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?