OPEARTION HERRICK
Hercules
The Hercules C-130J aircraft of 904 EAW transported over 2600 passengers and approximately 220 tonnes of freight this week. The Hercules aircraft are providing vital air transport to British and ISAF operations across Afghanistan.
Tornado
The Tornado GR4 aircraft of 904 EAW supported operations across Afghanistan flying Close Air Support, Armed Overwatch and RAPTOR reconnaissance missions this week. On one day this week the aircraft conducted 3 Shows of Force at separate incidents in support of ground forces who were threatened by Insurgents. Shows of Force provide a potent display of intent to Insurgents and can break contacts and often scatters the enemy forces, allowing the friendly forces to continue with their mission. 
In the middle of the week, aircraft conducted RAPTOR reconnaissance mission and because of the flexible role of the aircraft, fitted with Litening 3 pod and weapons, the aircraft were also able to support ground forces by providing real time full motion video relayed to the ground station with a Joint Tactical Air Controller.
RAPTOR imagery is analysed by the Imagery Analysts of the Tactical Imagery Intelligence Wing Detachment at 904 EAW. They analyse the imagery to provide potential IED locations and target information in direct support of ground operations.
Joint Tactical Air Controllers are the direct liaison between the aircraft and the ground commanders, and use ROVER Terminals to view the full motion video fed from the Litening 3 pods on Tornado. The support provided by Tornado real-time air intelligence is a vital enabler to ground forces, alerting him to potential IEDs, improving their awareness of the situation on the ground and allowing the ground forces greater speed and freedom of manoeuvre.
Later in the week an aircraft conducting RAPTOR reconnaissance was called to carry out a Show of Force in support of troops on the ground who were under attack by small arms fire. The Show of Force was conducted over a compound where insurgents were seen to be firing and after the Show of Force the insurgents withdrew.
The Tornados wrapped up the week conducting RAPTOR reconnaissance and Armed Overwatch. They provided valuable air intelligence to ground forces searching compounds for suspicious activity and assisting ground forces searches of these compounds. They also swept routes of patrols searching for potential IEDs.
Communications Fleet
The Communications Fleet HS125 and BAE146 aircraft conducted several sorties this week, moving approximately 30 VIP passengers and senior military commanders around the Operational Theatres.
Reaper
The 39 Sqn Reaper Detachment of 904 EAW continues to provide Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance support to ground forces particularly in Helmand Province. The Reaper’s array of sensors can provide full motion video and radar imagery which can be widely disseminated in real time. The aircraft also carry Paveway IV precision guided bombs and Hellfire missiles, should an armed response to a situation be required.
E3-D
The E3-D detachment from RAF Waddington, continued to provide Battlespace Management for aircraft in the north west of Afghanistan this week. The highly trained crews of the Sentry are providing an unrivalled aircraft controlling role in the complex air battlespace in the region.
Sentinel
Sentinel aircraft detached from RAF Waddington with 902 EAW conducted several sorties over Afghanistan this week, providing radar imagery of ground movements using its cutting edge Airborne Stand Off Radar.
VC-10
The VC-10 aircraft of 902 EAW conducted several air to air refuelling missions this week delivering well over 100 tonnes of fuel to coalition fast jet aircraft over Afghanistan.
OPERATION TELIC
Hercules
The Hercules C-130J aircraft of 901 EAW transported approximately 40 passengers and over 20 tonnes of freight this week in support of Operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Editor: Sqn Ldr Bruno
Photographs: RAF/MOD Crown Copyright 2010.