OP HERRICK

Hercules

The C-130J Hercules detached from RAF Lyneham in support of Op Herrick moved over 225 tons of freight and just short of 2200 troops. This aircraft plays a vital role in moving troops and equipment throughout theatre, whether in support of British, ISAF or the Afghanistan National Forces.

Also, for the first time in several months the Hercules also undertook 2 successful Air Drops of 4 pallets each to reprovision outlying operating bases.

Tornado

The Tornado GR4 aircraft detachment of 904 EAW is currently manned by personnel from II(AC) Sqn. The Sqn, who are operation from Kandahar Airfield, are normaly based in the UK at RAF Marham in East Anglia. This aircraft provides excellent ground support through a number of means; these include Shows of Force, Close Air Support and air intelligence gathering using the Litening 3 pod. Moreover, superior air reconnaissance and imagery is provided using the acclaimed RAPTOR pod.

The Tornado aircraft has had good serviceability this week, thanks to the hard work of the engineers, consquently, the aircraft flew approximately 30 missions through the week, achieving noticeable effect in support of ground troops.

Outgoing IX(B) Sqn spent some time in Cyprus on their return to the UK, the delay caused by the Volcanic Ash cloud over Britain.

Reaper

Reaper is an Remotely Piloted Aircraft operated by 39 Sqn, which have been operating 24/7 in support of Task Force Helmand and, in particular, Op MOSHTARAK. This state of the art airbourne sensor, coupled with its armament of Precision Guided 500 lb bombs and Hellfire missiles, plays a vital role in supporting ground forces. The aircraft also undertakes Armed Overwatch, reconnaissance and IED searches during their Missions.

During a particular mission, the Reaper successfully deployed a weapon against Insurgent who where palnning an attack against friendly forces. Improtantly, there where no civilian casulaties or calateral damage.

The Reapers of 39 Sqn also surpassed 10,000 flying hours in Afghanistan.

VC-10

VC-10 air to air refuelling aircraft of 902 EAW in the Gulf, have conducted several Missions this week supporting and offload over 73 tonnes of fuel to other aircraft. The engineers worked hard to replace an unserviceable engine on the aircraft, a difficult task in the heat of the Gulf.

Sentinel

Sentinel aircraft of 902 EAW in the Gulf conducted several missions this week.. The Sentinel uses its cutting edge Airborne Stand-Off Radar (ASTOR) to provide a detailed picture of ground movements that is exploited by analysts in the Ground Station in Afghanistan. The Air Intelligence picture it produces improves Commanders situational awareness and is a vital tool for planning Operations.

Comms Fleet

The HS 125 aircraft of 32 (The Royal) Sqn, which are used as the Communications Fleet, carried both VIP, senior military passengers and other important passengers throughout this week.

OPERATION TELIC

Hercules

The Hercules C-130J aircraft of 901EAW only moved 19 tons of freight and 1 passenger, this being a direct result of the Vlcanic Ash cloud in Britain, which delayed deliveries of equipment and personnel. The Missions flown were in support of Op TELIC in the Gulf and Op HERRICK in Afghanistan.

Editor: Sqn Ldr S N Moore.

Photography: Corporal Dave Blackburn/RAF/Mod Crown Copyright 2010.