Building in progress RAF Lossiemouth. Working with local contractors who are providing 556 tonnes of steel and 7000m² of cladding, the future #E7 Wedgetail facilities are well underway. More: mclh.co.uk/moray-steel-su…

Did you know the Royal Air Force’s Protector RG Mk1 is the one remotely piloted aircraft designed from the ground up to be certifiable for civil airspace? This means Protector can safely and seamlessly file and fly in the same airspace as commercial aircraft. #RIAT2024

The RAF, working with Boeing UK & Ireland, STS Aviation Services and Defence Equipment & Support have achieved the first functional test flight of Wedgetail E7 from Birmingham Airport. Full story: ow.ly/q8bX50Ts41T

The RAF’s first Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft has received its new paint scheme. 🖌️ This milestone involved an extensive team, comprising personnel from the RAF, The Boeing Company & Defence Equipment & Support. Full story: ow.ly/PyJv50TOFGi

Airborne Early Warning and Control is a fundamental part of the way NATO and the UK will fight. Wedgetail is a world-leading, cutting edge capability that will keep us ahead of our adversaries. x.com/RoyalAirForce/…

New RAF 60 Second Update alert 🚨 This week: 🏆 The Astra Awards recognise the people contributing to grassroots innovation. ✈️ The UK flies nearly the full length of NATO Eastern Flank with a Rivet Joint. 📜 Future leaders graduate from new RAF talent development programme.

The Royal Air Force E-7 #Wedgetail has reached some major milestones this year. ✅ New line engineering building ✅ First flight ✅ Livery reveal A demonstration of Industry and Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 partnering together to strengthen UK national security.

Rivet Joint conducts regular intelligence gathering missions over the Black Sea, in international airspace, behaving in accordance with international rules and procedures. 1/2 #TopGunsC4

When Russian aircraft approach UK airspace, flying over international airspace but within our busy flight information region, they often turn off their transponder - effectively making them invisible to civilian traffic. This usually results in a QRA scramble. 2/2 #TopGunsC4

We are joining a crew from XIII Sqn, operating the General Atomics MQ-9A Reaper - a sophisticated remotely piloted air system, or drone. Controlling their mission from RAF Waddington, they are tasked with flying over Iraq to follow suspected ISIS militants. #TopGunsC4

The fleet of MQ-9A Reapers has operated from RAF Waddington since 2013, and they continue to be in high demand. 31 Squadron is the RAF’s first Protector RG1 squadron, and is the successor to Reaper. Find out more about Protector here 👇 raf.mod.uk/aircraft/futur… #TopGunsC4

Control stations house the complex electronics and systems required to operate the remotely piloted Reaper drone. The crew, who you will get to know through this episode, consists of a pilot, sensor operator, and mission intelligence coordinator. #TopGunsC4

#DidYouKnow a Reaper’s wingspan is almost double that of a Typhoon? Wide wings enable Reaper to operate at medium altitude, for significant periods of time – over 12 hours with weapons, and even longer without. Find out more about Reaper 👇 raf.mod.uk/aircraft/reape… #TopGunsC4

Reaper loiters for 12+ hours, building a comprehensive intelligence picture on a specific target or area. Crews work shifts to fly missions every day, and may be tasked with gathering intelligence - or, if called upon – to strike targets. 👇 raf.mod.uk/news/articles/… #TopGunsC4

The sensor is mounted beneath the Reaper’s forward fuselage, comprising a daylight TV camera, and several infrared sensors which are able to detect heat signatures on the ground. #TopGunsC4

Our fleet of remotely-piloted Reaper aircraft have been used in a range of roles over the years. In 2023, Reaper crews provided vital intelligence in support of the UK’s evacuation of British nationals and other eligible people from Sudan. Article 👇 raf.mod.uk/news/articles/…

The Reaper crew are communicating with a Combined Air and Space Operations Centre – or CASOC, who are tasking them throughout their mission. Legal and national representatives based here work closely with crews, ultimately giving the order to use weapons if required. #TopGunsC4

While we have taken a glimpse into just one Reaper mission, there are crews on operations 24/7. It can take months for intelligence to be gathered before weapons are used and even then, strikes are subject to significant scrutiny. #TopGunsC4

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of John ‘Paddy’ Hemingway DFC – Last of ‘The Few’. We reflect not only on his sacrifices, but the sacrifices of all those who served & fought in WWII. Paddy, thank you for your service. Per Ardua ad Astra raf.mod.uk/news/articles/…