The Royal Air Pressure have launched considered one of its Twister quick jets to seize a extremely detailed aerial image of the areas affected by the floods, after a request by Gold commanders within the Thames Valley.
The deployment of the Twister GR4 from RAF Marham in Norfolk has produced detailed imagery that can assist the planning and co-ordination of multi-agency efforts to offer reduction to native residents and communities.
The plane, operated by the RAF’s 31 Squadron, is provided with the extremely versatile RAPTOR — Reconnaissance Air Pod for Twister — which permits it to collect subtle, high-resolution imagery. The imagery, now being processed and evaluated by analysts at RAF Marham, will probably be handed to civilian authorities for his or her use.
Secretary of State for Defence, Philip Hammond, mentioned:
“With 1000’s of army personnel already taking part in their half in efforts to assist flood-affected communities, the RAF is now delivering this extra and extremely specialist help.
“This Twister-borne surveillance functionality could be very a lot confirmed in a fight function in Afghanistan however its versatility is underlined by its use in the present day, right here at dwelling, to help ongoing flood reduction efforts. Because the Prime Minister has made clear, no matter belongings now we have at our disposal that may make a distinction, we are going to use them.”
The Twister plane and RAPTOR has been utilized in many army operations and is at the moment in use over Afghanistan. It was chosen for this activity as it could quickly scan and seize an enormous space of curiosity in only one sortie – on this case areas in want of flood reduction work.
Wing Commander Neil Tomlin, Performing Station Commander mentioned:
“The Twister GR4 is a multi-role plane with a extremely efficient reconnaissance functionality. It’s used to nice impact on present operations in Afghanistan, nevertheless it’s functionality isn’t confined to purely operational roles. The sortie launched in the present day demonstrates the flexibility of each the plane and its reconnaissance programs and of the women and men who help these operations. It’s hoped that the imagery supplied by our RAPTOR reconnaissance system will present precious help in supporting the flood reduction efforts at the moment below approach within the South of England.”
Image: Crown Copyright 2014 / Ministry of Defence
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