Issue 9 Jan 2009.indd - Ministry of Defence

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support to ops 24 Taking steps to a greener future THE SUSTAINABLE Development and Environmental Protection Policy team has been working towards a greener future for DE&S sites. A recent workshop for site environmental focal points has kicked off a project to translate MOD sustainable development policy targets into initiatives that can be delivered on sites in 2009. Topics included improving site management systems and ideas for waste and energy-saving initiatives. As well as wider site plans, there are things we can all do to help reduce our carbon footprints. What you can do Energy • Switch all equipment and appliances off (not stand-by) when not in use. This includes photocopiers, computer terminals, monitors and printers. Equipment can be ‘woken up’ remotely for software updates • Switch off lights when not required • Minimise through life energy use of new equipment or infrastructure, and choose A or A+ rated goods if replacing appliances • Alter heating controls or clothing rather than opening windows when radiators are on • Replace light bulbs with energy saving varieties • Service boilers/pumps and other machinery regularly • Change to renewable energy suppliers, or consider solar panels, wood-burners and other self-generation Travel • Minimise the need to travel. Use video/ tele conferencing instead of meetings • Minimise car use by car sharing, cycling, walking or using public transport Water • Buy a water butt and use rainwater for the garden or car-washing • Have showers rather than baths • Fit low-fl ow shower heads and taps, or put a water displacement device (hippo) in your cistern Waste • Avoid buying more food or consumables than actually needed • Re-use or recycle as much waste as possible. Wildlife • Plant native or wildlife-friendly plants in your garden. Community • Volunteer for community or wildlife projects • Buy local produce A new fi nish f Ready for the fi nishing touches: just like a plastic model kit, a repainted Harrier training aircraft awaits numerous additional markings, including warning triangles, jacking points and safety markings before it is ready to return to fl ying duties A NEW chapter in surface finishing of aircraft, ground support equipment and military vehicles has started with the award of a 10-year contract to Serco. The company has taken on a task previously done by RAF tradesmen. The Defence Logistics Transformation Proqramme (DLTP) Commodities Study report concluded that surface finishing was a Depth function, and that the trade group involved, TG13b (Painter and Finisher), had no specialist deployable role, so support to the RAF could be provided by a civilianised workforce. With an Air Force Board decision in 2006 to dissolve the trade group, the Air Commodities IPT (AC IPT) was tasked to identify a replacement output solution for 16 RAF sites in mainland UK, Northern Ireland and the Falkland Islands for painting and finishing services. Neil Plowman from the AC IPT said: “Various options were explored and we found the best value for money solution would be for a single contract. Following an intensive competition Serco was selected as the preferred bidder in December 2007. “This project was the first to be subjected to the new DE&S scrutiny and approvals process, and it was only after this, and trades union consultation process had been successfully concluded in August 2008, that the IPT was able to award the contract.” The joint AC IPT, Air Command and Serco implementation team has worked hard with each other and the units to ensure the transition to the contractorised solution was as smooth and efficient as possible. This has involved the integration of more than 90 RAF painters and 20 MOD civilians with a newly recruited workforce of more than 100 Serco technicians across the country, and the introduction of a new and innovative IT infrastructure to coordinate the complex range of tasks involved in the programme. “It is a unique contract for us in many respects,” said Ian Wiggans from Serco. “We’re starting off with residual RAF manpower, who are going to be a diminishing commodity. The sites we’re operating from are also quite diverse, and range from the largest, at RAF Marham to RAF Boulmer with only a couple of staff. This programme is very important to us, not just in business terms, but also in giving us the opportunity to extend our support and work more closely with our colleagues in the RAF across the country.” The end of the successful transition process was marked at an event at RAF Cottesmore in December, formalising the handing over process between the RAF surface finish trade and Serco. It was attended by representatives from the AC IPT, Air Command and Serco. Speaking at the event, Group Captain Nick Cox from Air Command said: “The surface finish programme is another great example of industry and the military working in partnership to enhance operational capability. “We are delighted with the excellent work that Serco has undertaken during the preparation for the handover of the responsibility for the task. “Their services will make a significant contribution to enhancing the support to a wide range of RAF aircraft and support equipment over the coming years, and we look forward to working with them.”
or RAF painting Surface Finishing Surface Finishing is an engineering maintenance activity. It is essential that the surface fi nish is correctly maintained to preserve structural integrity by inhibiting or preventing corrosion. A good fi nish can also contribute to smoother airfl ow and improve aircraft effi ciency. Examples of the different aircraft coatings available are: � Low Infra-Red Refl ective: Designed to blend in with a sky background and hamper IR electronic sensors from locking onto an aircraft when looking at it against a sky background. Typically used on fast jets. � Infra-Red Refl ective: Designed to match foliage refl ectance. � Solar Heat Refl ective: Applied correctly over a suitable primer and or undercoat this fi nish can reduce the effects of solar loading quite signifi cantly. Mainly used on transport aircraft. � Alkali Removable Temporary Finish: Formulated as a readyuse temporary camoufl age coating (e.g. transition to war). It is available in a restricted range of colours and is designed to blend in with the surrounding terrain. Dauntless takes the plunge in her fi rst sea trials DAUNTLESS, the second of the Type 45 destroyers, has successfully completed her first sea trials. The 7,500-tonne ship spent 29 days at sea through a blustery November and December, finishing 96 per cent of the trials programme. “Sea trials have provided a rigorous environment for testing the hull which has now steamed 5,114 nautical miles,” said a spokesman for DE&S’ Destroyers Directorate. “The platform has operated well, achieving success in most serials. Overall Dauntless is in very good shape. “However, a number of issues in terms of equipment, fittings and routines have emerged that require further investigation and/or resolution before we move to stage 1.2 sea trials and acceptance off contract.” The ship hosted visits from DE&S’ chief of Materiel (Fleet), senior naval officers, media, sponsors and the House of Commons Defence Select Committee. Dauntless, the second of the Type 45s after Daring, pictured on the Clyde support to ops Upskilling Can help you... Give greater confidence – both for you and your customers Upskilling Helps the business by... Developing the skills required for today and for the future Defence Equipment & Support Combat Air starts switch from Wyton DE&S’ COMBAT Air Cluster has begun arriving at Abbey Wood from its former home at RAF Wyton. The cluster includes acquisition and through-life support to Harrier, Tornado and Typhoon; UK participation in development of future air systems, including the Joint Combat Aircraft and unmanned air systems; managing flying training; aerospace industrial partnering; and providing aircrew survival equipment for all fixed and rotary wing aircraft in RAF service. Air Vice-Marshal Simon Bollom, Director General Combat Air, said: “We are looking to create an operating hub, which will involve the movement of staff from RAF Wyton to merge with the Combat Air organisations currently based at Abbey Wood. “Other staff will relocate from RAF Wyton to the main operating bases as part of agreed availability contracting in partnership with industry. “This will be a major challenge for personnel but it will create a more cohesive cluster unit and a much broader range of opportunities for those who work in Combat Air.” Be more effective in your current role Improve career and promotion opportunities Ensuring the front line gets the best possible support Providing skilled people in the right place at the right time 25
Page 1 and 2: ASTOR into service Bulldog is top d
Page 3 and 4: 14 Inside cover image Every second
Page 5 and 6: Building continues as carriers’ i
Page 7 and 8: New batch on the way as boats prove
Page 9 and 10: AN UPDATED command system has been
Page 11 and 12: Bulldog is top dog! DE&S programme
Page 13 and 14: can’t see this changing in the fu
Page 15 and 16: feature • • To equip and suppor
Page 21 and 22: ture must be too Do we have a just
Page 23: New system keeps Type 23 in command
Page 27 and 28: Ships cluster successes marked Reco
Page 29 and 30: MOD APPRENTICES gathered at Main Bu
Page 31 and 32: Working a different beat DE&S exper
Page 33 and 34: PACE • Performance, Agility, Conf
Page 35 and 36: PROMOTE YOUR PRODUCT OR SERVICE IN

Issue 9 Jan 2009.indd - Ministry of Defence

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