OP Fortis ...................................10 Watchkeeper Remotely Piloted Air System: 10 Battery Operations Team's Lived Experience

WATCHKEEPER REMOTELY PILOTED AIR SYSTEM: 10 BATTERY OPERATIONS TEAM’S LIVED EXPERIENCE

Written By: Lt Lucy Swiggs RA

2021 saw significant developments in the tactical deployment of Watchkeeper.

As the Regiment looks forward to 2022 and deployments to austere locations overseas, the lessons learned by the operations teams flying from different airfields will prove critical in realising the potential of the capability under demanding circumstances.

10 (Assaye) Battery’s operations team, comprising two shifts of an officer, a SNCO and a signaller, have been fortunate to experience live flying at both Keevil Airfield (Ex ATHENA ATLAS) and RAF Akrotiri (Ex ATHENA REBUS). In the past 18 months they have been at the forefront of developing Watchkeeper Remotely Piloted Air System (RPAS) Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and are in the privileged position of experiencing the differences between an austere and an established flying location.

Ex ATHENA ATLAS vs Ex ATHENA REBUS

The two deployments presented unique freedoms and constraints. Keevil Airfield was the first time Watchkeeper had sole use of an airfield. Due to this flexibility, the operations team was able to plan and execute multiple events without having to liaise and coordinate with other airfield users. However, the lack of infrastructure and airfield services, such as ATC, did present challenges. A lack of situational awareness demanded the use of Air Sentries coupled with constant liaison with Boscombe Down Airfield ATC. The team also developed new SOPs using open-source situational awareness tools and liaising directly with nearby air users, such as the Wiltshire Air Ambulance and general aviators. This was a totally new skillset and, whilst hugely rewarding, did require the constant review and evolution of processes throughout the deployment which can now be applied on forthcoming deployments.

In comparison, integrating at RAF Akrotiri posed totally different opportunities and constraints. As an established air station, it has the luxury of experienced ATC and air operations teams. This significantly reduced the pressure on our operations team, however the importance of liaison at RAF Akrotiri should not be underestimated – dynamic planning was key. In contrast to Keevil, the sheer number of high priority air users required the operations team to continually evaluate COAs, react to changes in the FLYPRO, and ensure crews were briefed accordingly. However, after over 600 hundred hours at RAF Akrotiri, Watchkeeper has proved it can operate on a runway that hosts multiple operational outputs and still deliver safely and efficiently. Again, the experience was rich with lessons that can be re-invested during future deployments.

In addition, Watchkeeper operations at RAF Akrotiri were enhanced by having all of the accommodation, messing and wider facilities close to the flight line. The detachment is split between shifts to achieve night flying, whereas Keevil endured longer daytime shifts. This presents different challenges for crew resource management and fatigue management which, again, are managed through robust processes and procedures. Both locations have also shown that clear long-term planning and effective communication are still a key skill in the digital age. This is achieved with regular concise briefs at all levels to ensure the passage of information is constant with clear direction to all departments that enable Watchkeeper flying. With all activities planned, coordinated and delivered by the small operations team, it is essential they remain a trusted and central part of the Detachment at all times.

Integration

Integration is the Regiment's raison d’etre. Watchkeeper only exists to provide ISTAR support to the Land, Maritime and even Air domains. These integration opportunities differ greatly between Keevil Airfield and RAF Akrotiri.

Keevil Airfield allowed the operations team to forecast and plan sorties in support of Field Army exercises across Salisbury