The Rapid Capabilities Office

[Escape-from-PPRuNe]

This new RAF procurement entity seems to be doing a lot of interesting things, and notably, getting them done.

Launching an imagery intelligence satellite: Royal Air Force surveillance satellite launched into space

(RCO role confirmed here: UK MoD Makes Permanent Rapid Capabilities Office)

Possibly also a synthetic-aperture radar sat (definitely one, but not sure about RCO role): 'Cheesegrater' radar launches to space

Independent small sat launch capability (if it works!): Virgin Orbit Announces Responsive Launch Campaign with Royal Air Force – Parabolic Arc

Working up the Tempest aircraft concept: Engaging with Team Tempest - ADS Group

Project Mosquito loyal wingman 'bot: RIAT: UK takes wraps off unmanned LANCA concept

Also: new defensive-aids suite for aircraft, various small drones.

Question: why is this working so (apparently) well?

 

[crustyrusty]

For once some decent things are happening with the RAF, once you offloaded MJDI to the Army everything the RAF wants they seem to be getting & good stuff, see what happens when you shaft the Army who get the crap procurement at least till is there turn to get the good kit.

 

[Murphy_Slaw]

From this:

to this;

The 100kg spacecraft, roughly the size of an average household washing machine, carries an off-the-shelf telescope and HD video camera, both of which have been adapted for a space environment and integrated into a custom-built framework. The imaging system is designed to deliver high-resolution images and colour HD video clips with a swath width of 5km.”

in 100 years!

 

[MoleBath]

Will the RAF satellite switch off outside normal office hours ?

 

[putteesinmyhands]

Does the RAF regret closing the last of their satellite landing grounds in 1946?

 

[Escape-from-PPRuNe]

The RCO strikes again: UK targets April for ‘swarming drones’ development unit | Jane's 360

 

[AnotherBerliner]

From this:

View attachment 409462

Ouch @Murphy-Slaw, your intent is excellent and illustrative of the progress made in aerial reconnaissance however...

the photograph is actually of an American aerial observer, Lieutenant John Snyder, of the 91st Aero Squadron being handed a French designed and built F-2 50cm camera for installation before takeoff.

SOURCE:

Finnegan, Terrence. Shooting the Front: Allied Aerial Reconnaissance in the First World War. Spellmount, Stroud, 2011. ISBN 978-0-7524-6052-9
**Pages 276-277, 298,306**

For anyone interested in the early days of imagery intelligence this is a vital source.

 

[Techtechtech]

Ouch @Murphy-Slaw, your intent is excellent and illustrative of the progress made in aerial reconnaissance however...

the photograph is actually of an American aerial observer, Lieutenant John Snyder, of the 91st Aero Squadron being handed a French designed and built F-2 50cm camera for installation before takeoff.

SOURCE:

Finnegan, Terrence. Shooting the Front: Allied Aerial Reconnaissance in the First World War. Spellmount, Stroud, 2011. ISBN 978-0-7524-6052-9
**Pages 276-277, 298,306**

For anyone interested in the early days of imagery intelligence this is a vital source.

I stray into this thread, not because I have any thing useful to add, an unfortunate thing to admit in this hallowed area of the site. But I just wanted to say that I am in awe of your Olympic levels of pedantry.

I salute you, Sir.

 

[vvaannmmaann]

But I just wanted to say that I am in awe of your Olympic levels of pedantry.

But when he's right,he's right!