UK Ministry of Defence, Britain's air defence system took a leap forward at Royal Air Force Scampton, Lincolnshire, when a new digital data-linked Control and Reporting Centre (CRC) was formally opened on Wednesday, 25 January 2006.
The CRC at Scampton, together with a similar installation at RAF Boulmer, Northumberland, which became operational in July 2004, replaces obsolete equipment with an up to date digital capability. This will provide state-of-the-art air defence cover until a definitive, fully integrated NATO air defence system comes on line from around 2012.
The centre is part of the UK Air Surveillance and Control System (ASACS) and brings together in one place information from a variety of radar based sources, to provide a comprehensive radar “picture” of UK air space and all the aircraft within it at any one time.
The ASACS system stretches from the Faroes and Shetland Islands in the north to the far south west of England; the information comes from Remote Radar Heads, airborne and seaborne platforms, such as RAF Boeing Sentry AWACS aircraft and Royal Navy ships, and continental countries bordering UK airspace.
The assembled information enables fighter controllers to “scramble” air defence fighters to intercept and identify any aircraft which may be deemed suspicious, and if necessary take appropriate action.
The Centre was formally opened by Air Vice-Marshal Andy White, Air Officer Commanding No 3 Group, Royal Air Force, who unveiled a commemorative plaque before touring the site.
He said:
“Despite being an interim programme and, therefore, not required to deliver any increase in capability, it has proven to be a quantum leap forward in user-friendliness, clear and unambiguous presentation of information and graphics and a working environment that previously fighter controllers and aerosystems operators could only dream of.”
The Control and Reporting Centre occupies a historic two-storey building next to Scampton's Station Headquarters. Built in 1936 it incorporated a briefing room, used to brief the Dambuster raids during World War 2, and the station cinema. It has been adapted for its new use in close liaison with English Heritage, which has been identifying sites of historical importance at military installations countrywide for future conservation.
Established in 1917, Scampton has hosted many types of aircraft throughout its history, but probably the best known are the Lancasters of 617 Squadron which launched their Dambusters raids from Scampton during World War 2. During the Cold War Scampton was home to squadrons of Vulcan nuclear-capable bombers, and today the airfield is the headquarters of the world-famous Red Arrows aerobatic team.
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