RHAGs are fitted at all major RAF bases and are intended to slow down fast jets in the event of an emergency landing. Two drum wound-belts tension a steel cable that spans the runway for landing aircraft to hook on to (at speeds of circa 120 knots). Each drum drives a shaft fitted with paddles and suspended in a fluid; and it is the viscosity of the fluid that reacts against the cable when caught by a landing aircraft.
Marshall Aerospace is the UK Design Organisation (DO) responsible for commissioning the RAF’s RHAGs, and the work at Camp Bastion was undertaken at the request of the Air Commodities Project Team. The commissioning team from Marshall Aerospace comprised Tim Lucas, Post Design Services, and Mick Egan, RHAG Workshop Technician.
Steve Fitz-Gerald, CEO of Marshall Aerospace, said: “We’re pleased to have performed this essential RHAG commissioning work for the RAF at Camp Bastion and to see Tim Lucas and Mick Egan back safely from Afghanistan.”
Marshall Aerospace was appointed the DO for UK RHAGs in 1970 and has reconditioned the equipment since then. Subsequently, in year 2000, the company’s responsibilities increased to include all UK station removals and installations under a 5-year (cyclic) programme. RHAGs are installed at 10 RAF stations in the UK and overseas stations include - in addition to Afghanistan - Cyprus, Ascension Island and the Falkland Islands.
The commissioning work at Camp Bastion entailed a check of the RHAG foundation and equipment installation documentation, followed by a check of the RHAG installations to ensure they had been installed correctly; checking and adjustment of the cam release mechanisms to ensure that during any attempted arrest both energy absorber drums release at the same tension and an inspection of the runway adjacent to the installations to ensure the runway surface is acceptable for an aircraft hook to capture the cable.
PHOTO: The RHAG Commissioning Team at Camp Bastion – Mick Egan (left) and Tim Lucas (right) of Marshall Aerospace and Flight Lieutenant Nick Pound (centre) of the Air Commodities Project Team.
About Marshall Aerospace
Marshall Aerospace is the United Kingdom’s leading independent aerospace company and is renowned and respected for its quality-of-service, engineering excellence, flexibility and reliability.
Marshall Aerospace uses its engineering expertise and proven programme management skills to deliver best-in-class, cost-effective and innovative solutions that add value to its customers’ activities.
Marshall Aerospace is an independent service provider - specialising in the conversion, modification, maintenance and support of aircraft - and its capabilities include: engineering design, manufacture and test; and the provision of personnel, training and advice.
Marshall Aerospace has one of the largest aerospace engineering teams in the UK - covering all aspects of design, test, certification and support, in civil and military regulatory environments - and is recognised for its innovative solutions and ability to deliver on-time and to-cost.
Marshall Aerospace holds many type approvals - granted by national and international authorities, airlines, airframe manufacturers and defence agencies – enabling the company to design and certify modifications on a number of commercial and military platforms.
Marshall Aerospace is expert in supporting OEMs with the design, manufacture, test and certification of platform modifications, either post-line fitment for retro-fitting or upgrades; as well as products for new build line fit.
Marshall Aerospace, with its extensive capabilities and type approvals, has established enduring partnerships with military and civil OEMs, operators and suppliers worldwide.
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For further information, please contact:
Heather Cox
Head of Communications & Engagement
Marshall Aerospace
Tel: +44 (0)7823 536007
Email: heather.cox@marshallaerospace.com