athan, and providing high quality composite repairs for 99 Sqn C-17s.

The Oxygen Bay is a recent addition to AESF under the Forward / Depth transformation. While supporting the aircraft squadrons daily, the majority of their tasking is in support of Airborne Forces and High Altitude despatch.

AT & AAR AEDIT

The role of the AEDIT is to undertake, principally on behalf of Desk Officers at the ARC IPT, those engineering tasks considered more suitable for satisfaction within the Service than through Post Design Services or other external agencies. The AT & AAR AEDIT supports the RAF's VC10 and TriStar fleets, focusing on the key outputs of airworthiness / safety, operational capability, reliability / maintainability / sustainability / availability, and support cost reduction. The AEDIT's core contribution is technical support, drawing on the skill and knowledge of its personnel, access to aircraft and access to front-line personnel.

VCTMS

The main role of VCTMS is to deliver in-depth technical training to the technicians and Aircraft Ground Engineers employed on the RAF's VC10, TriStar and C-17 fleets. The training task is delivered principally in the form of 'Q' courses, aircraft-specific trade qualification courses, covering each trade area on VC10, C-17 and TriStar. Additionally, Air-to-Air Refuelling equipment 'Q' courses are provided for VC10 and TriStar technicians, and Managers' Courses are provided for engineering managers employed on all 3 fleets.

Depth Business Management (DBM)

DBM is responsible for financial management, reporting and governance within the Depth area of responsibility. This includes the collation and distribution of key output related Business Management information, the continuous improvement activity within Depth, and management of input to the repair bays. Additionally, DBM provides administrative support to the Depth organisation.