The DE&S Deca on the UK Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) Sealand web site in North Wales has been established as a ahead restore hub for the US Air Power (USAF) air system elements in Europe.
The partnership, known as the ‘Atlantic Eagle’ challenge, is predicted to assist USAF increase plane availability charges, save on time and enhance operational capabilities in Europe.
This additionally highlights the function of UK apprentices in bolstering worldwide defence collaborations.
Moreover, conducting native repairs for essential aviation elements negates the necessity for costly transatlantic transport.
The collaboration stems from a memorandum of understanding signed between US Air Power Sustainment Centre (AFSC), Air Logistics Command commander US lieutenant normal Hawkins and Director Common Air vice admiral Rick Thompson in 2024.
The ‘Atlantic Eagle’ challenge encompasses two distinct elements. ‘Pathway Atlantic’ focuses on the restore and refurbishment of components for USAF plane.
The ‘Eagle’ element is devoted to the event of take a look at programme units (TPS), which incorporates making certain compatibility between programs utilized by the UK MoD and the USAF.
The collaboration has already yielded profitable proof-of-concept repairs on Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN) System elements and ARC164 radio transmitters.
UK MoD Defence Help Chief of Defence Logistics & Help, vice admiral Andy Kyte stated: “Atlantic Eagle exemplifies the perfect of our transatlantic defence partnerships, demonstrating how UK experience and innovation can instantly improve allied operational functionality. By establishing DE&S Deca as a ahead restore hub for essential US Air Power elements, we’re not solely decreasing prices and enhancing plane availability for our American allies, however we’re additionally showcasing the distinctive abilities of our British workforce.
Beneath the challenge, plane elements are initially obtained at RAF Mildenhall after which forwarded to the North Wales facility, the place they bear skilled analysis, restore, and refurbishment.
This course of primarily helps C-130 Hercules and KC135 Stratotanker plane, permitting for native repairs as a substitute of sending components again to the US for servicing.
DE&S Deca performing chief government Ian Doughty stated: “The Atlantic challenge represents a major shift in navy logistics, proving that regional experience can ship world-class outcomes whereas strengthening worldwide defence relationships. By holding repairs in Europe, the US Air Power maintains increased plane availability charges whereas decreasing operational prices.”
As a part of this challenge, DE&S Deca workers are working with US personnel in enhancing restore capabilities.
A delegation from the US Air Power Sustainment Centre visited DE&S Deca earlier this yr for a technical statement that confirmed DE&S Deca’s standing as a regional restore functionality.
Wanting forward, DE&S Deca is collaborating with the AFSC to introduce the International Enterprise Community for Common Sustainment (GENUS) Ahead Air Logistics Advanced Operational Node (FALCON) in Europe.
GENUS FALCON will incorporate insights from Atlantic Eagle to streamline its launch and goals to solidify DE&S Deca as a regional hub for element restore in Europe for each the US and its Nato allies and defence companions.
