Philip Dunne, Minister for Defence Equipment and Support, visited RAF Northolt today to view two new short-medium range transport aircraft which have been recently added to the RAF fleet and are already involved in cargo and passenger operations in Afghanistan.

32 (The Royal) Squadron Aircraft

18 April 2013

Philip Dunne, Minister for Defence Equipment and Support, visited RAF Northolt today to view two new short-medium range transport aircraft which have been recently added to the RAF fleet and are already involved in cargo and passenger operations in Afghanistan.

The BAe 146 Mk 3 aircraft have joined the line up of 32 (The Royal) Squadron, adding a new capability to the Squadron, which is better known for its Command Support Air Transport role. The Squadron already operates two BAe 146 Mk 2 aircraft but the Mk3’s are around 8 feet longer and include a cargo door on the side. Crews who are used to flying the Mk2 will also be able to operate the Mk3, meaning that a prolonged period of conversion training will not be required and the new aircraft can enter service almost immediately.
Known as “QC” or “Quick Change” aircraft, they can quickly be configured to carry passengers or freight, or a combination of both. The first of the new BAe 146’s is due to be in service in Afghanistan next week with the second aircraft following by the first week in May.



Mr Philip Dunne MP, Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology, said:
"A world-class air transport force allows the RAF to deliver personnel and material around the world, swiftly and flexibly.. The UK-built BAe146 QC aircraft are a further addition to the RAF’s transport capability.
"These aircraft can be quickly converted from a cargo role for over 10 tonnes of freight to an airliner for nearly 100 passengers. The aircraft can also operate from short runways, making them perfectly suited for operations around the world.
Wing Commander Johyn WWing Commander Jon Beck, Officer Commanding 32 (The Royal) Squadron, said:
“I am delighted that these two very capable aircraft have been added to the Squadron’s inventory. They will provide a welcome boost to our existing capability to support operations in Afghanistan and ensure that vital equipment and personnel get where they need to be, quickly and safely”.
Following the visit to 32 (The Royal) Squadron, Mr Dunne visited the Headquarters of the British Forces Post Office (BFPO) which is also based at RAF Northolt. In a new state-of-the-art sorting facility, completed in 2008, BFPO personnel ensure that mail addressed to personnel serving at locations around the world and on-board Royal Navy ships, receive their post promptly.
Speaking at the BFPO Mr Dunne said:
"The personnel of the British Forces Post Office, who I have met here today, are all hugely professional and dedicated to their role. Their postal service is a vital physical connection between our Armed Forces doing their duty around the world and families and friends at home.”
Commenting at the end of his visit to RAF Northolt Mr Dunne said:
“Last year, RAF Northolt showed its value in securing the Capital during the Olympics. Just as in the Battle of Britain, RAF fighters were stationed at Northolt, ready at a moment‘s notice to scramble – in this case, state-of-the-art multi-role Typhoons. The men and women of Royal Air Force Northolt are delivering a first-class performance, providing vital links to our essential operations around the world; I am very proud of their contribution to the nation’s security.”
RAF Northolt has been awarded the prestigious Stainforth Trophy in recognition of its contribution to the delivery of Air Power during 2012, with its contribution to the Olympic Air Security Plan and ongoing support to operations in Afghanistan.


Editor: Squadron Leader Richard Willis
Photographer: Corporal Wayne Beeching, SAC Stewart Paterson

Images:

The BAe 146 Mk 3 aircraft have joined the line up of 32 (The Royal) Squadron, adding a new capability to the Squadron, which is better known for its Command Support Air Transport role.
The Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology the Rt Hon Mr Philip Dunne MP visits RAF Northolt where he was shown around the BAe-146 Mk 3 aircraft by OC 32 (The Royal) Squadron by Wing Commander Jon Beck.