OPERATION HERRICK

Hercules

The C-130J aircraft of 904 EAW moved approximately 190 tonnes of freight and nearly 3000 passengers this week across the Operational Theatre in Afghanistan. The aircraft move British, Coalition and Afghan personnel around Theatre and International Security Assistance Force freight.

Tornado

31 Sqn (The Gold Stars) conducted the final handover of the Tornado Detachment of 904 EAW to IX(B) Sqn, when 31 Sqn returned to the UK this week. The responsibility was handed over seamlessly and the new Sqn were soon in the thick of the action over the skies of Afghanistan, providing valuable support to ground forces.

At the start of the week aircraft provided Armed Overwatch in support of ground forces and using imagery relayed from the Litening 3 pod to the Tactical Air Controller, they were able to assist the ground commander’s awareness of the situation on the ground. A Show of Force was conducted after a Patrol received Small Arms Fire from insurgents. This awesome display of air power suppressed enemy fire, allowing the Patrol to continue with its mission.

Aircraft assisted with searches ahead of patrols and convoys for Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) and also monitored compounds and locals for suspicious activity. They also conducted searches along main roads for potential IEDs. Information on potential IEDs is fed back to the ground commanders so that they can avoid them or they can be neutralised by Explosive Ordnance Disposal Teams.

Throughout the week, Tornado aircraft continued to carry out Armed Overwatch for ground forces and provide air intelligence to the Air Controllers who work alongside the ground forces. Aircraft also conducted reconnaissance using the acclaimed RAPTOR pod producing detailed images, which are exploited by the Image Analysts of the Tactical Imagery Intelligence Wing detachment of 904 EAW.

One particular RAPTOR mission also supported a coalition patrol who had been engaged by enemy fire. The ground commander praised the support of the aircraft and said that the air intelligence and presence of the aircraft greatly improved his ability to deal with the situation effectively. Aircraft conducting RAPTOR missions also carry Litening 3 pods and weapons, so they can conduct their reconnaissance mission and provide support to ground forces with real time air intelligence and attack capability, should it be required.

Towards the end of the week an aircraft was providing Armed Overwatch for a coalition convoy when intelligence was received that insurgents may be planning an ambush on the convoy. An aircraft conducted a Show of Force ahead of the vehicles. It was assessed that the Show of Force made insurgents aware that the armed Tornado was prepared to counter any attack and as a result, no attack was made.

Reaper

UK Reaper Unmanned Aerial Vehicles of 39 Sqn have been deployed with 904 EAW and have been supporting operations in Afghanistan for some time now. They recently marked a significant milestone exceeding 8000 flying hours in support of coalition operations in Afghanistan. During the week they fired a Hellfire missile which killed 12 insurgents who were massing to attack a target. UK Reaper aircraft are flying every day and have the ability to provide significant air intelligence over extended periods, with precision attack capabilities, using Hellfire missiles and Paveway 4 precision bombs, should they be required.

Communications Fleet

The HS125 and BAE146 Communications Fleet aircraft, deployed with 901 EAW, transported over 20 VIP and military commanders around the Operational Theatres this week.

VC10

The VC10 air to air refuelling aircraft of 902 EAW delivered approximately 80 tonnes of fuel to US Navy aircraft this week. The US Navy aircraft are compatible with the VC10 refuelling system and the aircraft has been described as the “tanker of choice” for them.

Sentinel

Sentinel aircraft deployed as part of 902 EAW are supporting operations in Afghanistan. The Airborne Stand Off Radar which the aircraft carries provides a valuable radar picture of ground movements over wide areas of Afghanistan.

E3D Sentry

E3D Sentry aircraft of RAF Waddington are currently deployed to the Gulf providing Battlespace Management over North WestAfghanistan. The aircraft are able to provide radar coverage of a very wide area and control the combat aircraft flying in that area, prioritising their support to ground forces.

OPERATION TELIC

Hercules

The Hercules aircraft of 901 EAW has moved over 60 tonnes of freight and approximately 80 passengers around the Gulf Region, supporting Operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

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RAF/MOD Crown Copyright 2010.