List of equipment of the RAF Regiment explained

This is a list of equipment currently used by the Royal Air Force Regiment. The RAF Regiment is the ground fighting force of the Royal Air Force and contributes to the defence of RAF airfields in the UK and overseas, and provides Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs) to the British Army and Royal Marines, and a contingent to the Special Forces Support Group from No. II (Parachute) Squadron.[1]

The equipment of the RAF Regiment has a high degree of commonality with the rest of the British Armed Forces, particularly the British Army.[2]

Specialist equipment

Counter Uncrewed Air Systems

No. 63 Squadron (King's Colour Squadron) and No. 34 Squadron RAF Regiment also operate the ORCUS Counter-Unmanned Aerial System. It relies on an electronic-attack countermeasure to intercept and jam radio signals from hostile drones, rather than a kinetic interceptor.[3] [4]

The system consists of the Leonardo Guardian, which provides the long range jamming effect, the US Air Force-developed NINJA technology, which takes control of a hostile drones protocols at short range and maneouvres it to a safe location, and SKYPERION which is a passive RF detection sensor which is used to detect, track and identify multiple drones at the same time.[5] [6]

FireStorm System

The Royal Air Force Regiment Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs) support the British Armed Forces. A JTAC’s job is to coordinate close air support (CAS), an attack by fighter jets, helicopter gunships, and armed drones in close proximity to friendly soldiers. JTACs are selected through aptitude screening before undertaking the 8-week JTAC-Certification Course at the Joint Forward Air Controller Training and Standardisation Unit (JFACTSU) based at RAF Leeming.[7]

To do this, they utilise the Collins FireStorm, which is a lightweight and modular integrated targeting system that is designed to enable JTACs to accurately locate the enemy and generate coordinates to enable a precision strike.[8] The system is interoperable with the F-35 Lightning II, the multi-role stealth fighter in service with the Royal Air Force.[9] It provides digital connectivity with virtually all coalition aircraft, field artillery systems, and command-and-control centres. A laser range finder, tactical PC, handheld azimuth augmentation unit and the StrikeHawk video downlink receiver is included in the system.[10]

Weapons

NameOriginTypeCalibreImageDetails
L85A35.56×45mmThe SA80 is the standard-issue assault rifle with an effective range of 600 m and a 30-round magazine. Primarily fitted with the Elcan SpecterOS 4X Lightweight Day Sights. The ARILLS (Assault Rifle In-Line Low Light Sight) and Laser Light Module (LLM Mk3) can also be attached in low-light conditions.[11] [12] [13]
L131A1Semi-automatic pistol9×19 mmThe Glock 17 General Service Pistol (GSP) is the current secondary side arm used for close combat with a magazine capacity of 17 rounds. It is carried as a backup weapon by frontline personnel.[14] [15]
L129A1, L129A2Sharpshooter rifle7.62×51mmThe primary designated marksman rifle, 'Sharpshooter' is equipped with an ACOG optical sight for long-range engagements. There is also a Sniper Support Weapon version fitted with a L17A2 Schmidt & Bender 3–12 x 50 Sniper Scope and Surefire Suppressor for use by the second man in each sniper team.[16] [17]
L7A2General-purpose machine gun7.62×51mmThe designated general purpose machine gun (GPMG) for sustained fire out to 1,800m. The GPMG can be used in the sustained fire (SF) role, which requires a two-person team to operate, the light support role, with a single soldier wearing a carrying shoulder strap, or mounted (on a vehicle or sangar).[18] [19]
L115A3Long range rifle8.6x70 mm (.338 Lapua Magnum)The Accuracy International L115A3 is the primary precision rifle for RAF Regiment snipers. It is equipped with a 25x scope, suppressor, folding stock, five-round .338 Lapua Magnum magazine and has an effective range of over 1,100m.[20] The L115A3 was developed as part of the Sniper System Improvement Programme to replace the L96 and L115A1 sniper rifles.[21]
Heckler & Koch AG36 (L123A3)Underslung grenade launcher40×46 mmThe Underslung Grenade Launcher (UGL) is a modified variant of the H&K AG36 and fires a range of 40 mm rounds including high explosive, smoke, CS gas and red phosphorus out to distances of 350m. It is usually carried by the section 2IC.[22] [23] [24]
NLAWAnti-tank guided missile150 mmMan-portable, short range fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile system designed for non-expert use. It is designed to "rapidly knock out any main battle tank in just one shot by striking it from above".[25]
JavelinAnti-tank guided missile127 mmMan-portable medium range anti-tank missile system. It fires a high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead and can penetrate explosive reactive armour.The Javelin has several modes of flight including direct and an overfly-top-attack mode in which the missile arcs high then flies down onto the top of the target, thus getting around the heavy front armour of modern tanks.[26] [27]
Mortar81 mmThe 81mm Mortar provides indirect fire support that enables RAF Regiment Gunners to engage targets outside of their line-of-sight, up to a range of 5.5km (03.4miles) at a rate of 15 rounds-per-minute. The modernised L16A2 features GPS and laser-range finding systems, dramatically increasing the weapon's accuracy. It fires high explosive, red phosphorus smoke, illuminating, and infared illuminating.[28] [29]
L1A2, L111A1Heavy machine gun12.7×99mmThe L1A2 / L111A1 is the RAF Regiment's version of the M2 Browning. It can be attached to both armoured and soft-skin vehicles, or a ground-mount tripod. The weapon fires .50 calibre rounds at a rate of 485–635 rounds-per-minute out to an effective range of 2,000 metres.[30] [31]
Heckler & Koch GMG (L134A1)Grenade machine gun40×53 mmThe L134A1 is used for the suppression of enemy infantry and can be mounted on both armoured vehicles and tripods. It combines the advantages of a heavy machine gun and a mortar in one; delivering a high rate of fire with fragmentation effect. The weapon has a 320 rpm rate of fire and an effective range of 1500m (4,900feet)-2000m (7,000feet).[32] [33]

Vehicles

NameOriginTypeImageDetails
Jackal 2Protected mobility vehicleArmament includes a 7.62mm GPMG and either a .50-calibre HMG or 40mm GMG as the main weapon system.[34] [35] [36]
FoxhoundProtected mobility vehicleFoxhound is lighter and smaller than other protected vehicles, carries a crew of six and a 7.62mm GPMG armament, and has a top speed of 82 mph, but can still protect against improvised explosive devices, thanks to its v-shaped hull.[37]
Land Rover WolfUtility vehicleThe Land Rover Wolf is the military version of the Land Rover Defender. In RAF Regiment service it comes in 2 main varieties: the more common Truck Utility Medium (TUM), based on the Defender 110; and the Truck Utility Light (TUL), based on the shorter-wheelbase Defender 90.[38] [39]
Grizzly 450All-terrain vehicleQuad bikes are used as light transport, including evacuation of casualties or movement of supplies.[40] [41] [42]

Uniforms

See main article: Multi-Terrain Pattern. The Multi-Terrain Pattern (MTP) Personal Clothing System (PCS) is used by all branches of the British Armed Forces and consists of windproof smocks, combat shirts, under-body-armour combat shirts (UBACS), trousers and a variety of sweat-wicking T-shirts, antimicrobial socks and underpants, and thermal fleeces, T-shirts and long johns, as well as waterproof Gore-Tex jackets, over-trousers and gaiters. Multi-Terrain Pattern is designed to blend with a large variety of environments including woodland, jungle, compounds, crops, grassland and arid stone. On the MTP outer layers, buttons have been replaced with Velcro for greater comfort under body armour. PCS is treated with insect repellant and is flame-resistant.[43] [44] RAF Regiment soldiers are issued 5 types of brown-coloured combat boots; High Liability Combat Boots, Patrol Boots, High Liability Desert Combat Boots, Cold Wet Weather Boots and Jungle Combat Boots, typically of the Altberg (via Iturri S.A.), AKU, HAIX and YDS brands which currently hold contracts with Ministry of Defence.[45] [46]

Future equipment

Gunners from No. 15 Squadron RAF Regiment have been experimenting with a new type of drone, called the Ghost Drone, which will be used for intelligence gathering and reconnaissance. It can fly for up to 55 minutes, has a range of around 12km, or 25 km with Long-Range Tracking Antenna, and can operate in all weather conditions, in temperatures as low as −40°Celsius, at an altitude of 12,000ft.[47] [48]

See also

Other lists:

Notes and References

  1. Web site: No. 2 Squadron RAF Regiment . 2023-07-09 . www.eliteukforces.info.
  2. Web site: 2023 . RAF Regiment Force Protection Royal Air Force .
  3. Web site: Lye . Harry . 2020-09-04 . RAF counter-UAS system achieves initial operating capability . 2023-07-09 . Airforce Technology . en-US.
  4. Web site: Royal Air Force . 13 Sep 2021 . Queen's Colour Squadron – Swapping Drill for Drones Royal Air Force .
  5. Web site: Paul . Jacob . 2021-09-17 . RAF unveils cutting-edge tech to hijack enemy drones . 2023-07-10 . Express.co.uk . en.
  6. Web site: METIS secure multi-million-pound contract with RAF. . 2023-07-10 . Metis Aerospace . en-GB.
  7. Web site: 14 August 2020 . RAF Regiment - To become a JTAC personnel must first pass a Unit... Facebook . 2023-10-09 . www.facebook.com.
  8. Web site: Allison . George . 2019-05-28 . British Joint Terminal Attack Controllers in Finland . 2023-10-09 . en-GB.
  9. Web site: Abott . Rich . 2015-04-24 . FireStorm Targeting System Certified For Use With F-35 . 2023-10-09 . Defense Daily . en-US.
  10. Web site: admin . 2015-04-23 . Rockwell Collins’ FireStorm system demonstrates interoperability with F-35 fighter . 2023-10-09 . Airforce Technology . en-US.
  11. Web site: 2022-07-08 . In pictures: RAF Regiment gunners take part in Cyprus recovery exercise . 2023-07-09 . Forces Network . en.
  12. Web site: British Army's rifle set for multi-million-pound upgrade . 2023-07-09 . GOV.UK . en.
  13. Web site: New Army kit helps soldiers see more clearly . 2023-07-09 . GOV.UK . en.
  14. Web site: 11 January 2013 . New pistols for UK Armed Forces . Government of the United Kingdom and the Ministry of Defence.
  15. Web site: RAF Regiment Recruitment . 8 August 2019 . The Glock 17 is the standard side arm in use with the RAF Regiment. Accurate, light and with a large magazine capacity the Glock 17 is ideal for close quarter battle. . Facebook.
  16. Web site: L129A1 sharpshooter rifle . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140620202926/http://www.army.mod.uk/equipment/23221.aspx . 20 June 2014 . 5 May 2014 . Ministry of Defence.
  17. Web site: L129A1 (SSW) Rifle . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20170815183044/https://www.raf.mod.uk/equipment/l129a1-ssw-rifle.cfm . 15 August 2017 . 14 October 2017 . RAF . Ministry of Defence.
  18. Web site: General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) . 2023-07-09 . RAF Regiment Heritage . en-GB.
  19. Web site: Perreira . Julian . 2023-02-28 . GPMG: The world's deadliest machine gun . 2023-07-09 . Forces Network . en.
  20. Web site: McAngus . Sean . 2022-09-01 . Inside look at No 51 Squadron RAF Regiment at RAF Lossiemouth ahead of Cyprus deployment . 2023-07-09 . Press and Journal . en-GB.
  21. Web site: L115A3: The UK's Sniper System Improvement Program . defenseindustrydaily.com.
  22. Web site: Heckler & Koch HK AG36 . 2023-07-09 . www.militaryfactory.com.
  23. Web site: RAF Regiment on Instagram: "A gunner from 15 Squadron RAF Regiment firing the 40mm Underslung Grenade Launcher (UGL) attached to his L85A3 rifle. Usually carried by…" . 2023-07-09 . www.instagram.com.
  24. Web site: The Heckler and Koch Underslung Grenade Launcher (UGL) provides a RAF Regiment section the capability to deliver a fragmentation effect out to distances of 350m. . 2023-07-09 . Twitter .
  25. Web site: NLAW – Anti-tank weapon . 2023-07-09 . Start . en.
  26. Web site: 2023 . 51 Squadron RAF Regiment Royal Air Force .
  27. Web site: Lockheed Martin . 2023 . Javelin Weapon System Lockheed Martin .
  28. Web site: 2023 . 51 Squadron RAF Regiment Royal Air Force .
  29. Web site: 81mm mortar bomb BAE Systems . 2023-07-09 . www.baesystems.com.
  30. Web site: Fiorenza . Nicholas . 7 November 2019 . UK Boxer contract signed . 3 April 2023 . Janes.
  31. Web site: RAF Regiment Photos – WMIK Land Rover . 2023-07-09 . www.eliteukforces.info.
  32. Web site: RAF Regiment – WMIK Land Rover \ GMG . 2023-07-09 . www.eliteukforces.info.
  33. Web site: RAF Regiment Recruitment – RAF Regiment Gunners using the 40mm Grenade Machine Gun (GMG). The GMG provides fragmentation effect at a rapid rate of fire providing flexibility and fire power. It can be mounted on vehicles or used from a ground based tripod. One of the many weapon systems employed by the RAF Regiment in protecting the RAF wherever it deploys. Facebook . 2023-07-09 . www.facebook.com . en.
  34. Web site: Coyote / Jackal 2 TSV .
  35. Web site: Royal Air Force . 2023 . 1 Squadron RAF Regiment Royal Air Force .
  36. Web site: RAF Regiment . 2023 . 34 Squadron RAF Regiment Royal Air Force .
  37. Web site: 2020-07-16 . Foxhound: Protected Patrol Vehicle . 2023-07-09 . www.keymilitary.com . en.
  38. Web site: RAF Regiment Land Rovers – Photo . 2023-07-09 . www.eliteukforces.info.
  39. Web site: 2018-07-10 . Military Land Rovers Pt.6 ~ In RAF Service . 2023-07-09 . Joint Forces News . en-GB.
  40. Web site: Quad Bike – British Army Website . 2023-07-10 . 2014-05-06 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140506054955/http://www.army.mod.uk/equipment/23272.aspx . bot: unknown .
  41. Web site: Royal Air Force . 2023 . RAF Regiment Support Ex TARTAN SPIRIT Royal Air Force .
  42. Web site: Feb 2, 2022 . The RAF Regiment using quads to deliver combat supplies to troops on the ground. Quad bikes and trailers provide a vital service to operations. Twitter . 2023-07-09 . Twitter . en.
  43. Web site: Personal Clothing - Personal Equipment The British Army .
  44. News: 2009-12-20 . New camouflage for British Army . en-GB . 2023-08-18.
  45. Web site: Information regarding manufacturers of service boots from 10 February 2004 to 16 July 2022 - 07154.pdf .
  46. Web site: 2022-08-07 . Future Supply of UK MoD Combat Boots . 2023-08-18 . Joint Forces News . en-GB.
  47. Web site: 2022-12-01 . A closer look at new Ghost Drone being trialled at RAF Akrotiri . 2023-07-09 . Forces Network . en.
  48. Web site: Anduril – Ghost . 2023-07-09 . www.anduril.com.