HOME

WELBECK NEWS

HOW TO APPLY

OPEN DAYS

PROSPECTUS

COLLEGE INFORMATION

INFORMATION FOR PARENTS

ACADEMIC INFORMATION

COLLEGE FACILITIES

CAREER PATH

MILITARY AND CCF

SPORTS

SOCIAL LIFE

TRIPS AND EXPEDITIONS

SUPPORTING CHARITIES

MEDIA LIBRARY

OLD WELBEXIAN ASSOCIATION

STAFF VACANCIES (0)

WELBECK PRIVATE SCHEME (WPS)

  Welbeck RSS Feed

RAF Cranwell Visit (September 2011)

The saying 'there's no rest for the weary' truly takes no better form than that of the life of a Welbexian. After a relaxing and re-energising Exeat, for over fifty RAF and affiliated WPS and DESG students it was off one mode of transport swiftly onto another ready for a prompt departure to RAF Cranwell.

As we began making tracks the humdrum buzz of conversation filled the air along with a silent sense of anticipation. Slightly less than two hours later, the atmosphere subdued slightly by the long journey, we passed the RAF Cranwell Guardroom into what would be our lodgings for the next two days, and perhaps will be once more in the years to come. Bleary eyed we filed off the coach and formed ranks outside the Cadet accommodation and after a quick briefing retrieved our bags and brought them up to our rooms. However, our evening wasn't over yet as five minutes later we were back outside and walking up to the Bowling Alley where the remainder of our evening would take place. Upon arrival, a mad rush to the bar ensued, for chips and soft drinks to refuel, ready for bowling.

With so many of us and a mere four lanes the group split, and whilst half of us bowled the other half sat and socialised. Despite having been at Welbeck for three weeks there were plenty of new faces to talk to and as the evening drew to a close, and the bowling champions among us were revealed, we began to head back to the barrack block to get some well needed sleep. Unfortunately, due to the increased number of RAF and affiliated students this year individual rooms for everyone had not been a possibility, and camp beds don't always lead to the best night's sleep! Still, the following morning, with renewed vigour, we stood ready to face the day ahead.

First thing it was back on the coach and off to RAF Coningsby. After another quick briefing we made our way to the presentation room in the Engineering and Logistics Wing Headquarters where we were given some insights into what our future career choices held in store for us. From there the group was divided into three and we each set off to different activities which would be rotated later.

First up for my group was a trip to the hangar to see the aircraft based at Coningsby – The Typhoon 'the Royal Air Force's most modern and versatile multi-role aircraft' proven earlier this year in Operation ELLAMY. We were able to view the aircraft and also had the opportunity to talk to one of the Engineering Officers at the base, someone with a job role potentially very similar to ours in the future. He told us a little about his training, both at University and Initial Officer Training, and how as an Officer you are always an Officer first and an Engineer second, leading and monitoring others successfully rather than doing a great deal of practical 'hands on' engineering.

Next we were in the hands of a couple of Communications Electronics Engineers where we were taught about the future front of defensive engineering, how technology has advanced and is continuing to improve constantly. Then it was outside for some hands on work – putting up a twelve metre radio transmitter. With a little effort and good communications the task was accomplished with ease by a group of about seven people, however in a real life situation as little as two servicemen would be expected to do the same job in less than ten minutes, a much more daunting challenge! We tested our handiwork via radio, communicating with each other using the transmitter. All was a success and we then moved on to the final phase of our visit to RAF Coningsby.

Back into another hangar we were given a tour of the Typhoon itself, including information about its engines to inbuilt high tech computer technology. We were taken round the exterior of the aircraft and learned about the types of missiles and other defensive technology built into the aircraft for in flight attack and defence. It was fascinating to see how every piece of technology on the Typhoon has an indispensable purpose and to learn how this technology is improving all the time.

It was then time for a quick photo opportunity and then back to RAF Cranwell for a quick lunch before moving on to our next stop of the day – a tour of College Hall Officers Mess. The College is responsible for Initial Officer Training of all young officers and aircrew cadets. We were taken through some of the College history as well as the history of the Royal Air Force as an organisation, from its humble origins to the high standing world power it is today.

The next day it was another early start, this time a coach trip to the Defence College of Aeronautical Engineering, also at RAF Cranwell, to see the Jaguar aircraft, retired from active service but still used for training of Engineering Officers and technicians. As it was only a brief visit we were quickly and efficiently taken through the exterior of the aircraft, once again including all weapons systems and inbuilt equipment, after which we were taken up to the cockpit for a look at the inside of the aircraft. Unlike the Typhoon, which relies completely on computer technology for the safe flight of the craft, the Jaguar is a much older, simpler and quintessentially more manual aircraft. We were given the opportunity to sit in the cockpit itself and therefore get a closer look at the controls and greater sense of what an aircraft feels like.

Finally we were taken through more weapons systems such as heat seeking and proximity missiles as well as the crucially important ejector seats. The armourer regaled us with stories about past ejections which gave us a better understanding of the vitality of these escape devices, as well as their dangers.

The group was spilt for one final time. Half left for stores and the other half moved on to low ropes, a training exercise used by Officers throughout the Royal Air Force to build on skills such as leadership, teamwork, communication, trust and acuity. The exercises were both enjoyable and stressful with a good sense of team spirit and satisfaction when the tasks were accomplished, and it definitely helped us to work as a unit, building the confidence and skills which were necessary.

At stores we were measured and kitted out with what will become our uniform for a long time to come. Morale was high after the earlier exercises and there was plenty of time to chat amongst ourselves as the visit came to an end.

Overall it was an extremely enjoyable, albeit intensive, two days. By the end everyone appeared to be looking forward to returning to Welbeck and had thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated the time we were able to spend at Cranwell. Special thanks to all the supervising staff - Flt Lt Trudy Askew, Flt Lt Burgess, Fg Off Kelham, Fg Off Lang as well as the Coordinating Officers Flt Lt Berry, RAF Cranwell and Flt Lt Marshall, RAF Coningsby without whom the trip would not have been possible.

Cassie Phillips, Trenchard 11E

---

Privacy and Cookies | Contact Us | © 2007-2012 Welbeck DSFC