RAF COMMUNICATIONS

In July 2004 the MoD announced the creation of an RAF Communications A6 Hub. As a result communications units would move to RAF Leeming (North Yorkshire). 90 SU with its HQ at RAF Leeming was formed on 1 April 2006, by bringing together three separate communications Air Combat Service Support Units:

• Expeditionary Radar & Airfield Support

• Information Services Support Unit

• Tactical Communications Wing.

As of early 2009, major RAF Signals (communications) units are as shown below.

UNIT

LOCATION

90 SU

RAF Leeming

The Tactical Communications Wing (TCW) is the Force Element at Readiness within 90 Signals Unit providing communications support world-wide. The TCW will be fully relocated in RAF Leeming between summer 2008 and summer 2009 within the A6 Hub.

RAF Signals Communications fall into three categories. First, there is a large complex of HF transmitter and receiver facilities in the UK, including communications centres with automatic message routing equipment. Operations include those on behalf of Air Command, the Military Air Traffic Organisation, NATO, and the Meteorological Office.

Second, the RAF Signals Staff operate message relay centres, both automatic and manual and also manages the RAF's General Purpose Telephone network. RAF command operating procedures are monitored on all networks to ensure high standards are achieved and maintained. To reduce risk of compromise, all RAF communications facilities designed to carry classified information are checked for communications electrical security by command staff. For the use of the all the Armed Forces, the MoD has procured a fixed telecommunications network called Boxer under a Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contract, which will save the increasing expense of renting lines from the private sector.

Third, the main operation of the Skynet Satellite Communications System, which offers overseas formations telegraphed, data and speech communications, is controlled from Oakhanger (Paradigm). Skynet 5 entered service in 2008 and provides the next generation of flexible and survivable satellite communications services for defence purposes.

Robust military satellite communications services are essential to support inter and intra-theatre information exchange requirements and ensure that deployed and mobile forces are not constrained by the need to remain within the range of terrestrial communications.

Commander Signals has a large engineering design staff of engineers, technicians and draughtsmen. Manufacturing resources include a general mechanical engineering and calibration capacity, plus a facility for the systems design, development and installation of certain airborne signals role equipment.